Office chairs - how to find the right one
Whether you work in an office, are a student, surf the internet or want to work from home, you need the right office chair to work at your desk. Many people spend a large part of their day sitting at their desk. At some point, the back hurts, the legs become restless and the neck also feels increasingly stiff. Our bodies are not really made for sitting for long periods of time. But what can you do if you have to work sitting at a desk? You need to relieve your body as much as possible by choosing a suitable chair for your desk. With the right desk chair, you can prevent damage from sitting for long periods of time. A large selection of favourable desk chairs awaits you in our online shop. Find out here which office chair suits you and your needs.
OFFICE CHAIRS - WHAT MODELS ARE THERE?
You realise how stressful sitting for a long time can be when you get up with a sore back, a stiff neck and want an extensive relaxation massage afterwards. To avoid such a situation in the first place, it makes sense to buy a proper office chair. A simple kitchen chair or bar stool cannot provide you with the comfort that an office swivel chair can. Office chairs are softly upholstered and allow you much more freedom of movement. They are also flexible, so you can turn with the chair and also move around the room. Flexibility is useful if you don't want to put too much strain on your body and also want to be able to reach shelves near your desk with the chair. It is important that the office chair fits you and your needs. Therefore, make sure that the office chair has features such as adjustable back and armrests and an adjustable seat height.
Swivel chair - the classic for the office
Swivel chairs are one of the classic office chairs. A swivel chair is characterised by the fact that it can be turned and is equipped with castors at the bottom. With such a swivel chair, you remain mobile and flexible. Swivel chairs have a seat and a backrest. Depending on the design, a swivel chair can also come with armrests. Swivel chairs without special functions are simple and uncomplicated. In a compact version, they are also suitable for creating space-saving workplaces at home. Today, however, swivel chairs are also available with numerous functions. The armrests can often be adjusted. The backrest has a so-called rocking or synchronous mechanism and thus relieves the back. If the office chair is ergonomic, it supports the body in its movements and helps preventing damage caused by sitting for too long. Ergonomic office chairs are a good choice for anyone who spends several hours a day sitting at a desk.
Executive chair - comfortable and impressive
If you want your workplace to be particularly comfortable, opt for an executive chair. An executive chair brings cosiness into your office and is an impressive eye-catcher at the same time. Executive chairs are usually generously proportioned. They have high backrests, armrests that can often be adjusted and soft upholstery. Some executive chairs offer even more comfort with removable cushions that can be added to provide optimal support for the head and lumbar region. The backrest can often be adjusted to the desired angle of inclination. Executive chairs are usually designed for people with a body height between 170 and 190 cm. Many chairs can support a maximum weight of up to 130 kg. Executive chairs are often offered in classic colours such as black, brown, beige and grey. In addition, executive chairs are often available as leather office chairs. A black office chair is simple and elegant and looks good in large, representative offices.
Office stools - flexible, small and light
A good choice for your workplace can also be an office stool. Such swivel stools can be pushed under the desk to save space when not in use. A chair without a backrest is also ideal as a second chair. If you want to sit down next to your colleague or your child while doing homework, you can simply pull out the swivel stool. Office stools have an upholstered seat, but no back or armrest. The advantage is that you sit upright. As with office chairs, the height of the stool without backrest can usually be adjusted infinitely to suit your needs. It is also worth getting a work stool in addition to an office chair so that you can change your sitting position from time to time.
Desk chairs for children & teenagers - sitting comfortably while doing homework
A child's desk chair must suit the sitting habits and body size of the user. Of course, this also applies to children and teenagers. Children and teenagers are usually smaller and lighter than adults. In this case, the swivel chair must also be smaller and more compact. Children's chairs are often only approved for weights up to 70 kg. They also have a smaller seat width and seat depth. If you are looking for a swivel chair for a child's or teenager's room, you will find models in many different colours, such as a red office chair.
Visitor and conference chairs - visually appealing and comfortable.
Are you accommodating visitors in your office? Or would you like to furnish a conference room with suitable chairs? You will find practical visitor chairs in our online shop. These are convincing both functionally and visually. Compared to swivel chairs for the office, visitor chairs and conference chairs are usually equipped without castors. You will find models with chair legs or classic cantilever chairs. Classically elegant and comfortably upholstered, visitor chairs offer the seated person a great deal of comfort. These chairs are ideal for conference and meeting rooms as well as waiting areas.
WHICH OFFICE CHAIR IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR ME?
Determining which office chair suits you best depends on a number of factors.
These include factors such as:
- How long you sit (4h, 8h, or if the chair is used by several people)
- Your height
- Your weight
- Your sitting habits
- Your personal preferences (e.g. strong support in the lumbar region)
We would like to tell you what you should look for when choosing an office chair and how you can find the right model for your workplace.
OFFICE CHAIRS - WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ONE
Sitting on an uncomfortable chair for several hours a day is part of everyday life for many people. The large selection of office chairs in our online shop shows that this is not necessary. The following criteria should help you find the right model. A good desk chair should be adaptable to your measurements, allow different sitting positions, support your back and promote active movement.
Let us show you what you should look out for in the individual criteria!
- Sitting time
- Body size / weight
- Backrest
- Seat surface
- Armrests
- Mechanisms
- Castors / Office chair castors
- Chair materials
- Design
Sitting time
We specified a recommended sitting time for each office chair. This is calculated according to the ergonomics of the chair, the quality of the upholstery, the materials used and the functionality. The specified sitting duration should not be exceeded, as back and joint pain or posture problems may creep in if the sitting duration is exceeded over a longer period of time. We have divided the desk chairs into these levels:
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4 hours: Home office, little use |
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8 hours: Commercial, frequent use |
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24 hours: Commercial, used by several employees in succession |
Body height/ weight
In order for the seat height of your swivel chair to be adjusted correctly, you absolutely need an office chair that fits your height. An incorrect seat height due to a chair that is too small leads to the body being subjected to unusual strain from sitting for long periods of time, which can result in tension and back pain.
The office chair should also fit your weight, because only then it can be adjusted ergonomically correct: In office chairs with weight adjustment, the counterpressure of the backrest (or the entire mechanism of the office chair) is adjusted automatically. Pay attention to the maximum load capacity of the chair when buying it. The maximum load capacity indicates the body weight up to which the chair is suitable.
Backrest
The backrest should be adjustable to your body. It is ideal if it can be adjusted in height. The width of the backrest should be sufficient to lean back comfortably. If you sweat easily, opt for a model with a mesh backrest. Good office chairs have backrests with a bulge or arch (lumbar support) in the lower area. This supports your lumbar region. The height of the backrest is optimally adjusted when this bulge is at the level of your waistline.
Seat
The seat should be adjustable in height and adaptable to your body size. Ideally, the seat should be infinitely adjustable in height. The seat depth must be selected so that the thighs have sufficient contact surface. There should be room for four fingers between the edge of the seat and the back of the knee. If the desk chair is ergonomically designed, the seat can often also be tilted. This promotes dynamic sitting. You have more movement and flexibility with a swivelling seat.
Mechanisms
Many modern desk chairs have special mechanisms. These can be rocking mechanisms, a synchronous mechanism or a permanent contact mechanism. The mechanism ensures that the chair automatically adapts to your movements.
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Rocking mechanism With the rocking mechanism, the backrest can be moved backwards, but the seat remains at the same angle. It is the simplest mechanism for reclining the backrest. |
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Permanent contact mechanismThe permanent contact mechanism provides a movable backrest without the seat changing position. This allows you to switch between an upright and a reclined sitting posture. |
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Synchronous mechanismWith the synchronous mechanism, the inclination of the backrest is linked to the inclination of the seat surface. When leaning back, the inclination of the seat surface changes at the same time and moves slightly backwards. The ratio of the seat to backrest tilt is 1:3, ensuring that the pelvic support point, once selected, is maintained in every position. This promotes ergonomic sitting. |
Armrests
Armrests allow you to relax the muscles that are being used when sitting. Putting your arms down for a moment can help to prevent tension. If you sit for several hours a day, it is best to use a chair with adjustable armrests.
Floor castors / office chair castors
There are office chair castors for hard or soft floors. The office chair castor consists of an inner core and a running surface. The core is the same for all types of castors, only the running surface is coated differently.
Basically, one can say: a hard floor covering needs soft chair castors, i.e. castors with a soft, rubberised coating - a soft floor surface needs castors with a hard coating. The chair castors should be chosen to match the floor in order to protect the floor as well as to roll more comfortably.
Carpet castors / soft floor castors
Suitable for
- carpet
- PVC
- Felt floor
Info:
For very thick carpets, larger chair castors with a diameter of 65 mm should be selected.
Hard floor castors
Suitable for
- parquet
- tiles
- laminate
Info:
Incorrectly used hard floor castors do not roll comfortably enough on carpet / soft floors.
Good to know
If carpet rolls are mistakenly used on hard floors such as parquet, these rolls can sometimes leave marks such as scratches. Carpet castors may also be clearly audible on hard floors.
In the office, the castors of office chairs, desks and mobile pedestals can leave unsightly marks on carpets. Only a floor protection mat offers absolute protection for your floors.
Materials
When it comes to the materials, you have the choice between a chair with upholstery made of cotton, polyester, faux leather and leather. The material should be as hard-wearing and easy to care for as possible.
Office chair design
Of course, the office chair design of your work chair should not be neglected. A red office swivel chair or a black desk chair goes well with many interior styles. Let your taste decide when choosing the colour.
Conclusion
Finally, you ask yourself what a good desk chair should cost? This question cannot be answered universally, as everyone has different requirements for a good office chair. Good office chairs can cost between 50 and 1000 pounds. Price alone should not be the decision criteria when it comes to health and personal comfort. Rather, when buying office chairs, you should pay attention to function and seating comfort. A good chair supports you in your daily work. If you sit well and relaxed, you can work persistently and more efficiently. Buying a good desk chair is also important from a health point of view. Sitting for long periods of time is heavy on your body and can cause discomfort. Ergonomic seating in the office relieves the tension and makes it easier to sit for several hours a day. Make sure that the model you choose suits your body and your needs and enjoy maximum sitting comfort even when sitting for long periods. You can find affordable office chairs in our comprehensive range. Browse through our shop and order your favourite model there.