Working from home is an increasingly popular options and more people are setting up dedicated work spaces in their homes. But it’s easy to underestimate the importance of good quality seating for your home office. You may assume that a standard desk chair will do fine, but if you’re using it for long periods of time it won’t necessarily be good for your health or wellbeing. In fact, poor posture from inappropriate seating can contribute to a range of musculoskeletal problems and leave you with pain and discomfort.
If you’re on the lookout for a chair for your home office, it’s worth bearing in mind the following top tips.
Consider usage
The first thing you’ll need to think about when you’re buying seating is how much usage it will get. If your chair will be used for only short periods of time, you don’t need to be quite as fastidious in terms of specifications.
On the other hand, if you need to sit at your work station for a long stretch of time, it’s really important that you get an ergonomically sound and comfortable chair. Luckily, there are now plenty of products to choose from. By heading online, you can take your pick from the array of items offered by companies such as Furniture At Work™.
Height adjustment
Height adjustment features are helpful. You want to be able to sit with your feet resting comfortably on the floor, with your thighs supported and parallel to the floor. Sitting either too high or too low can cause discomfort.
Back support
You should also pay attention to the back support offered by chairs. Ideally, you want to invest in products with a height-adjustable backrest that is cushioned and provides lumbar (lower back) support.
Research suggests that the best position for the back while seated is slightly reclined at 100 to 110 degrees. Also, bear in mind that it’s now possible to buy chairs with adjustable tension settings that enable you to increase or decrease tilt resistance.
Armrests
When it comes to armrests, aim for versions that are both adjustable and cushioned. These provide maximum comfort. The armrests should allow the forearm to rest at a 90 degree angle and they should support the elbow.
However, if you think armrests may get in the way of certain tasks, it’s wise to buy chairs with removable versions.
Fabric
There are lots of different fabrics to choose from, but breathable materials tend to be the most comfortable. This is particularly true in summertime when temperatures rise.
Plenty of space
Another feature to look out for when purchasing a home office chair is how much space they offer. For optimal comfort, you should aim for versions that provide at least an inch of space around the hips and thighs on each side.
The seat should also curve down slightly at the front edge. This helps to prevent the edge from coming into contact with the back of your knees.
Well worth the investment
Although a good quality office seat will set you back more than a cheap chair, this will prove to be money well spent. It can improve your wellbeing and make working at home a comfortable experience. Plus, superior seating can stand the test of time, meaning you shouldn’t need to replace it for a good while.
***This is a guest post***
