We always get asked this question!
When it comes to office seating, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. After all, what works for one person may not work for another.
That said, if you’re looking for the best chair for long sitting in the office, there are certain features you should look out for.
As per our 20+ experience in the industry, comfort is key when it comes to prolonged sitting and so is ergonomics — that means having a chair with adjustable components such as seat height and armrests so that your body can be properly supported while you sit. Other important considerations include lumbar support, the breathability of materials used on the chair, and overall design.
Let’s discuss these factors in more detail as well as provide our top recommendations when it comes to finding a comfortable and supportive office chair suitable for hours of extended use.
Importance of finding a comfortable and supportive office chair
According to SpineHealth.com, finding a comfortable and supportive office chair is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing back pain and other health issues. Sitting for prolonged periods can put a lot of strain on the body, especially if the chair is not supportive or properly adjusted.
A good office chair should provide proper lumbar support, which helps to maintain the natural curve of the lower back and prevent slouching. The chair should also have adjustable armrests, which can help to distribute the weight of the upper body and alleviate pressure on the shoulders and neck.
The seat of the chair should be wide enough to comfortably support the hips and thighs, and the backrest should be tall enough to support the entire back.
The chair should also be adjustable in height so that the feet can be placed flat on the floor and the knees bent at a 90-degree angle. In addition to providing proper support, a comfortable office chair should also be ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the body.
This can include features such as adjustable tilt, which allows the chair to be tilted forward or backward to reduce pressure on the lower back, and adjustable lumbar support, which allows the user to adjust the level of support to their own needs.
Another important feature to look for in an office chair is adjustability. The chair should be easily adjustable to fit your body shape and size and provide a comfortable seating position that promotes good posture.
Key features to look out for when shopping for an office chair
When shopping for an office chair in Melbourne, there are several key features we as office chair suppliers look out for to ensure that the chair is comfortable, supportive, and ergonomically designed:
- Lumbar Support: A good office chair should provide proper lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of the lower back and prevent slouching. We look for a chair that has adjustable lumbar support that can be adjusted to the user’s needs.
- Adjustable Armrests: Armrests can help to distribute the weight of the upper body and alleviate pressure on the shoulders and neck. We look for a chair with adjustable armrests that can be positioned at the right height for the user.
- Seat Width and Height: The seat of the chair should be wide enough to comfortably support the hips and thighs, and the backrest should be tall enough to support the entire back. The chair we suggest should also be adjustable in height so that the feet can be placed flat on the floor and the knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Tilt and Recline: An adjustable tilt feature allows the chair to be tilted forward or backward to reduce pressure on the lower back. A recline feature allows the chair to be tilted back slightly, which can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Adjustability: The chair should be easily adjustable to fit your body shape and size, and provide a comfortable seating position that promotes good posture. We always ask clients to look for a chair with multiple adjustment options like Seat height, Tilt tension, and Backrest angle.
- Material and Durability: The chair should be made of durable materials that can withstand regular use, and be easy to clean and maintain. Our advice is to look for high-quality materials like leather, mesh, or a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear.
- Brand reputation and warranty: Always look for a reputable brand that has a good track record of producing high-quality office chairs. Look for chairs that come with a warranty, which will give you peace of mind in case of any issues or defects.
What else matters in a good office chair? Breathability and Design!
Breathability is an important consideration when choosing materials for an office chair in a city like Melbourne, as it can greatly affect the comfort of the user during prolonged periods of sitting. Breathable materials can help to keep the user cool and dry, reducing the risk of sweating and discomfort.
Mesh materials are a popular choice for office chairs in Melbourne, Australia because they are highly breathable. Mesh allows for air to circulate through the chair, which can help to keep the user cool and dry.
This material also provides a good balance between support and flexibility, which can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Another breathable material that is commonly used on office chairs is leather. Leather is a durable and long-lasting material that can be used on the seat and backrest of a chair. But it might not be suitable for hot and humid weather, as it can trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable.
In addition to breathable materials, the design of an office chair can also affect its breathability. A chair with a mesh backrest, for example, allows for air to circulate through the chair and provides ventilation to the user. A chair with a cutout or perforated design on the backrest and seat can also provide extra breathability.
When it comes to design, office chairs with good lumbar support and a contoured seat can help to keep the user’s back in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on the spine and promote good posture. A chair with a waterfall edge seat can also help to reduce pressure on the legs and improve circulation.
Recommendations for office chairs suitable for hours of extended use in Melbourne
Ultima
Ultima office chair is an ergonomic office chair, which is designed to provide comfort and support for people who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. These chairs typically feature adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, contoured seat, and backrest, which can help to reduce pressure on the spine and promote good posture.
They could also come with features such as adjustable tilt, adjustable lumbar support, and height adjustment for ultimate comfort. Additionally, they could be made of breathable materials like mesh or leather, to keep the user cool and dry, and to provide durability.
Overall, Ultima office chairs could be a great option for those who want to invest in a comfortable and ergonomic office chair that promotes good posture and reduces pressure on the spine.
Orion Office Chair
These chairs typically feature adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a contoured seat and backrest, which can help to reduce pressure on the spine and promote good posture. Additionally, they could be made of breathable materials like mesh or leather, to keep the user cool and dry, and to provide durability.