Home Living7 mistakes everyone makes when choosing an office chairFrom flimsy wheels to bad support, here’s everything you need to consider when buying an office chairWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home Living7 mistakes everyone makes when choosing an office chairFrom flimsy wheels to bad support, here’s everything you need to consider when buying an office chairWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
From flimsy wheels to bad support, here’s everything you need to consider when buying an office chair
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Effy Desk / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Effy Desk / Unsplash)
ForBack To Classmonth on T3, we’re looking at all the essential items you need to get you prepared for heading back to the office, university or school classroom. While most offices already have chairs, desks and other accessories set-up, having your own office chair that caters to your specific needs is invaluable.
Whether you’re in the office or working from home, having one of thebest office chairsensures that you’re comfortable while sitting down for several hours a day. After all, your office chair should support you and your body, rather than leaving you feeling sore, achy and stiff after a long day at work.
When choosing a chair for your office or WFH set-up, there are many things to consider – and yes, you can make mistakes when buying one. So, to help you find the right chair, here are seven mistakes everyone makes when choosing an office chair and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the wrong chair size
Choosing the wrong sized chair might sound silly, especially considering that the majority of office chairs can be adjusted. However, if you ignore the chair’s dimensions – more on this below – you could end up with a chair that’s too small or too big.
Having a chair that’s too small means you won’t fit in it properly which can lead to discomfort, pain and extra fidgeting – and that’s if you can even sit down in it! On the other hand, a chair that’s too big can feel like it’s crowding you and can lead to poor posture as you’re unable to sit at a proper height or reach the arm and foot rests.
With your office chair, you should be able to rest your feet flat on the floor with your knees at the same height as your hips and your lower back resting against the lower part of the chair. If this isn’t happening, it’s a clear sign that your office chair is too big or small for your size, so make sure to compare your height and weight against the chair to see if it’s the right fit for you.
(Image credit: Fotios Photos / Pexels)
(Image credit: Fotios Photos / Pexels)
2. Forgetting ergonomics and adjustments
As most office workers tend to sit in an office chair for eight hours a day, it’s important to choose one that supports your body, which is why you should consider the ergonomics and adjustments. If you sit in a chair that’s uncomfortable and doesn’t support parts of your body, it could be extremely painful and affect your body and posture. Since you have to sit in a chair for most of your weekdays, you might as well be comfortable, right?!
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Ergonomic features to consider include lumbar support, armrests and seat adjustments, like tilting and lifting. Lumbar support keeps your back and neck comfortable and spine aligned, while armrests support the elbows, shoulders and hands. For different height requirements and comfort levels, you’ll also want an office chair that can be adjusted, particularly the back, head and arm rests.
3. Having flimsy wheels
Not all wheels are built the same, so while your office chair’s casters move smoothly across hardwood floors, it might not fare as well with carpet. Whether you actively wheel around in your chair or just push it to your colleague’s desk to see their screen, flimsy or hard-to-push wheels are incredibly annoying. Depending on the floor of your office, you can pick wheels that are specifically designed for hardwood or carpet, so you can scoot around in your chair freely and smoothly.
4. Not considering a head rest
(Image credit: Boulies)
(Image credit: Boulies)
5. Ignoring the specifications
As mentioned above, you should always pay attention to the specifications of the office chair you’re looking to buy. Aside from height and weight, there are other measurements to consider that can result in how comfortable you feel while sitting in your office chair. For example, you should look at how wide it is to see if it’ll fit under your desk while giving you enough space to sit comfortably. You’ll also want to check how much or little it can be extended, the materials it’s made out of and the different ways it can be adjusted.
6. Not conducting the sit test
Almost everyone buys things online nowadays, but if you can head to a store to sit on an office chair before you buy it, that’s what we’d recommend. You can do all the research in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find it comfortable when it arrives. Instead, head to your local office chair store – think B&Q, John Lewis, Furniture Village, Ryman, The Range, etc. – and sit in your office chair of choice for a few minutes to see if you like it, if it gives enough support and how it moves.
7. Failing to look after your office chair
Once you’ve bought an office chair, you don’t need to do anything to it, right? Wrong. If you’re not taking care of your office chair, you can reduce its lifespan. Office chairs should last up to eight years before they need replacing, due to general wear and tear and loss of support. To keep your office chair in good condition, you should clean it regularly and replace any damaged parts to keep it lasting for longer.
Today’s best Office Chairs deals$29.99View$82.99View$97.46ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Office Chairs deals$29.99View$82.99View$97.46ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Office Chairs deals
$29.99View$82.99View$97.46View
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99
$29.99
$82.99View
$82.99View
$82.99View
$82.99
$82.99
$97.46View
$97.46View
$97.46View
$97.46
$97.46
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
PS5 could finally be getting Gears of War and Halo after game-changing decisionThe age of exclusives is coming to an end
The age of exclusives is coming to an end
Samsung’s latest laptops changed my mind about AI – here’s whyThe Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
The Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
Sleep expert reveals exact date you should reset your kids’ school sleep routine5 tips for getting your kids into a good sleep routine for back to school
5 tips for getting your kids into a good sleep routine for back to school
Skylight Smart Calendar review: an organiser’s dreamIf you find it hard to keep a track of everyone in your family, this is the gadget for you
If you find it hard to keep a track of everyone in your family, this is the gadget for you
9 desk lamps to illuminate your work environmentBoost your mood and productivity with best desk lamps, from classic styles to modern smart lights
Boost your mood and productivity with best desk lamps, from classic styles to modern smart lights
These 5 pop-up desks are the key to your perfect WFH set-up5 pop-up desks for portable work on the go, including the Logitech Casa
5 pop-up desks for portable work on the go, including the Logitech Casa
Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: this everyday bag is pricey but almost perfectThis Troubadour Apex Backpack means business, but is it worth the money?
This Troubadour Apex Backpack means business, but is it worth the money?
5 signs you need an ergonomic standing deskFeeling a bit stiff or fatigued at the end of the working day? It may be time to switch things up
Feeling a bit stiff or fatigued at the end of the working day? It may be time to switch things up
Back In Action HAG SoFi Mesh 7500 review: a comfortable, ergonomic and stylish office chairI tried the Back In Action HAG SoFi Mesh 7500, and it might be my new favourite office chair
I tried the Back In Action HAG SoFi Mesh 7500, and it might be my new favourite office chair
Your office chair could be ruining your gym results — here’s whyAre you working from a poorly designed office chair?
Are you working from a poorly designed office chair?
