A competent choice of a computer chair is not a tribute to fashion or interior design. This is an opportunity to provide yourself with a full-fledged place for comfortable work / games / other activities without harm to your health - in particular, without the risk of back problems during a long stay in a sitting position. We tell you how to choose a computer chair, why you need to navigate the types of this furniture, and what basic criteria to pay attention to when purchasing it.
What to look for when choosing a computer chair
Computer chairs should not only be comfortable, but also support spinal health. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, the following features should be taken into account:
- Availability of additional mechanisms. The cost of such products is high. However, the user can individually select the backrest angle or seat height, regardless of the characteristics of the figure;
- Upholstery quality. Faux leather and the most commonly used fabrics. This type of material will last a long time and has an attractive appearance; it is better, of course, to give preference to a durable mesh or fabric covering;
- Frame. I can have plastic or metal frames. If you need to buy a durable structure that will last a long time without compromising its performance, you should pay attention to metal frames;
- Style. For the office, classic models in subdued tones are often used. For home use, models can be selected based on the interior of the room. Therefore, each user can individually determine which chair is better.
- Price. Don’t forget that high-quality assembly and materials are always comparable in price, so it’s better not to save money when purchasing.
When choosing children's models, it is important to ensure that the child feels comfortable. Preference should be given to models with orthopedic backrests and a seat height adjustment function. Such models not only maintain posture, but can also last for several years.
What is the difference between a gaming chair and an office chair?
Recently, “gaming” chairs have been in great demand; although they practically do not differ in appearance from ordinary office ones, they have their own characteristics.
The frames of gaming chairs are made of all-metal pipes, so such chairs are heavier and much stronger than office chairs: some models can withstand loads of up to 200-250 kg. All other parts and mechanisms also have a high level of reliability. The filler is most often foamed polyurethane, which is attached to the frame with elastic straps. This design provides greater durability and strength.
The gaming chair's crosspiece is also reinforced and guarantees maximum stability while the structure moves across the floor. The rollers are rubber-coated, so they do not make noise and provide reliable grip on the floor surface.
The chair itself is made in a bucket shape, almost completely imitating the seat of a racing car, and anatomically supports not only the back of the gamer from the back, but also on the sides with special side protrusions. Gaming models are designed for gamers who can play for several hours at a time, so they must maintain correct posture during long games on the computer and not put strain on the spine. The chair supports any movement of the player: forward, backward, sideways, measured swaying.
Everything in a gaming chair can be adjusted: the back, seat and armrests. Moreover, for some models, the angle of the backrest can be changed with great accuracy from 90 to 180 degrees, depending on what the gamer is doing - playing, watching a movie or just relaxing. The adjustment is made using a special lever with one movement of the hand.
The armrests of the gaming chair have a non-slip rubber-like coating and can be adjusted in width, length, height and angle.
The seated lower back is supported by a special elastic cushion in the form of a curved pad, which relieves muscle tension from the back during long battles and does not interfere with normal blood circulation. A height-adjustable headrest is designed to support the head and neck.
Any of the unclaimed elements of the chair configuration can be easily removed at the required time.
The most compact computer chairs
In this selection we included chairs without armrests and headrests. They can be easily tucked under a desk, which can be very important in a small office.
1.Bureaucrat CH-330M
This chair with a metal base and eco-leather upholstery is available in various colors. There are no armrests, the maximum permissible weight is 120 kg, the height is fixed from 44 to 57 cm. The wheels have a semi-soft back and seat.
Advantages:
- seems more expensive than it costs;
- metal base;
- ride comfortably;
- beautiful leatherette.
Flaws:
- The design is mediocre - the holes don't fit well and it's difficult to assemble.
Customer Reviews
Anna Ivanova Beautiful, ergonomic, comfortable. Beautiful leatherette. Good wheels - don't scratch the floor.
Sergey R. I took the brown fabric, pleasant to the touch. Up to 90 kg - ok, more weight - I won’t risk it. The wheels are normal, no frills. The back is rigidly fixed and does not recline. The upholstery is not enough, eventually you will want to put something on the seat, perhaps a feature of my copy. I assembled it quickly, there were no problems with holes - everything matched. The metal of the fittings is soft, two bolts were torn off. Overall I'm happy with the purchase. If you need a compact chair not for everyday use, I recommend it.
TetChair Zero
This economical and elegant office chair has a metal base and is upholstered in eco-leather or fabric (customer's choice). The model has padding for seating comfort; armrests are not provided. Permissible user weight is 100 kg. The seat height is adjustable from 43 to 53 cm, its size is 43 * 45 cm. The rollers are semi-soft. There are many colors on sale from simple to very bright.
Advantages:
- seems more expensive than it is;
- easy to roll;
- many colors.
Flaws:
- the filler is thin - it’s unpleasant to sit for a long time;
- Leatherette looks presentable, but it is very hot to sit on.
Customer Reviews
Pavel N. For a long time he preferred a compact computer chair. It's okay for now. Soft leatherette, looks like fabric. Fairly reasonable price, made in Russia...
The name is Hidden Lightweight, there are no squeaks, the design and assembly are simple, height adjustment. Orange is great!
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Design and color
The appearance of the chair is no less important than its functional characteristics. Moreover, it plays a role both for the manager’s office and for the home workplace.
What material would you buy an office chair from?
TextileLeather
A universal option is neutral colors such as black, brown, dark blue. They fit into any interior and are practical. For a light interior, you can choose a tone-on-tone chair. If you want to experiment, you can choose a bright contrasting option.
If you choose a chair for your home, then you don’t need to limit yourself to a strict office style - you can show your imagination as much as possible and choose a non-trivial model. So, the chair may have an unusual shape, bright design, and so on. But if it is intended specifically for work, do not overdo it with design flourishes.
How to choose the right one
Models are selected taking into account individual needs and preferences. To determine which chair is best for working at a computer, there are several important factors to consider:
- Sphere. Almost all products are designed for 110-120 kg. It is rare to find a large computer chair that can hold up to 160-200 kg.
- Duration of the operation. If a person spends no more than 3 hours a day in front of a monitor, it is not worth spending money on an expensive design. If games and social networking take 4-5 hours, think about convenience. For constant computer work, it is better to select orthopedic products with additional functions.
- Support material and adjustment mechanism. They must be of high quality, reliable and durable. Typically plastic inserts, chromed aluminum, and wood are used.
- Lining materials. Suitable options are wear-resistant, easy to maintain, and attractive in appearance. Before choosing chairs for your sofa, it is important to think in advance about how they will fit together.
- Availability of a headrest. The element offers ease of use and promotes muscle relaxation.
- Armrests. They will come in handy during long-term use and will increase typing comfort.
- Footrest. This is useful if, at the optimal height of the chair, the legs do not reach the floor.
- Wheel quality and finish. Rigid polypropylene and nylon rollers are suitable for use on stone and tile surfaces. Soft polyurethane will preserve the integrity of laminate and parquet.
- Brand. Today, many companies specialize in the production of furniture for working at a computer. Chinese companies produce ordinary chairs and functional models, Italian goods produce expensive ones, and European goods produce excellent value for money.
Knowing how to choose the right chair for computer work can keep you healthy and improve your performance. As for the price, each buyer decides for himself how much he is willing to pay for the model he likes.
Sphere
Operation duration
Adjustment mechanism
Lining material: genuine leather
Comfortable headrest
Comfortable armrests
Footrest
Wheel quality and coating
German brand Brabix
ERGOHUMAN PLUS
How to choose a computer chair designed with innovative technologies? In this segment, we note this particular option, which belongs to the “premium” class among office furniture of this brand. You will appreciate the ergonomics and comfort of the chair, as well as its luxurious appearance.
Options:
- seat size - 505/510 mm;
- finishing material: genuine leather;
- can withstand weight up to 120 kg;
- cost - from 47.3 thousand rubles.
Benefits include active back and neck support, a holder for mobile gadgets and adjustment for posture changes. Apart from the high price, users did not notice any other shortcomings.
Supports
The standard type of support design is wheels. They are attached to all branches of the cross and can be:
- Ordinary. The roller is open;
- Closed. The roller is hidden in a protective casing;
- Rubberized. The wheel is equipped with a special rubber coating.
There are options without wheels. For example, chairs for workers faced with high installations. Due to the possibility of raising the seat to a height of 80 cm, rollers are not mounted. They are replaced with support heels (plugs). This significantly reduces the risk of the chair tipping over.
Which chair to choose if there are no budget restrictions?
Herman Miller embodies, of course! The model has been on the market for several decades, has been minimally modified, and stability is a sign of craftsmanship. And these chairs look simply pretentious. By the way, this is the only orthopedic chair in the manufacturer’s line; everything else is ergonomic.
The back of the chair resembles a spine
Huge number of colors available
Herman Miller Embody is owned by Andrey Baryshnikov, one of the co-founders and hosts of the BeardyCast podcast. Here are his thoughts on the chair:
I'm not an expert on departments
