Best Office Chairs Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Adjustability
Adjustability
Everybody has a different shaped body, which means that we can all benefit when we have a chair that fits us perfectly. The problem is that a chair is made on an assembly line which means that they are generally all made the same. This is why it’s so important that you find a chair that is adjustable in a few different places so that you can configure the chair to your body. You will find that it’s much more comfortable to sit in a chair that is best fitted to your unique needs rather than one that has a one size fits all approach.
The ability to adjust the height of the seat should be non-negotiable. This is because everyone has a different height so you need to be able to change the seat height accordingly. Otherwise, you may be in a position where you are too low or too high at your desk. Another thing that you will most likely want to be able to adjust is the height of the armrests if they are present. Once again, the armrests can be too high or too low for your desk so if you can change the height, the chair is more likely to be able to fit under your desk. Some people also like to be able to adjust the lumbar or the reclining tension as well. If this is important to you, then you should look for these features. The more ways you can adjust your chair, the more likely you are going to be able to sit on it in a comfortable fashion which will make you more satisfied with it.
Comfort
Comfort and Support
You are going to need to make sure that the chair is comfortable and offers you the proper amount of support in key areas. It’s hard to be productive when you are working in a chair that you find to be uncomfortable. Support is also part of comfort because a chair that doesn’t offer you the proper amount of back support will eventually start to feel uncomfortable as well. You are going to need to make sure that both of these concerns are addressed in any chair that you end up picking.
When it comes to back support, you will need to make sure that the chair at least has lumbar and lower back support. This will give you the minimum amount of back support. However, some people prefer to own chairs that support the upper back and the neck which will give you the maximum amount of back support. Another thing that you are going to need to decide on is if you want to have a mesh back or a padded back. A mesh back tends to be highly breathable which makes it an ideal choice for when you don’t want your back to get sweaty. On the other hand, a padded back offers more cushion which can make you feel more comfortable as well.
The seat is the other important thing that you will need to look at. It’s best to find a seat that has the waterfall design as this will help promote blood circulation to your legs. Another thing that is helpful is to get a seat that has plenty of padding. You will need to make sure that you like how the cushion feels and that there is enough of it.
Features
Wheels or Glides
The floor underneath the chair should also be a factor in your decision. This is because there are a number of different choices for wheels and some of them are better for certain floor surfaces over others. You should always go for wheels or gliders that will work with your floor in order to prevent any damage to your chair or the floor underneath it. When it comes to picking what contacts the floor, your two main categories are glides and casters.
Glides are not wheels but instead, they are little discs that touch the floor instead. The idea is to help keep the chair from moving so as you would expect, they aren’t going to slide smoothly over the floor while you are sitting in the chair. The gliders will normally make it easy to move the chair with a little bit of effort while you are on the carpet. If you plan on moving the chair a lot, then you should not get gliders and go for casters instead.
Casters are wheels and they come in three different flavors. One is a plastic caster that is great for carpets since it’s unlikely to get caught on carpets. Plastic casters can scratch tile or hardwood floors. If this is your flooring surface, then you may want to go for rubber casters which are unlikely to leave marks or scratches on hard surfaces. Both kinds of casters can come in a braking variety which will lock the chair in place when you stand up. This will help keep the chair from rolling away on you when you get up from your desk which can be used on uneven floors.
Effectiveness
Tilting and Reclining
Some people prefer chairs that do not tilt at all while other people like to have chairs that pivot or even recline. You are going to want to decide which is best for you when it comes to purchasing a chair for your office. The most basic kind is a chair that has a fixed back. You may want to purchase this kind of chair in a situation where you need additional back support and do not want to lean. However, most people will want to relax at some point in time in which case you are going to need a chair that tilts or pivots.
A chair that pivots will let the back tilt backward while the chair slides out. There is also even back chair where the back and the seat move together so that you are always at the same height. The final version is on that reclines. A reclining chair lets the back tilt backward while the seat goes up and raises your legs. You are going to want to try each style so that you get one that is perfect for your comfort.
When it comes to tilting, you are going to want to make sure that there is a tilt lock so that the chair is locked into place when you do not wish to tilt. Some chairs also have a feature that lets you set a limit on the amount of tilt as well. You may also find a chair that lets you set the amount of tension on the tilt so that it’s easier or harder to tilt the chair. Once again, it’s important that you try out all three features in order to figure which is the best for your needs.
Value
Quality & Value
The quality of the chair is going to be one of the deciding factors in determining if you are happy with the chair. Most people tend to be satisfied with chairs that are long-lasting and comfortable. On the other hand, people tend to get dissatisfied with chairs that are uncomfortable and falling apart. You are going to want to take a look at the chair in order to determine how well its made in order to make sure that you are going to be happy with your purchase.
There are a few problem areas that you can take a look at in order to make sure that your chair is well made. One common problem that people tend to have with their chairs is that the screws start to come loose after a while. For this reason, you should check if the hardware has some sort of thread locking on it. Thread locking (such as Lock-Tite (TM)) is basically a red or blue glue that is put on the threads in order to make sure that they don’t back out on their own. If your chair doesn’t have a thread locker, then you should purchase some from the hardware store and put it on each thread first. This will help keep the hardware from getting loose.
You should also take a look at the upholstery as this tends to be the other problem area. Higher quality chairs tend to have thicker upholstery on the padding so that the seat and padding don’t wear out. A low-quality chair will have thin upholstery that is sewn together poorly. You should take the time to make sure that all of the upholstery is well made and is sewn together well so that the chair lasts.
Top 10 Picks
1. noblechairs ICON
The ICON series is a high-end, enthusiast orientated chair design and inspired by the world of luxury cars. This chair is designed for Office, Home, or gaming, made of leather with adjustable height and backrest. The chair has a rocking back, 4 way adjustable arm rest, and 4” vertical adjustment.
Exceptional design and materials
This chair is constructed of high density cold foam that exceeds the average industry standards. The foam is supported by a steel frame for excellent stability. Head and lumber pillows are included in this package. The 2.4” wheeled casters are designed for soft and hard floor surfaces.
Ergonomic Support
The ICON is designed to provide comfort to the user who sits for an extended amount of time. The stylish back and rocking mechanism has a range of 90° to 135° angle. The vertical adjustment system is a Class 4 Gas lift. The chair is rated for 330 lbs.
Cost and Value
This chair is in the upper end of the price range. The sleek attractive design is support by a steel frame and aluminum base. The color options are a nice touch.
2. Furmax
The Furmax features a high back and armrest so that you can have hours of work or gaming comfort. You will love how easy it is for you to assemble this chair. It features lots of padding on the seat, back, and the armrests. Feel free to lean back and relax in it also since it can be rocked as well.
Full Back
It has a full back that will support your lower back, upper back, and even your neck. You will love how the extra support helps to protect injuries and keep your back from getting sore.
Rocking
It has a rocker that you can use to lean back and relax when you need to relax. It will also lock so that the chair won't rock when you need to sit up straight.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase the Furmax at a price that is much lower than the average price. This turns it into an excellent value since you get a high-quality chair without having to pay a premium for it.
3. Herman Miller Sayl
This is a high-quality chair that has been designed to give you the best in back support and seat comfort. The back features a suspension system that offers you support while reducing pressure points at the same time. The chair is lightweight and has an elegant design so that it looks great in just about anyone's office or art studio.
Recyclable
It's made of materials that are recyclable. As a matter of fact, 95 percent of the chair can be recycled so that you don't have to worry about it filling up landfills.
Suspension System
The back of the chair features a suspension back. The back is essentially a webbing that will conform and mold to your back so that you have the best back support and comfort.
Cost and Value
This is a premium product so you will need to plan on spending an amount that is much higher than the average price on it. The value comes from the high-end materials and design.
4. AmazonBasics Mesh
Sometimes you just need something that is fairly basic. This chair does the job nicely since it has a mesh back for comfort and a pair of armrests that you can rest your elbows on. The seat is fully padded for your comfort so that you can comfortably sit in it for an entire workday without getting a sore back.
Mesh Back
The back is made of mesh. This will help your back breath and feel comfortable so that you won't feel as if you are sticking to the chair while you are sitting in it.
Adjustable
You can lower or raise the chair as needed. Furthermore, it allows you to rock back when you want to relax or lock it into place for when you need firm support.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. This makes it the perfect item for any home or office setting.
5. Steelcase Leap Chair
The Leap Chair is a high-end chair that has been designed to provide you with total comfort all day long. It features a technology on the back that supports the spine so that you do not develop a backache. Just about everything on this chair is adjustable so that you can get into the most comfortable position possible.
Live Back
The back of the chair will change shape as need so that your spine is fully cushioned and supported. This will help you feel comfortable and also avoid back injuries.
Recyclable
98 percent of the chair can be recycled. The company has even received certification from the MBDC for being a green and eco-friendly company. You can trust that it will make a low environmental footprint.
Cost and Value
This is a premium product so you are going to have to plan on spending an amount that is much higher than the average price. Its value comes from all of the premium features that are packed into it.
6. Ergohuman
As the name seems to suggest, the Ergohuman is a chair that is meant to be, well, ergonomic. It has three different zones throughout the back so that you can get the proper comfort and support that you need in order to make it through a full day of work. You will love the comfort that you get from the seat, armrests, and the mesh back.
Tilting Back
The back is split into three different sections. You can tilt each section as needed so that you can get the maximum amount of comfort that is possible from the chair.
Adjustable Height
The height of the seat is fully adjustable. Furthermore, you are able to adjust the armrests into different positions so that you get the maximum amount of comfort from it.
Cost and Value
This is a premium product so you are going to need to plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price. It's height quality engineering make it worth the upcharge.
7. MOT Alera Elusion
The Alera Elusion is a great choice for anyone who needs something that is basic but still offers a few different essential comforts. It features an ergonomic design that will help improve comfort and support. It's also adjustable in key areas so that multiple people can use the same chair and feel comfortable in it. You can also purchase it in different color options.
Color Options
Many office chairs come in a plain black color. This is fine but sometimes people like to purchase furniture that matches the room. You get twenty-five different color options with this chair.
Waterfall Edge
Many people complain about how their chair cuts off circulation in their legs. This chair features a seat design that has a waterfall edge so that circulation isn't cut off.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. This makes it a great choice for when you are looking for a high-quality chair without having to pay a premium for it.
8. BestOffice
The BestOffice is a fully padded chair that will give you more than enough comfort and cushion while you put in a full day of work. It offers you a design that is modern and will make it look great at your desk so that your office area looks well furnished. Furthermore, you will get a nice padded seat and armrests.
Fully Padded
The seat, back, and the armrests are fully padded. This makes the chair ideal for anyone who is looking for a soft and comfortable surface to sit on while they work.
PU Leather
the padding is covered with a PU leather material that will make the chair look great but also help the padding stay strong and durable so that the chair will last.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase the BestOffice at a price that is well below the average price. This makes it into a great value since you get a fully padded chair while getting save.
9. Flash Furniture
Flash Furniture makes a chair that is perfect for anyone who is looking for a contemporary look in the office. it features adjustable heights, lumbar support, and a mesh back. There are other features that help make it into the ideal piece of office furniture. It's long-lasting and comfortable which is why it's perfect for your home or work.
Tilt Lock
You should feel free to recline in this chair whenever you want to relax. However, if you want to have a stiff back then all you need to do is activate the tilt lock.
Waterfall Seat
The seat features a waterfall design that will help promote blood flow to your legs. This will help keep the seat from cutting off blood circulation to your legs while you are sitting.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is well below the average price. This makes it into an excellent value for anyone who is looking for a general purpose chair.
10. Serta Style Hannah
Serta is a well-known brand when it comes to high-quality furniture. This chair is soft and features a great pillow for the neck area so that your head and neck are fully supported. The back and the seat itself have a plush feel that helps to relieve pressure points and promote blood circulation so that you can work in comfort and style.
Neck Pillow
The top of the chair has a neck pillow that gives you a headrest and support. This will help you relax when you need to take a break from work.
Lumbar
The lumbar is fully contoured which will offer you great comfort and support. You will love how your lower back feels even when you have spent a full day in the chair.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase the Serta Style Hannah for a price that is lower than the average price. This makes it great for anyone who is looking for great office furnishings.