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In Kenya, white-collar jobs are admired by many people because they are perceived to be relaxed, unlike blue-collar jobs. What many people do not understand is that most people working in offices spend the better part of the day sitting, roughly 40 hours. This could be detrimental to their health if they sit on a subpar office chair. Sitting in an incorrect position for many hours can also affect your neck, shoulders, and back. 

Experts say that sitting rather than standing exerts more pressure on the lumbosacral disc. These discs are found at the base of the spine. When standing, only a negligible amount of pressure is exerted. A perfect office chair should provide enough support instead of putting strain on soft tissues and joints, causing pain.

It is essential, therefore, to choose the right office chair for your comfort and productivity in the office. Choosing the right one, however, can be daunting, given the many options available in the market. Always take time to select a perfect office chair and, if possible, try it out. Read on to find handy tips for choosing the perfect chair for your office.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Chair for Your Office.

1. Know Which Type of Office Chair You Need

Before purchasing one, it’s important to know precisely which type of office chair you need. Various types of office chairs include task chairs. Task chairs are a classic kind of office chairs that can fit under many types of office desks. These have armrests, higher backs, and have wheels as well. There are ergonomic office chairs too. These offer superior support and, in most cases, have advanced features like customizable lengths and fabrics, headrests, extra head support, etc. 

Do you need drafting chairs? These office chairs offer higher elevations compared to the traditional office chairs. They are often used by individuals in the visually oriented fields. Drafting chairs mostly don’t have armrests, so they provide more freedom of movement while working. Other office chairs include stackable and folding office chairs, accent and reception chairs, and big and tall chairs.

2. Choose One That Provides Complete Back Support

While ergonomic chairs are comfortable and advantageous compared to traditional office chairs initially used in offices, ensure you pick one that provides complete support. Check whether it provides sufficient support on many points to ensure your back is fully supported.  Therefore, give priority to those with reclining options. Ensure they have a cushion for lumbar support. An office chair with these important features guarantees good posture despite your size or height. 

3. Should Have Proper Arm and Headrest

Your arms must also fit properly in the office chair you are interested in. It is advised that arms should be almost the same height as the keyboard of your laptop or desktop computer. You must support them at the right height to avoid discomfort. If you find yourself slouching and shrugging your shoulders to fit your elbows at the armrest, avoid it.  Instead, invest in one that supports your arms at the right height. Also, take time to examine the headrest. Most people overlook the headrest. It should be comfortable and able to support your neck and shoulders to prevent pressure on the back.

4. Height Adjustment Feature

Consider the height of a chair before buying it by ensuring it is designed to suit your body and protect your back. The height of an office chair directly affects its comfort level. Whether you are tall or short, purchase one that complements your height/physique.  As a rule of thumb, test it. Sit on it to ascertain there’s no pressure on your toes or the upper leg. Ensure that your feet effortlessly touch the floor when sitting. Purchase a chair of the right height or that comes with a height-adjusting feature to adjust the height accordingly. 

5. Has Adjustable Backrest

It is important to ensure your back remains correctly positioned when working. We have two types of backrests. The one is attached to the seat, and the others are separate. If the backrest is attached to the seat, then you will have to move it back and forth. If not attached, then ensure it has a locking system that holds it in place to ensure the two backrests and your back do not get out of whack suddenly. Check that you can adjust the backrest at various heights and angles.

6. Material and Padding

While the material and padding of an office chair are somewhat personal preference, it’s vital to invest in an office chair made of breathable material. The office chair should also have fabric material that readily absorbs heat and is comfortable to sit on for extended hours. The padding of the best office chair should neither be too hard nor too soft. Hard surfaces are painful to sit on for many hours. A very soft padding, on the other hand, does not offer adequate support.

7. Controls

Purchase an office chair with controls to set it at your desired comfort level. Ensure that these controls are easy to reach. Let it be easy to adjust height, swivel,  tilt, and do everything without straining your muscles to change the controls. In case you notice that you cannot adjust your seat comfortably while seated, look for another one.

Conclusion

Buying the perfect office chair is quite advantageous for your health and productivity. Invest in a good office chair with the above tips, and you will be guaranteed good health, comfort, and productivity. First, you should understand that there are many types of office chairs and that your office requires a particular type. Check the arm and headrest to ensure it is comfortable. Check that it is of the right height and that it has necessary controls that are easy to reach. Ensure also that it is made using your preferred material and has sufficient padding. At Kenty  Furniture, we offer a wide array of office chairs that guarantee your comfort and productivity. When you visit us, we will guide you through choosing the most appropriate seat that suits your office needs. Talk to us or visit our showroom today, and we will be glad to help you buy the best office chairs.