Are you sitting comfortably? Tips for choosing a work chair
© Marcelo Donadussi
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https://www.archdaily.com/en/995211/tips-for-choosing-a-workchair-if-you-are-sitting-comfortably-
Are you sitting comfortably right now? OK, I’ll wait a few seconds so you can adjust your posture and we can continue with the text. As much as we all know that our backs should be straight, shoulders back, and buttocks against the back of the chair, as soon as we stop paying attention, we tend to let our body slide down the chair until our spine takes hold. the shape of a large question mark. This can lead to various posture and circulation problems, chronic pain, and increased fatigue after a long day, week, month, or years of work. But know that you are not alone and that it is not (necessarily) your fault. What elements make a chair comfortable? How can they help you maintain a proper posture for longer? Is it possible to have design and comfort in the same product? In this article we will try to answer these questions and show some examples from the Architonic catalogue.
Roovice / ROOVICE office. Image © Akira Nakamura
The Covid-19 pandemic reinforced an existing (but not always used) corporate trend, which was for companies to allow their employees to do their work from home. Although some people already had a dedicated workspace at home, with a nice desk and chair, it wasn’t the norm for most people. The vast majority had to improvise at home, sitting at the living room table, on the sofa, or even in bed. What we thought would last 2 weeks, went on for almost 2 years and complaints of back pain became more frequent than ever. Proper seating directly affects comfort and productivity, and much of humanity spends around a third of the day sitting, at home or in the office.
LAVA – Berlin. Image © Marc Goodwin
The goal of ergonomics (the study of designing equipment and devices to fit the human body and its movements) is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with overuse of muscles, poor posture and movement. repeated. This can be applied to a variety of objects, from work tools to an office chair. As simple as designing a chair may seem, there are a multitude of angles, dimensions, and minor adjustments that can make all the difference in user comfort. That’s why choosing the right chair for working at home is no easy task: it has to meet your needs, not be too expensive, and (at least minimally) match the rest of the space, which requires a lot of research. To be considered a good chair, it must meet a few simple requirements:
Settings: seat height, backrest tilt and lumbar support to accommodate different sizes and body types. This allows the user to customize the chair to their own body and posture, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and promoting comfort;
Comfort: generally depending on the material, padding and adjustments mentioned above;
Durability: we spend a lot of time in these chairs and that is why it is important that the investment made pay off over time;
Design: The design of the chair should be pleasing to the eye and match the aesthetics of the room or office.
Expansion Cowork Wayco Ruzafa / José Costa. Image © Mariela Apolonio
Based on the Architonic catalogue, we have chosen some characteristics that exemplify the most customizable configurations of a chair. Of course, the more customizable the item is, the more likely it is to perfectly suit your needs. However, when it is not possible to choose the most complete option, you can opt for the configuration that interests you the most:
Furniture Courtesy of Montana
This is an important aspect of the comfort and ergonomics of the chair. Ideally, the height should be adjustable, allowing the user to rest their feet on the ground; and the depth and width should be suitable to fit different body types. Other important factors are the angle of the seat, which must support the natural curve of the spine, as well as the characteristics of the material and its level of padding, which will influence comfort.
Backrest: Height and tilt adjustments
Courtesy of Interstuhl
The backrest supports the lower back and promotes good sitting posture. Preferably, its dimensions should be sufficient to support the shoulders, neck and back, with adjustable inclination to better support the natural curvature of the spine.
Lumbar Support: Fixed or with Height and Depth Adjustments
Courtesy of Interstuhl
Essential to reduce pain in the lumbar region. This should be firm, without being too stiff or uncomfortable, as well as adjustable (in angle and height) to fit all body types. This is one of the most important aspects of a chair for promoting good posture for long periods of time.
Courtesy of Interstuhl
They provide a place to rest your arms, helping to reduce strain on your neck, shoulders, and wrists, and making the chair more comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Courtesy of Wagner
A headrest can be a nice feature for those who spend a lot of time sitting, and can reduce strain on the shoulders and neck. Ideally, it should be adjustable to accommodate different heights, as well as stable and comfortable.
Of course, it is essential that users learn to adjust their own chairs, as well as the objects around them, so that their working position is as suitable as possible. It is also important to take regular breaks and to stretch, move, and adjust your posture and position frequently. Undoubtedly, becoming aware of these points will make a big difference in the future.
OPPEAA / Lundén. Image © Marc Goodwin
See other options of office chairs in the Architonic catalogue.
Source: news.google.com