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The way most people talk, you’d think that “big and tall” is a general category for everything outside the standard, from men’s suits to office furniture. In fact, they are 2 very different things. When buying a chair for your home or office, it’s important to understand the difference.

 

Some customers need a chair with a higher weight capacity, while others require a deeper seat, a higher back, or more seating height range than usual.

You should follow some basic rules when adhering to the do's and don'ts of buying an office chair. The standard commercial chair is designed for a 250-pound person. If you’re above that, look for a chair with a weight capacity of 300, 350, 400, or 500+ pounds. These chairs are built with wheels, base, and gas life to accommodate a higher weight capacity to ensure they last. Many will also have a thicker wood seat and back pan—some as thick as 3/4 of an inch—to prevent cracks or breaks.

 

Most commercial chairs are also designed for people up to and around 6’1”. If you’re taller, you’ll want to look for a chair you can adjust. Features such as a seat sliding mechanism and a ratchet-back height adjustment will help mold the chair to better fit you on a day-to-day basis.

The seat sliding mechanism allows you to adjust the depth of the seat itself. When in the correct position, the edge of the seat should fall in line with your knee cap, which helps provide maximum circulation to your legs. When the seat depth is not correct, it may be resting on your hamstring, which can start to restrict blood flow through your legs. This can be the primary factor in workplace fatigue. 

 

For those with a larger torso, the ratchet back adjustment allows you to move the lumbar support to prop up your back so you can sit straight and comfortably.

 

If you don’t fit within the industry’s standards for the average customer, finding a comfortable chair on a budget can be daunting, but it’s worth the effort. You spend as much time in your office chair as you sleep in your bed, so it should be just as comfortable. 

People come in all sizes—we think office furniture should, too.

 

Ergonomics
Private Offices & Workstations
Employee Wellness

More From NBF

Matching Conference Tables & Chairs

One of the most frequently asked questions that NBF customers have is how to find chairs that will match the conference tables they want to buy. Unfortunately, most conference tables don’t have matching conference chairs within their collection; however, there are workarounds that allow you to get a coordinating set. Here are some of the conference tables that we have to offer along with complementing chairs.

The Dos and Don'ts of Buying an Office Chair

Whether you've just moved into a new office space or are looking to replace your old chair, selecting an office chair is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Remember, you’ll be sitting in the chair you choose for several hours a day nearly every day. Look at our list of DOs and DON’Ts before you take the plunge!

DO: Consider the ergonomics of the chair and how adjustable it is. When it comes to your office seating, you’ll want all the right adjustments in all the right places. Chair adjustments might seem unnecessary, but they can completely change how comfortable, how well-supported, and how productive you are while you work. Make sure you know the differences between each ergonomic adjustment and which adjustments you need.

DON’T: Compare apples to oranges. Many factors go into determining the price of a chair. Often, the material and the number of adjustments greatly impact the price. A chair priced at $99 and a chair priced at $500 may look very similar, but there are bound to be crucial differences that may make the $500 chair a better option for your working needs. However, if you only use your chair or stool periodically throughout the day, a less expensive seating option may be fine. Remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for.

DO: Pay special attention to the material used in the chair. From mesh and fabric to leather and vinyl, office chairs come in various upholsteries and other materials. If it’s leather that’s caught your eye, make sure you know the differences between faux leather, genuine leather, and vinyl before buying.

 

DON’T: Go in blindly. Have a budget beforehand so you know how much you can spend. You’ll also want to know the specific needs of your workplace. For example, call centers will need durable chairs designed for 24-hour use, while healthcare facilities will need chairs that are easy to clean and able to withstand constant daily use by multiple users.

As there is no one-chair-fits-all solution to office seating, picking the perfect chair can be tough. Be sure to listen to what your body needs and what your office environment calls for when selecting the right chair for you.

 

Best Office Chair Mats for Carpet

Office chairs can cause serious damage to carpets over time, and certain types of carpeting can make rolling around your workspace quite difficult. A chair mat is necessary, but not just any chair mat will do. Standard mats are made for hard flooring but will slip and slide when used on carpet. The solution? Low pile chair mats with grips for carpet.

Makes Your Workspace More Functional

EverLife low pile chair mats from E.S. Robbins feature an Anchor Bar cleat system that secures the mat to your low pile carpeting, preventing the mat from sliding while you move your chair over it. A Crystal Edge provides a smooth and easy transition from the chair mat to your carpet, and a fitted lip allows you to continue rolling smoothly all the way up to your desk.

Protects Your Carpet

While the Anchor Bar cleat system grips your carpeting, it also protects it. Grips are gentle on the carpet, digging into place without damaging the fibers. The cleats are also gentle on your fingers, making repositioning the mat easy.

Doesn’t Distract From the Look of Your Office

EverLife chair mats are constructed of clear vinyl and blend in seamlessly with offices of any style, unlike many mats that can be eyesores. In addition, the manufacturer guarantees these mats to resist cracking when used correctly.

 

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