Castors and floors
Hard castors suit carpet; soft rubber or polyurethane castors protect wooden floors and laminate. A chair mat helps on either.
Office chairs for long days at home
An office chair is the piece of home office furniture you notice most by the end of the day. The right one supports your lower back, lets your feet rest flat and moves with you. A chair for home also has to look at ease in a bedroom or living room, not like a call centre.
Our first pieces are on their way. We are choosing them one by one from European workshops and makers. Tell me when they arrive.
Buying guide
How to choose an ergonomic desk chair
Adjustment matters more than padding. Sit in the chair, or check its specification, against these points.
- Seat height: Feet flat on the floor, knees at about hip height, elbows level with the desk.
- Seat depth: Two to three fingers of space between the seat edge and the back of your knees.
- Lumbar support: A curve or adjustable pad that fills the small of your back.
- Armrests: Low enough to slide under the desk, ideally adjustable in height.
- Tilt: A backrest that reclines with a tension you can set, so you can lean back between tasks.
Look and fabric
At home, a fabric or bouclé seat on a slim base sits better in a bedroom than black mesh. Mesh stays cooler in summer, while upholstered seats feel warmer and softer.
Standards
In the UK and Europe, BS EN 1335 covers the dimensions and safety of work chairs. A chair tested to it has passed minimum stability and strength checks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best office chair for sitting long hours?
One that adjusts to you: seat height, seat depth, lumbar support and armrests. Fit matters more than price or padding.
Do ergonomic chairs really work?
They help when they are set up correctly. A well-adjusted chair keeps your back supported and your feet flat, which makes a long day easier.
Which castors are best for wooden floors?
Soft rubber or polyurethane castors, or a clear chair mat. Hard nylon castors are designed for carpet.
See also
All home officeRooms:Home office