Whether in a private office or a shared space, there is no doubt that chairs will be in abundance. When thinking about what type of chair to purchase, the consumer needs to think about what the use of it will be and the length of time that will be spent in it. This can be a huge factor in how comfortable or practical the chair should be—the longer the periods of time that will be spent in the chair, the more user friendly it should be, as to not cause any stress injuries. The user should consider if their work is mainly on a computer, drawing on a table, or anything in between, as these are all things to reckon.
Task Chairs
Task chairs are typically what someone may think of when they hear the term “office chair”. These chairs are quite basic in design, have wheels on the base, and do swivel, allowing them to rotate in all directions. The height can be easily adjusted by anyone to match their comfort level and they are reasonably priced. These would not be ideal for someone that spends 8 to 11 hours a day sitting down, as it may not provide the maximum support needed for the necessary body parts.
Mesh Chairs
Mesh chairs are a good option for those who tend to feel warm in their office chairs. The backs of these are made of mesh, which is a perforated fabric that allows for air circulation, keeping the user cooler. These chairs do also come with a padded seat that is designed for comfort. These also usually are made on wheels with the same swivel as task chairs. Although mesh chairs may provide some lumbar support, there are some after-market padding contraptions that can be added to enhance the comfort and support.
Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic chairs are designed specifically to provide support where it is needed most. For sitting long periods of time, this means that support is needed for the back. Anyone may use these types of chairs but they are highly recommended to those that suffer from back pain or have been diagnosed with spinal problems. The special settings of Ergonomics allow the user to change many things including the height of the armrests, the height of the seat, the angle of the backrest, and some even offer neck support. Generally ergonomic chairs come with built-in lumbar (lower back) support that can be adjusted to the user’s height, as well as advanced padding to provide comfort on the seat.
Executive Chairs
Similar to task chairs only in movement, executive chairs are much more intricate. These chairs usually have a higher backrest and are much more comfortable to sit in because of their extra padding on the seat as well as the armrests. The height of the angle of the backrest are adjustable by the user, and these chairs are usually professionally upholstered with leather, making them more costly than simple task chairs. These may be used in a more professional setting and provide all of the comfort in the maximum style of an office type. The metal frames of these chairs ensure the durability and longevity.
All in All
Although it may seem overwhelming, each type of chair serves a specific purpose and was designed to do exactly that. For every type that there is, there are seemingly endless ways to customize it with new and developing technology. Someone may take the plunge for an ergonomic, another person might decide that mesh better suits them and just adds a lumbar support to the back of it. Choosing one type doesn’t mean the user has to be tied down to it.
