Ergonomic Office Chair Features Explained
Wondering what to look for in an ergonomic office chair? With so many adjustable features to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – and overlook the ones that matter most for your comfort and support.
That’s why we created this handy guide. Think of it as your one-stop checklist for understanding ergonomic chair features at a glance. We provide quick and simple explanations of how each feature works, and the benefits it offers you.
It’s an invaluable research tool when deciding which ergonomic office chair to buy, helping you understand which adjustable options are most important for your workspace requirements.
What Makes a Chair Ergonomic?
What makes an office chair ergonomic? It’s a question we’re often asked, and it comes down to adjustability. While a standard chair provides a fixed seating position with little or no flexibility, an ergonomic chair is adaptable to suit each user’s unique physique and posture.
Features range from seat height and depth adjustments to customisable back, head and armrest support. These office chairs are flexible, versatile and designed to provide personalised comfort during long shifts at work.
What to Look For in an Ergonomic Office Chair
If you’re not sure which ergonomic office chair features are best for you, don’t worry. Here at Office Furniture Online, we make it easy to understand what each one does – and whether it’s available on the chair you’re looking at.
On any adjustable office chair product page, simply select the Features tab and you’ll see icons for all the adjustable features included. Unsure which ones to look out for? Check out our summary below.
Your Guide to Ergonomic Office Chair Features
Seat Height
Gas lift adjustments to raise or lower your seat height. Helps keep thighs angled correctly and feet flat on the floor, preventing leg strain and back pain.
Seat Slide
Seat slide adjustments to suit your body height. Keeps a small gap between the seat edge and the back of your knees to improve circulation and comfort.
Backrest Height
Height-adjustable backrest can be raised or lowered to suit the natural curve of your spine. Aligns with your lower back shape for better posture support.
Independent Seat Tilt
Tilts the seat independently from the backrest. Makes it easier to find a comfortable seating position to suit your work. Various lockable positions for firm support.
Synchro Tilt
Aligns the back recline and seat angle together for a synchronised tilt. Often set at a 2:1 ratio to promote natural movement, improve circulation and ease strain.
Tilt Tension Control
Weight tension control lets you adjust tilt resistance for a smooth and supportive recline. Encourages natural movement to prevent aches, strains or stiffness.
Standard Lockable Tilt
Locks the chair in various seating positions for firm support during key tasks. Tilt can also be unlocked for ‘free float’ mode, offering greater freedom of movement.
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Fills the gap between your lower back and the backrest. Maintains the spine’s natural inward curve for better posture. Prevents slouching and reduces back pain.
Inflatable Lumbar Support
Inflated using a connected hand pump. Same benefits as adjustable lumbar support. Stops your back from flattening and distributes upper body weight evenly.
Non-Adjustable Fixed Armrests
Strong and robust, providing fixed support for the elbow and forearm. Great for resting your arms during a break. Fixed arms make it easier to get in and out of the chair.
Height-Adjustable Armrests
Arms can be raised or lowered to suit your desk height and seating position. Stable support for the elbow and forearm. Reduces RSI when using a keyboard and mouse.
Multi-Directional Armrests
Armrests move up, down, forwards or backwards. Some also pivot inwards or outwards for unrivalled versatility. Prevents RSI. Eases strain on the back, shoulders and neck.
Height-Adjustable Headrest
Headrest can be raised or lowered for personalised head, neck and shoulder support. Prevents hunching and eases tension, reducing the risk of headaches or migraines.
Height & Tilt-Adjustable Headrest
A height-adjustable headrest that can also be tilted for even greater support and comfort. Reduces neck and shoulder complaints while helping to prevent headaches.
Additional Information When Buying an Office Chair
As well as highlighting all the important adjustable features, we also provide additional information to make buying office chairs as easy as possible. Look for the below badges on any product page to help make an informed decision.
New Product
Be one of the first to enjoy our newest chairs! Any product with this badge has only just come to market, fresh with the latest features and on-trend design styles.
Length of Warranty
All our office chairs are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty for total peace of mind. Some have different timeframes for mechanical parts, fabric and foams.
User Weight Capacity
The maximum user weight recommended for the chair. Check the capacity is suitable for your requirements, because exceeding it may invalidate your warranty.
Suitable for 8-Hour Use
Recommended for daily use of up to eight hours. Suitable for day-to-day use in the workplace or home office. Perfect for co-working spaces, hot desking and general use.
Suitable for 24-Hour Use
Recommended for continuous use up to 24 hours a day. Perfect for shift workers, security personnel and non-stop settings like control rooms, call centres or offshore facilities.
Chiropractor-Approved
Tested and approved by a UK chiropractor. Recommended to help ease lower back strain, pelvic pain, disc injuries and sciatica. A seal of quality for a healthier sitting position.
In Summary
Now you know which badges to look for, you’ll find buying an office chair at OFO easier than ever before. Consider which ergonomic features are most important for you. Do you spend most of your day typing, or are you a multitasker?
Check the guide above and you’ll know exactly what you need to guarantee the very best personalised support and comfort for a healthier workday. Once you’ve ordered, find out how to adjust an office chair to make sure you get maximum value for money from your new investment.
Take Your Pick
Start browsing hundreds of office chairs today, keeping an eye out for the features that are most important to you. You’ll always find the best chair for the job at Office Furniture Online.
