How to Choose an Ergonomic Office Chair

An ergonomic office chair should do more than feel soft when you first sit down. It needs to fit the user, work with the desk and provide enough adjustment for different tasks throughout the day.

The word “ergonomic” does not guarantee that a chair will suit every person. Seat depth, lumbar-support position, armrest height and adjustment range can feel very different depending on the user’s height, body proportions and working habits.

This guide explains the main features to compare when choosing an ergonomic office chair for a workplace, home office, studio or executive office.

Ergonomic Office Chair Features at a Glance

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Ergonomic Chair

People have different heights, leg lengths, shoulder widths and working habits. A chair that fits one user well may feel too deep, too narrow or incorrectly supported for someone else.

For this reason, adjustability is usually more useful than simply having a long list of features. A chair should allow the main contact points to be positioned for the person using it.

When a chair is shared between several workers, such as in a hot-desking office, a wider adjustment range becomes especially important.

WorkSafe Queensland recommends considering who will use the chair, how long it will be used and whether it needs to accommodate multiple workers or specific individual requirements.

Start with How the Chair Will Be Used

A chair for occasional meetings does not need to perform the same role as a chair used for computer work throughout the day.

Before comparing models, ask:

• How many hours will the chair be used each day?
• Will one person use it or will it be shared?
• Is it for a commercial office, home office or meeting room?
• Will the user spend most of the time typing?
• Does the user regularly move between different work surfaces?
• Is a recline function required for short breaks?
• Does the chair need to fit beneath a specific desk?
• What type of flooring will it be used on?

Once the purpose is clear, it becomes easier to separate useful adjustments from features that may rarely be used.

Check the Seat Height Range

Most adjustable office chairs use a gas-lift mechanism to raise and lower the seat. However, the total adjustment range differs between models.

Do not check only whether a chair is “height adjustable”. Compare its lowest and highest seat positions with the user and the desk.

When the chair is adjusted for computer work:

• The user should be able to sit back against the backrest
• The feet should have stable support from the floor or a suitable footrest
• The thighs should be comfortably supported
• The front edge of the seat should not create excessive pressure behind the knees
• The forearms should be able to approach the work surface without lifting the shoulders

If the seat must be raised to match a high desk and the user’s feet no longer reach the floor comfortably, an appropriate footrest may be required.

Choose the Correct Seat Depth and Width

Seat depth is the distance from the back of the seat to its front edge. It affects whether the user can reach the backrest while keeping the legs in a comfortable position.

A seat that is too deep may cause a shorter user to sit towards the front instead of using the backrest. A seat that is too shallow may provide insufficient thigh support for a taller user.

When comparing seat dimensions, consider:

• The user’s upper-leg length
• The gap between the seat edge and the back of the knees
• Whether the user can sit fully against the backrest
• Whether the seat has a sliding depth adjustment
• The usable width between the armrests

A wide seat may feel spacious, but it should not position the armrests so far apart that they cannot support the user comfortably.

For chairs used by several people, an adjustable seat slide can make it easier to accommodate different body proportions.

Understand Backrest and Lumbar Support

Lumbar support refers to the shaped area of the backrest that contacts the lower back. Its effectiveness depends on whether it matches the user’s body and can be positioned correctly.

Some chairs use a fixed curved backrest. Others provide adjustable lumbar height, depth or firmness.

Useful questions include:

• Does the lumbar section contact the lower back naturally?
• Can its height or depth be adjusted?
• Can the user sit fully against the backrest?
• Does the support feel balanced rather than excessively firm?
• Can the backrest be adjusted independently from the seat?

Lumbar support should not be described as a treatment for back pain or a medical condition. A more accurate description is that an appropriately positioned lumbar section can help the backrest fit the natural shape of the user’s lower back.

If a worker has an existing injury, disability or specific medical requirement, advice from a suitably qualified health or ergonomic professional may be appropriate.

Compare Backrest Height and Movement

A mid-back chair can suit general task work, while a high-back chair provides a larger contact area and may suit executive offices, home offices or users who prefer additional upper-back support.

The backrest should allow the user to work close to the desk without being pushed forward. It should also remain stable when the chair is upright.

Depending on the model, backrest adjustments may include:

• Backrest-height adjustment
• Recline angle
• Multiple locking positions
• Tilt-tension adjustment
• Synchronous movement between the seat and backrest

More adjustment is useful only if the controls are understandable and accessible. A complicated mechanism that is never adjusted may provide less practical value than a simpler chair that fits the user correctly.

Look for Armrests That Work with the Desk

Armrests can support the forearms during some tasks, but they should not prevent the user from sitting close to the work surface.

Compare:

• Minimum and maximum armrest height
• Distance between the armrests
• Forward and backward movement
• Inward and outward angle adjustment
• Padding and edge shape
• Whether the armrests can be removed
• Whether they fit beneath the desk

When correctly positioned, the armrests should support the arms without forcing the shoulders upwards. If they repeatedly strike the desk and keep the user too far from the keyboard, they may need to be lowered, repositioned or removed where the chair design allows.

Do You Need a Headrest?

A headrest is not essential for every office-chair user. It is most relevant on high-back chairs and models designed for reclining.

An adjustable headrest may be useful when:

• The chair has a substantial recline range
• The user takes short rest breaks in the chair
• Additional head contact is preferred when leaning back
• The height and angle can be positioned for the individual user

A poorly positioned headrest can push the head forward during upright work. Check that it can be adjusted or remains out of the way when it is not needed.

Recline, Tilt and Locking Positions

A reclining backrest allows the user to change position during the day. This can be useful during reading, phone calls or short breaks away from continuous keyboard work.

When comparing reclining chairs, check:

• The upright starting position
• The maximum recline angle
• Whether the chair locks at several angles
• Whether recline resistance can be adjusted
• Whether the seat changes angle with the backrest
• Whether the chair remains stable throughout its movement

A large recline angle is not automatically better. The useful range depends on whether the chair is intended primarily for focused work, mixed work and relaxation, or lounge-style use.

Is an Office Chair with a Footrest Worth It?

A retractable footrest can be useful on a reclining office chair when the user wants to rest during breaks. It allows the legs to be supported while the backrest is reclined.

Before choosing a chair with a footrest, check:

• The length and width of the footrest
• How smoothly it extends and retracts
• Whether it remains stable when in use
• Whether it reduces legroom when stored
• Whether the recline angle suits the intended use

A built-in footrest should not replace stable foot support during normal upright computer work. When typing, the user’s feet should still be supported by the floor or a suitable workstation footrest.

BDLFurniture offers selected ergonomic office chairs with optional retractable footrests, allowing customers to choose according to how the chair will be used.

Fabric, Tech Fabric, PU or Genuine Leather?

Upholstery affects appearance, temperature, cleaning and the overall feel of the chair.

Fabric

Fabric can provide a soft surface and is commonly used for everyday office seating. Cleaning requirements depend on the weave, colour and manufacturer’s care instructions.

Tech fabric

Tech fabric is often chosen for a softer, more residential appearance. The exact composition and performance vary between products, so check the individual material description rather than assuming all tech fabrics are identical.

PU leather

PU upholstery can provide a clean, executive appearance and is generally straightforward to wipe. It still requires suitable care and should be kept away from cleaning products not recommended by the manufacturer.

Genuine leather

Genuine leather can develop a natural appearance over time and is commonly selected for executive seating. It usually requires appropriate cleaning and conditioning to maintain the surface.

Avoid treating terms such as waterproof, scratch-proof or stain-proof as universal. These claims should only be used when confirmed for the specific material and product.

Base Material and Casters

Office-chair bases are commonly made from nylon, steel or aluminium alloy. Each can perform well when properly designed and matched to the chair’s intended use.

The material alone does not determine quality. Also consider:

• The complete base diameter
• Connection between the gas lift and base
• Manufacturer’s load rating
• Caster size and movement
• The floor surface
• Whether the chair remains stable when reclining

Hard floors and carpet may require different caster designs. Check whether the supplied wheels are suitable for the intended surface and consider a floor mat where necessary.

A five-star base provides multiple contact points around the chair, but correct construction, assembly and use remain important.

Check the Weight Capacity

The chair’s stated load capacity should be suitable for the intended user. Check the rating provided for the complete chair rather than assuming it from the appearance or material of the base.

Also review:

• Seat width
• Seat depth
• Width between armrests
• Gas-lift specification
• Backrest dimensions
• Warranty conditions

A high load rating does not automatically mean that the chair will fit every user. Dimensions and adjustment range remain equally important.

Make Sure the Chair Fits the Desk

A chair cannot create a suitable workstation by itself. It must work with the desk, keyboard, monitor and equipment.

Before ordering, check:

• The desk height
• Available legroom
• Whether drawers or cabinets restrict movement
• Whether the armrests fit beneath the desktop
• The keyboard and mouse position
• The monitor location
• How far the chair needs to move backwards

If the chair cannot move close enough to the desk, the user may lean forward or reach towards the keyboard. Measure the desktop clearance and armrest height before choosing a model.

An Ergonomic Chair Does Not Replace Movement

A well-fitted chair can support a more comfortable workstation, but it does not remove the need to change position and move regularly.

Safe Work Australia advises reducing prolonged sitting and designing work so people can vary their posture and movement.

Depending on the work, this may include:

• Taking brief movement breaks
• Standing during some phone calls
• Walking to speak with a colleague
• Changing between suitable seated positions
• Using a sit-stand workstation where appropriate

The goal is not to find one position and hold it all day. A chair should make adjustment straightforward while the workday still includes regular movement.

Ergonomic Office Chair Buying Checklist

Before placing your order, confirm:

1. The chair suits the intended type and duration of work.
2. The seat-height range fits the user and desk.
3. The seat width and depth are suitable.
4. The lumbar-support position matches the user.
5. The backrest provides the required adjustment.
6. The armrests can be positioned without blocking the desk.
7. The headrest is adjustable or remains out of the way.
8. The recline range and locking positions suit the intended use.
9. The footrest option is genuinely useful for the user.
10. The upholstery suits the environment and cleaning requirements.
11. The base and casters suit the floor.
12. The stated load capacity is appropriate.
13. The chair dimensions fit the available workspace.
14. Assembly, delivery and warranty information have been checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an office chair ergonomic?

An ergonomic office chair is designed to be adjusted to the user and workstation. Useful features may include adjustable seat height, suitable seat depth, lumbar support, adjustable armrests and backrest movement.

Is lumbar support necessary?

A shaped backrest with suitable lower-back contact can help the chair fit the user more naturally. The position and shape of the lumbar section are more important than the label alone.

Do I need an office chair with a headrest?

Not everyone needs a headrest. It is most useful on high-back chairs and during reclining, provided that it can be positioned without pushing the head forward during normal work.

Is a footrest useful on an office chair?

A retractable footrest can provide leg support during reclining and short breaks. It is not a replacement for appropriate foot support during upright computer work.

Is fabric or leather better for an office chair?

Neither is automatically better. Fabric may offer a softer feel, while PU or genuine leather may suit an executive appearance and different cleaning preferences. Choose according to the environment, care requirements and personal preference.

Can an ergonomic chair prevent back pain?

No chair can guarantee the prevention or treatment of back pain. A suitably adjusted chair can support a more comfortable workstation, but movement, work habits and the rest of the setup also matter. Seek professional advice for persistent pain or individual medical concerns.

Is a reclining chair suitable for computer work?

It can be, provided that the chair also offers a stable upright position and can be adjusted to the desk. The reclining function is generally more useful for changing position, reading or taking short breaks.

Find the Right Ergonomic Office Chair

The right office chair should fit the user, suit the desk and provide adjustments that will actually be used.

Compare the seat dimensions, lumbar-support position, armrests, backrest movement, upholstery, base and load capacity rather than choosing from appearance alone.

Explore BDLFurniture’s ergonomic office chairs, including reclining models, adjustable headrests, multiple base options and optional footrests, or contact our team if you need help comparing dimensions and features before ordering.