How To Adjust Office Chair Height? Everything You Need To Know

If you want a safe, comfortable, and ergonomically sound workplace, you need to know how to change your office chair’s height. There should be a lever or a knob on your office chair for adjusting the height of the seat.

Although it may seem obvious, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how high to set your chair so that you may work in comfort. If you want to know the proper technique to adjust your office chair, read on!

3 Benefits of a Good Office Chair

Increase Productivity

You get up every day raring to go, ready to seize the day, but after a few hours in your terrible chair, all you have to show for it is a nagging backache. Because of the distraction caused by constantly shifting positions, sitting for long periods of time can be counterproductive. If you sit in an ergonomic task chair that conforms to your body, you might as well be in a peaceful meadow instead of a stuffy office. You’ll soon stop thinking about your seat and start paying attention to what’s truly essential. This is corroborated by findings from a meta-analysis of 40 studies of office workers published in the Journal of Safety Research in 2008, which found that a company where all employees have access to ergonomic office task chairs has an average 17 percent boost in productivity. Workers also took far less time off owing to absences since they were experiencing fewer musculoskeletal difficulties.

Improve Posture and Aid Back Pain

Constant hunching over a desk for eight hours a day can cause serious back problems, making you look more and more like the Hunchback of Notre Dame as time goes on. Overstretching the muscles and ligaments in your back from sitting that way for long periods of time can cause major back problems. Saying “I’ll try sitting up right” is a lot simpler than actually doing it. Most of us are so busy with work that we don’t give much thought to our posture when we’re at the workplace. You won’t have to worry as much about the health of your spine if you invest in a high-quality task chair. After a few period of sitting in it, your body will automatically conform to its ergonomic shape. The backs of task chairs in the office are specifically shaped to provide the required level of support, and the chairs may be adjusted to accommodate users of varying heights and weights. An further component of optimal sitting posture is the angle at which your legs are bent. Make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle by adjusting the height of your chair.

Reduce Health Risks

In the 21st century, sitting has replaced smoking as a cultural norm. Not because of its widespread acceptance as cool, but because of the identical harmful effects it has on our bodies, it deserves this category. For instance, we all know that the formation of blood clots is a known risk of prolonged sitting in an unhealthy position, which can be fatal. The risk of death from cardiovascular disease was found to be 64% greater in males who sat for more than 23 hours per week compared to men who sat for less than 20 hours per week in one study. Investing in a high-quality chair will lessen the strain on your muscles while seated, facilitating unimpeded blood circulation. In the battle against cellulite, a poor quality chair can be the worst possible weapon. Regular chairs with hard seats increase pressure on the hips and thighs, making it easier for fat to develop in those areas. However, the seat of an ergonomic chair is soft and has a fine depth, measuring between 5 and 10 centimeters from the back of your knees. This is the optimal distance for supporting your hips and buttocks while sitting.

How To Adjust Your Chair To Proper Levels

Charles Darwin is credited with inventing the modern office chair after he adapted wheels to his desk chair. These days’ office chairs are more versatile and offer more adjusting options than ever before. Here are two quick and simple adjustments you can make to ensure that your seats are at the ideal height.

Method #1. Adjusting your chair while seated

Relax in your chair and maintain a natural posture. Find a lever or a knob and turn it. Some chairs feature a height-adjustable seat and a tilt-adjustable backrest, both controlled by separate knobs or levers.

Examine the instruction booklet or try both the knob and the lever to see which one controls the height of your chair. To adjust the height, slowly turn the knob or pull the lever.

Method #2. Adjusting your chair white standing

Adjusting the height of your chair from within its confines can be difficult at times. This difficulty could be because of loose knobs and levers, among other things.

What To Do When Your Office Chair Has A Broken Height Adjuster

The gas cylinder within an office chair allows the user to adjust the height of the chair’s seat. If it begins moving erratically or refuses to stay put, the gas cylinder may be damaged and needs to be replaced.

You should start by turning the chair on its side. The chair’s legs must then be detached. The nuts and bolts in the chair’s center can be loosened or the holding clips removed to do this.

Place the pipe wrench gently on the gas cylinder and spray it down with WD-40. The gas cylinder can be removed with less effort if you spray it with WD-40. Using a combination of twisting and tugging operations, disengage the gas cylinder from the column.

You can get an office chair that fits your old gas cylinder by visiting a supply store. Put in the replacement cylinder according the manual’s directions. When installing a gas cylinder, the tapered end is inserted into the column and the cylinder is rotated into position.

After that, reassemble your chair and set it to the appropriate height for you. Sit in your chair and see if the seat moves down when you release your weight.

How To Make Sure That Your Chair Level Is Safe And Ergonomic

Comfort and freedom from aches and pains in the muscles can be maintained and avoided with a little tweaking of the height of your workplace chair. Bad posture is avoided in general.

Incorrect posture is characterized by a rounded back or slouching. Keep your back straight as much as possible so that your weight is distributed evenly across your torso. Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and pinched nerves in the lower back are all possible outcomes of prolonged durations of sitting improperly.

Raise or lower your chair until the top of the screen is at or below eye level. This way, you won’t have to slouch over your computer simply to see the screen.

You might want to readjust your armrests as well. Adjustable armrests are a standard feature on most modern office chairs. The optimal typing position is at elbow level. By avoiding the bending of the wrists, which places stress on the tendons and ligaments there, this method reduces the risk of injury.

Check to see that your knees aren’t hovering too high above your hips. If this occurs, you need to change the height of your chair.

Set the chair’s height so that your feet are flat on the floor. If your chair is excessively high, it will cut off circulation to your legs, which can lead to swollen legs and ankles and even varicose veins.

On the other hand, there are situations when this is not practical, most notably for workers at taller tables. If that’s the case, you might want to invest in a footstool.

Here Are 9 of the Best Office Chairs

Best Overall: Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Ventilated mesh
• A cinch to assemble and set up.
• Modifiable lumbar cushion
• Excellent style
• Solid, with a guarantee that lasts for five years.
• Cozy and supportive cushion

The Things That Bother Us

• Mildly costly
• If you have a broad back, you could find the width to be too restrictive.

How do the consumers feel? Over eighty-three percent of the five thousand plus reviewers on Amazon who rated this product gave it four or five stars.

The Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair is our top pick because it provides the optimal balance of form and function for productive and comfortable office use at home or in the office. This modern black chair is ideal for use in a home office or as a complementary piece in a professional setting, thanks to its supportive back, comfortable headrest, and rollable metal base. Thanks to its completely adjustable lumbar support and breathable mesh back, this chair received a perfect score from our reviewers.

You can relax in comfort knowing that this chair will last for years to come. This chair is made by the durable Duramont brand and comes with a five-year guarantee. Our reviewers found the assembly to be straightforward, with everything that needed to be seen highlighted clearly. Users have appreciated the wheel mobility, especially on surfaces like carpet, and each plastic part is fairly robust.

Though slightly expensive and with a narrow back that doesn’t accommodate all shoulder widths, this office chair is still our top pick for your workspace. It’s easily adjustable for different sitting preferences and is highly durable, not to mention how great it looks and feels.

Despite its high price and narrow back, which may not be suitable for people with wider shoulders, this chair is our top selection for the office. It can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of user heights and weights, and it is both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.

Best Budget: Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Desk Chair, Black

That Which We Appreciate

• Easy to navigate interface
• A rock-solid cushion for your seat
• Materials last a long time.
• Value for money

Here’s Something We Don’t Know

• There’s no available armrest.
• The lumbar support isn’t movable
• The layout isn’t too complicated.

The Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Desk Chair is a terrific alternative when you need a no-frills chair without breaking the bank. This tiny black chair may be lacking in frills like armrests, but its solid plastic construction ensures it will last.

Setup was a breeze for our testers because this device includes clear, illustrated instructions and only a few constituent parts. If anything goes missing while you’re unwrapping, no worries; replacement components are supplied. Although a head or neck rest would be nice, this chair does give adequate lumbar support and a pleasant sitting experience overall. This chair’s height is adjustable and may be locked in place once you’ve discovered your sweet spot. While it may not look like much, this chair packs enough features to be a great value.

Weight capacity is 275 pounds; material is plastic and mesh; dimensions are 18.7 by 17.7 by 38.2 inches; adjustability is limited.

Best Splurge: Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Arrived fully assembled
• Lumbar support and comfort levels are moderate.
• The fabric is lightweight and simple to care for.
• Sturdy design

The Things That Bother Us

• The modifications are a bit unclear.
• Overpriced, with additional fees for any extras you choose.

The Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair offers excellent value for its low price. The Aeron Chair is not only durable and long-lasting, but also incredibly pleasant thanks to its scoop-shaped seat that molds to the user’s body. The design incorporates a mild lumbar support cushion and armrests to keep your elbows comfortable as you work. A few of our taller testers thought the chair back might be a little higher so that they would be comfortable.

This chair’s mesh back is not only breathable but also simple to wipe clean, and it’s made of sturdy materials like vinyl for the seat and plastic for the armrests and base. This chair has a wide range of adjustments to accommodate users of varying heights and sitting preferences, but the testers found that the knobs and levers weren’t well labeled. Considering its durability, comfort, and price, this office chair is a worthwhile purchase in any home office.

Weight Capacity: Not Listed | Adjustable: Yes | Dimensions: 16 x 25.75 x 34.25 inches

Best Ergonomic : Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Optional fine-tuning allows you maximum flexibility.
• Lumbar support and comfort levels are moderate.
• Easy construction
• Strong foundation
• Affordable, premium-quality goods

The Things That Bother Us

• To put it mildly, assembly was a chore.

An ergonomic chair, such as the Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair, is your best chance for a supportive and well-designed chair at work. This traditional black office chair has a high back, a thickly padded seat, and a range of height and tilt settings to suit a variety of users.

With its many possible configurations for seat height, depth, back angle, and tilt, this chair is an excellent ergonomic choice. Our builders had a hard time with all the tweaks throughout installation, but the finished product was quite strong. The seat is moderately comfortable, and the lumbar region is supported by a thick polyester cushion. Because of its practicality, comfort, and low price, this chair is a fantastic ergonomic choice despite its lack of flash.

Weight capacity is 250 pounds; material is plastic and polyester; overall dimensions are 29 by 26 by 42 inches; and, yes, they are adjustable.

Best Mesh: Alera Elusion Mesh Mid-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Thick and plush padding
• There is a sturdy mesh back with lumbar support.
• Each of the armrests and the seat can be adjusted to your liking.
• Consistently reliable construction
• reasonable cost

The Things That Bother Us

• Confusion arose during the setup process.

You can lean back far more comfortably in a mesh office chair and stretch out because the material is so forgiving. When it comes to mesh options, the Alera Elusion Mesh Mid-Back is a safe bet because of its high level of comfort and practicality. Our panel of experts found this chair to be quite comfortable due to its thick seat padding, which stood up to even the most rigorous of knee presses. Because of its waterfall design, it molds to your body for optimal comfort and support.

Our guinea pigs had a hard time getting the chair set up, but they loved how flexible the arms and seat were. This version also features a tilt feature that allows you to lean forward or backward. The Alera Elusion office chair is the greatest mesh option due to its combination of features and affordable price.

Weight capacity is 250 pounds; mesh and polyurethane construction; height is adjustable; overall dimensions are 26.18 by 24.8 by 15.75 inches.

Best Gaming: RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Conveniently pre-assembled
• Extremely flexible
• Leather items are simple to maintain.
• Style of the future

The Things That Bother Us

• Lacking the breathability of genuine leather, faux leather
• Squeaking sounds when rearranging the chair.

You should be able to adjust your gaming chair so that you are comfortable playing for extended periods of time. Both of these goals are met by the Respawn 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair, whose sleek, modern design appeals to gamers of all stripes.

This chair is an epicenter of relaxation thanks to its faux leather upholstery, padded armrests, and separate cushions for the head and lower back. It fully reclines to almost a horizontal position and features an adjustable seat height, armrests, headrest, and footrest to suit individual tastes. The imitation leather makes a slight squeaking sound when you walk, but it’s simple to clean and appears rather sturdy. In sum, for the money, you get a sturdy, supportive, and supportive gaming chair. It is simple to install and has everything you need already included.

Dimensions: 28.5 inches deep by 28 inches wide by 51.5 inches high; made of faux leather, plastic, and aluminum; can hold up to 275 pounds; may be adjusted.

Best Upholstered: Three Posts Mayson Drafting Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Very relaxing and cozy
• High level of sophistication
• Consisting of strong materials
• Affordable and satisfying.

The Things That Bother Us

• Not every required setup tool is included.
• There is only one possible setting to change.
• The mobility of wheels is limited.

The Three Posts Mayson Drafting Chair adds a touch of class to any office with its plush upholstery. This beautiful chair has a solid wood frame, a thick foam cushion, and excellent lumbar support. Elegant button inlays, a faux wood base, and discreet wheels give this chair a striking visual presence from across the room. It has a classic look and feel while still being functional for modern living.

Assembling this chair took our testers about 30 minutes, with one noting you need a Phillips head screwdriver (not included). You should schedule some time apart to assemble this chair because it can be difficult to understand the instructions. Although it does not recline, this chair may be adjusted in height to promote healthy sitting posture. Our research has shown that the price is fair for the quality you receive.

One of our reviewers noted that a Phillips head screwdriver is required for assembly (not included). Set aside some time to assemble this chair, as doing so proved to be a bit of a challenge after reading the directions. This chair does not recline but does allow for proper sitting posture through its adjustable seat height. Our in-house evaluation team has concluded that the purchase price is fair for the quality provided.

Best Faux Leather: Soho Management Chair

That Which We Appreciate

• Conveniently quick to set up
• Strong back support
• Several Adaptation Choices
• Appealing style
• Materials that last a long time

The Things That Bother Us

• Just not very cozy
• Mildly costly

The Soho Management Chair isn’t as roomy as some of the more ergonomic alternatives, but it’s sturdy and stylish all the same. This chair’s sturdy metal frame means it can support up to 450 pounds with ease and will last for years to come. The imitation leather upholstery is modern, comfortable, and simple to maintain.

A couple of the components are pre-assembled, and the directions are written in plain English, so our reviewers found this chair to be quite user-friendly. The chair may be tilted and repositioned, and its reclining can be adjusted. Although initially uncomfortable, our reviewers quickly adjusted to its harder texture. Even if the pricing is a touch high, it’s an excellent value because of all of these features.

Best Lightweight: The Container Store Grey Flat Bungee Office Chair With Arms

Inches: 25 in. D x 25 in. W x 34 in. H; Materials: Faux Leather, Aluminum; Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.; Adjustable: Yes

• Moderately comfortable
• Moderately comfortable
• Moderately comfy
• Tolerable Level of Comfort

The Things That Bother Us

• Significant effort was required for assembly.
• The lumbar support isn’t movable

This bungee chair, available only at The Container Store, is unlike any other chair on our list since it features a modern design based upon the use of actual bungee cords for both the seat and back. Although the chair’s seat is fine, it doesn’t offer much in the way of adjustability for people of various heights and builds. Our experts found that while the seat and back can be modified, the armrests and lumbar support are fixed in place and do not budge. In any case, you won’t have to worry about your lower back while lying flat because the lumbar support is nice and sturdy.

This chair is not only comfortable, but also strong enough to support up to 450 pounds. The steel and polyurethane construction should withstand the rigors of regular use for quite some time. Despite the fact that the materials do what they’re supposed to and the directions are understandable, our test team discovered that putting it all together took a lot of effort. The portability and light weight of this chair are undoubtedly its strongest selling points. If you’re looking for a compact yet comfy chair for occasional use in a small environment, like a dorm, this is a perfect alternative.

Adjustable: Yes | Weight Capacity: up to 450 lbs | Dimensions: 24″ x 24″ x 35″ h in.

How We Tested the Office Chairs

At The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, our team of testers used 22 different seats to select the best of the best in the office chair category. Nine office chairs stood out from the rest were evaluated on characteristics like ease of assembly, comfort, lumbar support, adjustability, design, durability, and overall value. The best overall chair and those in the other categories were determined by assigning ratings out of five for each of the aforementioned attributes to each chair.

To determine whether or not these chairs provided sufficient lumbar support when our testers sat up straight in them, we had them rest their knees on the seat cushions. These seats have been through the ringer, literally. Some were superior to the rest in terms of style and longevity, while others were more advantageous than their rivals in terms of customization, convenience, and affordability. Our editors were able to categorize the best office chairs for a variety of uses by considering these nuanced distinctions.

What to Look for in an Office Chair

Adjustability

While most inexpensive desk chairs won’t let you change the height of the seat, more expensive chairs designed with comfort in mind will. Some, for instance, permit alterations to armrest dimensions (height, width, tilt angle, and tension), among other things (to control the rock and incline of the chair).

Lumbar support

Find a chair with built-in lumbar support to ease the pressure on your spine. Some chairs are built to accommodate a variety of body types, while others allow you to customize the angle and width of the seat back to relieve pressure on your spine. Office chairs with adjustable lumbar support are worth considering if you spend a lot of time in your chair or suffer from lower back pain.

Upholstery material

Leather (or bonded leather), mesh, fabric, or a combination of these materials are common choices for office chair upholstery. Chairs with mesh upholstery are more breathable than those upholstered in leather, yet the former are more comfortable. Mesh-back chairs are more breathable than traditional chairs because of the open weaving, although they are typically not padded. Fabric upholstered chairs are the most versatile in terms of style, but they also stain easily.

FAQs

How do you clean an office chair?

There are a variety of office chair fabrics, leathers, and meshes, each with their own care instructions. Regularly dusting your leather or mesh office chair with a microfiber cloth will keep it clear of dust, filth, hair, and other particles. The upholstery, along with the furniture’s feet, armrests, and other components, should be dusted regularly. Fabric-upholstered office chairs can be dusted and cleaned with the vacuum’s hose attachment. Dusting leather furniture is the first step in keeping it looking and feeling like new, but a leather conditioner will do wonders for its durability and longevity.

How do you fix a sinking office chair?

When an office chair starts to sink, it’s usually because the pneumatic or gas cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. A gas lift’s effectiveness declines with time, and it might also wear out faster if the user is overweight for the chair they are using. Replacement gas cylinders are simple and inexpensive, which is good news if your cylinder has expired and is no longer covered by warranty.

How do you make an office chair more comfortable?

Many people find that a modest lumbar pillow helps make their office chair more comfortable if it does not have built-in lumbar support. A memory foam seat cushion is also available for extra bottom support. In the winter or when the air conditioning is very strong, some individuals find that a sheepskin is the perfect addition to their office chair, providing extra warmth and comfort. You can improve your comfort in an office chair by not letting your feet hang down the edge or by propping them up on the chair legs. Sitting with your feet flat on the floor is the most natural position for your body and will improve your posture and circulation.

Conclusion

Adjusting the height of your workplace chair can make a huge difference in your ability to sit for long periods of time without getting tired. Consistent back pain can be avoided and productivity can be maximized by adjusting your chair such that it is ergonomically appropriate and by standing and stretching every half hour.