The chances are you will spend more time in your office chair than any other. We are all familiar with the hazards of a sedentary lifestyle and the health and safety aspects of office work. Postural correction, safe screen distances and reduction of office-related conditions such as RSI are all factors to bear in mind when choosing an office chair.
Guarantee
When choosing office furniture, ensure you are buying from a reputable retailer who provides excellent customer service and post-sales support. All office chairs should be supplied with a guarantee. This will safeguard you in the event of damage or malfunction.
Style Over Substance
Don’t prioritise looks over ergonomics. Although aesthetics are important in an office, you shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort.
Instead, focus on the key features which will make your chair comfortable and health-promoting. Look for designs with lumbar support, adjustable height, adequate seat width, adjustable backrest and high-quality breathable fabric.
Fabric
A glance at the product ranges of any specialist company who sells Operator Chairs online at sites such as https://www.bestbuy-officechairs.co.uk/office-chairs/operator-chairs/ will demonstrate the wide array of fabrics that are currently used in the manufacture of office furniture. Vinyl is great for easy cleaning, and leather is soft and stylish but not ideal for sitting on for a long period of time. Breathable fabric such as the type used for the pioneering ’90s Aeron chair designed by the Hermann Martin company is the best for comfort, especially in the summer.
Colour Scheme
Ergonomics must be dealt with first. However, particularly if you hold client meetings in your office, your chair has to fit in with your overall design scheme, which ideally should reflect your branding. The colours and patterns you use on your logos and sign writing should be reflected in your interiors.
Space
Be realistic about the actual footage of your office space. Avoid the temptation to go for the ultra-plush but space-hogging executive throne if you already can’t swing a cat in your office. There are plenty of chairs of all shapes and sizes, so make sure you choose one which is dimensionally appropriate for your circumstances.
Value
Make sure you are not just going for the cheapest option – unless you are absolutely on a shoestring, of course. Instead look at long-term value. A high-quality, expertly engineered, solidly manufactured chair will easily last ten years.
