Whether you’re back in the office or still working from home, the right chair is crucial to your ability to stay comfortable and productive all day. The wrong chair can leave you stiff and sore, making it hard to concentrate on work tasks and enjoy your time off. A well-designed and supportive seat, on the other hand, helps you stay focused, energetic, and pain-free—even when you’re stuck at your desk for long hours. Here are some helpful tips to help you shop for the right one. 

What to Look for in an Office Chair 

1. Adjustable Armrests & Height

Armrests are important, as they provide support to reduce the strain on your shoulders and neck. However, just having armrests isn’t enough. The best chairs have adjustable armrests that can be perfectly positioned. This means placing them at a height that places your wrists level with the keyboard, so your hands aren’t flexing up or down. 

Being able to adjust the seat height is important as well. Ideally, your thighs should be parallel to the floor when seated at your desk. Most adjustable-height models feature enough range to accommodate shorter and taller people.

2. Adequate Padding 

A chair that’s too hard will be painful to sit in after a while, but one that’s too soft isn’t likely to provide enough support for long periods. Choose a chair that provides enough comfort throughout the day to stop you from constantly shifting positions.

The material covering the padding is also important. Choose a chair with a breathable fabric to ensure all-day comfort, such as mesh.

3. Lumbar Support

Supporting your lower back is important to prevent pain caused by strain and compression of the spinal discs in your lower back. A quality chair will have cushioned support for your lumbar region, which allows your spine to retain its natural curvature while you’re sitting. Without adequate support, you’re likely to slouch or hunch forward toward your desk, leading to back problems. 

4. Tilt

Ideally, a chair that’s slightly tilted backward—about 100 or 110 degrees rather than a 90-degree angle—is best for reducing spinal compression. Choose a chair that offers adjustable tilt or reclining options, preferably with a tilt that can be locked into place, so you don’t inadvertently start hunching forward. 

If it’s time for a new chair, contact Bova Contemporary Furniture. Serving the Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, areas, this store has offered a wide selection of high-quality furniture since 1985. Known for their selection of beautiful and modern furniture, including chairs, desks, and pieces for the rest of the home, they’ll help you find the perfect solutions for your workspace. Take a virtual tour of the showroom and place an order on their website. Call (513) 247-9100 to speak with a team member about your home’s needs.