Best Office Chairs for Long Days: Selecting Supportive Seating

The working world today requires long hours tied to a desk. Sitting in the wrong chair can lead to both physical and mental strain when you are trying to do your best during the workday. Individuals who spend most of their time sitting in their office often face challenges when it comes to back and neck pain as well as pins and needles after long hours of focus. This tension in the body can also lead to mental stress that reduces your productivity in the long run.

Selecting the right equipment can radically reduce the burden caused by long days of sitting. During the process of buying a new chair, balancing comfort, posture, and price can be difficult, but a careful selection can make all the difference. Most office chairs are characterized by their adjustability and physical support features as well as their materials and design. Depending on your needs, some of these features may take priority over others. If you don’t know what your needs are, this article should illuminate some areas for you to consider!

Why Your Choice in Chair Matters

The right office chair can eliminate posture problems, back/neck pain, and failing productivity. When you are uncomfortable all day, your fatigue and stress levels rise faster which diminishes your ability to work quickly and satisfactorily. Picking a chair that suits you is a sure way to help increase your working abilities.

There is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all office chair. Everyone is built a little differently! It is important to try out different styles of chair before you buy. Testing chairs yourself will help you understand what key features are important to your sitting experience. You may find that you like to adjust your chair throughout the day or that certain materials do not work well for your environment. Through testing chairs, you can make an informed decision about your final choice.

An office chair is an investment. This product should not be thrown out after a year of use. Your office chair should be built to last and remain comfortable for a long time. There are many cheap options on the market, but they not likely to support your physical body or your work mindset. Picking one chair with care will end the cycle of buying poorly made office chairs repeatedly in a mission to end your back pain.

Key Features

Adjustability

Sitting in the same exact position every day is one of the reasons office workers have so much neck and back pain. One way to combat this is to have an office chair that is adjustable! An adjustable chair can be maneuvered so that it best suits you throughout the day so that there is no singular, major stress point on your body. Office chairs are not all built the same in the adjustability department. Most chairs have some combination of adjustable arms, seats, lumbar settings, and height. Browsing chairs in-person and testing their comfort levels is a sure way to determine which adjustment settings are vital for your new office chair.

Lumbar Support

The search for the perfect office chair is also often the search for lumbar support. Everyone’s back is unique, and different chairs offer different lumbar support options. If adjustable chairs are not your preference, there are plenty of options that provide fixed lumbar support. Evaluating office chairs in a showroom can give you an idea of what fixed positions work best for you or if the adjustable route will provide a better long-term experience. At the end of the day, the chair should leave you feeling comfortable and relaxed from your lower back to your neck and shoulders.

Seat Size

If adjusting your chair is not your style, adjusting your sitting style may be! Moving your body throughout the day so that you sit in a variety of positions is one of the best ways to avoid pain from being in the same position all day as well as reduce the risk of blood clots from inactivity. A larger seat is great for those who change their sitting position frequently. A larger seat is also incredibly useful for those who find the generic office chair too small. A big and tall chair may be the solution for you!

Material

Depending on the local weather and A/C situation, some chair materials may work better or worse in the long run. For example, if you live in a hot climate or work in a hot office, a leather chair may not be the way to go! Instead, think about a chair with a mesh back that will provide more airflow. It is possible that you work in an environment that needs to be cleaned frequently, which may lead you towards non-fabric options that can be wiped down more easily. Aside from the upholstery of the chair, you also have the choice for plastic and metal parts to consider. Choosing the materials wisely can help the chair last longer in your work environment and increase your productivity over time.

Mobility

Not all office chairs move in the same way. Depending on your needs, you may want your chair to have or not have mobility in certain directions. Most office chairs have wheels, but this may be a feature you don’t want to have. If having wheels is important, not all chair casters are built the same. Some chairs move more smoothly than others. Office Chairs also have different feelings when they swivel and pivot. If this is a crucial feature for you, you should test chairs out to ensure that they have the range of motion you desire.

Budget vs. Quality

Office chairs should be thought of as an investment in both the product as well as your health and comfort. A well-designed, quality chair should last you many years and continually support your productivity. Higher-priced chairs are more likely to offer a greater variety of features including more durable materials. However, there are budget-friendly options that can meet your biggest needs.

When deciding your budget, it is important to balance the price and the features that you require. Make a list of the qualities that are most critical to you and compare options as you shop. It is also possible to find high-end chairs used if this suits your budget! It may take longer to find what you want if you are not buying new, but buying used is a wonderful way to be budget conscious and still get exactly what you want.

Making Your Choice in Chair Last

Even the best office chair may not last forever if treated poorly, but there are some things you can do to extend the life of your office chair. Doing maintenance on your chair every once in a while helps maintain both appearance and function, ensuring that your investment stays in top form. Start by keeping your chair clean. Depending on the material, you will want to wipe it down or vacuum the material to remove dust and debris. If your chair is leather, it pays to give it special attention with a dedicated cleaner to prevent cracking.

From time to time, check the moving parts of your chair. During this inspection, tighten any loose screws and check for squeaking parts. You can lubricate tilt mechanisms and the casters to reduce creaking and support smooth movement. If your chair is adjustable, you can check if those parts are still locking correctly. Maintaining moving parts in your investment can have your office chair feeling like new for many years to come.

If a part is worn down, many high-quality chairs are built with replaceable parts! Seat cushions, arm rests, wheels, and lifts can often be swapped out if they begin to show too much wear and tear. Replacing these parts can be much cheaper than buying a brand-new office chair. Through these maintenance steps you can continue to invest in your comfort and health. A well-cared-for office chair will last and will ensure you get the most out of the money you spend.

Still Struggling to Find the Right Chair?

When shopping for a chair, you may be overwhelmed by the number of options available to you. If you are not sure what chair is best for you and your budget, consider talking to an expert! Markets West has been in the office furniture business for more than forty years and we are here to help you. We have experienced salespeople who can help ascertain what features you need the most at your price point. You can try it before you buy it at our showroom, which has a variety of chairs for every type of customer. Visit us or give us a call to find out more about your next office chair!

Don’t Stress too Much About It

While finding the perfect office chair can feel like a herculean task, it doesn’t have to be. The goal isn’t to chase a single “best” model, but it’s to find one that fits your body and work style. Everyone finds different chairs comfortable and even the smallest features can make a big difference. Focus on what’s important to you when it comes to support, durability, and price. A well-chosen chair should support your workflow, not add another point of stress and fatigue during long days at the office.