Office Chairs Buying Guide

So you finally bought that special desk  for your home office,  and now you need the chair to go with it.  Don't be skimpy--for style, savings and comfort purposes, investing in a quality office chair is one of the best moves you can make when outfitting your professional space.  A top-of-the-line chair will be durable, lasting for years without replacement, and can offer the cushioning and support your body needs during the long work day.  So check out all your options before you run out to buy anything; your back and bum will thank you later.

Things to Consider

Size:  The right chair for your body will allow you to sit comfortably for longer periods of time.  The back should reach the middle of your shoulder blades for adequate upper back support, with the top of the shoulder blades being ideal.  The seat itself should also be long enough so that the edge of the chair comes out about two or three finger lengths from the bend of your knee.

Adjustments:  Many modern chairs have adjustment capabilities, from seat height to seat back angle and varying lumbar support.  A quality chair will have at least five adjustment options, while a top-of-the-line model can have as many as fourteen.  

Cushions:  Some chairs dedicated to ergonomics  have cushioning made from memory foam,  which conforms to your body shape and supports you from all possible angles. Other chairs have removable cushions  that are easy to wash and replace.  Why throw away the whole chair when only the cushions are worn?

Office Chair Options

Design
Low-Back Chairs  These are better for those of a shorter stature, whose mid-back can be accommodated by this smaller chair.	Mid-Back Chairs  Mid-back chairs are great if you're starting your own business and buying in bulk.  They can easily accommodate all body types.	Executive Chairs  Executive chairs are great for taller persons, and are often a staple in high-end CEO offices because they offer the most support.	Kneeling Chairs  A kneeling office chair (or Swedish kneeling chair) promotes good posture without a back support.  This is for those who are super dedicated to ergonomics or have existing back conditions.

More Unique Designs
Drafting Chair or Stool	Lazy Boy	Lab Stool	Stacking Chairs	Conference Chairs

Materials

Office chairs are made from tons of different materials.  Choose from these for starters:

• Leather 
• Vinyl 
• Fabric 
• Mesh/Ventilated 
• Steel 
• Plastic 
• Wood 

Major Manufacturers

• Herman Miller
• Steelcase
• Knoll, Inc.
• Haworth, Inc.
• Indovickers
• Global Total Office
• Bredford Manufacturing, Inc.

For a more complete list, check out the Yahoo Business Directory.

Related Guides

Office Furniture	Home Office Essentials	Massage Chairs	Office Supplies	Office Machines

External Links

• EverythingOfficeFurniture.com:  If they don't have everything, they have a lot. 
• NFIB.com:  Things to think about before buying that perfect office chair.
• Spine-Health.com:  Some good pointers on how to buy office chairs that are good for your back.