The best ergonomic office chair is one you can adjust to your body: seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, armrests and recline. The Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Aeron suit long days at one desk, the Embody and Gesture suit people who move a lot, and the Branch Ergonomic Chair suits a first home office.
You probably spend more hours in your desk chair than in your car, yet most of us choose a chair in five minutes and then live with it for years. A good ergonomic chair won't do the work for you, but it makes sitting well the easy option. Here's what to look for, the chairs worth shortlisting, and how to set yours up once it arrives.
The six adjustments that matter
Ignore the marketing words and check for these. A chair that does all six will fit most bodies. A chair that skips two or three will fit some people well and others badly.
- Seat height. Your feet should rest flat on the floor with your thighs roughly level.
- Seat depth. A sliding seat lets you leave a gap of a few fingers between the seat edge and the back of your knees. Taller and shorter people need this most.
- Lumbar support. Adjustable height, and ideally depth, so it sits in the curve of your lower back rather than wherever the designer guessed.
- Armrests. Height and width adjustment at minimum, so your shoulders can relax while you type.
- Recline and tension. A backrest that moves with you, with tension you can set to your weight, and a lock for upright work.
- Breathable materials. Mesh or a quality fabric that won't trap heat on a long day.
Chairs worth a shortlist
| Chair | Known for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Miller Aeron | The classic mesh office chair, in three sizes | Pick the right size; it matters more than any setting |
| Herman Miller Embody | A flexible back that follows your spine as you move | Suits people who shift position a lot |
| Steelcase Leap | Huge range of adjustment, including seat depth and lumbar firmness | A favourite of ergonomists and office fit-outs |
| Steelcase Gesture | Arms that move in many directions, built for phone and tablet use | Good if you switch devices all day |
| Haworth Fern | A soft, flexible back without hard edges | Comfortable for people who sit back to read |
| Branch Ergonomic Chair | Core adjustments in a simpler, direct-to-consumer chair | A good starting point for a home office |
| Secretlab Titan | Gaming-style chair with built-in lumbar and a deep recline | Firmer cushioning; try the size guide carefully |
Ranges, sizes and options change, so check the current specs on each brand's own site. Many of these chairs also turn up refurbished from office clear-outs, which is a smart way to get a high-end chair.
Which type suits you
If you work long days at one desk
Look at the chairs with the widest range of adjustment, such as the Leap or Aeron. You'll make use of every setting over a full working week.
If you move around and switch devices
The Embody and Gesture are designed for people who lean, recline and swap between laptop, phone and tablet. Their backs and arms move with you rather than holding you still.
If you're setting up a first home office
A simpler chair with the six core adjustments gets you most of the way. Spend the rest on a decent monitor height and good light. If you're also choosing your computer, my guide on how to choose a laptop for business will help.
How to set up your chair in five minutes
- Raise or lower the seat until your feet are flat and your knees are about level with your hips.
- Slide the seat so there's a small gap behind your knees.
- Move the lumbar support until you can feel it in the small of your back.
- Lower the armrests until your shoulders drop, then bring them in close.
- Set the recline tension so the chair supports you when you lean back, without pushing you forward.
- Adjust your screen so the top is around eye level and an arm's length away.
Signs your current chair isn't working
- You perch on the front edge because the seat is too deep or the back pushes you forward.
- Your feet dangle or you tuck them under the seat for most of the day.
- You raise your shoulders to rest your arms, or the armrests stop you getting close to the desk.
- You keep adding cushions to make it bearable.
- The gas lift slowly sinks during the day or the tilt lock has stopped holding.
If two or more of these sound familiar, adjusting the chair you have is the first step. If it can't be adjusted to fix them, it's time to shop.
Buying tips
- Sit in it if you can. Office furniture showrooms and refurbishers often let you try several chairs at once.
- Check the trial period and how returns work, because some brands collect, and some ask you to pay for return shipping.
- Read the warranty. The best office chairs come with long warranties on frames and mechanisms.
- Measure your desk height. If your desk is too high for your chair, you'll need a footrest or a new desk.
Don't forget to move
Even the best chair isn't meant to hold you in one position all day. Alternate sitting with standing if you can, and get up between calls. My piece on standing desk benefits covers the sit-stand approach, and a few low-light office plants make a home office a nicer place to spend the day.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best ergonomic office chair?
It depends on your body and how you work. The Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Aeron suit long days at one desk, the Embody and Gesture suit people who move a lot, and the Branch Ergonomic Chair is a simpler home office option.
What should I look for in an ergonomic chair?
Adjustable seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, armrests and recline tension, plus breathable materials. A chair with all six will fit most people.
Is a gaming chair good for working from home?
Some are, if they have adjustable lumbar support and armrests and fit your size. Many office-style chairs offer more seat depth and armrest adjustment for typing.
Is a refurbished office chair worth buying?
Often, yes. High-end office chairs are built to last, and refurbishers usually replace worn parts. Check what warranty the refurbisher offers.
How should I sit in an ergonomic chair?
Feet flat, knees about level with your hips, a small gap behind your knees, lumbar support in the small of your back and shoulders relaxed with arms close.
