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If you work in an office, you probably spend most, if not all, of your workday sitting. A survey conducted by the corrective lens company Acuvue found that office workers spend 6.5 hours on average sitting. Over the course of a year, that’s approximately 1,700 hours sitting.
Whether you spend more or less time sitting, though, you can protect yourself from joint pain and even increase your productivity by investing in a high-quality office chair. You’ll be able to work more efficiently and without experiencing back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to which so many office workers are susceptible. Here are 12 important things to consider when choosing an office chair.
#1) Material
The material used in an office chair’s construction will affect its performance. Over the years, manufacturers have begun using a variety of materials to produce their office chairs, each of which has unique characteristics.
Some of the most common materials in which office chairs are made include:
- Genuine Leather: Consisting of tanned cowhide or sheepskin, genuine leather office chairs are soft, cool, stylish, and durable.
- Faux Leather: While faux leather office chairs look and feel like genuine leather, they are usually made of other materials, including either synthetic or organic fabrics.
- Vinyl: Vinyl office chairs are soft and comfortable, and because vinyl is a synthetic fabric, they are naturally resistant to water and other liquids.
- Nylon: Typically used to create mesh backrests, nylon is another material in which office chairs are made. Nylon office chairs are cool, breathable, and lightweight.
- Plastic: The least expensive option, plastic office chairs are generally used in waiting rooms where a large number of chairs are needed.
- Wood: The oldest type of material used to make office chairs is wood. Wood office chairs are sturdy, attractive, and available in countless styles.
#2) Lumbar Support
When choosing an office chair, consider whether it offers lumbar support. Some people assume that back pain only occurs in laborious jobs, such as construction or manufacturing, but it’s often office workers who are most susceptible to this MSD. According to a study of nearly 700 office workers, 27% of office workers experience a new instance of low back pain each year.
To lower your risk of low back pain, choose an office chair with lumbar support. Lumbar support refers to padding or cushioning around the bottom of the backrest that supports the lumbar region of your back (the area of your back between your thoracic and pelvic regions). It stabilizes your lower back, thereby reducing stress and tension on your spine and its supporting structures.
#3) Weight Capacity
All office chairs have a weight capacity, which you should follow for both your safety and the safety of your chair. If you weigh more than the capacity for which your office chair is rated, it could break under the stress of everyday use.
You’ll find most office chairs have a 200 to 250 pound weight capacity. The good news is that some office chairs are designed specifically for heavier workers. Known as big and tall office chairs, they feature a sturdier construction to provide a higher weight capacity. Big and tall office chairs are available in 300-, 400- and 500-pound weight capacities. In addition to a higher weight capacity, some models also feature larger seats and backrests. Choose an office chair with a higher weight capacity than the weight of your body.
#4) Casters
Not all office chairs feature a traditional four-legged design. Some are designed with mounted wheels, known as casters, that allow you to roll around and rotate while sitting in them. If you have an L-shaped desk, for example, you can roll or rotate between the different areas of your desk. If you have a computer on one area of your desk and a writing station on the other area, you can quickly move between these areas without standing up if you choose an office chair with casters.
On its website, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the use of office chairs with five casters in computer workstations to promote productivity and reduce the risk of injury. You can still use traditional four-legged chairs in conference rooms, waiting rooms and breakrooms. For computer workstations, though, choosing a five-wheeled office chair will improve your productivity while creating a safer workplace in the process.
#5) Size
Space is an invaluable commodity in offices, as well as most other workplaces, which is why it’s important to consider size when choosing an office chair. If you work in a small cubicle, you may not have the luxury of choosing an oversized executive office chair, in which case you’ll need to choose a smaller chair.
Before purchasing an office chair, get the measurements of the area in which you intend to use it. Using these measurements, you can choose an appropriately sized office chair. Remember, you can always fit a small office chair into a large workstation, but you can’t fit a large office chair into a small workstation. When in doubt, choose an office chair that’s at least a few inches smaller than the area in which you intend to use it.
#6) Adjustable Height
Fixed-height office chairs generally have a seat-to-floor height of 17 to 19 inches, allowing most office workers to comfortably to use them in front of desks and workstations. But not all office workers are the same height, and if you’re too tall or short for a fixed-height office chair, it may stress your back or neck when sitting in it.
OSHA recommends choosing an office chair with an adjustable height of 15 to 22 inches, meaning you should be able to lower the seat to just 15 inches off the floor or raise the seat to 22 inches off the floor. Whether you are short, tall or average height, this will allow you to comfortably use your desk or workstation. Most office chairs do not go down to 15 inches though so you may have to settle for 17 to 21 inches. Just an FYI, this measurement is typically measured from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. And, while we are on the topic of adjustments, if would also benefit you tremendously to choose an office chair with multiple ergonomic adjustments.
#7) Style
The style of an office chair won’t affect its functionality or performance, but it will affect the chair’s aesthetics and, therefore, your office’s décor. You can find office chairs in countless styles, ranging from traditional all-black executive styles to colorful modern and contemporary styles.
So, what style of office chair should you choose? If you’re choosing an office chair for a large office, stick with a familiar style to create a cohesive décor. If your office currently uses traditional all-black executive office chairs, for example, choose a similar all-black executive style. If your office uses brown leather office chairs, on the other hand, choose a brown leather style. Using a consistent style with your office chairs will enhance your office’s décor by creating a cohesive interior.
#8) Breathability
Some office chairs are more breathable than others, making them ideal for office workers who get uncomfortably hot during the workday. Known as mesh office chairs, they are characterized by a backrest made of permeable mesh fabric.
By definition, the term “mesh” refers to strands of fabric that are connected together to form the appearance of a web. Mesh office chairs don’t have a solid backrest. Instead, they have a partially open backrest. As a result, you’ll stay cooler and more comfortable when sitting in a mesh office chair. The mesh backrest allows heat from your body to escape, essentially ventilating your body while you work.
If you work in a cool office where the temperature is consistently 68 degrees Fahrenheit or below – or if you typically stay cool during the workday – you may not need a mesh office chair. However, if you find yourself getting hot frequently when working, a mesh office chair is a smart investment. Its permeable backrest will allow heat to escape your body, keeping you cool and comfortable.
#9) Armrests
Armrests allow you to rest your forearms while sitting in front of a desk or workstation. Without armrests, you won’t have anywhere to rest your forearms, resulting in increased fatigue as well as a higher risk of MSDs. For desks and workstations, armrests are a must-have feature for office chairs. In other areas of the office, including breakrooms and waiting rooms, armrests are optional.
According to OSHA, office chair armrests should have the following features:
- Soft padded material
- Long and wide enough to adequately support your forearms
- Adjustable height of 7 to 10.5 inches from the seat
- Removable (ability to raise or lower them)
#10) Reclining
There are both reclining and non-reclining office chairs. For maximum comfort, the former type is recommended because it allows you to lean forward or backward depending on your needs. In its guide to choosing an ergonomic office chair, the General Services Administration (GSA) – a government organization designed to support other federal agencies – says office chairs with a reclining backrest reduce stress on the back and thighs.
With a reclining backrest, you can stretch periodically during the workday without standing up. Some office chairs even allow you to lock the backrest into your desired reclined position. Just unlock the backrest, recline it back until you find the perfect position for maximum comfort and then relock it. Once locked, it won’t tilt forward or backward, allowing you to use your office chair in its current position for as long as you desire.
#11) Warranty
Don’t forget to check the warranty when shopping for a new office chair. Of course, not all office chairs are backed by a warranty, which is a red flag indicating that the manufacturer is not confident in the performance of its product. If a manufacturer doesn’t offer a warranty with an office chair – or if the manufacturer offers a subpar warranty – you should choose a different office chair.
It’s not uncommon for reputable office chair manufacturers to offer a multi-year warranty with their products. Boss office chairs are backed by a six-year manufacturer warranty, while ERA and HON office chairs are backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty. If a component covered under the chair’s warranty fails within the warranty period, the manufacturer will pay to repair or replace it.
If you choose a high-quality office chair from a reputable manufacturer, you probably won’t need to file a warranty claim. Nonetheless, a warranty provides peace of mind knowing that if something happens to your office chair within the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or replace it at no charge.
Be wary of stores and vendors that sell office chairs without a warranty. You might get lucky and find a high-quality office chair, but there’s usually a reason some manufacturers don’t back their products with a warranty – and that’s because their products fail prematurely. To avoid this headache, choose an office chair with a strong manufacturer warranty.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Hangcan.
#12) Price
How much money are looking to spend on your new office chair? Like other office furniture, the cost of office chairs varies depending on its brand, model and the store from which you purchase it. Low-end office chairs cost as little as $100, while high-end office chairs can cost $600 or more.
Even the right low-end office chair can last for years. However, if you’re looking for the highest level of support, comfort, and protection from MSDs, choose a mid- or high-end model. You’ll get better value, over time, from a mid- or high-end office chair than a low-end office chair.
When shopping for an office chair, consider its total cost. Some stores charge shipping and handling fees, which can add 10% or more to the total cost of an office chair. If you purchase a $500 office chair, for instance, you may spend an additional $50 on shipping and handling fees. Furthermore, you may have to pay sales tax on an office chair. If you purchase an office chair locally, the store will likely sales tax based on the state’s designated rate, which ranges from 3% to 7% on average.
You can avoid shipping and handling fees by purchasing your office chair from Office Chairs Unlimited, as we offer free shipping on all products. And unless you live in the state of Pennsylvania, you won’t be charged sales tax either.
President at Office Chairs Unlimited – I have been in the furniture industry for over 20 years, and I’m an expert (just ask me) on all things furniture. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.
Office Furniture is among the biggest capital investment for most commercial establishments and it is important that you pay good attention to the furniture supplier from whom you buy your ergonomic chairs, office reception, desks, workstations, and storage. But equally important is to know the things you should consider about the furniture itself. Here's a list of the top 6 points. The 6th point is probably the most important but most ignored.
1. Comfort & Ergonomics should be Priority#1
To attract good talent, and keep them motivated and productive, office managers need to provide them with healthy options like ergonomic chairs, height adjustable desks, and comfortable, ergonomic furniture. Stellar is among the largest Ergonomic Revolving Chairs manufacturer and also offers various other high-quality Office Furniture products to wholesalers and retailers worldwide.
2. Office furniture should be stylish and functional
The furniture you choose for your office reflects your company’s brand, image, and personality. So, apart from providing the utmost comfort, your furniture should also have a high-quality mesh, fabric, design, and finishing that will reflect the true class of your business! Go for the types of furniture that combine contemporary style with functionality and complement the look of your office interiors.
3. Choose furniture that lasts
The furniture you buy for your office is a large investment and naturally, you will want it to be durable, easy to clean, water-resistant, dirt-resistant, anti-scratch, and termite resistant. Brands like Stellar are working with advanced materials like A1 grade boards and MFC finishes, as well as Heavy duty gas-lifts in Revolving Chairs to make sure your furniture lasts a long long time. You do not have to worry much about daily care and cleaning when your office furniture comes up with all these features. Just make a one-time investment on the right furniture so it can be maintained without much effort.
4. Evaluate the furniture dimensions carefully
Always evaluate the size and dimensions of your workspace before you buy any furniture. Purchasing bulky furniture will occupy a lot of space in your office thus making it stuffy and cramped. Many commercial project companies, interior designers, and architects look for support in making 3D designs and renderings that help conceptualize an office with furniture, before making a purchase decision. This is where manufacturers like Stellar help to provide end-to-end support for large commercial projects.
5. Don’t ignore Storage
This gets typically ignored by most office managers when buying furniture and leads to piles of paperwork on your office desks and sometimes even on the floor. This makes your space look unorganized and untidy which, in turn, can have a negative impact on your business. So do get enough storage even if you have to over-cater. Stellar provides coordinated collections in the form of series, which have desks, workstations, storage, reception, and chairs all coordinated to make your office look aesthetically pleasing and uniform. Link: https://www.stellarglobal.online/collections
6. Value for money obviously
You could of course buy revolving office chairs worth thousands of dollars if you have a money tree at your office but if you can get similar quality at a lower price, maybe you should spend some time looking for options. Look at furniture as a long-term investment so don’t buy poor quality stuff, but do think if you are getting value for your money.
Conclusion
If you Sell Office Furniture Online or through your Furniture Stores, make sure to buy the top-rated computer chairs from Stellar which are Ergonomic Designs, Covered under a Warranty, and highly durable. Your customers will love you for that. Stellar Office Chairs are available at Furniture Stores in over 80 countries worldwide and are the preferred option for all wholesalers and retailers who import Ergonomic Office Chairs from China.
Visit us at: www.stellarglobal.com
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Mesh Office Chair Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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