While sitting all day isn’t ideal, having the right desk chair in your home office can make working from home much more comfortable. You can find the best chair for your needs by considering comfort, ergonomics and durability.
Designed to fit seamlessly into your WFH space, this chair has an attractive design and plenty of adjustability. We especially liked its weight-sensitive recline and dynamic lumbar support.
Comfort
Working from home during the pandemic probably taught you how much of a difference a good chair can make. After a few months of slouching in a kitchen chair or reclining on the sofa with your laptop, you might feel like you need to invest in a proper desk chair. Whether you work in a completely solitary fashion or you host clients and associates in your office, west elm offers plenty of ergonomic home office chairs to help you sit comfortably and work without putting too much strain on your back and neck.
You’ll find a wide variety of home office chairs, from budget-friendly and trendy to high-end and leather, in the west elm collection. When it comes to comfort, the most important factor is making sure your lower back is firmly against the backrest and that there’s no more than a three-finger gap between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. Also, try to alternate between sitting upright and reclining from time to time to reduce wear on any one spot of your body.
Some of the most comfortable home office chairs feature soft fabrics and cushioned armrests. Others use mesh materials that are breathable and can keep you cool, even on warm days. If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, you might opt for a stylish and versatile chair with a swivel base that resembles a cantilever leg. Another stylish option is the upholstered armchair from Serta, which is available in several color combinations and has a lovely marshmallow-soft fabric seat that’s perfect for long hours of working at your computer.
While it may not be as expensive as some of the other options we’ve reviewed, this office chair from Herman Miller is very comfortable and has some great ergonomic features. For instance, the arm height can be adjusted over a 5-inch range to help prevent shoulder and upper back fatigue; the seat depth can be adjusted in a 2.25-inch range; the back angle and tilt adjust from multiple angles; and there’s even a lumbar support option for those with lower spine pain issues.
home desk chair
Ergonomics
If you work from home, ergonomics are an important consideration for your office chair. You can improve your productivity and comfort by having a chair that provides lumbar and pelvic support. This will promote good posture, which in turn will ease back and neck pain. It will also encourage good blood circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis. This will ultimately result in improved concentration and a more refreshed body.
The best ergonomic chairs will feature a range of adjustments, including height and angle of the seat, backrest and armrests. They should also have a seat slide, which allows you to adjust the distance between your legs and the backrest. Ideally, the gap should be about three fingers width, which will allow your thighs to rest flat on the floor and will relieve pressure on your spinal discs and muscles.
Some models of ergonomic office chairs have a reclining function, which helps with posture and reduces the amount of stress placed on your lower back. Many have adjustable lumbar support, which is especially useful for those with existing back problems. It is important to remember that a desk chair is not designed for prolonged sitting, so try to get up and move around as much as possible during the day. This will help reduce the strain on your spine and neck, and also relieve sore wrists, hands and arms.
Headrests and armrests are often overlooked when it comes to ergonomics, but they can be crucial for the health of your neck and upper back muscles. Having a supportive headrest will prevent hunching, which can lead to neck cramps. Armrests should be comfortably positioned, with your elbows close to your body and your shoulders relaxed. Alternatively, you can opt for a chair without armrests, which will fit better under most desks and may also allow you to place your computer monitor at an optimal distance.
With our wide range of comfortable and stylish ergonomic office chairs, you can create a home office that is healthy, efficient and inspiring. Browse the collection today to discover a desk chair that meets your needs.
Design
Whether you work from home in a solitary fashion or host clients, vendors and associates in your office, you need furniture that strikes a balance between work and style. Searches for home desk chairs with a stylish aesthetic have skyrocketed in recent years, indicating a desire for designs that are more refined and less industrial.
Consider a chair with sleek metal and wood accents for a minimalistic look that is modern in feel. Or, pair a contemporary office chair with a sleek iron and glass computer desk for a clean-lined, sleekly functional setup.
You’ll find a wide range of contemporary desk chairs in the west elm collection that coordinate well with most home offices. Choose from fabric and faux leather options that are timeless in appeal, or opt for a recliner chair that lets you sit back and relax in style.
Durability
If you’re investing in an office chair for your home, you want to make sure it will last. Generally, leather and fabric chairs are more durable than those with mesh backings, which tend to wear down faster due to their sleek design that lets them be lightweight but also traps heat during long work days. Foam is another good option, as it provides added cushion and support but also holds up well over time.
In terms of adjustability, you’ll want a chair that can be fine-tuned to fit your body. For example, being able to adjust the seat height can have a significant impact on hips and overall comfort and can help you avoid aches and pains. “An adjustable chair that allows you to explore a range of options and lock into your ideal seat height will minimize discomfort,” says Empire City Chiropractic’s Dr. Matthew Devoe.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the chair’s material and construction, as this will determine how durable it is. While the majority of chairs we tested use mesh backs, it’s worth noting that they typically have less durability than those with a more sturdy material like leather or cloth. Mesh can also sag faster than other materials, so you may need to replace it sooner than other models.
The Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Desk Chair is a great option to keep in mind if you’re looking for a no-frills budget-friendly office chair. This small black chair has a minimal design and is an excellent choice for furnishing an at-home workspace on a tight budget. It scored highly during lab testing for its setup and durability, with the former receiving a perfect score thanks to illustrated instructions and a minimal number of parts to assemble. This model also offers a seven-year warranty through Union & Scale, though that depends on where you purchase it.
