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Best Office Chairs for Tall People

  • Updated
Achim Roetger
Achim Roetger

Choosing the right chair is crucial for creating a comfortable and ergonomic workspace. For big and tall people, finding an office chair that provides adequate support and promotes proper posture can be challenging. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when selecting the best office chair for big and tall people. From seat height and depth to lumbar support and adjustability, we’ll delve into the key features that cater specifically to the needs of taller individuals.

Adjustable Seat Height and Depth

Office ergonomics focuses on designing furniture and equipment to fit the user’s needs, and adjustability plays a pivotal role.

Fact: An office chair that doesn’t properly fit the user, will be uncomfortable.

For tall individuals like Philip (197 cm), it is crucial to choose a chair that offers ample adjustability. The chair’s height should be adjustable to allow him to position his feet flat on the ground with his knees slightly below the level of his hips. He would need to look at chairs with an adjustable seat height that ranges from 50 to 60 cm to comfortably accommodate his longer legs.

Adjustable seat depth is also important for a tall person. A range of 43 to 51 cm will ensure proper thigh support without restricting circulation.

Philip (left), is very tall at 197cm, while George at 176cm, is of average height.

Buying the right Office chair online: a guide to Measuring Yourself

The 5 Best Office Chairs for Tall People like Philip

For someone as tall as Philip (197cm), a suitable office chair would have seat depth adjustment, multi-adjustable armrests and a backrest and headrest that accommodates his larger frame.

These 5 options are ideal.

best office chairs for big and tall people
OrthoMax
best office chairs for big and tall people
OrthoAir
best office chairs for big and tall people
OrthoGrande XXL
best office chairs for big and tall people
ErgoBack
best office chairs for big and tall people
Fenix

Backrest Height

Backrest height is critical when selecting an office chair for tall people. Look for chairs with higher backrests that extend to at least the shoulder blades or above. This ensures proper support for the entire back, preventing strain on the upper back and shoulders. Back support for an office chair

Tall people sitting at a standard height desk often hunch over their work which increases strain in the lower back.

Adjustable Lumbar Support 

Irrespective of your height, an office chair with good lumbar support is important for maintaining a healthy posture.

Because tall people often hunch over their desks resulting in additional strain on their lower backs, they should look for office chairs with built-in lumbar support or adjustable lumbar pads that align with the natural curvature of their spine. What actually happens when you sit?

Office chairs with good lower back support, will have a lumbar support that is adjustable both horizontally and vertically.

This feature helps prevent slouching and promotes a neutral spine position, reducing the risk of back pain and discomfort. Back support for an office chair – why it’s important.

Headrest

A headrest can provide much-needed support for the neck and upper back, especially during moments of relaxation or when reclining in the chair.

For taller people, ensure that the headrest is adjustable and extends high enough to support the head and neck.

If you are very tall like Philip and prefer an office chair with a headrest, you must ensure that it can be adjusted to support your neck and head. 

Some headrests cannot be adjusted high enough to suit Philip
The headrest on the OrthoMax can be adjusted to suit Philip

Adjustable Armrests

For big and tall people, only consider office chairs with adjustable armrests that can be positioned at the appropriate height and width to comfortably support their forearms.

The elbows should be bent at approximately 90° and in line with the top surface of the desk.

Armrests that are too low or too high can lead to shoulder and neck strain. 

Office Chair Mechanism

Chairs with recline mechanisms allow users to change their sitting positions throughout the day, reduce the strain on the spine. Look for chairs with a tilt feature that promotes dynamic sitting.

Material and Padding on Office Chairs for Big and Tall People

To prevent pressure points and improve comfort, big and taller people require office chairs with added foam padding. Breathable and moisture-wicking materials like mesh enhance comfort, especially during extended periods of sitting. Leather and high-quality fabrics are also popular options due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Because of their size, the best office chairs for big and tall people should have a better overall build quality, weight rating and warranty. Heavy Duty Office Chairs – What you need to know

Adjusting an Office Desk for Tall People

Standard desks are about 73cm high. This height is based on the average height of the population.

If a tall person sits at the correct height (knees slightly below the level of the hips), a standard desk will be too low for comfortable use. They will lean forward and down to the desk, causing poor and potentially dangerous back postures.

To avoid back, neck and shoulder pain, tall people should increase the height of their desk, either by using spacers under the feet of the desk, or by using a height-adjustable desk.

Conclusion

We are all unique individuals with varying physical attributes. Even for people of the same height, the proportions between weight, leg length and torso can differ significantly. When it comes to choosing the best office chair for big and tall people, it’s vital to consider their specific anthropometrics.

By emphasising ergonomics and the adjustability of modern office chairs, tall people can setup a comfortable and supportive workspace that promotes proper posture, while simultaneously reducing the risk of discomfort and long-term health issues. To find the perfect fit for your individual needs, it’s advisable to experiment with different chairs or consult an expert in the field. By prioritising ergonomic design and adjustability, along with appropriate measurements, you can create a productive and pain-free work environment.

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