How to Choose an Office Chair
As a standing desk company, you’d think we’d be telling you to kick your chair to the curb.
Truth is, as outlined in our blog article What’s the Ideal Sitting and Standing Desk Ratio?, many leading experts in health and ergonomics actually don’t recommend standing all the time. They suggest frequent transitions between sitting and standing throughout your workday.
Depending on your health and fitness, they say, you should be spending anywhere between 15 and 36 minutes in a chair every hour. Since that’s still a lot of time sitting, you want a chair that’s comfortable, supportive, and ergonomic.
But with all the available styles and types, how do you choose the right office chair for you? To help get you pointed in the right direction, read on.
How to Pick a Desk Chair
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Types of Chairs Available
Stand Up Desk Store sells four primary types of computer chairs:
- Our Executive Leather Office Chair is plush, supportive, and adds a touch of sophistication to your workspace.
- Advantages:
- Ultra-comfortable
- Reclines if desired
- Makes you look like you’re in charge
- Advantages:
- Our Drafting Chair/Task Stool is a top seller with SUDS customers and a favorite among staff members here at HQ.
- Advantages:
- Sits higher for a better view of your office
- Places you closer to eye level with coworkers who walk by
- You don’t have to raise or lower the desk a great distance when you want to transition between sitting and standing
- Advantages:
- Our Standing Desk Chair/Active Motion Stools are popular alternatives to traditional chairs.
- Advantages:
- Combines the support and comfort of sitting with the healthy movement of standing
- The wobble stool base helps keep your core engaged
- Fun
- Does not require you to adjust desk height when you want to stand up
- Available in three distinct styles
- Advantages:
- Our Pedal Exerciser Under Desk Bike helps you boost calorie burn right at your desk.
- Advantages:
- Allows you to pedal while you work
- Adjustable tension lets you casually move your feet, or work hard enough to break a sweat
- Advantages:
2. Determine What You Want Out of an Office Chair
If everyone was the same, we’d only make one chair. You’re an individual and deserve a chair that’s tailored to your needs.
- Choose a Drafting Chair if: You want seamless sit to stand transitions
- Choose an Executive Chair if: You like a little luxury
- Choose a Standing Desk Chair if: You want to keep your legs and core engaged when you sit
- Choose an Under-Desk Bike if: You want to burn maximum calories during the day
3. Consider Potential Limitations
Sometimes your personal preferences and other factors don’t align. Here are some things to look out for:
- Is there limited space under the desk? An Under-Desk Bike may not fit
- Is there limited space behind you? An executive chair might take up too much room
- Are you unaccustomed to standing for more than a few minutes at a time? A Standing Desk Chair/Active Motion Stool might not be right for you yet.
- Do you need your office chair to recline? A Drafting Chair/Task Stool, because of its height, is not designed to recline.
Now that you’re familiar with our chair options, check out our Standing Desk Chairs and Stools page. Happy shopping.
