7 Must-Have Features to Look for in Home Office Desk Chairs

If you work from home, a chair that is supportive and adjustable to your body is essential. This minimalist Scandinavian design from Branch has a back that bends with the user, but not so much that it feels flimsy or needs more structure over time.

It lists intuitive adjustment controls, including arm height, lumbar height, seat depth, and tilt control. It might not look flashy, but it is a great fit for those who spend eight hours or more at their desks daily.

Ergonomics

Sitting for extended periods while working can cause significant strain on the body. However, using an appropriate ergonomic chair can help to reduce discomfort, encourage proper posture and enable you to remain attentive and efficient throughout your workday.

Look for a padded seat with enough “give” to prevent you from slouching. You’ll also want to make sure the chair is a good fit for your height. The seat depth should leave room for 2 to 4 fingers between the front of the backrest and your knees. If there’s less space, it could compress your veins and restrict blood flow to your lower legs.

Comfort

Comfort is key when choosing desk chairs for home offices Indianapolis, IN. A chair that doesn’t fit your body can cause pain and lead to bad posture. Thankfully, the right chair can help prevent this with its ergonomic features.

Adjustable Armrests

Armrests on a desk chair are important because they help you keep your arms and hands in a neutral position to avoid shoulder and carpal tunnel pain. You also want to make sure they can adjust to accommodate your height.

Highly adjustable armrests will feature a combination of height, pivot, and 360-degree rotation adjustments to allow you to find the perfect positioning for your body and your workspace. This will help prevent kyphosis, a postural condition that causes you to round your back forward.

When selecting an armrest style for your chair, you have several options. You can choose traditional T-arms or loop armrests that form a full circle. It’s important to look for materials that are durable and easy to clean.

Adjustable Seat Height

The right office chair height is vital for your comfort and productivity. If you sit too low, your knees may be higher than your hips, which can cause back pain and lead to poor posture.

A good chair will have an adjustable seat height and a swivel base to support your movement. It should also have durable casters that won’t break down or move too freely.

Adjustable Lumbar Support

Experts recommend taking regular breaks from sitting and standing for short periods to prevent back pain. When you’re at your desk, a chair with adjustable lumbar support helps keep your spine’s natural curve aligned and prevents you from slouching or pushing your shoulders forward.

Most ergonomic chairs with a lumbar adjustment offer a mechanical or pneumatic add-on within the back cushion that can be adjusted manually through a rotary knob to apply more or less curvature. Other models may have an adjustable seat depth, a lever beneath the seat that allows you to shorten the distance between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.

Seat Slider

Many home office chairs feature a seat slider to adjust the depth of the chair (the distance between your body and the back of the chair). This helps people of various statures feel more comfortable.

For example, shorter individuals may find their calves butt up against the edge of a standard desk chair and cause back pain. A seat slider allows them to sit so their hips are back in the chair and their shoulders are anchored against the backrest.

Another benefit of this modern home office chair is its flip-up armrests that allow you to slide it under the desk when not in use. Plus, its caster wheels and base are built to roll and pivot smoothly across most types of flooring.

Adjustable Footrest

Sitting all day in a chair can dig into the backs of your thighs and cause your feet to dangle (which increases pressure on your legs and affects circulation). An under-desk footrest, like this one made of memory foam, helps you keep a neutral posture while working.

It’s also a great option for short people because it lets them extend their legs and sit comfortably without straining their feet and lower legs. Ergonomic desk chair expert Kelly Starrett says a footrest is essential for a good ergonomic setup.