How to Select the Office Chair That’s Right For You
Not all office chairs are right for all people. I asked an ergonomist how to select the right office chair for your budget, height, and physique.
Choosing the perfect office chair depends on various factors. High-end chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase Gesture offer excellent adjustability and durability, but may be costly and not suitable for everyone. For those with a limited budget, chairs in the $200 range may only suit a specific body size. Chairs starting at around $500, such as the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, offer adjustable lumbar support and seat depth, making them a good choice for most people.
Proper posture in an office chair includes a straight back, parallel thighs, flat feet, and arms hanging naturally at keyboard height. Lumbar support is crucial for maintaining the natural S-shaped curve of the spine, reducing lower back discomfort. While armrests can be nice, they aren't essential for good ergonomics. Armless chairs like the Humanscale Path can offer more freedom of movement.
Active or crisscross chairs encourage frequent position changes, making them ideal for those who want to vary their sitting posture. Egbert advises taking frequent breaks to move around and change positions, even if the chair provides excellent support.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
