Office chair, executive chair, swivel chair, desk chair, gaming chair etc. It is easy to get confused by these different terms. But in essence, these terms all refer to a similar type of seating for the desk. Basically, it is an upholstered chair or armchair, usually with heavy padding, a high backrest and a seat mechanism. An office chair has to meet different requirements depending on the person. For some people, an ergonomic chair is important for good posture. Others prefer a comfortable chair with lots of padding. Office chairs can be equipped in many different ways. Some have a headrest, armrests or castors. For many, such features are an important part of a good office chair. In the following text, we will explain which seat mechanisms, features and designs are available and their special characteristics.
1 Different seat mechanisms
There are many different seat mechanisms for office chairs. The best-known and most common seat mechanism is the rocker mechanism. However, it is not particularly ergonomic and primarily only gives the feeling of movement. The rocking mechanism can be thought of as a kind of rocking chair. Here, the backrest and seat are coupled together and always remain at the same angle to each other when tilted. This causes the backrest and seat to tilt, but the back remains in the same position when sitting. Therefore, the impression of dynamism and movement is created without this taking place. Because this seat mechanism is so widespread, it can be found in chairs of all price ranges and designs. Whether the rocking mechanism is right for you should be tested and carefully weighed up beforehand.
The alternative to the rocker mechanism is the synchronous mechanism. This mechanism allows the backrest and seat to tilt independently of each other. The backrest is therefore flexibly coupled to the seat. When leaning back, the backrest tilts and the seat moves only slightly or hardly at all. This means that the back actually moves and the sitting experience is much more dynamic. This mechanism opens up the pelvis and the back is relieved and moved. Another advantage of this dynamic is that the feet do not lose their grip on the ground. Unlike the rocker mechanism, the seat does not move to the same extent, so the feet remain on the floor.
2. the equipment
If you spend the whole day at your desk in the office or home office, a good chair is elementary. The back and neck are particularly stressed. An ergonomic office chair can help relieve the strain on the body. When buying a new desk chair, it is therefore worth paying close attention to the features. To relieve the strain on the head and neck, a headrest is a useful piece of equipment for office chairs. A headrest allows you to lean your head back and thus relieve the strain on your neck. If you like to put your legs up, you can add a matching stool to your office chair. This provides variety and offers the opportunity for brief relaxation.
Castors for the office chair are practical, but not absolutely necessary. Castors make it easier to position yourself at your desk. They also make other office procedures easier and do not require you to awkwardly move your office chair. In addition, castors protect the floor because, unlike conventional chair legs, they do not scratch the floor and have no sharp edges. A cross base is important for a stable stand. This is particularly stable and balances the weight. Cross feet are often also swivel feet. A swivel chair is found on the majority of office chairs, and with good reason. Practically, you can simply turn around while sitting without having to move the chair.
When buying, also make sure you have the right seat. When choosing your office chair, try them out if possible. The seat should be wide enough without making you feel cramped. A height-adjustable seat is very important, but most office chairs have this. For the best fit, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle when sitting, while your feet are on the floor.
An important element for the executive chair are the armrests. For many people, permanently installed armrests are primarily just decorative, as they are simply not the right height. To ensure that the arms can be rested sensibly and in a way that suits the body, the armrests should be adjustable if possible. Here, too, the following applies: if the arms form a 90-degree angle when lying down, this is optimal. Armrests help to relieve the strain on the shoulders because the arms do not have to be supported on the table.
3. the design
When it comes to the right design for your home office chair, it is of course your personal taste that counts. Choose an office chair that suits your taste and fits well with your interior. Models with a timeless design are particularly suitable. Bauhaus is an example of this. Although the designs of the chairs and armchairs from the Bauhaus period are now already 100 years old, they still have a modern and timeless effect on us today. But of course, more unusual designs can also be integrated into the office. Bright colours, interesting contours and mechanisms are of course always a matter of taste. Classic shapes include the executive chair. An office chair with a high backrest, thick upholstery and a stately size. These types of office chairs are usually upholstered in leather. Somewhat plainer variants are bucket seats. These usually have a fabric cover and a lower backrest. They are also usually fully enclosed at the back and sides and have high armrests connected to the backrest. This type of office chair is typical of Scandinavian design and appears minimalist and unobtrusive.
Classic colours for office chairs are muted colours such as grey, brown and black. Leather covers are typical for executive chairs and office chairs. Here you have the choice between imitation leather and genuine leather. Many modern chairs have imitation leather covers. These are usually easier to care for than real leather, but often not as durable. Genuine leather has an inherent smell that not everyone likes. On the other hand, it has a very high-quality appearance and is resistant to abrasion. An alternative to leather is fabric. Fabric is more breathable than leather, which is a great advantage, especially in summer. In addition, fabric can have all kinds of colours and patterns. There are no limits to creativity and personal wishes.
Always think about your personal preferences when choosing the right office chair. A good look is important, of course, but an ergonomic office chair will do your body better in the long run. Weigh things up before you buy so that you can enjoy your office chair for as long as possible.
