Now that you know how to choose an ergonomic chair, you should consider the question How much should I spend on an ergonomic chair?
Why do you need an ergonomic office chair?
Most of us spend up to 8 hours or more sitting at a computer desk. Ergonomic office chairs are designed to provide a more comfortable position and prevent some of the risk associated with sitting all day. The design of ergonomic office chairs alleviates pressure, improves posture, and prevents back and neck pain. The healthy sitting posture encouraged by ergonomic office chairs will make you a happier and healthier worker.
Ergonomic is a big buzz word these days so doing research on ergonomic chairs is very necessary. Read reviews of ergonomic chairs, test them out on your own body when you can, and choose an ergonomic chair that is right for you. You’ll find that a good ergonomic chair will make your life and body so much better that it’s worth the higher price tag.
What do ergonomic chairs do?
A good ergonomic office chair will do a lot of things. It should:
- Provide support for the nature curve of your back.
- Improve posture by preventing slumping and slouching.
- Allow you to comfortably use the keyword without straining your wrists, shoulders, or neck.
- Allow you to place your feet comfortably on the floor with proper posture for good circulation.
- Place your body at the proper height for your computer screen use.
- Adjust to your needed specifications based on your own body.
A good ergonomic chair is all about being adjustable so you as the user can make it work properly for you. No single chair will work for everyone which is why chairs must be adjustable to fit the 5 feet to 7 feet range. A good ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust the height, backrests, armrests, and more.
How much do ergonomic office chairs cost?
A quality ergonomic chair isn’t going to be a cheap item you can pick up at Walmart. Quality ergonomic office chairs start at $150 and range upwards of $2,000. The low range of $150-$400 will provide you with good workable options but you should plan to spend at least this much to get a quality chair.
Lower priced chairs that are labeled “Ergonomic” but only cost $30-$100 do not provide the same support and features that higher priced chairs do. While some of these lower priced chairs are good and highly rated, you will get what you pay for in this category and those chairs won’t last as long. Since you will be using your office chair for 40 hours a week or more, you should not plan to skimp on this particular item. Your health is worth more in the long run!
Affordable range ergonomic office chairs ($150 – $400):
Alera Elusion Series Mesh High-Back Multifunction Chair ($150 – $225)
Description: “Multifunction mechanism with seat glide allows back angle adjustment relative to seat, adjustable tilt (free floating or infinite locking positions) and forward tilt. Cool, breathable mesh back. Contoured seat cushion with waterfall edge to help relieve pressure on legs. Height- and width-adjustable arms with soft polyurethane pads. Five-star base with casters for easy mobility. Recommended Applications: Executive & Management; Seat/Back Color: Black; Arms Included: Yes; Arm Style: Padded Slant T-Bar.”
Boss Black LeatherPlus Executive Chair ($150 – $350)
Description: “Enhance your time at the office with the Boss Executive LeatherPlus office chair. Made for exceptional comfort and style, this adjustable desk chair blends modern technology with the latest in furniture design.”
Higher end ergonomic office chairs ($500 – $1,200):
Ergohuman Black Mesh Hi Swivel chair ($600 – $800)
Description: “EUROTECH Ergohuman Mesh Chairs feature eight ergonomic adjustments for maximum comfort all day. Breathable mesh seat and back promote air circulation and offer increased support. Adjustability includes: tilt tension control, tilt lock, back angle, back height, synchro tilt, seat height, seat depth, and arm height. Chrome/polypropylene base with nylon casters. Made of 97% recyclable components. Greenguard indoor air quality certified. Meets or exceeds ANSI/BIFMA standards.”
Mirra Chair by Herman Miller ($800 – $1,000)
Description: “Mirra is an innovative blend of passive and active adjustments that provides a new reference point in performance, aesthetics, and value. Mirra automatically shapes itself to each user, while a few simple adjustments fine-tune the fit and feel. The chair’s next-generation innovations, including the new upholstered backrest, all work together in a fresh-looking chair that’s easy to use. To create the Mirra chair, Herman Miller teamed with Studio 7.5, a German design firm.”
Aeron Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Graphite Frame ($800 – $1,200)
Description: “Superior Support for Your Body: PostureFit properly supports the base of your spine, or sacral region, to help your pelvis maintain a natural forward tilt, thus keeping your spine fully aligned. Moves with You, Naturally: Patented Kinemat tilt mimics the body’s natural pivot points—the hips, knees, and ankles—so the chair works with, not against, your body, and you recline fluidly. Conforms to Your Shape: It conforms to each person who sits in the chair, and distributes weight evenly, eliminating pressure points and heat buildup.”
There are other chairs that can run up to $2,000 or more, but these are not necessary for a comfortable ergonomic chair in your office. Those are executive chairs that often are made of all leather or have other expensive features.
How much should I spend on an ergonomic office chair?
The real answer to this question is obviously going to depend on a lot of personal factors. How big if you budget for office furniture and equipment? Do you have to purchase multiple items? While it depends mostly on your personal budget, you should plan to have at least $200-$1,000 to spend on a decent ergonomic office chair.
You’ll notice when you click through on the higher end office chairs listed above that they chairs often sell for hundreds of dollars less on Amazon. While you can find them at a local high end furniture dealer you can save $100 – $600 by buying online. If you are working with a smaller budget this is something you should keep in mind so you can get the best possible chair you can afford for your office.
You can learn more about ergonomic chairs on our site or browse chairs for sell on Amazon.