Home And Gardens Advice

The search for home furniture and specific chairs for particular needs will land many more options than most can possibly evaluate. Even when the investigation is narrowed to computer-related furniture, selections abound.

If you’re buying office furniture, computer chair choices may have you somewhat confused. Today, there are saddle seats, ergo-balls, standing stools and other choices that waver from the standard chair.

For a breakdown of the different styles of computer chairs, including their benefits and drawbacks, keep reading.

Exercise Ball Seating

The idea behind sitting on an exercise ball is that you are forced to have good posture, sit up straight and save your back. The ball is also said to work your core abdominal muscles because you spend your day balancing and therefore flexing those muscles as you maintain an upright position.

That said, spending hours and hours on an exercise ball chair can cause pain in the upper legs for some individuals and isn’t recommended for those with tailbone or lower back pain. The lack of support can prevent a tailbone injury from properly healing.

When choosing an exercise ball chair, it’s important to select one that’s properly sized for you. A chair that’s too big will raise you too high over the keyboard, forcing you to rest your wrists as you type. A chair that’s too low will force your thighs and knees up while your arms strain to reach the desk. Most balls come in optional 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm or 75 cm dimensions, so choose accordingly.

Kneeling Stool or Chair

A kneeling chair essentially forces you into a downward kneeling position. This seating arrangement then keeps your spine erect, therefore alleviating upper back and arm strain when working at a computer. Remember though, it’s important to make sure the stool is properly adjusted to fit you or it can cause uncomfortable cramping.

The one drawback of kneeling stools is that they can be hard on the knees after prolonged use. Before you buy, make sure you get one that offers ample padding on the knee pad or consider purchasing a stool with a Tempurpedic knee rest.

Saddle Seating Position

When it comes to office furniture, computer chair companies always want to sell you on overpriced, ergonomic wonders that come complete with hundreds of adjustable levers and mechanisms. But, sometimes simple is better.

The basic, backless saddle seat chair essentially forces a person into a relaxed and open seating position, therefore alleviating muscle strain and promoting good posture.

However, there is one major drawback to the saddle seat - it’s a seating position that almost needs to be learned. If done properly, it’s an innovative piece of office furniture - computer chair haters will soon be converts. But, the seating arrangement takes some getting used to, and not everyone is instantly sold. It’s definitely a chair you should try out in the store before you buy.