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Desk Chairs – what are the options?

  • Updated
Achim Roetger
Achim Roetger

There are a large variety of office and desk chairs for sale in South Africa, and they can range from under R1000 to well over R13000. No one type of chair is necessarily the best, but there are some things that are important to look for when you buy a new chair. Making the wrong choice can be expensive and may be bad for your long-term health. The 5 consequences of sitting on the wrong office chair.

A desk chair is a very personal thing and there is no, and never will be, a “one size fits all”.

 

We want to ensure that if you are buying a new desk chair, your “buying journey” is a smooth and satisfying one. To help you achieve this, ask yourself these simple questions before making your purchase:

ergonomic office desk chair
Buy ergonomic desk chairs

By answering the above questions, you will have a far better understanding of the type of desk chair you need for your home or office.

6 important features found on any good desk office chair

desk chair gas height adjustment
Desk chair height adjustment

1. Seat Height Adjustment on Desk Chairs

 

A seat height adjustment range between 41cm and 53cm works for most people. This allows you to have your feet flat on the ground and your thighs slightly sloping downwards towards your knees.

What is the correct height for my desk, computer monitor and office chair?

2. Seat Width and Depth on Desk Chairs

The seat on a desk chair should have enough width and depth to provide comfortable support. A width of 43cm – 50cm is standard. The depth of the seat (from the front to the back of the seat), should allow you to sit with your back against the backrest while leaving a gap between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat that is about the size of your fist.

If you are short, you should reduce the seat depth. If you are taller and have long legs, you should increase the seat depth. This will allow you to use the backrest correctly and reduce pressure on the back of your thighs.

For anyone above average height, a desk chair with seat depth adjustment is a "must-have"
desk chair
Desk chair seat & backrest angle adjustment

3. Seat and Backrest Angle Adjustment

An adjustable seat and backrest angle is a standard feature on all our Ergonomic and Orthopedic desk chairs.

On an orthopedic chair, the forward tilt of the seat is limited to about 50. The purpose of a forward sloping seat is to ensure that your knees are below the level of your hips while you are sitting. What actually happens to your body when you sit?

4. Adjustable Lumbar Support

An ergonomic desk chair should have a lumbar adjustment so that it correctly supports the inward curve of your lower back. Back support for office chairs – why it’s important

Lumbar support adjustment should not be "optional" on your new desk chair

5. The Backrest

Usually desk chairs for sale in South Africa will have a backrest 30cm – 48cm wide. It should be adjustable so that it supports the natural curve of your spine with special attention paid to the lumbar region.

Both mesh and upholstered backrests are popular, and really it’s a matter of personal choice. A good mesh backrest moulds itself to the shape of your back and allows your body to breathe.

6. Armrests for Desk Chairs

Office chair armrests should be adjustable. They should allow your arms to rest comfortably and your shoulders should be relaxed.

Conclusion

Do your homework. Buying a cheap desk chair may offer short-term budget relief, but could become costly in the longer term as it begins to impact your health and productivity. Test various models and find a chair that suits YOU. Remember….there is no, and never will be, a “one size fits all”. Contact one of our Team Members for more information and advice.

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