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Having the right office chair can make or break your workday. And if you spend at least part of your day sitting down, it’s crucial to have a chair that supports your body and keeps you pain-free. Moreover, you also want to pay attention to your office setup so that it matches the way you work and makes your job easier, not harder.
That’s why Dave Mason, a Copenhagen sales associate of 25 years, loves getting to know customers so he can offer recommendations on the office furniture that will fit them best. Mason says you’d be surprised to learn how extensively our workspace can affect our bodies – “When selling office furniture, I sometimes get clients who have lower back pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. Sometimes, all of these things are related to how they are using their workstation,” he says. “I have the chance to talk in specific detail with these clients to help them make ergonomic improvements. The fact that I get to improve someone’s health is a tremendous reward.”
Ready to streamline your office for comfort and efficiency? Read on to learn about three key types of office chairs – as well as three popular office setups – so you can create a workspace that works for you.
These chairs will typically have a sophisticated silhouette with a comfortable feel – imagine the luxurious and finely crafted chair that would sit in a CEO’s office. Many executive chairs will share features such as a high back, ample cushioning, leather or other high-end upholstery, and the ability to recline. Mason succinctly describes an executive chair as “a chair that proclaims, ‘I’m the boss.’”
The Stressless® Magic is a prime example, with its deluxe double cushioning, built-in lumbar support, and wide silhouette that tapers to flared points on the head and back. The Stressless® Wing is another chair sure to command attention, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery, patented recline systems, and an iconic winged headrest.
As a caveat, Mason adds that professional/executive chairs may not be the most comfortable to sit in for many hours at a time – “Though these chairs often have great lumbar support for relaxing and lounging, most of us will lean slightly forward when working at a desk, rather than sitting back.”
If you’re looking for a dedicated office chair for frequent use, your best bet is an intensive task chair. “I highly recommend using an intensive task chair if you’re at your computer eight hours a day, or a lot in general,” Mason says. Built with advanced ergonomics and a multitude of adjustable features, these chairs are designed to give your body the support it needs through the entirety of your workday.
For instance, the Voca Office Chair by BDI features a contoured waterfall seat edge, performance mesh to keep you cool, and specialized cushioning for lumbar and neck support. The Onda Task Chair can tilt both backward and forward, and lets you adjust the height and depth of its seat, as well as the tension of its back tilt and the position of its arms. The Genie offers similar adjustability of its seat, back, and arms, in addition to a backrest made of recyclable plastic with four-way stretch and resistance to scratches and stains.
These chairs have a simpler and more minimalist design, as well as less adjustability, compared to intensive or executive chairs. However, basic task chairs come in a wide variety of styles, and are typically the most affordable type of office chair. “A basic task chair is a good, economical option for someone who pops in and out of their office through the day, but isn’t necessarily there all the time,” Mason says.
The Ego Chair features grey leather upholstery and a chrome base, while its curved shape with a back cutout brings a touch of style to any office. Designed in Denmark, the Hype Office Chair features a minimalist yet chic design with upturned seat corners, accent stitching, and leather upholstery.
Of course, no discussion of office furniture is complete without mentioning the importance of a proper sitting position. Your chair should be tall enough for your knees to form a 90-degree angle with your feet resting on the floor, and your desktop should be at a height that lets your elbows bend at 90 degrees when typing on your keyboard. “Unfortunately,” Mason says, “manufacturers have to standardize their desk sizes during the design process, which doesn’t always suit different proportions.” He adds, “If you’re not 5’9” or 5’10,” you may need an adjustable-height desk to keep you fully comfortable while working.”
An increasingly common setup involves the ability to switch between sitting and standing, commonly achieved through a lift desk. Mason recommends sit/stand setups to counteract the negative effects of sitting for too long. “It’s a bit like driving,” he says. “You can have the most ergonomic car seat in the world but after four hours of driving, you’ll still be itching to get out – and that’s because of static loading, the strain that your muscles undergo staying in the same position over time.” Luckily, Copenhagen carries a range of thoughtfully designed lift desks, from the Arnold, made with sustainable bamboo, to BDI’s Sequel 20, with a programmable control panel and scratch-resistant top.
If your job involves frequently interacting with clients or coworkers, make sure your setup facilitates, rather than hinders, such interactions. Arrange furniture so that it’s easy for others to enter, exit, and gather in the room, and place a chair or two on the other side of your desk to give guests a convenient seat. Mason also recommends a desk with a back panel that’s not too close to the outside edge – “This makes it easier for a client to put their knees under the desk to sign papers.” He likes the Sutton Desk in particular for the circular section at one end that serves a “meet and greet” function.
For more intensive workloads, an L-shaped setup may be the configuration for you. Add a return to your main desk to extend your workspace, or consider an L-desk, like the Corridor by BDI, whose attached credenza lets you keep files, supplies, and a printer close at hand. Copenhagen also offers office suites, like the Bella Grigio, that include a desk, credenza, and file pedestal so you can customize your office layout to your liking.
As a final note, Mason advises customers to pay attention to wire management. Keeping wires neat and out of the way reduces tripping hazards and visual clutter, leading to a safer and more focused workspace. What’s more, many contemporary wire management systems can be quite creative. Mason says, “Did you know BDI’s Sequel 20 Desk has two magnetically removable back panels so you can store your wires in between? The Victor Desk also has a clever hidden panel in its sculptural base that hides cables – and has an included power strip!”
If you’re aspiring to work your best in the year ahead, visit your local Copenhagen for personalized furniture and design recommendations. Our experienced sales team can help you power up your office with furniture that lets you be your most productive, efficient, and healthy self at work.