Office Chairs Buying Guide

If you are like most people, you spend a lot of time at your desk : checking email, balancing your books, maybe even working a 40-hour week from your home office. Since you spend so much time at your workspace, you want the experience to be comfortable, and that means having an office chair  that feels like it was built with you in mind. There are all sorts of office chairs to choose from, ranging from the basic plastic number to a luxe leather model, and as you can imagine, prices vary as much as the designs.

Choosing an Office Chair

You could easily walk into your nearest office supply store  and grab the first chair in sight. But if what you really want is a chair fit for a king, then you'll want to buy it knowing that it is the right one for you!

1. Consider how many hours a week you'll spend in the chair. Maybe it's as few as two or as many as twenty. The longer you sit, the more comfortable you'll need the chair to be.
2. Establish a budget. Office chairs vary from $40 to $700 or more, which is a vast range as far as chairs are concerned. Usually basic models cost less than $100 while executive chairs,  designed with status and style in mind are the most expensive of all. On average, a quality office chair for moderate to heavy use will cost around $200 to $400.
3. Determine who will use the chair. The key to any chair is comfort. If you are the primary user of this chair, then all you have to remember is that you want a chair to fit your body so that it offers proper support and healthy alignment. If it needs to suit multiple users, you may want to look for a chair that offers more adjustability.

Features

Comfort

Comfort is the most important aspect of buying an office chair. It should offer support for the curve in your lower back, following the natural shape of your spine. The seat should be sufficiently padded so as to relieve pressure from joints, but still firm enough so that you don't sink into the chair. The chair should be spacious, and big enough so that the seat extends about one inch past your hips on both sides and so that there is a two inch space between the edge of the seat and your knees. Another important part of a chair's comfort is its adjustability. You should be able to raise or lower the seat so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor with your thighs supported parallel to the floor. Armrests  should be at the right height so that they support your elbows.The most high-tech chairs will allow you to adjust every part of the chair so that you get a comfort fit, but sometimes a chair will fit you well without adjusting. Because fit varies so much from person to person, it is always recommended to try on a chair before buying.

Back Support & Chair Styles

Each chair offers a different type of support. Choose according to your needs and make sure that whichever style is best suited you choose allows for easy adjustment of your posture.

Low-Back Chairs  Go from your desk to a conference with ease. The small size makes this type of chair  effortless to manipulate, even in tight spaces. It is best suited for sitting short periods of time.	Mid-Back Chairs  This type of chair offers a bit more support for those who must sit extended periods of time. Perfect for moderate to heavy use and for those who work over their desk using a computer  or doing paperwork.	Executive Chairs  This chair offers complete back and head support. Usually, these are good for moderate to heavy use and especially useful for people who talk on the phone  a lot.

Materials

Choosing a material type may have to do with aesthetics or practicality depending on your needs.

Mesh  An open back prevents moisture buildup to improve comfort over long sitting periods. Stylish design. Absence of back padding may not be a style that works for you.	Fabric  Popular because of the low price. Sturdy and durable enough for heavy usage. Somewhat comfortable.	Vinyl  Comfortable and versatile. Luxurious and stylish. Less expensive than real leather. Easier to clean than leather. May not be breathable.	Leather  Stylish and classy. Comfortable. Not as easy to clean. Expensive.

Construction

Wheels

• If you opt for a chair with wheels  (a.k.a. casters ) make sure they are sturdy but offer plenty of mobility.
• Look for large wheels -- small ones will not roll as well.

Reclining Capability

• Does the chair recline? If so, how much does it recline and is it so much that it feels like it could tip over?
• When you recline, does the seat of the chair slide forward? This is called a gliding seat. 
• If you choose a gliding model, keep in mind that there should be about a fist width of space between the back of your knee and the front edge of the chair at all times. This will properly support your thighs and optimize your posture while seated.

Weight Limits

• Most chairs will have their weight limit written on the box.
• If you aren't sure how much weight will be on the chair, opt for one that supports more just to be on the safe side.

Extra Features

• These days, office chairs come with all sorts of bells and whistles: they recline, vibrate, massage and more.
• Be sure these extra features work properly and don't cause excessive noise or shaking.
• Remember that you can always update a chair with a portable massaging seat for a smaller price later on in case you are undecided on buying a chair with a massage feature from the get go.

Buying Tips

• A few minutes testing a chair out in the store will give you a good idea of how you'll like it.
• You might still want to test out your new chair for several days in case you are uncomfortable about your purchase.
• Check the return policy at the store you plan to buy from; if you can, bring your chair home and use it for a few days to see if you like it.
• Be sure to try several chairs and not just get the first one you like.

Recommendations

Tiffany Industries 24-Hour High- Performance Swivel Task Chair  This chair is designed for lengthy use and also comes with memory foam  for comfort seating. It has a lumbar pump for back support and can be used by especially tall people.	Alera EQ Series Ergonomic Multifunction High Back Mesh Chair  This chair uses breathable mesh and and has an adjustable headrest for all day comfort. Easily to use and designed to provide you with improved circulation while sitting.	Office Star Space Air Grid Executive Leather High-Back Swivel Chair  This entire chair is lined with leather for the ultimate in comfort. It has stylish wood armrests and a contoured seat for support.	Alera Ravino Big & Tall Series Mid-Back Swivel/Tilt Leather Chair  Especially designed for taller users, this chair supports the middle of the back and can be adjusted per your preference.	Space Air Grid Series Deluxe Chair  If you are just looking for a basic desk chair, this model is great for keeping you comfortable while you work. It has mesh lining and contour seating so your back is supported.

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