After all my recent discussion on how harmful it is to sit continuously throughout the workday, it would still be naive of us to think that we can completely eliminate sitting from our entire day. Sometimes, we just have to sit. But no matter how much of the day you spend seated, you can still be improving your health and eliminating risk by choosing the right chair for you. Just because sitting all day isn’t good for you, doesn’t mean all chairs have the same negative effects. And that is exactly why ergonomics have been a dominant feature in the modern workplace.
The best chairs seem to have more and more adjustable components and fancy mechanisms to form to our body shape and size. But the very best chairs that stand out above the rest combine these ergonomic qualities with sleek and sharp aesthetics, so that your office doesn’t sacrifice a professional look for a comfy feel. We’ve pulled together 5 of the best office chairs in the industry to compare qualities and looks to help you narrow your search for the perfect office chair.
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]1) Steelcase Leap
This chair is as durable and solid as any chair out there, so you can get the most out of your office chair investment through its ability to withstand longterm use. It’s known for being affordable compared to many others in its class, despite featuring a large array of adjustable features to suit each individual user. Instead of forming to your body type, it provides you the controls to situate the chair’s arms, back and seat to match your desired posture. From seat height, lower back firmness, height-width-depth pivot arms and more, the Leap allows you to find your comfort zone at your own discretion. These chairs are also available in high and mid back styles with breathable foam padding to prevent heat during a long workday. Try it out in a variety of fabric and frame color combinations or even with a headrest. Check out our inventory to see specific examples of various Leap versions.
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[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””] 2) Herman Miller Mirra
This chair has become an iconic image for Herman Miller. It followed the Aeron chair (soon to be mentioned) as a lower cost option with similar features. It is lightweight and maneuverable, so it’s flexible in a lot of different office designs. For this reason, it does however, sacrifice a couple of the features found in its competitors, but some may see the lack of adjustments as an added benefit. It’s claim to fame is using less material for more support with a TriFlex backrest that is pliable and elastic. The geometric-shaped holes allow it to adjust to even the slightest movements and keep your back properly aligned, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it. Its seat also evenly distributes your body pressure and has an edge that automatically adjusts the depth of your seat without manually doing so. [/wpcol_1half_end] [wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]
3) Herman Miller Embody
The Embody by Herman Miller really encompasses a modern look with the ability to see the technology behind the chair, literally… behind the chair. Meanwhile, the front of the chair is simply organic curves. Unlike the manual adjustments of the Leap, the Embody conforms to the back as it moves to distribute your weight evenly. It is also designed to actually lower heart rate and reduce stress by simultaneously relaxing you and stimulating blood and oxygen flow to keep you alert and productive. Manual adjustments include seat height and depth, tilt tension and a range of arm positions to match your height and posture.
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[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””] 4) Humanscale Freedom
The Freedom chair won a collection of design awards which speaks to its high performance and functionality. With countless adjustments, weight sensitive recline and dynamically positioned headrest (optional), it has a large variety of features that provide comfort and sleekness to any office environment. It has a wide frame to accommodate varying user types, while its arms, seat, and back are all independently adjustable to ensure complete comfort. The extra motion backrest also pivots automatically, so you can choose to recline whenever you want, at whatever position, without losing support. A unique feature of the Humanscale is its synchronized armrests that hold a wide range of heights, while never breaking their parallel support, and making it easy to adjust with one hand. The Freedom manages to combine a highly ergonomic design with a simple, contoured appearance making it a great task chair for any office. [/wpcol_1half_end] [wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]
5) Herman Miller Aeron
This chair is probably the most well-known chair in the industry, and the world. There’s good reason for that as it revolutionized a new standard of chair when it was released back in 1994, and has managed to remain a top contender among new releases ever since. It can even be permanently found in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It features PostureFit innovation that supports your pelvis as it naturally tilts forward throughout the day to keep it aligned and pain free. The wide, contoured back provides comfort, yet still manages to look sleek due to its lack of cushion and alternative body-confroming, pressure-relieving, heat releasing Pellicle woven material. It has various manual adjustments as well, including arm height and angle, tilt tension and force and seat height. In addition to its design, it also set a new precedent in terms of price, selling for over $400 cheaper than most new models.
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Search our pre-owned and refurbished chairs to find these favorites for a fraction of their new retail price. No matter what your size or style office, you deserve a high-end chair that keeps you healthy, productive and happy at work.