Choosing office furniture

Many people and companies purchase office chairs without really knowing how to recognize good ones from less good ones. Let's have a look at what field experience teaches us.

First of all, there is a difference between buying a chair for one person and buying a chair for a population. If you buy it for one, the chair may be less adjustable, as long as it is adjusted! If you buy it for a population, it needs to fit a wider range of morphologies. Hence, the adjustement ranges may need to be larger.

Secondly, you should bear in mind that the more adjustment possibilities, the bigger the risk that it is not adjusted properly. One may rightfully ask whether more is always better. 

These technical specifications will help you choose a chair for a population. On the video below, you will discover the usual adjustments for a good quality chair. [...]

Next, let's see the usual flaws of many chairs:

• too wide: chairs are getting wider and wider. Whilst the width of the seat is per so not very problematic, the armrests tend to be too far apart. Using them will force you to spread the elbows, creating neck strain;
• too deep: if the seat is too deep, you will not make full use of the lumbar support and you will tend to slouch. Some chairs have a backrest that moves above the seat pan, but most chairs have a slidable seat pan. In this case, sliding the seat pan forward will create a gap between the rear edge of the seat pan and the backrest, which will be uncomfortable. Hence, the seat depth should usually be kept at a minimum;
• non-adjustable lumbar support: some chairs have a flexible net backrest. These are intended to "adjust automatically" to the shape of your back, although the quality of the actual support can be discussed. If you have a foam backrest, make sure that it can be moved up and down;
• basic armrests: armrests tend to be too far apart, too high and / or hard. Good armrests will be 3D or 4D armrests (i.e. they can be adjusted in width, height, depth, and for 4D rotated inwards). Make sure that they go low enough to not lift your shoulders, and that they are soft padded.

A good chair will last you for many years (8-10). I always advise to buy a good chair rather than a cheap one: the real monthly cost is actually quite low. Some shops also offer reconditioned or used quality office chairs, which are often a better deal than a new cheap chair.

Please feel free to contact us in case of doubt or questions.