When you think about getting kitted out for work, you might consider a new laptop, maybe a monitor and even a business email address. An office chair needs to be among those tier-one buys.
Sitting in a chair that doesn't let you achieve an optimal working position will lead to aches, pains and potentially longer-term injury.
It's not just about lower-back (lumbar) support. You also want an office chair that lets you sit at the right level, so you can look at your laptop screen or monitor without having to bend your neck in a way that will cause strain over time.
We think of these office chairs as splitting into three categories you need to consider. There are the high-profile seats big companies tend to buy for their workforce. They come from brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase, and are fantastic… if you can afford them. Top models often start at around £1000, rising even higher if you opt for extras like leather upholstery and additional seat adjustment.
In the middle ground is where most people should probably shop. These are seats made for ordinary folks like us — for the home office rather than offices of great shining skyscrapers.
Their build will often be a little bit less over-engineered. But does it really matter? If you treat your stuff with even a drop of care, not really.
Gaming chairs are the final category. And we don’t tend to recommend these too often. The quality varies, and the racing seat styling isn’t for everyone. However, one of our favourite office chairs ever, the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody seen below, is technically a gaming chair. There are exceptions to every rule, right?
If you want some more advice on what you should look for when buying an office chair, then head to our handy guide below our shortlist, which is packed with useful buying advice. Happy hunting!
Best office chair UK
How to buy an office chair
5 tips to make sure you get the right office chair for you
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Welcome to the wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) experience of buying an office chair. Making sure you have the best office chair for you is vital as it needs to do a number of things.
It needs to be the right fit for your office (or wherever you want it), it has to be long lasting and, most importantly, comfortable for you. If you are going to be working from home for the foreseeable, then you need to be damn comfy doing it. Here are five things to look out for:
1. Choose the right material
An office chair is often made from a number of key materials. Leather is one of the most popular materials (or leather look, which has been given the brilliant rebrand of vegan leather). This offers extreme comfort and is usually found in executive chairs.
A mesh seat and back is another popular choice, which is the most breathable choice, so if you see yourself sitting down for long periods of them, then this could be a good fit for you.
Then there are fabric-based chairs. These are usually the cheapest, but are simple and, above all, comfortable.
2. Think about the ergonomic features
While the way a chair looks is important, you should also think about how it might feel to sit in it for hours at a time.
An office chair will usually be adjustable to a point and the amount you can adjust it will usually up the price. But there are some essential adjustments you need to be able to make. We recommend looking for a backrest tilt, which will change the angle of the chair and take the pressure off your back.
An adjustable seat is important as you need to make sure that both your feet are on the ground when sitting at a desk. Also look for adjustable height options, and the ability to shift your headrest.
Other things to consider are armrests that help with back support, as well as good lumbar support.
3. Think about the type of chair you want
Yes, it's an office (or at least a makeshift one) but is a huge executive chair really going to fit the look? Maybe, but it might be that a gaming chair fits the vibe of your room better or a swivel chair will help you feel like you’re back in the office. It might be that you’re happy with a fixed chair and that's what you want. Understanding the type of chair you like and that suits your space will help focus your buying.
4. Have a price in mind
We would love a Herman Miller, too, but if your budget doesn't stretch then you have to think realistically about the type of office chair that you want. You can get a decent chair for under £100 if that's what you are looking for – add another hundred to the price and it really does open up your options. You can't spend too much on an office chair, as you’ll be paying for style and brand but just make sure it's what you need before you splash the cash.
5. Ask yourself how lazy you are
If you’re really lazy, then make sure that you go and get a self-assembled chair. It will be a pain to try and fit it into your room, but it does mean that the thing is ready to use right away. If you’re happy to spend a little bit of time putting things together then you’ll find that there are far more office chairs available to you.
- Keen to shake up more of your office set-up? Then check out our list of the best standing desks.
- Want something a bit cheaper? Then head to our best budget office chairs guide.
- Once you have decided on which is the best office chair for you, then head to our best desk accessories guide.
- These are the best coffee table books for your home
- The best desk toys revealed - have some fun while you work.
SOMETHING MISSING FROM OUR SHORTLIST?
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