How do you choose a desk chair? comfortable work and a healthy back
When we spend most of the day sitting, it is worth taking care of a properly adjusted desk chair. This is the only way to ensure a healthy back and to make working more comfortable and enjoyable.
When furnishing a place to work or study, aesthetics take a back seat. The key is to choose the most ergonomic solutions that suit not only our needs, but also our back. After all, when we spend many hours at a desk or table, we need to take care of our body posture, and thus - a well-chosen office chair.
Today, when we increasingly choose to work from home, this is particularly important. We ourselves have to create a healthy and comfortable workplace for ourselves in such a way that we do not expose ourselves to back problems. How do you choose a desk chair? What should an adult freelancer consider when buying a swivel chair for the computer, and what should a young student consider?
A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE HAS ITS CONSEQUENCES
Many of us still have the misconception that sitting is healthier for the back than standing. However, by sitting, we put up to four times more strain on our spine. Lack of knowledge in terms of correct posture means that up to 80% of Poles suffer from various types of back pain.
Spending most of the day in a sitting position can lead to muscle overload, contractures and inflammation. In addition, when we sit in an incorrect position, we risk not only back pain, but also headaches, pain in our arms and legs. It is also worth remembering that the way we sit affects our concentration and efficiency at work. Let's keep this in mind when choosing a desk chair.
ERGONOMIC CHAIR - CORRECT SITTING POSTURE
Our spine resembles an S-shape. It has natural curves, to which the backrest of the chair should adapt as closely as possible. This will help minimise the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
When we sit, our spine should be slightly bent forward in the lumbar section and gently leaned back in the thoracic section. We should keep our head in a vertical line, flush with the sacrum - in such a way that the neck does not bend sideways. It is also important that the whole of the feet are resting on the ground and that the angle of flexion of the knees is 90 degrees.
This position ensures minimal strain on the spine and reduces tension in the back muscles. Our office chair should allow for this position. Sitting comfort will be ensured by the design of the chair itself - appropriately adjusted seat depth, contoured backrest, movable armrests or adjustable headrest, which will allow you to adjust the chair to your body shape.
THE BEST OFFICE CHAIR IS NOT EVERYTHING
An ergonomic desk of the right height is important in this context. Ideally, it should have a robust construction and an adjustable option so that you can precisely adjust the position of the work surface to your height.
In order not to overload your back and to give your eyes a rest, remember to take a break from time to time while working or studying. Just get up from your desk for a few minutes, walk around the room and stretch your neck and shoulders. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you will also benefit from daily walks, a trip to the pool or a bike ride. These are activities that effectively strengthen the muscles of the back and upper limb muscles, helping to maintain good health and good posture.
CHOOSING A DESK CHAIR - WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
To maintain a correct sitting position, choose a suitably contoured chair that adapts to the S-shaped spine. Chairs with a high backrest, reaching at least halfway up the back and preferably as far as the head - so that you can also relieve strain on the neck - will work well. The height of the seat is also important. The thighs and torso should form a right angle.
A good choice would be models with adjustable height and armrests, such as Veno, Notjo or Nixo. Attention should also be paid to the safety and stable position of the chair at the desk, which can be ensured by a five-star base. The material from which the chair is made is also important - it should be air-permeable so that your back does not sweat too much on warm days. Leather will not be the best solution here, although lovers of classic elegance may like, for example, the Hagen swivel chair made of breathable eco-leather.
A slightly different type of chair is recommended if you only occasionally spend time at your desk, for example when doing manual work that requires precision: sewing, drawing or plant care. In such situations we need a stable and comfortable seat. The Uni chair with its comfortable, curved backrest or the subtly shaped Nolto chair, upholstered with pleasant and easy-to-clean upholstery fabric, will be ideal.
An interesting combination of a swivel chair and a classic chair can be found in the Closer chair, designed especially for small interiors. It has a swivel seat, thanks to which we can easily get up from the desk or change position without having to move away. It is the ideal choice for a multifunctional studio space, where the dining table is often turned into a desk.
WHICH DESK CHAIR TO CHOOSE FOR A CHILD?
Choosing the right chair or desk chair is particularly important for children. Even minor back problems in the early years can have serious consequences in the future. Look for furniture designed specifically with students in mind - 'universal' office chairs are usually designed primarily for adults and can lead to the development of bad habits and incorrect posture.
How to choose a desk chair for a child? Pay attention first of all to ensure that the child's spine is supported along its entire length: from the lumbar region to the shoulder blades. The height of an ergonomic chair should be such that the whole foot rests on the ground, the knees bend at right angles and the thighs are not pressed down by the edge of the seat.
Let's also think about the space available - so that the child can work comfortably even at a small desk. The compact Nett swivel arm chair with a white and black finish is ideal here. For larger rooms, we can invite the youthful Arrow gaming armchair, equipped with comfortable armrests and a soft seat and backrest finished with form-fitting upholstery.
