The Best Quality Office Chairs

Adjustability

• How much the chair can conform to your body will reflect how comfortable the chair seems. Lower-end chairs usually will only allow the height to be adjusted while higher end models allow for adjustments in lumbar support, seat height, seat tilt, seat depth and armrest height/width. How much time you plan to spend in the chair should determine how many features you need.

Lumbar Support

• Having proper lumbar (lower back) support is one of the most important features of a comfortable and high quality office chair. The lumbar region of the spine naturally curves inward, and the ideal chair should curve to match your lower back. A chair neglecting to support the lower back will lead its user to slouch. The backrest should be 12" to 19" wide and should be able to adjust forward and backward.

Seat Height, Width and Depth

• The most comfortable seat height is the height where your feet can rest flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to the ground. For most people this height is 16" to 21". The majority of office chairs have a pneumatic lever that can adjust the height while sitting. Seat width should be around 17" to 20"; this dimension becomes more important if you are choosing a chair that does not have adjustable armrests. The seat needs to be deep enough that when sat in, the lumbar is getting full support and the back of the knees are 2" to 4" from the edge of the seat cushion.

Arm Rests and Swivel

• The arm rests should be situated where your arms naturally rest. If they are too low, it will cause slouching and if too high, it will cause cramping in the neck and shoulders. Look for armrests that can be adjusted to be close to the body. If the elbows are too far away from the torso, it will cause strain on the wrists while typing. The swivel feature is fairly common, but should not be forgotten when shopping. The swivel allows for much more maneuverability while working at a desk.