Tag: discussing good office chairs

When discussing good office chairs it is important to point out the parts and features that make them good, and as such, some of those features – outlined below – will be the subject of this article. So before purchasing an office chair, the buyer should make sure that it comes with these features.

Backrest adjustment

A backrest adjustment can help to prevent or even alleviate the discomfort that is often associated with sitting for long periods of time. The features of a backrest adjustment include:

• Backrest height – This feature allows the user to find a backrest height that will provide the most support for the lumbar portion of his/her lower back.
• Backrest tilt – This feature will allow the user to adopt different postures while still keeping good support for the lower back. Users can also adjust the feature as needed.
• Horizontal backrest movement – This feature isn’t the same as the tilt. It is different in the sense that it will move side to side, making the chair a little deeper for those who need it.

Chair height & seat pan

Chair height adjustment – Every office chair must have a height adjustment. With most chairs, a pneumatic lever is the most common method, as it allows users to readily adjust the height of their office chairs from a seated position. Office chairs of the past required users to place a foot on the base of their chairs and then spin it around and around to raise or even lower the height.

Seat pan characteristics – With a chair’s seat pan, users should look for the following characteristics:

• Rounded edge – Found in front of the chair’s seat pan, this will prevent uncomfortable pressure in back of the legs or behind a user’s knees.
• Seat pan depth – Between the back of a user’s knee and front of the chair there is usually a space about the size of a clenched fist. This will help maintain proper circulation for a user’s legs.
• Seat pan tilt – This will allow room for posture changes as well as help to alleviate pressure on the back of thighs.
• Fabric – Be on the lookout for durable and permeable material that will dissipate moisture and heat.

Armrests & stability

Armrests – An armrest shouldn’t interfere with a user’s tasks but should always provide room for the user to move. Armrests aren’t normally needed for keyboard use, although they can be used with reading or editing and even doing work on a desk. If you use office chairs with armrests, make sure to look for a chair with an adjustable height, adjustable width, and adequate padding.

Stability – A great office chair will have a five pronged base with the appropriate casters (soft for hard surfaces and hard for soft surfaces). Chairs with four prongs are less stable and prone to tipping sideways or backwards when users lean in one direction or another.