Blog Archives

Ergonomic Office Chairs

13/1/2021

THE ERGONOMIC OFFICE CHAIR - WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU?

What makes an ergonomic chair?
There are a multitude of ergonomic chairs available. There isn’t a type of office chair that is best. However there are something which are very important when looking for an ergonomic chair that suits you and your unique individual requirements. This is however half the story – More on this later!

We all understand that an ergonomic chair is important to support yourself during your working day. The right ergonomic chair will help support your lower back and will promote good posture. But what makes an ergonomic chair and what should you look for?
There are a number of things should be considered when choosing an ergonomic chair, these include:

Adjustable seat height:
The height of the seat should be easily adjustable. Usually a gas lift mechanism that Is activated by a lever. Most people have a range of between 40-50cm off the ground. Your feet should be flat on the floor, forearms should be horizontal on the desk and form a right angle at the elbow. Your thighs should be also horizontal to the floor.

Seat depth and width:
The width and depth of your ergonomic should be adequate to support you, and allow you to have your back up against the backrest of the chair while leaving about 10cm between the back of your knees and the chair. Some ergonomic chairs allow you to tilt and/or extend the base of the chair as desired.

The backrest:
The backrest of an ergonomic can be one of the most difficult to get right.
A ergonomic back rest will support the natural curve of the spine, being adjustable with forward and backwards angles, with a locking component to secure it.
The back support can be also available in a mesh backs which improves airflow on warmer days, however can get a little cooler as there is less insulation.

Some ergonomic chairs have either a movable or set lumbar support. Lower back support in an ergonomic chair is very important. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting for long periods without support for this curve tends to lead to slouching (which flattens the natural curve) and strains the structures in the lower spine. An ergonomic chair should have a lumbar adjustment (both height and depth) so each user can get the proper fit to support the inward curve of the lower back.

If the office chair has the seat and backrest together as one piece, the backrest should be adjustable in forward and back angles, with a locking mechanism to secure it from going too far backward once the user has determined the appropriate angle.
The Seat material: The material on the office chair seat and back should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is preferable to a harder surface.

Armrests:
Office chair armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to rest comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed. The elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, and the forearm should not be on the armrest while typing.
These general aspects should be looked at when considering an ergonomic office chair. Other things to consider is quality casters, back tilt tension, headrest adjustment and a swivelling option.

This is only do half the story – To truly feel the benefits of an ergonomic chair, you should first learn how to sit properly:

• Keep an arm’s length away from your computer screen. Ideally, the top of the monitor should be level with your eyes.
• Sit up straight and avoid slouching. Your neck should be in a relaxed and neutral position.
• Keep your arms parallel to the floor
• Sit with both feet flat on the floor, and avoid crossing your legs. This is to allow correct blood circulation within your legs.

Remember, a good ergonomic chair will be adjustable, to allow for better control and customised settings. Adjustability is especially important if you are buying chairs that will be used by different users. If you are buying a chair for your home office, or for one person specifically, consider using their body dimensions for a greater ‘fit’.

Montage's Ergonomic Chairs
If you are interested in an ergonomic office chair, Montage Commercial interiors have a range that are cost effective, high quality and great looking.