How to Choose an Ergonomic Office Chair
Choosing an ergonomic office chair can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, features and styles available, it's easy to assume that the most expensive chair or the one with the most adjustments will automatically be the best choice.
In reality, the best ergonomic office chair is the one that fits you.
A well-designed ergonomic chair should support your body throughout the working day, encourage good posture and allow you to adjust the chair to suit your individual body shape and the way you work. Whether you're working from home, in a corporate office or a specialist environment such as healthcare or a control room, finding the right fit is far more important than choosing a particular brand or model.
Start With the Person, Not the Chair
One of the biggest misconceptions is that one chair suits everyone. In reality, no single office chair is suitable for every individual.
Professional DSE assessors and ergonomists don't begin by choosing a chair – they begin by understanding the person who will be using it. Factors such as body size, body proportions, the type of work being carried out, any existing musculoskeletal conditions and the number of hours spent sitting each day all influence which chair will provide the best support.
Two people may be exactly the same height but have completely different leg lengths, torso lengths or shoulder widths. That's why a chair that feels perfect for one person may be uncomfortable for another.
Why the Right Fit Matters
Ergonomics is based on fitting the workplace to the individual, not asking the individual to adapt to their equipment.
This is where anthropometry comes in. Anthropometry is the measurement of the human body and is one of the key principles used by ergonomists when assessing seating. Measurements such as lower leg length, thigh length, hip width, shoulder width, elbow height and lumbar height help determine whether a chair is suitable and how it should be adjusted.
| Body Measurement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lower leg length | Helps determine the correct seat height so your feet remain fully supported. |
| Thigh length | Determines the correct seat depth, allowing you to sit back comfortably without pressure behind the knees. |
| Hip width | Helps ensure the seat provides adequate support and comfort without restricting movement. |
| Shoulder width | Can influence the most suitable backrest design and width. |
| Seat to shoulder height | Helps determine whether the backrest provides sufficient upper back support. |
| Elbow height | Allows the armrests to be positioned correctly, helping to reduce strain on the shoulders, neck and wrists. |
| Lumbar height | Ensures the lumbar support aligns with the natural curve of your lower back. |
These measurements explain why adjustability is one of the most important features of an ergonomic office chair. The greater the range of adjustment, the easier it is to tailor the chair to suit the individual rather than expecting the individual to adapt to the chair.
The Adjustments That Matter Most
Not every ergonomic chair offers the same level of adjustment. While the exact features vary between models, there are several adjustments worth looking for:
- Seat height – allows your feet to rest comfortably on the floor while keeping your knees at approximately the same height as your hips.
- Seat depth – supports your thighs without pressing into the back of your knees.
- Lumbar support – supports the natural curve of the lower back and can often be adjusted for both height and depth.
- Backrest height – helps position the backrest to provide effective support for your back and shoulders.
- Armrests – reduce strain on the shoulders and allow your forearms to remain comfortably supported whilst typing and using a mouse.
- Recline mechanism – encourages movement throughout the day and allows the chair to support different working postures.
The more adjustments a chair offers, the greater the opportunity to achieve a comfortable, supportive fit.
Choosing the Right Upholstery
The upholstery is about more than appearance. Different fabrics and finishes are designed for different working environments.
Standard office fabrics are suitable for most workplaces, whilst specialist options such as medical-grade vinyls, clean-room fabrics, anti-static (ESD) materials and heavy-duty upholstery are available for healthcare, laboratory, industrial and specialist applications.
When choosing an ergonomic office chair, consider not only how it looks, but also how it will be used and the environment it will be used in.
Already Have an Ergonomic Chair?
If you already own an ergonomic office chair but aren't sure whether it's adjusted correctly, don't assume the chair is the problem.
Many people experience discomfort simply because the chair hasn't been set up to suit their body. Small adjustments to the seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, armrests or backrest can make a significant difference.
Before deciding to replace your chair, read our How to Adjust an Ergonomic Office Chair guide to ensure you're getting the best possible support from the chair you already have.
Need Help Choosing?
Choosing the right ergonomic office chair doesn't have to be complicated.
If you're unsure which chair is right for you, we're happy to help. Whether you're purchasing a chair for yourself, specifying seating for your organisation or replacing existing office furniture, we can help you understand the options and choose a chair that provides the right fit, comfort and long-term support.
Browse Our Ergonomic Office Chairs
Now that you understand what to look for, explore our range of ergonomic office chairs. We've carefully selected seating for home workers, offices and specialist environments, with options to suit a wide range of users, body types and budgets.
View our Ergonomic Office Chairs →