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Essential Office Chair Features
There are many key features to look for when selecting office chairs. Deciding which ones are most important
will vary according to how it will be used. For example, a factory worker who sit periodically to process paperwork
or place phone calls will have different needs from a customer service representative who sits at a desk for
extended periods.
Also, chairs for conference rooms or reception areas may not need as many adjustable options as task chairs because
they are used infrequently.
Back Support Adjustments: A backrest adjustment can help to prevent or even alleviate the discomfort that's associated with
sitting for long periods of time. The features of a backrest adjustment include:
Backrest height - This allows you to find
the backrest height which will provide support for the lumbar portion of your lower back.
Backrest tilt - this feature will allow someone to adopt different postures while still keeping good support for the lower back. You can
also adjust the feature as you wish.
Horizontal backrest movement - this feature isn't the same as the tilt. Instead, the horizontal will move side to side, making the chair a little
deeper for those who need it.
Seat Height Adjustment: With most chairs, a pneumatic lever is the most common
way to alter height. It allows you to readily adjust the height of your office chair from a seated position.
Seat Pan Characteristics: With a chair's seat pan, you should look for the
following characteristics:
1. Rounded edge - found at the front of the seat pan, this will prevent uncomfortable pressure
at the back of the legs or behind the knees.
2. Seat pan depth - Between the back of the
knee and front of the chair there should be a space about the size of a clenched fist. For the legs,
this will help maintain proper circulation.
3. Seat pan tilt - This will allow room for posture changes and also help to alleviate pressure on the back of the thighs.
4. Fabric - Be on the lookout for durable and permeable material that will dissipate moisture and heat.
Armrests: An armrest shouldn't interfere with the task at hand and always provide you room to move. Armrests aren't
normally needed for keyboard use, although they can be used with reading, editing, or even doing work on
a desk. If you have to have them, look for those with an adjustable height, adjustable width, and adequate padding.
Wheels: A great office chair will have a five pronged base with the appropriate castors (soft for hard surfaces
and hard for soft surfaces).
Swivel: A swivel mechanism allows the user to move from side to side. This lets the user easily
reach out across a desk with minimal strain.