The home office: a room where many of us have come to spend the better part of our lives, for better or worse!
WATCH: How to create a multi-purpose office space
Given that some of us are spending 38-plus hours working every week, it’s fair to say that having a set-up that not only allows for productivity but is ergonomically viable, is incredibly important. And possibly the most vital tool to assure this? Getting your office chair right.
What is an ergonomic office chair?
As with any ergonomic furniture, an ergonomic chair is essentially one that allows you to adjust it so your body can sit in its natural position. You should be able to adjust the seat height and depth, the back angle, back tilt and lumbar support so that your body is fully supported.
What to look for
When it comes to selecting your office chair, there are a number of things you should be taking into consideration.
Height – look for something adjustable – you’ll know you’ve hit the ergonomic sweet spot when your knees are bent at 90 degrees with your feet flat on the ground.
Materials – go for something breathable and easy to clean if you can.
Cushion – choose something that doesn’t immediately sink when you sit on it. Better quality foam will last much longer!
Depth – while often overlooked, the depth of the seat is one of the most important elements. If the seat is too long, you’ll be inclined to prop yourself forward, but if it’s too short, your legs won’t have proper support. Aim to have two to four fingers between your knee and the edge of the seat.
Back support – your spine should be supported from top to bottom. Make sure your lower back sits comfortably against the lower lumbar support.
7 best office chairs to shop in Australia 2023
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up seven of the best office chairs on the market that will complement your space and leave you feeling as productive as ever.
Virtue office chair, $382.50 (usually $450), Koala
Comfort meets style in this ultra-cushioned, genuine grade leather chair. The seat and back both tilt and the height is totally adjustable.
Key features:
- Fully upholstered with durable fabric
- Designed with a high backrest and extra back padding
- Features wraparound support on your sides, elegantly contoured to the seat pad
- Integrated armrests tailored to give extra support
- Fitted with CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam
- Sourced from recycled polyester
- Returns are easy – try it properly at home for 120 nights
- 5-year warranty
Ergolux EZ9 ergonomic mesh office chair, $299 (usually $479), Kogan
Inspiration is sure to hit in this ergonomic chair from Kogan. Featuring superior back protection to help correct your posture, it’s perfect for those working long periods at a time.
Key features:
- High-mesh back for easy air circulation
- Height adjustable padded armrests with customisable width
- Adjustable tilt locking positions
- Adjustable headrest and separate lumbar support
- Quality gas lift mechanism and 360 degree swivel
Milan Direct Ergohuman Plus Elite V2 mesh office chair, $649, Temple & Webster
Crafted especially for office workers, this quality-made chair can be modified to complement your physique and seating style.
Key features:
- Almost 600 five-star reviews on Temple & Webster
- Tailored ergonomic design
- Robust and comfortable
- Sophisticated adjustability
- Constant back support
- 4D armrests for adjustable height, width and vertical angles
- Backrest can be adjusted to 4 positions
- Gas lift with a 5-inch height range
SIHOO ergonomic office chair, $309.99, Amazon
With almost 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the SIHOO office chair ticks all the boxes when it comes to functionality, aesthetics and comfort. “The product is easy to assemble and it was delivered earlier than originally indicated at the point of placing order,” one reviewer wrote. “The chair is very comfortable and has different settings to cater to individual comfort level. You’ll not regret buying the product.”
Key features:
- Multi-dimensional headrest adjustment
- Effective support for lumbar and muscle pressure
- Supports shoulder vertebrae and protects the spine
- Adjustable recliner
- Gas lift mechanism
- Chair legs made from aluminium alloy material
Shangri-La Del Mar velvet office chair, $99.99, Brosa
There’s nothing quite like a quality velvet chair to deliver some chic design and all-day comfort. With ergonomic features and a warm, golden frame, it’s sure to be the perfect centrepiece in your home office.
Key features:
- Castor wheels
- Gold painted frame
- Plush foam cushioning
- Rounded castor wheels
- 360 degree swivel
- Gas lift seat and armrests
Artiss executive PU leather office desk computer chair, $143.95 (usually $164.95), Myer
An all-time customer favourite, the Artiss executive chair will bring a touch of contemporary living to any space.
Key features:
- PU synthetic faux leather material
- High-back design
- Multi-layer padded seat
- Padded headrest and armrests
- Tilt adjustment
- Gas lift for height adjustment
- 360 degree swivel
- Durable chrome base with five castor wheels
- Easy to assemble and clean
Guessky executive office chair, $239.99, Amazon
Enhance your work set-up with the Guessky ergonomic office chair. You’ll love immersing your entire body in the chair’s soft back and cushions, resting against the high-density sponge while working for long periods.
Key features:
- 360 degree swivel castors
- SGS-certified gas lift
- High-quality PU leather
- Adjustable seat height/backrest and lock position function
- Reclining mode
- Retractable soft-padded footrest
- Free delivery
You might also like:
A physiotherapist’s guide to working from home
Clever and stylish home office ideas
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