The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Office Chairs: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Workspace 

There’s nothing worse than standing up after a long day in front of the computer and feeling your back twinge and straining to turn your neck! Your comfort and health are paramount when your job requires you to sit for prolonged periods.

Choosing the best office chair to suit your body and work style is vital to alleviating discomfort and physical pain that incorrect posture can cause. Once you’ve found an ergonomic office chair to suit you, you’ll be more productive, and your day will fly by!

In this complete buyer’s guide to office chairs, you’ll discover the different types available, understand the key features to look for, get tips for choosing the best office chair and learn how to maintain it for optimal performance and longevity.

Understanding Different Types of Office Chairs

Before you purchase your ideal office chair, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Here is a guide to our top 3 best office chairs in Australia.  

Ergonomic Chairs

It would be best to consider an ergonomic office chair for optimal support and comfort when sitting at a desk all day.

These chairs are fully adjustable, so you can adapt them to suit your needs. You can change aspects like the seat tilt, arms, lumbar support, headrest, height and backrest tilt. As a result, the chair moulds to your body, providing support where needed and helping you to sit comfortably (with the correct posture) for hours.

You’ll also find ergonomic office chairs come in a range of breathable fabrics that prevent you from overheating (and are much easier to clean!). You can also choose ones with a swivel function and wheels to make reaching and turning for things much easier.

Executive Chairs

If you want to look and feel like a boss, consider an executive office chair. These chairs make the perfect statement piece for your office and are designed with style, class, and comfort in mind.

They’re crafted from high-class materials, are aesthetically pleasing, and are designed to offer maximum comfort if you sit down most of the day.

An executive office chair will also offer superior ergonomic features such as lumbar support, height adjustment and tilt adjustment options to help you fit the chair to suit you.

Task Chairs

If you’re prone to shoulder, back or hip pain, you must consider purchasing an office task chair. These chairs have been specifically designed to encourage the correct ergonomic posture that minimises pain in these areas.

You’ll find they come in various materials, back designs, and heights and come with or without armrests. They are adjustable so you can control the height of the chair, armrests, back tilt, and support.

The main benefit of task chairs is their seat design, which features a padded seat that allows your pelvis to sink in (preventing hip pain) and supports your thighs (preventing circulation issues).

Key Features to Look for in an Office Chair

With so many chairs to choose from, how do you find the right one? Here are the key features for finding the best office chair in Australia.  

Adjustability

Your office chair needs to be adjustable for the ultimate support and comfort. You’ll need to adjust your seat’s height and seat tilt to allow your feet to sit comfortably on the ground in front of you and maintain your leg circulation. If you choose armrests, they should be adjusted to sit at the height where your arms naturally fall. For ergonomic office chairs with a backrest, ensure the lumbar support fits into your lower back curve.

Lumbar Support

Most ergonomic and executive office chairs will offer some form of lumbar support. This is vital to maintain the health of your spine. When you’re sitting for prolonged periods, this lumbar support helps correct your posture, boost circulation, and keep your spine aligned to prevent back strain. If you find you’re slouching or your back is pushing forward, that’s a good sign that your office chair doesn’t have the correct lumbar support for your body.  

Material and Padding

Depending on your style and preference, you’ll find mesh, fabric or leather office chairs. You’ll find these materials to be breathable, easy to clean and work to keep you cool while working. The padding on your office chair will make the biggest difference to your comfort levels. You’ll find some have high-quality foam padded seats that offer superior comfort levels. Modern padding is highly durable and should remain functional and supportive for many years.

Tips for Choosing the Right Office Chair

Now that you’ve discovered the best office chairs and what to look for, here are some tips before purchasing.

Assessing Your Workspace

Before you purchase the best office chair, you’ll need to ensure it fits your workspace. You’ll find the dimensions listed in the product listings. Consider your existing office desk height and if your chair can be adjusted so your legs fit comfortably underneath (while maintaining proper posture). You’ll also need to ensure the chair’s width fits between the legs of your desk. Once you’ve found the fit, you can choose the style and colour to make the décor of your office (if you wish to create a stylish space!).  

Budget Considerations

You’ve probably noticed that the price of office chairs can vary considerably! You’ll find the higher-end ones should have more features (e.g., they are fully adjustable, have better weight tolerance, have higher quality materials, etc.). The best thing to do is to have a budget in mind first and then compare chairs in that range. However, when it comes to your health, the most important things to consider are the ergonomics and comfort levels offered.

Maintaining Your Office Chair

Once you’ve purchased the best office chair in Australia (shop online today at Buy Direct Online!), here are some tips on maintaining it.

Regular Cleaning

Mesh or leather office chairs offer the easiest cleaning options, with spills and sweat (or tears!) being wiped off easily. To keep the leather in good condition, wipe over it occasionally with a leather cleaner. Fabric office chairs can be spot-cleaned with soap and water, or try rubbing alcohol.

Adjustments and Repairs

With constant use, office chairs can adjust themselves. It’s essential to regularly check your chair’s positioning to maintain your ergonomic support and comfort levels. Occasionally, you may need to make minor repairs like tightening screws and the like. If it’s something more significant (e.g. seat lift stops working, wheels are loose, etc.), it may be time to seek professional help (from your place of purchase, the manufacturer or a local chair repair company).  

Shop our Range of Office Chairs Today

Buy Direct Online stocks an extensive range of the best office chairs in Australia. Blending style, functionality and comfort, you’ll find a chair to suit your needs right here. Use this handy guide, browse our office chairs, purchase them online, and we’ll deliver them to you (anywhere in Australia).