Our Pick of the Best Chairs for the Workplace

The human body is not designed to sit for long periods of time. As time evolves and we transition from laborious roles, where our bodies are constantly moving, we are switching to more sedentary roles that require us to sit for hours on end. With the average person sitting for 8-10 hours a day; back pain is on the rise.

With the intention protect the health of computer users, DSE Regulations were introduced to the workplace. The specific goal is to prevent aches and pains. These typically are a result of poor postures and repeatedly making awkward movements. As one of the most used pieces of office equipment, your chair is vital to your comfort and health. “Task seating” refers to high-quality desk chair, typically an excellent comfortable ergonomic solution that gives you the right support and curves in your spine, removing a tremendous amount and stress off your body. Here are our top picks and our recommendations;

 #1 FORM Ergo range RRP: ￡250

Our very own ergonomic solution is a luxurious option perfect for your every office need. We recognise that no two backs are the same; we believe the same rules should apply to your chair. With various multi-adjustable features such as lumbar support, soft padded arm and headrest, you can tailor your chair to suit you. As part of our mission to provide full body comfort, our waterfall seat front also eases the pressure on your legs.

 We know that some ergonomic options can come with a hefty price tag. Our executive chair is designed with you, your office layout, and your wallet in mind. With fully customisable option at no additional cost, the FORM chair uses Elasti-mesh; unlike most mesh chairs that use the Ergo-Tek mesh. Similar to memory foam, Elasti-Mesh recovers to its original position, maintaining essential support for longer.

 Our verdict: We believe the FORM option is a worthy opponent for those looking at a comfortable solution for their space with a budget price tag. The adjustments make the chair accessible to many, its tailorable design caters to the office aesthetic, and the five-year guarantee gives you huge value for your money.

 #2 Verco Max RRP ￡544

Self-professed as simple, elegant, and ergonomic; movement and active support inspire the Max range. Vercos' goal is to keep things as simple as possible demonstrated by its straightforward design of a full mesh back and customisable neck and arm support system. The Max also uses a sophisticated synchronised seat and back tilt mechanism to keep vital movement in your back while providing a comfortable, natural curve design; encouraging proper posture.

 Our verdict: Verco make great chairs. They look great; the adjustments make for a pleasant experience. The Max is economically priced, however, given the choice, we feel the Orangebox range wins the comfort challenge by a whisker.

#3 Orangebox Spira+ Task Seating RRP ￡530

The Spira+ Task seating range has eight different varieties, as part of the philosophy to be designed with everyone in mind.

Unlike our other personal favourites, the Orangebox range comes with a foam back support. With an adjustable back, head, and armrest, the model can be tailored to your requirements, while providing a sleek, sophisticated addition to the office.

#4 Orangebox Flo Task Seating RRP ￡695

Engineered for maximum fit with the minimum fuss. Keeping simplicity in mind and aiming for a solution that is easy to put together, Orangebox has delivered the Flow range. Of all the Orangebox solution, it is the one with the largest adjustment abilities.

Our verdict: For us, the Flow and Spira, while both excellent chairs in their own rights, as specialist chairs, they serve a better place in offices of which the users experience back problems. The variety of adjustment settings on both chairs cater to these ailments successfully, but if you have a healthy back, there are options we personally felt got the edge over these two products from a comfort perspective.

#5 Orangebox Do Task chair RRP ￡420

The Do is amongst our favourites of task chair design. The innovative minds behind the model wanted more comfort and support using fewer parts; without sacrificing quality.

 Putting the increase of shared work-spaces at the forefront of design, Do was created with the intention of providing adaptable seating without the need of deciphering a how-to-use manual on a variety of knobs & levers.

Our verdict: Taking all factors into account, the Orangebox Do task chair is unmistakably our favourite. It sits modestly on the price brackets. The features allow for a snug fit that adjusts to your body. The limiter model in our opinion is slightly better as you get better functionality. At only ￡420, we believe the Do is worth every penny. We definitely recommend this to everyone.

 #6 Humanscale Task Seating RRP ￡750

Humanscale are all about simplicity. They threw out bulky, complex parts and replaced them with innovative mechanisms that work the laws of physics. Ingenuity at its finest. Behind the scenes, a high level of care was invested to ensure maximum durability in the components.

Using denser materials that are designed for long-term sitting, the Humanscale is a sound choice for a sedentary-based office. Its’ effortless fully adjustable features allow the chair to be uniquely tailored to fit every user.

Our verdict: While the Orangebox Do task is our all rounded favourite, the Humanscale is undoubtedly a better chair. We feel the only thing that lets it down is the price. We think the ￡750 price tag lets it down, especially when considering kitting out an entire office. There are other affordable options without sacrificing too much quality. Money aside, the chair itself is impressive. It is the type you could sink into and never want to get up.

When it comes to choosing seating for the office, we find that nine times out of ten, the budget will always prevail. Whatever your price range, there are solutions to suit you. Solutions that will both look executive in your office layout, and provide a luxurious feel to the user and that are made in the UK. Our FORM offering offers a great solution to those with a smaller budget. The Humanscale as the clear winner in comfort and style is suitable for those with a huge budget. Our favourite, the Orangebox Do task chair perfectly balances style, support, and price.

Call 0161 410 0010 to discuss the best solution for you and your team.