When buying a chair, several factors are essential to consider for you to make an informed choice. Here's a checklist:
Comfort
When we talk about comfort, we often focus on the immediate sensation of how it feels to sit in a chair. The initial plushness or firmness of the seat, the way the backrest reclines, the contour of the seat against your body, and the texture of the material against your skin all contribute to this first impression. Some people prefer a softer, plusher feel, while others might like a firmer seat that provides a sense of sturdiness and support.
However, comfort is more than just how a chair feels when you first sit down. It's also about how your body feels after you've been sitting in the chair for a while. A chair that feels comfortable initially but doesn't provide adequate support can lead to discomfort, muscle fatigue, and even long-term health issues. For example, inadequate lumbar support can result in lower back pain over time.
Comfort also involves customization to fit your body and your needs. Many chairs offer adjustable elements such as seat height, seat depth, backrest angle, and armrest positioning. The ability to tweak these features can dramatically increase a chair's comfort, especially for people who are taller, shorter, or differently proportioned than the "average" user the chair might have been initially designed for.
Another aspect of comfort is temperature and breathability. Some materials, like leather or vinyl, can get sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather or after a long period of sitting. Other materials, like mesh or certain types of fabric, can be more breathable and temperature-neutral.
Lastly, comfort can be influenced by factors like noise and mobility. A squeaky chair can be annoying and therefore reduce the overall comfort. Similarly, if you need to move your chair around frequently, a chair that's heavy to lift or doesn't roll smoothly can be frustrating and uncomfortable to use.
In summary, while comfort may seem like a straightforward concept, it's actually a complex interplay of design, materials, adjustability, support, and personal preference. It's always advisable to spend some time sitting in a chair before you decide if it's truly comfortable for you.
Material
Fabric is a common choice for chairs because of the vast range of options it offers in terms of colors, patterns, and textures. This allows for a great deal of customization to fit the existing décor. Fabrics can be soft and cozy, giving a warm and welcoming feel to the chair. However, a significant consideration with fabric chairs is their tendency to stain or absorb odors, especially if you have children or pets. Some fabrics are more durable than others, and you may want to consider options like microfiber for better stain resistance.
While these are the most noted considerations for fabric upholstery, there is another important factor. Fabric, while soft, creates the most traction against clothes, of all materials. Therefore fabric is the best material when it comes to supporting users body.
Leather, on the other hand, exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication. It's particularly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to spills. Leather chairs can give a room an executive or high-end look. Over time, genuine leather can develop a unique patina that adds to its charm. However, maintaining leather requires regular care to prevent cracking or fading. In terms of comfort, leather might not be the best option in hot climates or seasons as it can feel sticky and warm.
Mesh is another popular choice, particularly for office chairs, mainly because of its excellent breathability. Sitting for long hours in a chair can lead to a build-up of heat and moisture, but a mesh back can help to alleviate this, making the chair feel cooler. Despite its benefits, mesh does not offer the same level of padding or cushioning as fabric or leather, which some people might find less comfortable. Additionally, lower quality mesh may sag over time.
Plastic and metal are often used in the structural components of a chair due to their strength and durability. Plastic chairs can be a cost-effective and versatile choice, with a wide range of colors available. They are easy to clean and resistant to stains, but they may lack the comfort and aesthetic appeal of other materials.
Metal, such as steel or aluminum, brings a sleek, modern aesthetic to a chair and is often used in more high-end or heavy-duty models. While metal chairs can be robust and long-lasting, they can also be heavy and might lack the padded comfort provided by fabric or leather chairs.
Wooden chairs, finally, are traditional and versatile. They are common in settings like dining rooms and kitchens. Wooden chairs can be highly durable and visually appealing with various colors and finishes. However, they might require additional seat cushions for comfort during prolonged use.
In essence, the material of a chair impacts multiple aspects of its utility and aesthetics. Your specific needs, the environment in which the chair will be used, your budget, and personal preferences all play a part in determining the best material choice.
Size
Size is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting a chair. It's not just about ensuring the chair fits in your space, but it's also about making sure it's a good fit for you. A chair's dimensions should allow you to sit comfortably and maintain good posture. Seat height is particularly important. Ideally, when seated, your feet should rest flat on the floor, and your knees should form a 90-degree angle. This ensures proper support and reduces strain on your legs and lower back. The width and depth of the seat matter too. It should provide ample room for you to sit without feeling squeezed, yet not be so large that you can't comfortably rest your back against the chair's backrest. If the chair's too deep, it may push against the back of your knees, causing discomfort. Hence, chair size impacts not just the chair's fit in a room, but also your comfort and well-being.
Adjustability
Adjustability is a key feature in chairs, particularly office chairs, that allows you to personalize the chair to fit your body and support a healthy posture. This customization includes elements like seat height, backrest angle, armrest height, and sometimes even seat depth and tilt tension. By adjusting these features, you can tailor the chair to your body, ensuring that you can maintain a comfortable and ergonomically sound position throughout the day. This can help prevent the discomfort and potential health issues that can arise from prolonged sitting, particularly in a chair that's not a good fit for your body. For a detailed guide on how to adjust your office chair and maximize comfort and support, you might find this article, The Comprehensive Guide to Office Chair Adjustability, helpful.
Durability
Durability refers to how well a chair can withstand wear and tear over time. It's an essential factor because a durable chair represents a long-term investment that offers value for money. The durability of a chair depends on several elements, including the quality of materials used, the craftsmanship, and the design. High-quality materials are likely to last longer and resist damage better. The way the chair is built also matters. Sturdy construction, strong joints, and high-quality fastenings indicate a durable chair. Additionally, the design of the chair can affect durability. For example, a chair with a well-supported frame is likely to withstand stress better than one with a weak or poorly supported structure. When assessing durability, look for signs of solid construction and high-quality materials to ensure the chair will last. From the pespective of a used office furniture dealer, we think the best indication of durability is how many chairs make it to the second-hand market. See our list of most popular used office chairs for some notable examples.
Design and Aesthetics
Design and aesthetics in a chair involve much more than just its visual appeal. They encompass the overall style, color, shape, and even the material of the chair, and how these elements blend together. A chair's design can communicate a certain mood or theme, ranging from traditional, contemporary, minimalist, rustic, or anything in between. It can be a statement piece or blend seamlessly with your existing decor.
Aesthetics also extend to how the chair 'feels' to the user. The tactile quality of the materials, the comfort of the shape, and the intuitiveness of any adjustable features all contribute to this. A chair's design can also impact its functionality, for example, a well-designed chair would balance aesthetics with comfort, durability, and even ergonomics.
In essence, when considering design and aesthetics, you're looking for a chair that not only looks good but also fits your personal style, matches your decor, meets your comfort needs, and functions well in the intended space.
Price
Price is a crucial factor when choosing a chair, as it needs to fit within your budget. However, it's important to consider what you're getting for that price. Cheaper chairs might be tempting, but they often compromise on quality, comfort, and durability. They may end up costing more in the long run if they need to be replaced frequently. Conversely, the most expensive chairs might come with premium features, materials, or designer labels, but it's worth considering if these elements are necessary or valuable to you.
It's also essential to remember that a higher price does not always guarantee a better chair. The best approach is to find a balance between price and the chair's qualities like comfort, materials, adjustability, size, durability, and design. Determine what features are most important to you and invest in those. This way, you're more likely to find a chair that provides value for money and suits your needs and budget.
Warranty
Check whether the chair comes with a warranty. A warranty can give you peace of mind that you can get the chair fixed or replaced if it breaks within a certain time frame. Premium office chairs can come with 15 or more years warranty, which is a quality statement on its own. Unfortunately, the warranty is usually voided once the chair is resold, so there is no manufacturers warranty on used office chairs. To provide the best service for our customers, Kings Office Furniture are giving heir very own 1-year warranty on used office furniture they sell - not only chairs, but also desks, storage, meeting and reception furniture.
Remember, it can be helpful to test the chair in person if possible, or read reviews if you're buying online. You'll spend a lot of time in your chair, so it's worth taking the time to choose the right one.