What Makes a Chair Ergonomic?
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What does ergonomic mean?
The word ergonomic comes from “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (law), essentially meaning “the science of work.” In furniture design, ergonomics focuses on creating products that fit and assist the user, not forcing the user to adapt to the product. It is probably one of the most overused words when talking about office setups.
A single part of a workstation cannot be truly ergonomic on its own because ergonomics involves the holistic interaction between the user, all pieces of equipment (chair, desk, technology, environment and the tasks) So any individual items can only be truly ergonomic if it fits the specific user and the overall setup (and remember that we have different body sizes and shapes so a chair that works for one person may cause discomfort to another) so with chairs the more adjustments/options on any single chair will improve the chance that it will work with other equipment and provide more comfort for the user.
The Key Features of an “Ergonomic” Chair
1. Adjustable Seat Height
You should be able to fine-tune the seat height so that it works with you and your desk/table surface, with your feet flat on the floor and, ideally, your knees slightly lower than your hips. This promotes a more natural spinal alignment and helps reduce pressure on your lower back, thighs, and hips. Most office chairs with gas-lift levers offer this simple adjustment, but you need to be aware of the correct height for your workstation, and in some cases (taller or shorter individuals), you may need to consider alternative height gas lifts.
2. Seat Depth
The seat should comfortably support your thighs (ideally be adjustable) without pressing behind your knees. Ideally, there’s a small gap (around two to three fingers) between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees to allow you to move your lower legs with pressure from the front of the seat.
3. Lumbar Support
A quality chair will provide some degree of lumbar support and ideally support the natural curve of your spine, this could be just the shaping of the back, additional lumbar pad or possibly an inflatable lumbar pump, all of which are only any good if you have enough adjustment within the height/angle of the back to ensure that you can get the support in the right position for your back. Ideally, you want to be able to adjust the height, depth, and angle of the back. Incorrect lumbar support can lead to discomfort and potentially postural issues in the longer term.
4. Dynamic Movement (free float mechanism)
For years, many office chairs have provided limited or no movement. Human beings are designed to move, and we function better when we are moving. Research overwhelmingly confirms that human beings function better physically and mentally when they move regularly. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are linked to numerous health problems, while consistent movement enhances well-being, improves cognitive function, and can increase productivity. So many quality chairs now offer various degrees of dynamic movement. Remember “The Best posture is the Next Posture,” and if you are not used to movement, make sure that you try it before your next purchase.
5. Forward Tilt
Many chairs now offer a forward tilt option for the seat. This opens the angle between the thighs and the torso, an angle wider than 90 degrees is often recommended because it improves spinal posture, promoting the natural S-shape of the spine and reducing compression in the lower back. You can also get saddle chairs and stools, which encourage you to sit higher with a far more open angle between thighs and torso, which for some people can help with lower back issues (But you need to identify the best desk/table heights when using the higher chairs/stools)
6. Armrests
Armrests are not essential. Some people love them, some people hate them. If you do want arms, it's important to have at least height-adjustable armrests so they can be set to the right height for you. The better-quality chairs offer multifunctional armrests — adjustable in height, width, depth, and pivot — so they stay close to your body and at the right height for your desk setup. (Ring Arms and arms that are too deep/too far forward will often hit the desk, which can result in the user moving forward on the seat and losing all back support; the wrong arms can cause major problems.)
It’s About Movement
Even the most advanced chair won’t do its job if you have it locked in position or don’t adjust your chair correctly in the first place, and then sit still all day. The chair should be about supporting movement — encouraging you to move, change position/posture during the day. At Healthy Home & Office, we often say: The best posture is the next Posture” A well-designed chair makes those changes effortless. It should adapt with you, not against you.
How to Choose the Right Chair
Everyone’s body is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. When choosing your chair, do your research! And make sure that you try before you buy.
- Multiple adjustment points – height, backrest height and angle, seat depth, dynamic movement(Free float)
- Smooth, easy-to-use controls – ideally accessible while seated
- A seat shape and size that fits your body
- Good build quality and multiple-year warranty
If possible, try before you buy. Visit our Guildford showroom to test a range of ergonomic chairs in person. You’ll be able to sit, adjust, and compare models to see what truly feels right for your body and working style.
The Real Benefits
Investing in the right chairs isn’t just about comfort — it’s about wellbeing and performance. The correct chair can:
- Reduce work-related discomfort and pain
- Improve posture and spinal alignment
- Enhance concentration and energy levels
- Prevent potentially long-term work-related health issues
Small changes in how you sit can make a big difference to how you feel by the end of the day and to your health over the years.
If you’re ready to experience the difference, explore our Ergonomic Chairs Collection — or visit our Guildford showroom to try them yourself. Our experts can guide you through the features, adjustments, and benefits of each model to find the perfect fit for your workspace.