From busy commercial buildings to home offices, ergonomic chairs are crucial in our workspaces. They have become essential to our work lives, significantly affecting our productivity, physical health, and overall well-being.
However, with so many types of ergonomic chairs available—ranging from high-back to low-back and fabric to mesh—it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best.
At Meet&Co, we recognize the difficulties of choosing the right office chair. As a leading global office furniture manufacturer, we offer a variety of high-quality solutions. Read our blog to learn about the different types of ergonomic chairs.
Table of Contents
- Best Ergonomic Chair Overall
- Best Budget Ergonomic Chair
- Best Ergonomic Chair for Big & Tall
- 13 Different Types of Ergonomic Chairs
- Features an Ergonomic Chair Should Have
- How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair
- Types of Ergonomic Chairs You Should Avoid
- Conclusion
Best Ergonomic Chair Overall
Specifications
- Material: Mesh, fabric, shaped sponge.
- Color: Black, gray, blue, green, or customized.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The Budding Ergonomic Chair is the office chair I’ve been using for prolonged hours a week for over a year in my office, and it’s been great. It’s just as comfortable and adjustable as you’d expect.
My team also noticed that the recurring shoulder and neck pain eased up when they used the Budding chair. It’s due to the excellent back support, which helps me maintain a better posture. The chair features adjustable lumbar support with a tilt that adapts to your preference of leaning back or sitting upright. It also has an adjustable seat and armrests and comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large—to fit different body types.
The Budding chair supports up to 350 pounds and is made with mesh material that provides full-body support while promoting airflow to keep you cool. While it’s pricier, if your budget allows, it’s a worthwhile investment for your long-term health. Experts rave about the Budding chair, calling it “the standard” for ergonomic chairs and noting that many have tried to mimic its design.
What We Like:
The Budding offers excellent comfort for long hours at your desk, thanks to its breathable mesh that keeps you cool. It comes in various models and materials, so you can find one that fits your office decor and personal seating preferences.
Best Budget Ergonomic Chair
Specifications
- Material: High-density styling sponge.
- Color: Red, gray, orange, blue, or customized.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Style Ergonomic Chair is the most budget-friendly ergonomic chair on our list.
This chair is surprisingly easy to set up and performs just as well as more expensive models. It features adjustable armrests, seat height, tilt, tension, seat depth, and lumbar support. However, unlike the top pick, it only comes in one standard size, which might only fit some body types and offers less customization.
Still, the chair’s high-density foam seat cushion provides great comfort, and the backrest is made from double-layered fabric, offering support and breathability. Plus, you can choose a cushion color from a selection on the color card—all at a much lower price than the top choice.
What We Like:
Bright and budget-friendly, this simple chair fits effortlessly under any desk. Though it’s a basic office chair, it offers surprising comfort with solid support for your back, neck, and lumbar area.
Best Ergonomic Chair for Big & Tall
Specifications
- Material: Mesh, nylon, aluminum frame.
- Color: Black, gray, dark blue, green, or customized.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The Meet&Co Ergonomic Chair seems almost custom-made for big and tall users—though it’s not limited to them. With a 400lbs weight capacity and a wide, cushioned seat, it provides exceptional support.
We appreciated the extensive customization and adjustability options. If you’re like us, you’ll enjoy experimenting with all the settings to find your perfect setup. Adjusting the seat and backrest can take some time, but the armrest adjustments are incredibly straightforward.
The chair’s metal and PA nylon back offers greater durability than other ergonomic mesh chairs using PP plastic. Additionally, the high-elastic, breathable mesh provides comfortable support and helps keep you cool during long periods of sitting.
For those with neck and upper back pain, a chair with a customizable headrest can offer extra support for your head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. The solid lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of your lower back, promoting a comfortable and correct upper back posture.
What We Like:
The chair supports up to 400 lbs, exceeding the typical office chair capacity. With its comfort and support, we felt no pain or fatigue even after a full day of use.
13 Different Types of Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic chairs come in various styles and features. Some are designed to meet specific job requirements, while others are tailored to fit different body types. Here’s a look at different types of ergonomic chairs to help you figure out which one is right for you:
Task Chairs
Task chairs are the most common type of ergonomic chair, specifically designed for offices. They usually have a swivel base, adjustable seat height, and backrest. Task chairs offer both support and comfort, making them ideal for those who spend long hours at their desks.
In addition to their functional benefits, task chairs are practical and economical, fitting well in workspaces such as corporate spaces and home offices. For professionals looking for a dependable and cost-effective seating solution, task chairs meet all the essential needs, making them a favored choice for those who value both comfort and affordability in their work environment.
Executive Chairs
Executive chairs are often seen as a symbol of authority in the office. With their tall, elegant, padded backs and sturdy arms, they exude power and are typically crafted from high-quality materials. Sitting in one feels like occupying a throne, sending a clear message about leadership.
Beyond their commanding presence, executive chairs are designed for exceptional support during long work hours. They help maintain peak performance by ensuring comfort, making them both a statement piece and a functional asset.
Conference Chairs
Conference chairs are built for meeting rooms, boardrooms, and collaborative spaces, focusing on comfort and versatility. They feature cushioned seats and supportive backrests, with designs that blend seamlessly into any conference room decor. Though they may seem simple, conference chairs provide ergonomic support to keep attendees comfortable and focused during long meetings or presentations.
These chairs are also designed to encourage interaction and collaboration. Their thoughtful design helps facilitate effective communication and idea sharing, making them an ideal choice for creating productive and engaging discussions in professional settings.
Mesh Chairs
If you’re tired of sweating and feeling uncomfortable in a leather chair during extended hours, especially in the summer, try a mesh chair. These office chairs have a sleek, modern design and are known for their breathability.
The mesh fabric circulates air freely, keeping you cool and dry even during long work sessions. Unlike leather, mesh doesn’t absorb moisture, so you stay cool no matter how high the temperature rises.
Plus, mesh chairs are easy to clean—wipe off spills and let them dry in the sun. However, they may not offer as much cushioning as padded chairs, and some models might not have as many customization options for your comfort preferences.
Leather Chairs
Leather chairs meet the demands of high-end work environments and are a top choice for executives and professionals. They blend classic style with modern functionality, making them a staple for executive suites, conference rooms, and upscale home offices. Leather is a durable material, proving a worthwhile investment due to its long lifespan.
The seats are commonly designed with thick cushioning and unique contours to support key areas of the body. The soft texture of the leather provides a luxurious feel, while the cushioning and ergonomic design ensure optimal support during long hours of use. They also add a touch of elegance to any setting.
Plastic Chairs
Plastic chairs offer a lightweight and durable seating solution for offices. Molded plastic seats and backrests come in various colors to match any decor. Healthcare and education organizations usually prefer this type of chair due to its ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Gaming Chairs
In esports and gaming, gaming chairs enhance the gaming experience and support long play sessions. These chairs have more specific features for gamers and offer top-notch comfort, support, and adjustability during intense gameplay.
With their bold, futuristic looks, gaming chairs typically feature high backrests, lumbar support cushions, and adjustable armrests to suit different gaming styles and postures. They also have extra reclining options, swivel bases, and customizable settings to keep players comfortable and focused for hours. Beyond gaming, these chairs are also popular among professionals who need ergonomic seating for long workdays or tasks that require intense concentration.
Sit-Stand Chairs
Sit-stand chairs let you shift your weight and take a break while standing, making them popular in jobs where you’re often on your feet. They’re great for people like architects, fashion designers, and bankers. These chairs support you while leaning back and can be adjusted to the most comfortable height.
Big and Tall Chairs
Big and tall chairs are made for people who need extra space and support. They usually feature wider seats and higher weight capacities than standard office chairs. These chairs are ideal for people who are taller or heavier than average, providing the added comfort and durability they need.
Petite Chairs
A petite chair can significantly improve comfort for shorter people by allowing them to reach the floor while seated. A smaller seat and lower height tailored to their size can make a big ergonomic difference, enhancing overall comfort and support.
Drafting Chairs
Designers, architects, and drafters need seating that matches the unique demands of their work. Drafting chairs, also known as stool chairs or standing desk chairs, are specifically crafted for this purpose.
Featuring tall gas cylinders and built-in footrests, drafting chairs offer crucial support for elevated surfaces like drafting tables or standing desks. They also come with adjustable height and tilt functions, allowing users to fine-tune their seating position for optimal posture and comfort during work.
These chairs enable professionals in design and related fields to easily switch between sitting and standing, enhancing productivity and providing ergonomic support to help them work precisely and easily.
Armless Chairs
Armless chairs are ideal for maximizing space and embracing a minimalist look, making them perfect for compact work areas. Their design promotes freedom of movement and versatility, allowing users to sit comfortably without the constraints of armrests.
These chairs are well-suited for shared workstations, collaborative spaces, or any environment where mobility and flexibility are essential. With their sleek, unobtrusive design, armless chairs provide both practicality and style, enhancing any workspace where space is at a premium.
Balance Ball Chairs
Balance ball chairs are crafted to enhance balance and strengthen your core while you sit. These innovative chairs feature a stability ball set on a frame with a supportive backrest and casters for easy mobility. They’re an excellent choice for those who want to stay active and engaged even during long work hours. By incorporating movement into your seating routine, balance ball chairs offer a dynamic way to boost your fitness and keep your body active while you work.
Features an Ergonomic Chair Should Have
Although different types of chairs have different designs and features, good ergonomic chairs have similarities. Make sure that your chair has these characteristics:
1. Armrests
Office chair armrests should be adjustable to ensure that your arms rest comfortably and your shoulders relax. They should also support your elbows and lower arms lightly without allowing your forearms to rest on them while typing.
2. Lumbar Support
Lower back support is crucial in an ergonomic chair. The lower back has a natural inward curve, and sitting for long periods without proper support can make you slouch, flattening that curve and putting strain on your lower spine. An ergonomic chair should offer adjustable lumbar support, including both height and depth, so users can tailor the fit to maintain the natural curve of their lower back.
3. Backrest
An ergonomic office chair should feature a 12 to 19 inches wide backrest for optimal support. If the backrest and seat are separate, make sure the backrest is adjustable in both height and angle to fit the natural curve of your spine, with a focus on lumbar support. For chairs with a connected seat and backrest, look for one that lets you adjust the backrest’s angle forward and backward and has a lock to keep it in place once you’ve set it just right. A well-being backrest will help you stay comfortable and avoid back pain throughout your workday.
4. Enough Seat Width and Depth
The seat of an ergonomic office chair should offer ample width and depth to ensure comfort for all users. Typically, a seat width of 17-20 inches is standard. The seat depth, the measurement from the front to the back, should allow the user to sit with their back fully against the backrest while maintaining a gap of approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of their knees and the seat edge. Additionally, the seat should feature adjustable forward and backward tilt to accommodate individual preferences and enhance overall ergonomic support.
5. High-destiny Material
The seat and back of an office chair should be adequately padded to ensure comfort during long periods of sitting. A breathable cloth fabric is often preferable to a more complex surface, providing a more comfortable and supportive seating experience.
6. Swivel
Any conventional or ergonomic chair should offer smooth rotation, allowing users to easily access various desk parts without straining.
7. Height Adjustable
The seat height of an office chair should be easily adjustable, ideally using a pneumatic lever for convenience. A height range of approximately 16 to 21 inches from the floor accommodates most users, allowing them to keep their feet flat on the ground, their thighs parallel to the floor, and their arms level with the desk.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair
With a solid understanding of the different types of office chairs available, you’re well-set to make an informed decision. Consider these factors to experience the benefits of ergonomic chairs to the fullest:
Adjustability
Adjustability is a crucial feature in any top-notch ergonomic chair. The more adjustable the chair, the better you can tweak it to fit your needs. Ensure the chair lets you adjust the lumbar support, seat height, tilt, and armrests to customize it for your body and tasks.
Body Type and Chair Size
When choosing an office chair, make sure it has enough seat width and height to fit your build. Taller people will need chairs with higher seat heights and backrests to properly support their legs and backs. On the other hand, shorter folks should look for chairs with adjustable features so their feet can rest flat on the floor and their arms align comfortably with the armrests (if the chair has them). Also, wider seats are great for people with broader frames.
Material and Design
Office chairs come in various materials and designs, making them become more types to choose from. The breathable, high-quality fabric keeps you cool and comfortable, while leather adds a touch of sophistication that can impress colleagues and clients. For long hours at the desk, make sure the chair has enough padding in the seat and backrest. Chairs with memory foam or high-density cushioning offer extra support. Considering these factors can boost your comfort and productivity throughout the workday.
Budget
Cost is a significant factor when choosing an office chair. Before you start shopping, set your budget to help narrow down your choices. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest chair, remember that investing in a high-quality ergonomic chair is beneficial for both your health and productivity. Aim to strike a balance between cost, features, and durability.
Sitting Posture
If you tend to fidget and move around a lot, a chair with a rocking mechanism or a kneeling chair might be a good fit. For longer work sessions, focus on finding a chair with plenty of adjustability and ergonomic features.
Types of Ergonomic Chairs You Should Avoid
Unlike daily items, ergonomic chairs are usually replaced infrequently after purchase. Choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted money, return shipping costs, and lost time. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to avoid low-quality ergonomic chairs.
Chairs Made of Non-breathable Materials
Avoid buying chairs made from non-breathable materials. For instance, PU leather needs more breathability than genuine leather, and both types are less ventilated than foam, which is, in turn, less breathable than mesh.
Choosing a chair with poor ventilation can increase pressure and trapped sweat, especially during hot weather. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria on the back and seat of the chair, which can lead to dull skin, itching, and red rashes over time. Opting for a chair with better breathability ensures comfort and helps prevent these skin issues.
Chairs Using Non-certificate Gas Lift
When selecting an ergonomic chair, it’s essential to ask the manufacturer or seller about the gas lift. Opting for a gas lift that hasn’t been tested could pose safety risks.
We recommend choosing gas lifts from reputable manufacturers that have received certifications and undergone rigorous testing, such as SGS, TUV, or BIFMA. Certified gas lifts will have stamped markings and a designated class that indicates their quality and reliability.
Chairs with Unstable Bases
A five-star design is the best choice for an ergonomic chair base. For quality, aluminum and nylon bases are top options, offering the same load-bearing capacity within the same brand. Faux nylon bases come next, followed by metal welded bases, with plastic bases being the least desirable.
Global certification standards like SGS, TUV, and BIFMA require a load-bearing capacity of 1136 kg. A five-star base that hasn’t been subjected to safety weight testing may compromise your safety.
If competitors only provide test reports from their suppliers and not their own, it’s a red flag that could mislead and confuse customers. Always seek products with verified testing from the manufacturer.
Chairs with Over Flat Neck Cushions
Many chair manufacturers must pay more attention to the importance of headrests and neck cushions in their office chair designs. As a result, the neck cushion may extend too far forward compared to the backrest, pushing your neck forward and forcing your spine into an unnatural position. This misalignment can increase the risk of developing neck issues.
Chairs with Low Resilience Cushions
Ergonomic chairs are valued for their ability to effectively support the body. If your hips sink into the seat cushion without proper support, you will likely adopt a slouched posture, undermining the chair’s ergonomic benefits.
Chairs with Excessively Prominent Lumbar Support
Most chair blogs highlight the importance of lumbar support in ergonomic chairs. However, it’s important to note that if the lumbar support protrudes too much, it won’t relieve pressure effectively and may actually add to the strain on your body.
Conclusion
If you need help determining which chair is best for your body type and work needs, it’s worthwhile to visit our showroom and try out different chairs. If visiting isn’t feasible, consult our experienced team or contact us online.
