Understanding the Nuances of Office Chair Vs Ergonomic Chair to Select Better!

Furniture like chair redefines a place’s comfort quotient, aesthetics, and welcoming environment.

Office goers rely on comfortable chairs to spend their grueling work hours hassle-free and without any physical discomfort that takes little time to translate into mental stress.

Since these furniture items are crucial to everyone’s well-being at work, people often think all office chairs are ergonomic. Are they right in this area?

Surprisingly, any ergonomic chair can be used in an office, but only some office chairs are ergonomically designed. What differentiates them?

Office chairs can be comfortable and suitable for sitting for a longer duration. Yet, they may need elevated touches to emulate the ergonomic chairs’ posture-enhancing ability. 

Nevertheless, both these chairs have their utility and an impressive evolutionary story, making it enticing to explore the journey of office chair vs ergonomic chair.

Office Chair Vs Ergonomic Chair:

The beginning of the office chair:

Office chairs may seem like a recently developed phenomenon, but their roots go far back to older times. Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures boasted wooden rudimentary chairs used by people of power.

However, these were mainly symbolic rather than comfortable and practical. As one era led to another, the swivel chair appeared as the more evolved countertop toward the 18th century. The first such innovation was made in 1776. 

The design enabled the chair to move 360 degrees, enhancing mobility and accessibility at the workspace. Office tasks became more manageable and comfortable for employees.

During the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, chair production and design demands changed significantly.

Mass manufacturing became a trend, with handcrafted designs taking a backseat. Such an event also led to the need to standardize design.

In the 19th century, corporate organisations and offices mushroomed everywhere, requiring the addition of more functional chairs for desk jobs. The actual office chairs came into being when individuals needed extended time at their desks.

The coming of ergonomic chairs :

Ergonomics became the buzzword in the mid-twentieth century when comfortable design attracted more attention. The focus shifted to making chairs that efficiently met the body’s limitations and capabilities.

It resulted in the introduction of adjustable features, padding, and lumbar support – all aiming to mitigate potential health challenges linked with extended hours of sitting.

With time, ergonomic chairs made a name for their engineering and materials. Recline mechanisms stole the limelight for pushing comfort to the next level. In the early phase, these were expensive. However, the prices have become relatively affordable today. 

A glimpse into ergonomic principles and features:

Although modern office chairs also follow human-centered designs, ergonomic chairs are much more acclaimed in this area for their ability to suit various body types, shapes, and limitations.

Their adjustable features make them easily adaptable for any user. The science of ergonomics in this area thrives on the concept of correct posture promotion and comfort.

The chairs have curves to fit the spine and offer lumbar support to eliminate musculoskeletal discomfort or distress, including strained or painful back.

Hence, ergonomic chair often highlight factors like adjustable height, armrest, seat depth, and lumbar support. For options, visit valueofficefurniture.com.au. 

Adjustable height ensures you can sit in your chair with knees folded at the proper angle and feet on the ground. It helps blood circulation, removing pressure from the legs and lower back.

Lumbar support cares for the spine’s lower curve, checking the tendency of slouching while working. It reduces backache risks significantly.

Office chairs with adjustable lumbar support can suit different body types. Armrests with flexible designs ensure shoulder and arm alignment, preventing the risk of straining the upper body.

Your arms can feel comfortable under their backing whether you type or move a mouse. Seat with adequate depth and tilt allows posture correction while propping the thighs.

When tilting at a desirable angle, the chair diffuses pressure from the butts and thighs.

Also read: Mortar vs Concrete

A few additional insights:

Technological advancements significantly influence their customization, whether a simple office chair or an ergonomic design. Modern chairs can meet varied interests without compromising with lumbar support and firm seats.

They are also made for long life, so you and the environment can smile without hesitation. As more time passes, you can expect the future models to be rich in health-fostering features to reduce the impact of a sedentary working style.

What should you buy for your office? Any office space needs both sets of chairs to feel complete. You can place them in different corners based on the nature of the job and people’s ranks.

Specific corners like conference rooms and lounges can have other requirements altogether. You can browse a credible store that offers all types of chairs for office use.

Look at the varieties and compare them with your requirements. Based on the available space, you can buy simple office chairs in bulk, executive chair in limited numbers, etc.