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
An example of a big and tall office chair
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
Proper arm angle when sitting
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
The more durable the chair, the better the 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.
#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.
You won’t have rent or lease payments to make when working from a home office. Commercial office space isn’t cheap. 
There’s no commute when working from a home office. According to the 
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will allow you to claim your home office as a tax deduction if it meets the following two criteria:
Another challenge you may encounter when working from a home office is teamwork and collaboration. In a typical workday, you’ll probably work entirely alone. The only communication you’ll have with other workers is over the internet or by phone. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to collaborate on projects and work together as a team.
Working from a home office may have a positive impact on your health. The 
No office is complete without furniture. Home offices, however, are easier and cheaper to furnish than their commercial counterparts. Assuming you are the only person who works at your home office, you’ll only need to create a single workstation, which may consist of a 
A disadvantage of working from a home office that’s often overlooked is the lack of a professional business address. When you work from a commercial office, you can use its address for your business’s official address. On your business’s social media profiles, business cards, stationery, and other materials, you can include the address of your commercial office.
Create a dedicated dining area in your break room where workers can enjoy their snacks and meals. There are a few ways to do this, one of which is to add a single large conference table. Alternatively, you can set up several small 
The colors in which your office break room is designed will affect more than just the aesthetics of this space; it will affect the mood and atmosphere. Gray, for example, is a neutral color that creates a depressing mood, making it a poor choice for a break room. Orange, on the other hand, represents warmth and energy, making it ideal for this space.
The fundamental purpose of a break room is to provide workers with a quiet and peaceful area to retreat from the conventional, hectic office environment. This is only possible, however, if the break room is private. Designing an open break room without walls or doors prevents workers from using this space to its full advantage. Workers can still eat and lounge in an open break room, but they won’t be able to make personal phone calls or converse amongst themselves.
No office break room without a refrigerator. Without this otherwise common kitchen appliance, workers won’t be able to keep their food and beverages cool. While you can always invest in a full-sized refrigerator for your break room, this usually isn’t necessary. For most office break rooms, a compact refrigerator will suffice. Compact refrigerators are about half the size, so they don’t take up much space. Also, because of their smaller size, compact refrigerators usually cost less than their full-sized counterparts.
About 10 months to one year before you intend to move, create a moving plan. A moving plan is an invaluable tool for moving an office. This document provides essential information about the move that you and your business’s workers can use to facilitate your office’s relocation.
You can never have too many cardboard boxes when moving your office. According to 
With boxes and supplies in hand, you can begin packing your office equipment. There’s no secret formula for packing office equipment. Just go through your office and begin placing items in boxes. From files and books to staplers, pencils, artwork and more, everything must be packaged before the moving day.
It’s a good idea to move your office’s computers and information technology (IT) equipment separately than the rest of its equipment. According to a survey by 
Wouldn’t it be great if you could move all your office furniture without disassembling it? You can probably move most 
The color of your office furniture won’t affect its performance, but it will affect your office’s aesthetics. If you choose furniture in an eclectic combination of multiple colors, your office will look outdated and poorly designed. Mixing brown and black furniture, for example, isn’t recommended because these two colors clash with each other. To create an attractive workspace, you should choose furniture in a matching color scheme. You don’t have to limit yourself to using furniture in a single color. Rather, choose colors that compliment each other so that it promotes an attractive working environment in your office.
Some business owners assume that they can furnish their entire office with new furniture for just a couple hundred bucks. It’s only until they start shopping for new furniture when they realize that this isn’t feasibly possible. You may be able to secure a few pieces of low-end furniture for this price. But to create multiple, high-quality workstations in your office – complete with a desk, chair, file cabinet and other furniture – you’ll need a larger budget.
There’s nothing wrong with choosing stylish, aesthetically pleasing office furniture, but you shouldn’t prioritize appearance over ergonomics. Ergonomics is actually more important than appearance, as it affects employees’ comfort when using the furniture. 
Unless you’re specifically trying to achieve an 
Buying office furniture that’s not backed by a warranty is a serious mistake that should be avoided. If neither the vendor nor manufacturer offer a warranty, it’s usually because their furniture is inferior to their competitors’ furniture. They know that their furniture is likely to break, so they don’t offer any type of warranty. You may think that you are getting a good deal on an office chair or desk that’s not backed by a warranty, but you’ll quickly realize this isn’t the case when the item breaks. Without a warranty, you’ll have to pay out of your business’s pocket to repair or replace it.
Before we reveal ways to save money on your business’s office supplies, let’s first discuss the cost. Different businesses have different budgets allocated for office supplies. However, over the course of a year, a business can easily spend thousands of dollars on everyday supplies used in its office. According to a report by 
Printer toner isn’t cheap. Statistics show that it costs about 3.9 cents to 5.5 cents to print a single page using black ink and 8.3 cents to 8.9 cents to print a single page using colored ink. However, when a printer in your office runs out of ink, you may assume that replacing the toner cartridge is the only way to keep it operational. If you’re trying to save money, though, consider refilling the cartridge yourself.
According to The 
Office furniture isn’t something with which you should cut corners by purchasing cheap brands. Although it may save you a few bucks initially, you’ll end up spending more money in the long run when you’re forced to repair or replace the cheap furniture. To get the most bang for your buck, invest in high-quality chairs, desks, tables and other furniture for your office. High-quality furniture generally costs more, but it lasts longer while offering greater utility in the process.
Always use a rewards business credit card with purchasing office supplies (our personal favorite here at Office Chairs Unlimited is the Ink business card from Chase). A rewards business credit card will reward you with cash or redeemable points on eligible purchases. Most rewards business credit cards offer 1 percent to 5 percent in cashback rewards. If you use one to buy $1,000 in office supplies, you’ll earn about $10 to $50 in cashback rewards.
Even if you have access to one or more local office supply stores, don’t ignore the cost-savings benefits of shopping online. Most national office supply stores have a website where you can purchase office supplies. Aside from the convenience of ordering over the internet and having the products delivered directly to your office, buying office supplies online often costs less than buying them in store. Online retailers charge less for products purchased through their website because it’s cheaper and easier for them to process these online orders than in-store purchases.
With a little luck, you can find free office supplies for your business. Craigslist, the largest online classified ads website, has an entire section dedicated to free stuff. Here, you can find everything from used desks and tables to pens, paper, cardboard boxes and more.
According to a survey of corporate executives conducted by 
Even with individual workstations, you should still design a collaboration area or zone in your office where workers can share ideas and work together to achieve a common, shared goal. According to 
Stressed workers are less likely to be creative than their relaxed, non-stressed counterparts. In an interview with the 
While blasting the radio in your office probably won’t yield positive results, allowing workers to listen to their own music through headphones can spark creativity According to a survey of workers conducted by 
The quality of your office furniture can affect workers’ creativity. If a typical workstation in your office consists of a stiff, non-adjustable chair with a computer desk that’s designed equal as poor, it will reflect upon their work. Low-quality office furniture such as this increases physical stress on workers’ bodies. After using them for several hours, workers may feel sore and fatigued, thus limiting their creativity.
If your office has windows, open the blinds and curtains so that natural light can enter and illuminate the workspace. Not only is natural light the most-wanted natural element in an office design, according to the 
What type of colors do you intend to use in your home office’s design? Assuming you’re designing your home office from scratch, you’ll have the freedom to paint the walls whatever color you desire. And while wall color may sound like an insignificant element of a home office, it can affect your productivity and overall success.
Natural sunlight is the best type of lighting for a home office. It’s easy on the eyes, provides ample illumination and doesn’t require power. There’s even some belief that natural sunlight promotes health and wellness. A 
Storage space is an invaluable commodity in a home office. Regardless of the type of work you do, you’ll need furniture and containers in which to store your business-related items. You can install shelves on the wall to store books, binders, folders, equipment and other items. Another idea is to install shadow boxes on the wall, which you can also fill with items.
No home office is complete without a desk. For most home-based telecommuters, the desk is where the bulk of their work is performed. Here, you can write letters, type documents on your computer, read books and perform countless other business-related activities.
Privacy is a critical factor to consider when designing your home office. Working from home has its perks, such as no daily commuting and the ability to prepare your own meals in the kitchen, but it also has its drawbacks. According to a survey conducted by the Endurance International Group, one out of five (21%) business owners said they are less productive when working from home because of distractions.
Pay attention to the size of your home office. Conventional wisdom should lead you to believe that you can fit more furniture and equipment into a large home office than a small one. More importantly, the size of your home office will affect your taxes. The 
Although there are exceptions, most people who work from a home office rely on technology to perform their business’s work. If you don’t have an internet connection, for example, you won’t be able to send and receive email, conduct video conferences, research websites, access online project boards and perform other online activities.
Even though this space is used for business-related purposes, your home office should still feature an attractive décor. If it’s cluttered with unused furniture, boxes of seasonal clothes and other unnecessary items, it creates a negative atmosphere that may hurt your daily productivity. Furthermore, you may be ineligible for the complete home office tax deduction if you use this space to store your personal belongings.