3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Chair for Your Home Office
Whether you own and operate your own business or work freelance for a variety of clients, telecommuting is an attractive way to work. Of course, having a home office requires a good amount of planning and design. Not only will you need to choose a room in your house that is quiet, but you will also need to invest in office furniture. Considering you will be sitting at your desk a good amount of your work day, you should put effort into finding a good quality office chair. With these tips, you will know what to look for when shopping for a desk chair.
Personal Style
One of the greatest benefits of working from home is the ability to be among your personal belongings. Not only can you surround yourself with favorite collectibles and photos, but you can also have furniture that showcases your personal style.
Choose a chair that is appealing to you. Yes, it should be comfortable, but it should also represent your personality, which can give you a boost of self-esteem and confidence. If you see clients in your home office, the chair should offer a glimpse into your unique style. This can help potential clients and customers gauge who you are as a businessperson.
Ergonomic Design
Once you have an overall look in mind, you can try out the chair's form and function. An ergonomic chair is essential for preventing back and neck pain, since it allows you to sit in a functional manner that focuses on good posture. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for an ergonomic chair:
- Back Support – The supportive cushion should push your back forward, allowing you to sit just past or up to a 90 degree angle.
- Adjustable Seat Height – Your chair should be adjustable, allowing you to move the seat up or down according to work needs. The seat height should allow you to sit at your desk with your knees slightly under the desk top. You should be able to look directly at the computer screen, as well, without turning or lifting your head.
- Adjustable Arm Rests – If your arms cannot rest comfortably while working at your desk, you may begin experience neck and shoulder pain. To reduce the risk of this discomfort, make sure your chair's armrests are also adjustable. Adjust the armrests so your arms are slightly lifted at the shoulders. This position takes pressure off your shoulders and neck.
- Seat Width and Depth – The seat of your chair is also an important factor to consider. Choose a seat that is deep enough to allow you to sit in the chair properly. Your back should be up against the lumbar support and your feet should be flat on the ground. Make sure the seat depth allows you to have a few inches of space between the back of your knees and the chair seat. Also, your seat width should accommodate your body without squeezing or pinching your hips.
Swivel/Rolling
You will want to move around periodically while working at your desk, so consider a chair that has a swivel seat and rolling legs.
A swivel seat function allows you to move to one side of your desk to another, without placing stress on your back and neck. This is a great option if you have an l-shaped desk or filing cabinets and shelves next to your desk.
An office chair with wheels on the bottom will allow you to roll from one side of your office to another without any unnecessary physical motion. Unfortunately, rolling can be difficult if your office has carpeted flooring. In this case, make sure to invest in a chair mat that will turn a soft, carpeted area into a hard surface.
Your home office can be a productive, comfortable, and stylish place to get the job done. With these tips, you will be able to find the perfect chair for your home office.