How to find an office chair that's right for you

The home has slowly turned into the office and thus needs to be dressed up to fit one. The difference between your home and the actual office is you do not spend all day sitting on one chair at the office. In between the photocopier, the boardroom, lunch break and walks over to various departments you might spend less time on your office chair. Enter working exclusively from home and you are at your home desk for hours on end, more than you would at the office. This is why we have rounded up how to find an office chair that has got your back - literally. Here are the key factors you should consider.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the system behind how people function and work especially in the workplace. The science behind common movements like how you sit, where your knee bends, how you place your elbows on your desk are all considered in production of furniture. In order to find the perfect working chair you will have to find an ergonomically suitable one. There are several chair types to choose from. You can go for one with a headrest, an adjustable seat and back, a mesh breathable one. 

Lumbar support

A good chair should align with your lumbar area or at least try to. Your lumbar area is the curve in your spine when you sit. Good lumbar support prevents potential back injury.

Seat design

A good seat design allows you to sit with your knee bent at 90 degrees and parallel to the floor. The ideal sitting height is between 16 and 20 inches. This varies considerably from one individual to the next. Choose a seat with a decent amount of padding for comfort. 

Back support

The magic number for backrests is between 12 to 19 inches. A good backrest should tilt frontwards or backwards. You can go with a fixed back or a separate back. 

As you shop for a chair style remember your productivity is proportional to your level of comfort.