What are different types of office chairs. Office chairs are an indispensable part of a home or corporate workspace. They not only provide high levels of comfort and support but also help in maintaining a correct sitting posture.
The availability of different types of office chairs in the market, each with distinct features and uses, makes it overwhelming for users to decide which one to choose.
What are different types of office chairs
Nowadays there are multiple brands that are offering the best office chairs under $500. Therefore in this article, we are giving a detailed analysis of different types of office chairs along with their pros and cons so that you can easily figure out which type of office chair is best for you.
1. Executive Chair
Executive chairs are the premium quality office chairs generally used by top-notch executives and managers. These chairs have a highly sophisticated design and have heavily padded seats and armrests.
Pros
The use of an executive chair symbolizes power and authority in the workplace.
They are super comfortable and are designed to enhance the productivity of users through features such as built-in massage functions, high backrests, and padded armrests.
Cons
Executive chairs are quite large and heavy which makes it difficult for users to move them around.
Executive chairs are more expensive than other types of office chairs.
2. Kneeling Chairs
Kneeling chairs are a rather unique type of office chair that allows users to sit in a kneeling position. These chairs feature a sloping seat and knee rest and generally don’t have armrests or backrests.
Pros
Strengthening the back and core muscles of your body is one of the primary kneeling chair benefits.
Kneeling chairs offer a range of sitting options as compared to traditional office chairs.
As the users have to rely on the back and abdomen muscles to support their weight, kneeling chairs encourage the habit of active sitting in users.
Cons
Kneeling chairs restrict the mobility of users and can be inconvenient for people who move around frequently.
Kneeling chairs are not recommended for people who have a pre-existing knee or ankle problem.
3. Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic office chairs are designed to provide high levels of comfort and support to users. An ergonomic chair not only enhances your productivity but is also aesthetically pleasing for your work environment.
Pros
Ergonomic chairs are available in different materials, sizes and shapes and can thus cater to the needs of every type of user.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to promote better body alignment and a correct sitting posture with features such as adjustable armrests, seat depth, tilt mechanism and lumbar support.
Cons
A well-built ergonomic office chair can be pretty expensive.
Ergonomic office chairs require more maintenance such as regular adjustments, cleaning and lubrication.
Ergonomic chairs have a complex design and many users find them difficult to operate in the beginning.
4. Conference Chairs
Conference chairs are specifically designed to be used in conference rooms. These chairs have a unique ability to lean in a forward direction so that no participant remains hidden from view.
Pros
The forward-leaning feature of conference chairs helps users to remain vigilant.
Conference chairs are made of high-quality fabric or leather which provides extra comfort and support to the users.
Conference chairs tend to be durable and long-lasting.
Cons
Conference chairs provide limited adjustability options that could be inconvenient for many users.
Conference chairs are not suitable for long hours of sitting and may cause discomfort, or pain.
5. Gaming Chairs
Gaming chairs are designed to provide a comfortable and ergonomic sitting experience to users during long gaming hours. However, its high-end features such as adjustable armrests, lumbar support, reclining mechanism, and better air circulation make it equally useful for desk workers as well.
Pros
Gaming chairs have distinctive sporty looks that add an aesthetic appeal to your office.
Gaming chairs are highly customisable and users can easily adjust them to fit his/her body contours.
Cons
Gaming chairs are quite expensive and unaffordable as compared to traditional office chairs.
Gaming chairs generally have a large size and heavy weight which makes them problematic for people who have limited space and mobility options in their workspaces.
6. Mesh Chairs
A mesh chair is a flexible and supportive chair upholstered in mesh material. It easily conforms to the body contours of users to provide a comfortable sitting experience.
Pros
Mesh office chairs provide high levels of ventilation which helps to keep your body fatigue-free, cool, and comfortable.
Mesh chairs are simple and lightweight and can be easily moved around in the workspace.
Mesh chairs can be easily cleaned either by vacuum cleaning or removing the dirt with a warm soap solution or detergent-soaked cloth.
Cons
Due to limited insulation, mesh chairs feel quite uncomfortable and cold in cool climates or during winter months.
Mesh chairs lack thick cushioning and extra padding which feels uncomfortable for users who spend long hours sitting in the chair.
7. Reclining Chairs
The reclining chair is designed so the user can recline its backrest and elevate the feet and legs to a comfortable position.
Pros
Use of a reclining chair results in rapid and better blood circulation.
Reclining chairs reduces the heaviness or swelling in the foot caused due to prolonged static sitting.
Reclining chairs provide a super flexible and supporting sitting experience.
Cons
The extra features and functions of the reclining chair make it more expensive.
Reclining chairs take up more space due to their recline mechanism and extended footrests, making them unsuitable for smaller workspaces.
Reclining chairs are heavy and it is difficult to move them around.
8. Leather Chairs
Leather chairs are sophisticated chairs upholstered in leather material. These chairs exude a sense of style in cool working environments. Leather is the most durable material used in executive office chair
Type of grain of leather used in the manufacturing process makes the best leather office chairs among all other available options.
Pros
The extra padding of leather chairs makes them super comfortable.
Leather chairs can enhance the ambiance of your workspace and give a stylish touch to it.
Cons
Leather chairs can become sticky and sweatier in hot environments.
Leather chairs require extra maintenance such as conditioning the leather and professional repair services in case of any scratches.
9. Mid Back Chairs
As the name suggests, mid-back chairs provide a back-support that ends up on the user’s shoulders or upper back area. This type of chair is best for people with back issues.
Pros
The mid-back chair is lightweight and can be easily moved around in the workspace.
It provides excessive support to the lower back and lumbar region.
Cons
Mid-back chairs are unable to provide support to the upper back which may become uncomfortable for tall users.
Mid Back chairs lack headrests which become problematic for people who are used to resting their heads while seating.
10. Task Chairs/Operator Chair
A task chair is a basic type of office chair that provides the least features and functionalities. It is recommended for users who are looking for a simple sitting solution for their workspaces.
However, if someone needs to sit for long hours or a specialized task, then a more robust and advanced office chair should be preferred.
Pros
It is the most affordable and budget-friendly chair available in the market.
Task chairs have a simple structure, therefore, they are lightweight and can be easily moved around.
Cons
Task chairs are not visually as striking as other types of office chairs.
Task chairs generally don’t provide excessive comfort and support to users.
Conclusion – Last Thoughts!
In a nutshell, there is a variety of office chairs available in the market. Each type has its own specialties and shortcomings. A chair suitable for one task or one individual can not be best for every task and every person. Therefore, before selecting an office chair, consider your own preferences, individual needs, and working environment. Also keep in mind factors such as mobility, aesthetics, and price range so that you can make a wise decision for yourself.
