4 Things to Look for in an Ergonomic Chair

A comfortable, supportive chair should be the goal of any employee or employer. You probably spend 30-40 hours a week sitting in your desk chair; make sure it is the best one for you. The folks over at The EasierLiving Blog remind us of a few things to look for in an ergonomic chair.

Height of the Chair

The Ergo Expert suggests measuring the distance from the floor to the underside of your desk, then subtracting 8”-10”. Your new chair will most likely match this height measurement. Humantech®, an ergonomic consulting firm out of Ann Arbor, MI, says the perfect chair will allow your feet to be planted on the floor with your thighs parallel to the floor; your knees will thus be at a 90 degree angle. (Reported in The Wall Street Journal)

Back of the Chair

The Ergo Expert’s top suggestion is focus on the lumbar support. The most convenient chair is one that can adjust the lumbar support, allowing an adjustment for the user’s height. You can also find a chair with the proper, non-adjustable lumbar support for you, by trying the chair out before you buy it.

Seat of the Chair

The most comfortable chair is one that fits you explicitly, including the depth of the seat. It should measure the same distance from the inside of your knee to the base of your spine, says the Ergo Expert. Also, the perfect chair will only improve your health. A waterfall front to the seat will provide you with improved blood circulation to your legs.

Armrests for the Chair

Armrests are possibly the most overlooked aspect of the chair. If you spend 90% of your day typing, you’ll understand why. But for the other 10% of your day, armrests that are too low or too high can put heightened strain on your upper back, neck and shoulders. That’s why, unless you find a chair that’s non-adjustable armrests perfect for you, the armrests should be adjustable to accommodate any user.

If you’re interested in trying a selection of ergonomic chairs, give Intelligent Interiors a call! We’ll find a good solution for all the wonderful people in your workspace.