A New Chair for the New Year!

The new year is here, and perhaps it’s time to upgrade the one piece of office equipment you are closest with – your chair! Most people don’t know exactly what questions to ask beyond “is it comfortable?” and “is it attractive?” – but we have some answers for you!

Here are some helpful tips on what to look for when you start searching for a chair! Have another one to add? Let us know in the comments section below:

1. Seat height should be easy to adjust with a simple lever, typically on the right side of the chair. Are your thighs parallel to the floor? Good, we are off to a great start.
2. Does the seat have an adjustment for depth? Sometimes this is to give you more room in the back of the seat, but be sure that you still have a minimum of a palms width between your seat and the back of your knee.
3. The front edge of the seat should be curved toward the floor so that there are no hard edges pressing on the back of your thigh. If you feel pressure, check your seat height.
4. If the seat of your chair is made of breathable material, it will keep you cool and comfortable. If it is open weave, be sure that it is made of an elastomer so that you won’t “bottom out”.
5. Swivel, yes, you need that. Moving is good for you.
6. If you are selecting a chair with arms, ask what the range of adjustment is? Arms should be lower than the elbow when keying. This keeps the shoulders relaxed. Are the pads soft and rounded? Take a look.
7. Backrest width is a user preference issue, although narrow backrests allow you to move your arms freely and push your shoulders back. This raises your lung capacity while seated. Did you know that keying with your shoulders rounded and forward can reduce your lung capacity by half?
8. The lower back of an ergonomic chair should have support for your pelvic (yes, I said pelvic) region. In order to keep postural equilibrium, your pelvis should be in the same tilt that is it when you are standing.
9. Lumbar support is an added comfort, but not necessary. If you opt to get it, be sure that it is adjustable. Everyone has a different curve in their lower back.
10. A great ergonomic chair should have a tilt limiter, and a tension knob. You should be able to release the back and be able to adjust the tension to your weight, so that you feel that you are floating in water. The tilt in your chair should be approximately one degree in your seat for every two degrees you lean back.
11. Finally, a forward tilt is a great bonus. This will allow you to open the angle of your torso to thigh to a very comfortable 120 degrees while sitting straight up. Why? Your body will love you for it. Next time you are floating in a pool, notice the position your body takes naturally. Moving is good for you. Especially while seated.

So there you have it! Here at Intelligent Interiors, we carry some of the best brands of seating systems around. So, if you are looking to talk with a knowledgeable representative, give us a call. We’d be happy to find a good solution for you.