8 Types of Office Chairs [How to Choose]
Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by IB-ADMIN
On average, a working professional in an office setting spends at least 8 hours daily on an office chair. For businesses, office owners, and suppliers, providing comfortable office space is important for smooth operations and for promoting employee productivity and well-being.
There are different types of office chairs available in the market. Choosing the right one can be a tedious task. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 8 office chairs that may be the right fit for you.
Types of Office Chairs
- Executive Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Office Chairs
- Mesh Office Chairs
- Leather Office Chairs
- Saddle Office Chairs
- High Back Office Chairs
- Kneeling Chairs
- Task/Operator Office Chairs
1. Executive Office Chairs
These chairs are designed to give comfort with high-class quality designs. These chairs are also known as boss’s chairs because of their tall structure, padded back support, and armrests. These chairs can be adjusted to a suitable height and can be reclined as per comfort.
Advantages
- These chairs have adjustable features to support the arm, back & neck.
- These chairs are durable and built with sturdy material.
Disadvantages
- These chairs are expensive
- These chairs may not be suitable for small office spaces.
Suitability
- Executive office chairs are best suited for prolonged work hours and can be the best option for cabins to bring out a professional and sophisticated look.
2. Ergonomic Office Chairs
These chairs are built to support the posture of the person using them. They come in different designs featuring lumbar support, back tilt, etc. Ergonomic office chairs are often costlier, which is justified by the comfort and support they provide.
Advantages
- These chairs are designed to support the lower back and ensure correct posture while sitting.
- You can adjust the height and inclination of the chair for maximum comfort and support.
Disadvantages
- These chairs are more expensive.
- You may require significant time to adjust to sitting in this chair.
Suitability
- These chairs are suitable for offices and employees who sit continuously for long periods.
3. Mesh Office Chairs
These chairs are cushioned with mesh fabric on the backrest. They are lightweight and may or may not have rolling wheels. The mesh allows airflow, making them excellent for offices in hot weather or high-temperature areas.
Advantages
- Offers breathability with mesh fabric.
- Mesh chairs are lightweight and can adapt to different body shapes.
Disadvantages
- The cushioning on the back is less than that of leather or ergonomic chairs.
Suitability
- Suitable for offices, warehouses, work-from-home office settings, and humid environments.
4. Leather Office Chairs
These chairs are yet another boss chair. They are perfect for employees who need heavy cushioning to support the back, arms, and seating. Leather chairs are suitable for cool office environments or offices with air conditioners. The leather is very durable and can withstand wear and tear, making these chairs a worthy investment.
Advantages
- These chairs are sturdy and durable.
- They have heavy cushioning, making them comfortable.
Disadvantages
- These chairs are not dedicatedly designed to provide lumbar support.
- Leather is an expensive material; therefore, these chairs are costlier than others.
Suitability
- Suitable for office cabins or meeting rooms for good appearance and comfort.
5. Saddle Office Chairs
These chairs have a stool appearance but are much more comfortable due to added cushioning and wheels to move around freely. Saddle office chairs are sometimes referred to as ergonomic stools as well. These chairs are lightweight, reduce stress on the back and are good for sitting upright.
Advantages
- These chairs are good for posture correction and provide comfort to hips.
- These chairs are perfect for employees who use standing desks while working.
Disadvantages
- They are not suitable to use for long working hours.
Suitability
- Saddle office chairs are suitable for active sitting, restaurants, and front desk operations.
6. High Back Office Chairs
High back chairs are specially designed for tall people. They provide extended back support for comfortable sitting. They offer support to the upper back, shoulders and neck with extra cushioning for comfort and long term use.
Advantages
- These chairs provide extended support to the back and neck.
- High-back chairs are Ideal for long work hours.
Disadvantages
- Due to their larger size, these chairs require more office space.
- They are expensive.
Suitability
- High-back office chairs are suitable for office and work-from-home office settings.
7. Kneeling Chairs
Kneeling chairs are another type of ergonomic chair. They come with cushioning support near the knee, which allows you to bend the knee for support. They are designed to put the body in a kneeling position and elevate pressure on the back, hips, and neck.
Advantages
- These are best for employees who have back problems.
- These chairs reduce strain on the upper body.
- These chairs are sturdy and lightweight.
Disadvantages
- They can lead to discomfort for long working hours due to the lack of backrest.
Suitability
- These chairs are suitable for posture correction in between prolonged work hours.
8. Task/Operator Office Chairs
These are the most economical and basic types of office chairs. They can be adjusted to give support to the lower back and neck. Task/Operator chairs are a good option if you have budget constraints or you are starting out new.
Advantages
- They have lesser cost, which is ideal for low budget constraints.
- These chairs are comfortable and have a compact design.
Disadvantages
- They do not provide complete back support
Suitability
- These chairs are ideal for offices involving call centres, front desk areas, or small spaces.
Conclusion
- Businesses can opt for different types of office chairs that are designed to provide comfort, ergonomic support, and flexibility in style.
- Office chairs are an important investment for your business because they promote the comfort and well-being of the employees.
- To invest in these chairs you should consider the need, office space, budget, and features they offer.
Industrybuying is a marketplace for office chairs. You can choose from a wide range of products that best suit your business requirements. Contact us if you need any help choosing the right one.
FAQs
The different types of office chairs are ergonomic chairs, leather chairs, high-back office chairs, mesh chairs, and saddle office chairs. Each of these chairs offers different features that suit different business requirements. While selecting the best type of office chair for your business, you should choose the one that maximises your employee’s comfort and well-being.
Standard office chairs may or may not include features such as lumbar support, armrests, height adjustment, etc. Meanwhile, ergonomic chairs are made to support proper posture while working for long hours, preventing any back or spine problems.
While working from home, your work hours may be prolonged without taking a break, so you must choose a chair that offers complete back, shoulder, and neck support. You should also check the cushioning material and adjustability features of the chair.
