Office chairs are available in a wide range of styles and designs. Some chairs are made largely with functionality in mind, some are designed to make a visual impact and some provide just the right mix of comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Before you splash out on an elegant, leather-upholstered chair, it’s important to consider what type of chair will really suit your needs. Not all office chairs are appropriate for all body shapes or sizes, or for all work-related tasks.
Evaluate your seating requirements
First and foremost, you should evaluate your individual requirements and the main tasks you perform in the workplace.
For example, do you work in a seated position for hours at a time, and do you need to be able to reach for items like the phone, your computer and bulk filing cabinets? If so, you’ll need a chair that provides proper support and manoeuvrability, giving you the ability to spin, twist and tilt without straining your neck or back.
Also, what space must your office chair fit into and how high is your desk and workstation? It’s vital that the chair you use lets you carry out your responsibilities in a natural and comfortable position. No matter how tall or short you are, it should allow you to sit with your arms and armrests almost level with the working surface so that you maintain a healthy posture.
Critical ergonomic design elements
Regardless of the type of office chair you’re considering, look out for specific ergonomic design elements that afford the body the best possible comfort and support.
The seat of an office chair should be sculpted to provide a slightly raised front aspect, culminating in a curved, drop-down edge. This ensures optimal blood flow to the upper thighs.
The backrest should follow the natural curvature of the spine, with a padded upper cushion that falls gently away as it extends to the seat. Proper support, especially for the lumbar region of the back, is vital.
A general rule of thumb is that if your seated position is easy to maintain over a long period, you’ve found an ideal match.
Choosing the right upholstery fabric
Like chair type and design, the upholstery fabric you choose should suit your needs. This isn’t just about how the fabric looks. It’s also about comfort and durability.
For example, luxurious, high-end materials like genuine leather or plush synthetics may be tempting, but they don’t always suit the climatic conditions in which a chair will be used. They may also be more vulnerable to wear and tear.
Ideally, the upholstery fabric you choose should be cool in summer and snug and warm in winter, with breathable qualities. Maintenance is also key. The material should be dirt-resistant and easy to clean.
When it comes to selecting an upholstery fabric for your office chair, it’s fine to aim for panache – but consider the practicalities too!
Bespoke is best
At K-Mark, we craft office chairs to your specifications. You tell us exactly what your needs and preferences are, and we customise everything from the chair’s basic design to the style of its base and armrests, and its upholstery.
No matter what chair features you choose, our focus is always on providing ergonomically designed, high-quality chairs that keep our customers happy and healthy in the workplace.
