A hybrid working setup and occasional work from home tasks that extend for a long time clearly demand having a proper setup at home. And, if you are a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your staff gets the best and most comfortable seating to ensure high productivity. So, picking the right chair matters; otherwise, anyone and everyone can develop back issues and other health ailments connected to bad posture.
So, investing in an ergonomic chair is no longer a luxury; it has mainly become a necessity for everyone who sits on the chair for a long time at a stretch. And, these chairs are designed to ensure your comfort while maintaining a healthy posture, whether you are playing your favourite games or working. This wholesome guide lists down the things you need to check before buying your next ergonomic chair, along with the best picks available in the country. So, you will easily make the right buying decision and have a comfortable working experience.
Things to Check Before Buying an Ergonomic Chair
1. Lumbar Support (Lower Back Support)
When you sit for long hours, your lower back is the worst-affected part of your body. And, that is the reason why you feel like giving your back a good stretch immediately after getting up. So, your ergonomic chair must have a lumbar support to maintain the natural curvature of your spine when you are sitting or when you want to relax your back by leaning your chair backwards. Having this support in your chair avoids lower back pain even when you sit for long periods of time every day.
What to check:
- Dynamic back support, which supports micro movements while you are sitting. So, your back will never be frozen in the same position all day
- Adjustable back support to customise the support at different pressure points
Adjustable back support:
If you are looking for an affordable ergonomic chair with a mesh back design for breathability and comfort, this one from Green Soul might end your search and solve your purpose. Available with 4-way adjustable armrests, the chair comes in 2 colours to let you match your workspace aesthetics easily. With a breathable Korean mesh used for the construction of this chair, your body is well ventilated and does not produce too much sweat when you are working. Overall, this is a good chair with a maximum weight capacity of more than 100kg, making it suitable for almost everyone.
Key features:- Cushioned headrest for your comfort and to relax between long work hours
- Smooth recline mechanism
- Maximum weight capacity of 120kg
- Available with a warranty of 5 years
- Korean mesh backrest for durability, comfort and breathability
- Maximum height supported is 6’1”
Dynamic back support:
If you are looking for an affordable ergonomic chair which comes with dynamic back support, this one from Green Soul will be a good option to buy online. Suitable for both small offices and home workstations, this lightweight chair is durable and comes with a warranty of 3 years. So, you can make your purchase without worrying about the durability and get a good value for your investment with the support you get behind you. The woven mesh is comfortable to sit on and adjusts to your body well for your comfort. With a maximum weight capacity of up to 120kg, the chair is a decent option for most adults.
Key features:- 2 colours available for ensuring that the chair enhances the look of your office, rather than messing up with the aesthetics
- Weighs just around 16kg and is convenient to move
- Dual panel mesh backrest that adjusts according to your spine, body weight and pressure points
- 2-way adjustable headrests with 10 height options and angle tilt
- 3D armrests
- Multi-lock recline of up to 135 degrees
- Woven mesh to keep you comfortable even in the hot and humid weather in India
- Maximum weight capacity of 120kg
- Warranty of up to 3 years
- Suitable for adults with a height of up to 6’2”
2. Recline & Tilt Mechanism
When you need to sit for hours on a chair, you cannot expect it to be an uncomfortable one. The backrest should be comfortable, and the tilt should be sturdy and relaxing enough to let you take breaks comfortably while being on the chair. This lets you give a break to your body without moving away from the screen for work. Also, the tilt mechanism and backrest are important if you have to meet people frequently and have long meetings or conversations while sitting on your seat. After all, you cannot sit in a straight back posture all the while during discussions. A good reclining chair reduces pressure on your spine when you need to sit for long hours
What to look for:
- The recline range should be between 90 and 135 degrees or more, depending on your preferences. Mostly, people prefer chairs with more than 135 degrees of recline because of the comfort they offer during long work hours
- The tilt lock feature might help you to prevent over-tilting and minimise the chances of falling down
- Tension control mechanism for comfort, with a touch of modern technology, with an auto-weight sync mechanism instead of traditional manual knobs
New in the market recline mechanism:
If you are looking for a mesh back chair that gives a premium feel with respect to comfort and aesthetics, this one might be the right choice for your home office. Way lighter than those bulky leather chairs, this office chair can be comfortably moved around in your home if you do not have a permanent work setup. Available in 2 contrasting colour combinations, with grey, you can use this chair in both workspaces and for gaming stations. The nylon wheelbase eliminates noise greatly and allows you to move your chair comfortably whenever you want.
Key features:- A more premium look and feel as compared to the previously mentioned Green Soul ergonomic mesh back chair
- Premium mesh back design, which is skin-friendly and comfortable
- Quiet wheels to avoid disturbances in closed spaces
- 4-way adjustable armrests for your comfort
- 2-way adjustable headrest to give comfort to your head and neck
- Available with a warranty of 5 years
Comfortable armrests are as important in an ergonomic chair as any other part. And this Monster Pro chair from Green Soul comes with 5D adjustable armrests, which is way better than other variants or other popular options available in India. Suitable for tall adults with a height of up to 6’3”, this ergonomic chair is designed to offer you a comfortable gaming and work experience. The black and green colour combination in this chair makes it perfect for a complete gaming setup that has other accessories as well. And, if you wish to have this comfortable chair in the office, you may opt for other colour combinations.
Key features:- 5D armrests with 360-degree rotation, a dedicated Mobile Gaming Mode, swivel adjustment and more for full customisation
- Ventilated seats to avoid excessive sweating and a comfortable user experience
- An in-built massager to help you relax your muscles between your important tasks
- Up to 180-degree inclination
- Flat wheelbase with a silent base to avoid disturbances when you move the chair at work
- Curved footrest to let you relax your legs whenever you want
- Easy to clean and maintain the hygiene because of the wipe-off fabric material
- Available with a warranty of 3 years
3. Seat Cushion & Comfort
No one wants to sit on a small chair or a chair that does not allow free movement or comfortable stretches. That is why it becomes important to ensure that your chair has a comfortable depth and width. After all, you are not going to sit still on your chair all day in the same position without any movement of your legs or back. The cushioning of your chair must also be comfortable to ensure that you do not get up with a pain in your lower back after working for the entire day. Ideally, a mid-firmness foam will make sense in most cases for optimum comfort and posture. So, make sure that you check this feature properly before you decide on the chair that you want to buy.
What to check:
- A 2–4 inch gap between the seat edge and the knees is said to be ideal for maintaining the right posture
- High-density moulded foam is usually preferred over cut foam for durability
- Waterfall edge with a curved seat front for comfort
- Proper cushioning to avoid lower back pain after long sitting hours
Best seat in the market:
As already listed above, the Green Soul Galaxy office chair is a trusted option in the country, even if you want to go for a chair with the new and comfortable recline mechanism. You can choose from the grey-blue and grey-red combinations, depending on the aesthetics of your room or workspace.
A great pick for both students and working professionals, this Green Soul ergonomic chair offers a comfortable sitting experience. Designed in a way to ensure that the right posture is maintained and you are comfortable all the while, this chair ensures that you do not feel too physically tired after you finish your sitting hours. The cushioned footrest is the highlight of this mesh back chair, which ensures that you can put your feet to rest whenever you want or even use this chair as a comforting reading chair. Overall, a good pick for your setup if you want to avoid excessively sweating in your room.
Key features:- Dynamic back support that ensures your comfort even if you need to sit for 8+ hours every day
- Cushioned footrest, ensuring that you need not spend additional money on a footrest or ottoman
- Smooth recline of up to 135 degrees and 3 lock positions available for your comfort
- 3-way adjustable armrests
- Highly elastic breathable mesh, which lets your body be comfortable when you are reclining
- Available with a warranty of 3 years
4. Material & Breathability
Sitting for long hours in the same spot calls for comfort, and you often tend to ignore the aesthetics for the same. So, it becomes very important to pay attention to the material of your chair and the breathability of the top layers. And, it is even more important in the Indian climate, where it is hot and humid in most parts of the year. Your sweat must evaporate properly or dry up quickly instead of making you feel uncomfortable. So, make sure that you check the material of the chair you are planning to use before actually buying it.
What to check:
- Mesh chairs are said to be the best for the air flow and breathability aspect
- Leather/faux leather chairs are perfect to give a premium look and feel to your work setup, but they can get sweaty
Best Ergonomic Mesh Chair:
If you are looking for an ergonomic mesh back chair that lets your skin breathe without excessive sweating, this Green Soul chair will ensure that you work for long hours comfortably. Available in 3 colours, you can easily fit this chair in any office setup, irrespective of the theme. The recline mechanism adapts to your body weight without needing to manually adjust the tension on the back of your chair. With 3-way adjustable armrests, you can ensure that your hands rest in the right position when you are working, typing or relaxing.
Key features:- Precision-placed cushioning for adaptive comfort by targeting your pressure points
- An X-shaped floating frame which supports the right posture while you are working
- Intelligent recline mechanism, which works without requiring a manual knob and the multi-lock mechanism allows you to fix your chair at the desired recline position
- 3-way adjustable armrests
- 2-way adjustable headrest to rest your head in a comfortable position when you are not working
- Responsive and adjustable mesh fabric, which ensures your comfort
- High back design with headrest for full support
- Maximum weight capacity of 125kg
- Suitable for people with a height of up to 5’10”
Best Ergonomic Gaming:
While most ergonomic chairs offer just support on the lower back area, this one comes with a lower back support cushion to not just support but also add comfort. Available in 5 colour options, this full-back ergonomic chair ensures that you can choose how your office area or gaming zone will look at home by matching it well to the aesthetics and other accessories. And with a backrest maximum angle of 180 degrees, you can comfortably stretch your back and relax your body when you need to take a break from work or gaming for a few minutes.
Key features:- Suitable for heights from 5’8” to 6’5”
- 5 colour combinations available
- Internal frame made of metal to ensure durability and take your body weight easily when you work for long hours
- Upholstery made of Spandex Fabric + PU Leather to offer a combination of durability, comfort and aesthetics
- Back inclination available up to 180 degrees
- Rocking range of approximately 15 degrees
- Assembly provided by the brand
- Available with a warranty of 3 years
5. Adjustability
While this may sound very basic, going for an ergonomic chair with an adjustable height is a necessity. No two people are similar, and the upper and lower bodies are in different proportions as well. So, your chair must be at the right height when you are sitting. Not just for the comfort of your back, the height-adjustment feature also helps prevent knee strain when you are working. Besides this, if your chair has adjustable armrests and a headrest, it will be even better for your comfort whenever you take a break.
What to look for:
- Comfortable and durable height, recline and tilt adjustment mechanism
- 2D, 3D and 4D adjustable armrests. 5D adjustable variants are also available for maximum comfort
- The ideal range is usually between 16 and 21 inches for an adult who needs to sit for work
- An adjustable headrest is an optional feature, but it might be apt for you if you have to work for long hours
Best in market recline and armrest adjustability:
Besides the previously mentioned variant, the Green Soul Monster Pro chair is available in 2 more colour options. So, you can conveniently choose as per your preferences and work setup aesthetics
6. Warranty & Brand Reliability
You cannot ignore the warranty aspect when you are making your purchase for an ergonomic chair. Usually, a 3-5 year warranty period is quite common in most ergonomic chairs available online. Besides this, do not forget to check the brand value and trust to decide whether it is worth putting the money into an office chair or not. These two aspects are equally important whether you decide to buy an ergonomic chair online or from a local store near your home.
What to check:
- Prefer going for chairs with a warranty of 3-5 years. Avoid the ones with 1-2 years because they are less durable for regular use
- Check the customer support, installation or after-sales services available in your city