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Perfect place to find the answer for all your office, home office & ergonomic furniture needs. If you can not find the answer here, contact us and we would be happy to help.
Seating
How to find the best office chair?
To find the best office chair, we would always recommend trying the chair out first. You can only truly judge whether a chair would suit you, is by physically sitting in it. Visit our showroom to find the right chair.
Are you working from a dining chair?
Did you know that a standard dining table height is between 76 cm-79 cm high and higher, but your office desk would have probably been between 72-74cm high. What is the impact of height difference when working? It may not seem like a big difference, but it is enough to cause you discomfort and pain. What implications does it have on your body? If your desk is too high, most likely you’ll overwork your shoulder and arm muscles. In particular, when your shoulder muscles are contracted all day long which can result in upper back, neck, shoulder and arm discomfort, and could also result in headaches – today's aches and pains could be tomorrow's long-term discomfort, so what can you do about it? Speak to us or download our Guide to working more healthily at home. There are several possible solutions to reduce the long-term risks.
Are you using a four-legged chair?
If you look at any guidelines for an office/task chair “The most common chair in the office today is the simple task chair, with rollers or wheels on the bottom, so firstly a four-legged chair does not allow you to move in and out from the table easily, either position change will require you to lean forward to lift the chair to move it, which is fine on odd occasions but when happening regularly during a working day? Again, what are the implications on your body? This will put pressure on your lower back and legs every time that you move in and out from the table. Specialist Back Clinic suggests “When standing up from a sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at your waist” none of which is possible if you have pulled yourself into the table to work. You put pressure on your lower back every time you move the chair in and out from the table which can result in long term lower back discomfort, so what can you do about it? The height of the chair and dining table is fine when you are eating a meal, but when you are working on your laptop or a separate keyboard, are you at the right height? You will probably find that your wrists are higher than your elbows, which means that you are putting a strain on your wrists, shoulders and neck.
Have you bought a cheap chair or desk online?
Many of us have had no option but to utilise existing furniture or we have purchased a quick fix solution, within a week we have already spoken to some people who are questioning their purchases, desk that are the wrong height, chairs that do not offer any support and many that are now working on a Laptop all day, be aware that there will be thing s that you can do to improve the overall working set up. Our Advice is free.
What is the best ergonomic office chair for back pain?
There is no best ergonomic office chair for back pain. Everybody is different and no one chair is perfect for everyone. The best way to find the perfect chair for yourself is to visit a showroom where you can try the chairs firsthand. If you are experiencing back pain, it is especially important that you choose a chair that provides the right support for yourself.
What features should I look for in a comfortable office chair?
We recommend that a basic comfortable ergonomic office chair should feature the following functions: seat height adjustment, independent back or lumbar support, a forward tilt option and some degree of dynamic movement. Most chairs will offer a variety of functions to improve comfort. We would highly recommend trying the chairs first-hand, to find the right chair for yourself. Visit our showroom.
Is a mesh or upholstered chair better?
Both mesh and upholstered office chairs offer different benefits. Mesh offers a little more give in the material and breathability and usually has a height-adjustable lumbar support. While upholstered office chairs, have more cushioning and can have extra performance foam on a selection of chairs. They usually have the option of an inflatable lumbar support.
What is the correct seat depth?
It is recommended that you can fit two fingers between the front lip of the seat and the back of the user's knee. This enables the right support for your thigh and does not restrict movement at your knee.
Do I need a headrest on my chair?
A headrest on an office chair supports your neck and upper spine when leaning back, reducing strain and improving posture. Whether you need one depends on how often you recline and if you experience neck pain. If you are on phone calls or videos calls often, a headrest could be a great option.
What are the benefits of adjustable armrests?
Adjustable armrests provide additional support to the user's arms and shoulders. Many chairs have different arms to choose from, with functions ranging from height adjustment to depth adjustment, width adjustment, and rotation. Arms promote better posture and personalised comfort.
What is the best office chair for long hours of sitting?
If you're sitting for long periods, the best office chair is one that supports your posture, promotes movement, and adjusts to your body. Look for features like lumbar support, a seat slide, height-adjustable arms, and potentially extra padded foam. Take a look at our range of ergonomic chairs. Everyone’s body is different, so ideally, try before you buy and book a showroom visit.
What makes an office chair ergonomic?
An ergonomic chair is one that adjusts to fit your body — not the other way around. It should support your spine’s natural curve, offer adjustable seat height, back angle, and armrests, and allow for movement while seated. Key features to look for include lumbar support, a seat slide, and an adjustable tilting mechanism. All of our ergonomic chairs are designed with these principles in mind.
What’s the best chair for height-adjustable desks?
The best seating for a height-adjustable desk is one that adapts to your movement. You want something that keeps your posture supported whether you’re sitting, leaning, or transitioning to standing. The Capisco saddle chair is an excellent combination with a height-adjustable desk.
Are stools good for posture?
Dynamic stools can encourage better posture by engaging your core and promoting upright sitting. They’re great for short periods or when used in combination with a height-adjustable desk. They’re not a total replacement for ergonomic task chairs, but they’re a useful part of a dynamic workstation. They are very popular with students, musicians, and artists. Browse our stools collection to explore different styles.
Desks
Why is a desk with a centre drawer not a good idea?
A centre drawer often forces you to sit too far from the desk, hindering proper posture and potentially causing neck and back strain due to reaching. It can also interfere with comfortable legroom and prevent you from pulling your chair close enough for good posture. Take a look at our range of height-adjustable desks.
Are standing desks better for your health?
Standing can be great for breaking up long periods of sitting and encouraging better posture. Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day helps reduce back pain, improve circulation, and even boost concentration. The key is to move more — not just stand still. Our height-adjustable desks give you the flexibility to change positions whenever you need to.
What is the ideal desk height for working?
The standard desk height is typically between 72–74cm for a seated position — but it really depends on your height and the type of chair you use. Your elbows should rest comfortably at 90 degrees, and your forearms should be parallel to the desk surface. Adjustable desks or chairs can help you achieve this. If you're unsure, a DSE assessment can help you set up your desk correctly.
Do I need a sit-stand desk?
If you work at a desk for long periods and struggle with back stiffness, fatigue, or concentration dips, a sit-stand desk can help. It allows you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which encourages movement and better posture. Many of our customers say it helps them stay comfortable throughout the day. Browse our height-adjustable desks to see the options available.
What size desk do I need for dual monitors?
For a dual monitor setup, aim for a desk at least 120–140cm wide to allow space for the screens and accessories. We recommend keeping the screen you use the most in the centre, directly in front of you, and the secondary screen to the side. Make sure the desk is stable. Our desking range offers a wide variety of sizes for each model, making them ideal for a setup with a dual monitor arm.
Are home office desks different from commercial ones?
No, not really — this really depends on where you look and what type of desk you want. The majority of height-adjustable desks are built on the same structure. The main difference between desks is how many motors they have (Usually 1 or 2), how many leg extensions they have (which impacts their height range), the load capacity and the warranty. Commercial offices tend to have rows of desks that are all connected for ease of installation and keeping offices tidy with neat cable management systems. Our range of height-adjustable desks and fixed desks are perfectly suitable for offices and home offices.
Home Office
Are you working from a sofa or a bed?
Many of us have sat in the office and dreamed of being able to work from our bed or sofa, but what is the impact of working from our laptops lying down? Either option is an absolute NO, laying on the bed with your laptop on your legs or to the side will result in head tilting forwards and twisting of the upper back and neck, sitting on the sofa with the laptop on your lap, on the arm of the sofa or on a coffee table in front of you – all will result in your head tilting forwards causing stress/strain in the upper back and neck, arms of the sofa will result in you twisting your upper back and neck, laptop on the coffee table will result in you leaning forward and extending your arms. None of them offer a sensible solution if you are planning on working for any length of time and all of them offer stress/strain on various parts of the body. Speak to us – there will be things you can do to make a four-legged chair more comfortable but also consider the options, as longer term a four-legged chair is not a healthy solution for all day working!
How do I make my home office more ergonomic?
Start by making sure your chair and desk support good posture. Your screen should be at eye level, your feet flat on the floor, and your forearms should be parallel with the desk surface with elbows at 90 degrees. Use a monitor arm or laptop stand if needed to raise your screen. Even small accessories can make a big difference. Our home office range is designed to help you work comfortably — and our team can help with tailored advice or a DSE assessment if needed.
What furniture do I need for a small home office?
For a small home office, focus on functional, space-saving furniture. A compact desk, an ergonomic chair, and clever storage (like under-desk drawers or wall shelves) are key. A monitor arm enables you to free up desk surface space. Consider multi-purpose furniture, such as a stool that tucks away neatly. Our Home Office collection is curated for comfort and productivity — even in tight spaces.
What is the best office chair for working from home?
The best chair for home working supports your posture throughout the day and fits well in your space. Look for adjustable lumbar support, seat height and depth, and adjustable tilt. If you're working from a 4-legged chair, a great improvement would be a chair from our budget chair range, offering basic functionality without the price tag. Or you can have a look at our ergonomic chair range, which offers more functionality and a wide range of options. For peace of mind, visit our showroom and try before you buy in our Guildford showroom.
Commercial Office
What’s the difference between commercial and home office furniture?
Home office furniture often focuses on space-saving design and aesthetics that fit with your home, while commercial furniture is generally built for durability, heavier use, and often a modular layout. Commercial setups also consider shared spaces, cable management, and health & safety regulations. At Healthy Home & Office, we supply both — whether you're creating a home workspace or furnishing an office for 20 people.
What furniture supports hot desking?
Hot desking works best with adjustable furniture. Height-adjustable desks enable users to easily adjust the desk to their ideal height. Chairs should be easy to adjust on the fly, like our range of ergonomic chairs. Accessories like monitor arms with laptop mounts also make shared setups smoother.
Hybrid working
What office setup works best for hybrid workers?
For hybrid workers, flexibility is key. Ideally, your home and office setups should both support good posture and comfort. If you use a laptop, it's recommended to have portable accessories like an ergonomic mouse, compact keyboard and a laptop stand or a monitor arm with a laptop mount at each setup. At the office, height-adjustable desks are the best option as they support hot desking or shared use.
Accessories
Are you working on a laptop?
Many of us may have used laptops in the past but may find that we are now using them all day, if you are using your laptop without any accessories, you will be hunched over the keyboard, the screen will be too low and too close, your head will be tilting forwards so you will be running the risk of discomfort in the upper back, neck, shoulders, wrists etc and this risk can be easily reduced with very little cost.
Do I need a monitor arm for my desk setup?
A monitor arm can greatly improve your posture. It lets you position your screen at the correct eye level, keeping your head balanced, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders. Plus, it clears desk space and keeps your setup tidy. Our range of monitor arms includes single, dual, and gas-spring models to suit any workspace.
Should I use a footrest under my desk?
Using a footrest is generally not recommended for most people unless they are very short. It's important for your knees to be slightly lower than your hips when sitting to promote proper posture and comfort. For most individuals, having a footrest may disrupt this alignment. A height-adjustable desk enables you to sit at the right height in your chair with feet flat on the floor and keep your forearms parallel with your desk surface.
Soft Seating / Breakout Furniture
What is soft seating in office design?
Soft seating refers to comfortable, upholstered chairs and sofas used in informal or collaborative areas — like breakout spaces, receptions, or quiet zones. These pieces offer a relaxed alternative to task seating, helping staff recharge or meet casually. Our soft seating range includes modular sofas, lounge chairs, and compact options ideal for flexible office design.
How do breakout areas improve workplace wellbeing?
Breakout spaces give employees a place to relax, think, or chat away from their desks. This helps reduce stress, boost creativity, and promote informal collaboration — all of which contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace. Thoughtful furniture choices (like soft seating, tables, and acoustic screens) make these areas inviting and functional. We help businesses create breakout zones that support wellbeing and performance.
DSE Assessments & Ergonomics
What is a DSE assessment?
A DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment is an evaluation of your workstation to ensure it’s set up safely and ergonomically. It looks at your chair, desk, screen position, keyboard use, and overall posture to reduce the risk of strain or injury. Employers are legally required to provide DSE assessments for regular screen users. Learn more about our DSE workstation assessments for individuals and businesses.
Who is responsible for providing a DSE assessment?
If you’re employed and use a computer for more than 1 hour a day, your employer is responsible for making sure you have a proper DSE assessment. This applies whether you're working in the office or from home. The aim is to prevent work-related injuries and support long-term wellbeing. We offer DSE services to help businesses stay compliant and staff stay comfortable.
Do I need a DSE assessment if I work from home?
Yes — if you work from home regularly and use a computer for more than 1 hour a day, you should have a DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment. Employers are still responsible for ensuring remote workstations are safe and ergonomically set up, just as they are for office-based staff. A proper assessment can help you avoid discomfort and long-term issues like back pain, eye strain, or repetitive strain injuries. We offer remote and in-person DSE assessments to help home workers create a healthy and compliant setup.
What happens during a DSE workstation assessment?
A DSE assessment looks at how your workstation is set up and how you interact with your equipment throughout the day. It typically covers your chair, desk height, monitor position, keyboard and mouse use, lighting, and posture. The goal is to identify any risks or discomfort and suggest adjustments or equipment changes to make your setup safer and more comfortable. At Healthy Home & Office, our DSE assessments are practical, personal, and designed to help you work better — whether you're at home or in the office.
How do I make my workstation DSE compliant?
To make your workstation DSE compliant, you'll need to ensure that your setup supports safe, comfortable working over long periods. Key steps include adjusting your chair so your feet are flat on the floor, positioning your monitor at eye level, using a keyboard and mouse within easy reach, and avoiding awkward postures. Using equipment like monitor arms and ergonomic chairs can help. If you're unsure, a professional DSE assessment can provide tailored advice to ensure you're fully compliant.