How to choose an ergonomic chair: complete guide before buying

Choosing an ergonomic chair is not just about looking for a comfortable chair or one with good design. The key lies in finding a model that can adapt to your body, to the height of your desk and to the way you work every day.

A good chair should help you support your back properly, keep your arms relaxed, avoid forced postures and change position slightly throughout the day. This is especially important if you work many hours in front of the computer, study daily or have set up a home office space.

In this guide we go over the key points for choosing an ergonomic chair wisely: adjustments, lumbar support, type of backrest, materials and details worth checking before buying. This way it will be easier for you to compare different models of ergonomic chairs for working comfortably and choose an option suited to your needs.

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What an ergonomic chair is and what sets it apart from a conventional chair

What an ergonomic chair is

An ergonomic chair is a chair designed to adapt to the user and encourage a comfortable posture during work, study or prolonged use of the computer.

The main difference compared to a conventional chair lies in the adjustability. A basic chair may have a backrest, a padded seat and wheels, but offer few adjustments. An ergonomic chair, on the other hand, usually allows you to adjust elements such as seat height, backrest, lumbar support, armrests, tilt or even seat depth.

This matters because not everyone has the same height, build or way of sitting. A chair may seem comfortable at first, but turn out to be uncomfortable after several hours if it does not fit your body well.

Ergonomics is not about sitting rigidly, but about setting up a workstation that goes along with the body. The chair is a fundamental piece, but the desk, the screen, the keyboard, the mouse, the lighting and the breaks also have an influence. To better understand the general concept, you can read our guide on what ergonomics in the workplace is.

Main adjustments of an ergonomic chair before buying

Main adjustments in an ergonomic chair

The adjustments are what sets a real ergonomic chair apart from a chair that only seems comfortable. It does not need to have all the extras on the market, but it should allow you to adapt the most important parts to the body.

Adjustable seat height on an ergonomic chair

Seat height

Adjustable height is one of the basic requirements. Ideally, you should be able to rest your feet on the floor or on a footrest, with your legs in a comfortable and stable position.

If the chair is too high, you may end up with your feet dangling or resting in an unstable way. If it is too low, your knees may end up too raised and the lumbar area may adopt a forced posture.

Before buying, check the seat height range and compare it with the height of your desk.

Seat depth on an ergonomic chair

Seat depth

Seat depth has a big influence on comfort. A seat that is too short may leave part of the thighs without support. One that is too deep may prevent you from resting your back properly against the backrest.

As a reference, when you sit down there should be a small gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. A common guideline measurement is to leave about 5 cm, roughly a fist.

If the chair allows you to adjust seat depth, all the better. This adjustment is especially useful if it is going to be used by several people or if your height is outside the average.

Adjustable backrest on an ergonomic office chair

Adjustable backrest

The backrest should follow the natural shape of the back and offer enough support. You do not always need a very high backrest, but you do need a stable, comfortable one suited to your height.

It is also advisable for it to allow some tilt. It is not about working lying down, but about being able to vary your posture slightly during the day. A chair that forces you to always keep the same position can become uncomfortable as the hours go by.

Adjustable lumbar support to care for the back on an ergonomic chair

Lumbar support

Lumbar support is one of the most important elements in an ergonomic chair. Its function is to support the lower part of the back so that you do not have to hold your posture with muscle tension alone.

Ideally, the lumbar support should be adjustable in height or depth. That way you can place it exactly where you really need it. If it sits too high, it may bother the middle area of the back. If it sits too low, it will not give support where it should. And if it sticks out too much, it may push you forward.

If your priority is to care for this area, it is worth expanding your knowledge with the guide on how to choose a good chair for your back.

Adjustable armrests on an ergonomic chair

Adjustable armrests

Armrests help reduce tension in the shoulders, arms and neck, but only if they are well positioned. As a reference, the elbows should sit close to a comfortable angle and the shoulders relaxed.

If the armrests sit too high, they may raise the shoulders. If they sit too low, they will barely provide support. The most advisable thing is for them to be height-adjustable. If they also allow adjustment in width, depth or rotation, all the better.

It is also important that they do not stop you from getting close to the desk. If they bump into the desk, you may end up working too far from the keyboard or leaning forward.

Adjustable headrest on an ergonomic office chair

Headrest

The headrest is not always essential. It can be useful if you tend to recline, take breaks or need neck support, but it should not be the only purchase criterion.

What matters is that it does not push the head forward. A badly positioned headrest can generate neck tension instead of relieving it. If you choose a chair with a headrest, it is better for it to be adjustable in height or tilt.

To better understand each component, you can check the guide on the parts of an ergonomic office chair.

How to know which ergonomic chair you need based on daily use

How to know which ergonomic chair you need based on your use

A person who uses the chair for one hour a day does not need the same as someone who works remotely all day long.

For occasional use, a chair with adjustable height, a comfortable backrest and a stable base may be enough. For daily use, it is worth prioritising lumbar support, adjustable armrests and breathable materials. For long days, it is worth looking for a chair with a higher level of adjustment, a reclining backrest, good stability and a seat that stays comfortable for several hours.

If you work from home, it is also important to assess the available space, the height of the desk and the type of floor. In that case, you can check our category of comfortable home office chairs.

And if you are looking for specific models for home, you can compare options in our guide on the best ergonomic chairs for working from home.

How to adjust an ergonomic chair step by step

How to adjust an ergonomic chair step by step

An ergonomic chair only works well if you adjust it correctly. Many people buy a good chair, but then use it with the height wrongly set, the backrest too far away or the armrests in an uncomfortable position.

In addition to adjusting the chair, it is worth reviewing your habits throughout the day. You can expand on this part in our guide on how to sit correctly at work.

Follow these basic steps:

  • - Adjust the seat height to rest your feet on the floor or on a footrest.
  • - Check that your thighs are comfortable and without pressure.
  • - Leave a small gap between the edge of the seat and the back of the knees.
  • - Rest your back against the backrest.
  • - Position the lumbar support in the lower area of the back.
  • - Adjust the armrests so that your shoulders stay relaxed.
  • - Bring the chair close to the desk without the armrests getting in the way.
  • - Adjust the tilt of the backrest if the chair allows it.
Ergonomics of the workstation with chair desk and screen

Ergonomics of the workstation: chair, desk and screen

An ergonomic chair can greatly improve comfort, but on its own it does not make up for a bad placement of the desk, the screen or the keyboard.

The height of the desk should allow your arms to work in a relaxed way. If the desk is too high, you will tend to raise your shoulders. If it is too low, you may bend your back or strain your wrists.

The screen also has an influence. If it is too low, you will look downward and strain your neck. If it is too high, you may end up straining the cervical area. Ideally, you should look straight ahead in a natural way, without constantly tilting your head.

The keyboard and the mouse should sit close to the body, at a comfortable height and without forcing you to stretch your arms too much. If you work many hours with a computer, you may be interested in the guide on how to maintain correct posture in front of the computer.

In home workstations, these details are even more important because people often work at desks not designed for the office. To better adapt your space, you can also read our guide on ergonomics in remote work.

Ergonomic chairs for back pain and neck discomfort

Chairs for back pain

Many people look for an ergonomic chair because they have back pain, neck discomfort or discomfort from sitting for many hours.

In these cases, it is worth having realistic expectations. A quality ergonomic chair can help you sit better, offer more suitable support and reduce forced postures. However, if the pain is persistent or intense, the advisable thing is to consult a healthcare professional.

If your priority is to care for your back, pay special attention to these points: adjustable lumbar support, a stable backrest, a seat with suitable depth, adjustable armrests and a height compatible with your desk.

It is also important to move. The best chair does not remove the need to stand up, change posture and take breaks throughout the day.

Mistakes to avoid when buying an ergonomic chair

Mistakes to avoid when buying an ergonomic chair

One of the most common mistakes is focusing only on the design or on the chair carrying the word “ergonomic”. A chair may seem modern, professional or very padded, but not fit your body or your desk well.

Another common mistake is buying without checking measurements. Before you decide, check the seat height, the depth, the width, the backrest height, the maximum recommended weight and the type of armrests.

It is also advisable to avoid choosing on price alone. A cheap chair may be enough for occasional use, but if you are going to spend many hours sitting, it is worth prioritising adjustments, support and materials.

Finally, do not forget the later adjustment. A badly adjusted ergonomic chair can end up being almost as uncomfortable as a basic chair.

Conclusion: how to choose an ergonomic chair well

The best ergonomic chair is not necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the most extras. It is the one that best adapts to your body, to your desk and to your way of working.

To get it right, prioritise the elements that most influence ergonomics: adjustable height, a stable backrest, lumbar support, suitable seat depth, adjustable armrests and comfortable materials.

After that, check details such as the headrest, the tilt, the wheels or the type of upholstery.

A good chair should help you support your back better, keep your arms relaxed and work with a more natural posture. When you are clear about your needs, you can compare models in our selection of ergonomic chairs for working or studying and choose the option that best fits you.