Hem | Office chairs

Designer office chairs for home and work

When choosing a new office chair, try not to make compromises – especially if you work in an office or use an office chair in your home on a daily basis. In addition to ergonomics, you probably want to pay attention to the quality, durability and visual look of your office chair. To help you with your choice, we curated a collection of contemporary office chairs, desk chairs and computer chairs in which ergonomics and esthetics meet. You can also find a matching desk and desk lamp for your new chair.

How to choose an office chair?

The selection of a new office chair should be based on three factors: ergonomics, usage time and personal preferences. If you work seated for several hours a day, it’s wise to choose a desk chair that is versatile, equipped with castors and supports your back as well as possible. A simplistic office chair with less adjustable features is perfectly fine for more occasional use, and if you have an electric desk, a height-adjustable chair is not a must. Also, pay attention to the durability of the upholstery fabric by examining its Martindale value, and consider whether you prefer a mesh backrest that feels light and cool against your back or a padded backrest with a softer and warmer feel.

How do you know if a chair is ergonomic?

The ergonomics of an office chair is based on versatile adjustment options that allow you to fine-tune the chair to suit your body. Pay special attention to the adjustability of the seat height and angle as well as the backrest height and depth. In an optimal working position, your legs are firmly on the ground while the arch of the back remains natural and relaxed. Armrests add to the ergonomics of the chair, and an office chair with armrests is a recommended choice if you work by your desk for long periods on a regular basis. There are also lighter and backless options for an ergonomic office chair: a saddle chair is designed to support the natural posture of the spine, and an active chair keeps the body in small motion when sitting.

What kind of office chair is best for your back?

A supported, naturally arched spine is the cornerstone of an ergonomic working position, but the best office chair option is always individual. A good choice for most people is an adjustable office chair with a backrest that supports the whole back, especially the lumbar spine. Backless saddle chairs and active chairs are also popular options, either as a primary office chair or as an alternative to an office chair with a backrest. A high-quality saddle chair encourages you to sit in an upright position, reducing the pressure in the lumbar and shoulder areas, whereas slightly swinging active chairs and balance chairs activate the core muscles that support the middle body and spine when sitting.

Tips and inspiration for choosing a new office chair

• Introducing 6 home office chairs that are easy on your back – and the eyes >
• Avotakka’s picks for home office: “An ergonomic office chair is worth its weight in gold” >
• Back to school! 10 products that’ll help you create an inspiring and personalized learning space >
• The patina of time perfects a vintage Eames chair >