How to Find the Best Office Chair for You

1. Does the office chair promote movement?

The human body has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to move. However, in our increasingly digital world, we sit more and move less – which can negatively affect our health. Research shows that prolonged sitting increases the risk of back problems, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

But sitting doesn’t have to mean sitting still. An office chair that promotes natural movement helps reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting. The extent to which it does this depends largely on the chair’s mechanism. All Kinnarps office chairs promote movement and we categorise our mechanisms into two groups: those that encourage movement and those that support movement.

• FreeMotion® – encourages movement
  Pioneering mechanism with a non-locking seat that protects the body against static strain. The seat and back move independently, promoting active sitting.
• FreeFloat™ – encourages movement
  The seat and back move independently, promoting active sitting. The seat and back can be locked, but this should be avoided to reduce static strain.
• Synchrone – supports movement
  The seat and back move synchronously in a controlled motion. The seat and back can be locked, but this should be avoided to minimise static strain.

2. How long will you be sitting?

The longer you spend sitting in your office chair, the more important it is that it promotes movement, has a high level of comfort, and offers adjustability. To find the best office chair, choose one that matches your working habits.

• Up to two hours

  For short periods, simpler chairs without extensive adjustment options work well. Opt for a chair with castors and armrests to allow more movement – for example, Siro or Monroe.
  
  

• Two to four hours

  Here, you need an office chair that supports movement and has a few more adjustment features. The 5000 or Claro office chairs are good options.
• More than four hours
  If you often sit for long periods, you need an office chair with high adjustability and comfort. To prevent harmful static strain, it should ideally encourage natural movement. Choose an office chair like Capella X or Plus.
• 24/7

  If an office chair is used around the clock, such as in a control room, extra high demands are placed on ergonomics, comfort, and durability. Choose a chair that encourages movement and is designed for continuous use – for example, Capella 24/7.

3. What ergonomic features do you need?

The longer you use your office chair, the more important it is to adjust it to fit your body. If multiple people will use the chair, it must be adaptable to different body sizes, with adjustable seat height, seat depth, and tilt resistance. Automatic weight detection can also be useful, a feature found in the Esencia office chair.

4. What materials and colours should you choose?

The materials you choose for your office chair impact both its functionality and lifespan. For instance, an aluminium base has a longer lifespan than one made of plastic, and different upholstery types are better suited to different environments. Wool upholstery, for example, is ideal for office settings due to its natural durability, flame resistance, and anti-static properties. However, in environments with higher wear, such as schools or healthcare settings, polyester or faux leather upholstery is a better option as it can withstand regular cleaning. If you work in an environment with sensitive electronics, you should opt for a chair specifically designed for such settings, like the Capella ESD.

When it comes to the colour of your office chair, it’s easy to choose based on personal taste or trends. But did you know that colours can affect how we feel and perform? That’s why it’s important to select a colour based on the activities you'll be using the chair for. Subdued, nature-inspired colours, for example, enhance our ability to concentrate and recover, making them ideal for individual workspaces. In environments where creativity and collaboration are encouraged, a warmer colour such as yellow or orange is a better choice.

Learn how to use colours to enhance wellbeing and productivity

5. Is your office chair future-proof?

An office chair is an investment in your health that should last for many years. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure it is high quality and can be updated or renewed. When you purchase an office chair from Kinnarps, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality chair with a wide range of spare parts available. Additionally, the majority of our furniture is manufactured in our Swedish factories, where we maintain full control over the entire production and delivery chain.

Read more about sustainable circularity here.

Conclusion: Think things through!

In short – to find the best office chair for your needs, you must consider how it will be used. The most common use is for individual desk work, but ergonomic seating is just as important for other activities. For example, if you spend eight hours a day in meetings, having ergonomic office chairs in meeting rooms can be crucial for maintaining energy levels.

By carefully considering how the office chair will be used before making your choice, you can ensure both the chair and your body last longer.