17 best office chairs designed to maximise comfort
Dedicating some of your time to searching for the best office chairs is one of the nicest things you can possibly do for your aching back and joints in 2024. As tempting as it is to opt for slouching on the sofa on your WFH days, having a properly supportive chair to sit at is really important if you’re keen to avoid strain or injury, and retain good posture in the long-run.
If you're sitting for long hours at your desk, ergonomic office chairs are good for your health, comfort and posture. So if you haven't already invested in one, it's high time that you take the plunge. Whether you’re after a stand out ergonomic chair to use in your spacious home office, or something comfy yet stylish that won’t look out of place in your cramped living room workspace.
SKIP TO: What does it mean if a chair is ergonomic? | What is the best chair for office work? | Do I need adjustable armrests? | How do you set up your office chair for back pain? | How we test office chairs | Our full reviews.
The best office chairs at a glance:
- Best looking ergonomic office chair: Humanscale Diffrient World Task Office Chair
- Best customisable ergonomic office chair: Slouch Task One Grey Office Chair
- Best ergonomic office chair with a headrest: Flexi-Chair Ergonomic Office Chair BS8
- Best ergonomic office chair for back pain: Herman Miller Sayl Office Chair
What does it mean if a chair is ergonomic?
Put simply, an ergonomic office chair is a seat that can be adapted to ensure it's fully supporting the whole body of the user. Enabling healthy posture, hip and joint alignment, and complete spinal support, a great ergonomic chair will have an array of adjustable features to help ensure that the user is always maintaining an optimal sitting position.
“Like with most things, a one size fits all approach is rarely helpful — so having an ergonomic chair that you can adjust to suit your height, posture, biomechanics, and any injuries is a must,” explains physiotherapist Yasmin Palfrey (aka The Fitness Physio). ”Therefore, I always recommend that my clients choose an ergonomic chair with key features like adjustable seat height and seat depth adjustability, fully adjustable armrests, and — of course — great overall backrest lumbar support."
Other popular features include a seat tilt mechanism to allow for the correct positioning of the pelvis, a headrest to reduce tension in the shoulders and neck, and a backrest that has the ability to recline. Unsurprisingly, the more ergonomic features your office chair has, the higher its price will typically be.
What is the best chair for office work?
Clearly, deciding on the right office chair for you will largely come down to your own personal preferences and price requirements. But a swivel base and casters can come in really handy if you're often having to strain to move things around, and picking a chair with a breathable mesh backrest for maximum airflow might be worthwhile if you run hot. Found a chic desk for your WFH set-up, but worried about its lack of ergonomic features? Don't fret — you can always add a separate lumbar support cushion to make it provide better back support throughout the workday.
Do I need adjustable armrests?
It might surprise you to hear that whether your chair should even have any armrests at all has been a long-standing debate in the world of desk chairs. A real advantage of armrests is that they take on the weight of your arms — therefore providing support to the upper limbs, and lessening the pressure on the lower back. However, if the armrests are too high — which is likely the case for anyone under 6ft — we can end up not realising that we're consistently holding our shoulders in a shrugging position, which can lead to tension in the neck and shoulders.
The solution? Go for a model with an adjustable armrest height if possible.
How do you set up your office chair for back pain?
“I frequently treat desk workers with upper back and neck pain and stiffness due to long periods of time spent sitting in uncomfortable postures”, adds Yasmin. “To relieve this tension, I always tell my clients to adjust their chair height so their feet are in a comfortable position on the floor, their spine is supported, and their computer is at eye level. Making sure they're regularly getting up and moving is also really important.”
How we test office chairs:
With a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, its safe to say that we've collectively tested a fair few desk chairs over the years. So, we've drawn on everything from our own personal opinions, to product reviews from IRL buyers, in order to whittle down this list of the top office chairs. Leaving no stone unturned, we've considered the quality of materials used for each model, if there are any ergonomic features, how comfy the seat is, and — arguably most importantly — how nice they all look. Aiming to provide you with pieces that last for the long-run in your home, it's safe to say that we scrutinise each and every detail when making our selections.
After more home office furniture? We've got you covered with our guides on the best compact desks, standing desks, and desk lamps — plus, we've even pulled together a selection the best under desk treadmills for anyone who's keen to always get their steps in this summer.
Keen to invest in one of the best office chairs? Read on for our top picks for 2024 …
Humanscale Diffrient World Task Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H106cm x W66cm x D61cm.
- Seat height: 37.1 - 49.5cm.
- Weight capacity: 136kg.
- Pros: Amazing reviews. 15-year guarantee. All ergonomic features.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: One of the most popular desk chairs on retailers like John Lewis right now is this Humanscale swivel chair — which provides ergonomic support and comfort, and is available in six different seat colours. You can adjust everything from the seat depth and tilt tension — and it even automatically adjusts to support each user at every recline position when they need to lean back. We love.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.
Habitat Sonny Fabric Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H85.5cm x W59cm x D59.5cm.
- Seat height: 45 - 55cm.
- Weight capacity: 110kg.
- Pros: Great reviews. Swivels, Looks really chic.
- Cons: Self-assembly needed. No ergonomic support.
Why we love it: Is this chair ergonomic? No. But is it super comfy and chic? God yes! Boucle is the new velvet, if you ask us, and this Habitat tub-style desk chair makes for a fresh and clean addition to any home office. We're big fans of the matte black legs, too - a great choice for Scandi lovers.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these Habitat discounts.
Herman Miller Sayl Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H103.5cm x W62.2cm x D50.2cm.
- Seat height: 95.9 - 103.5cm.
- Weight capacity: 136kg.
- Pros: Really customisable. Amazing for back pain. Really good for extended use.
- Cons: Mesh back isn't the most aesthetic…
Why we love it: If back pain is something you regularly deal with, this Herman Miller chair is the one to buy. Fitted with innovative and adjustable tilt technology, a targeted elastometric Y-Tower® Design that focusses on key areas of the back without sacrificing ventilation, and an additional lumbar support that's completely height-adjustable, this innovative chair provides the perfect balance of support and freedom. The unique mesh design of the back of the chair looks almost futuristic — and the chair can be made-to-order with your choice of fabric for the contoured seat cushion.
SO'HOME Velvet Office Chair with Gold Base
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H86cm x W61cm x L57cm.
- Seat height: Doesn't say.
- Weight capacity: N/A.
- Pros: Free returns. Really chic.
- Cons: Some assembly required. Non-swivel base. No ergonomic features.
Why we love it: Less bothered about the soreness of your back and more bothered about having a desk chair that'll look pretty forever? We can hardly blame you. This cute La Redoute office chair is sleek and stylish, and really comfortable to sit on thanks to its plush velvet upholstery.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these La Redoute discount codes.
Slouch Task One Grey Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H95 - 107cm x W70cm.
- Seat height: 42 - 545cm.
- Weight capacity: 125kg.
- Pros: Affordable. Nice to look at. Fully adjustable.
- Cons: Struggling to find any …
Why we love it: Good-quality ergonomic chairs are generally pretty expensive — but this one boasts a relatively reasonable price tag, while still being packed with impressive features. Offering plenty of adjustability, you can alter the seat height, seat depth, armrests, and lumbar support height. And when it comes to tilt, expect automatic adjusting synchronised tilt tension, as well as four pre-defined locking positions. Easy to customise, pick everything from the seat cushion colour and frame finish, to whether it comes with armrests or not.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.
Habitat Reade Mesh Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H95cm x W42.5cm x D55cm.
- Seat height: 42 - 52cm.
- Weight capacity: 110kg.
- Pros: Great reviews. Affordable. Mesh back.
- Cons: No headrest. No tilt mechanism.
Why we love it: Granted, you won't get optimum support and posture benefits with a cheaper ergonomic desk chair — but if you're reluctant to spend upwards of £1,000 on your office chair, you're definitely not alone. Those looking to spend less might consider this basic ergonomic office chair from Argos, which has a padded seat, height control lever, mesh back for breathability and is arm-free for easy manoeuvrability in small homes.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these Argos discount codes.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H95cm x W51cm x D42cm.
- Seat height: 45 - 56cm.
- Weight capacity: 110kg.
- Pros: Really trendy. Ergonomic features. 10-year guarantee.
- Cons: Expensive for IKEA. Quite a low weight limit.
Why we love it: A brilliant balance of both style and function, this desk chair has a really on-trend retro silhouette — but has plenty of key ergonomic properties to ensure you feel comfy and supported. As well as a fully height-adjustable seat, it's got an ergonomic backrest with adjustable lumbar support, a modifiable seat depth, and an automatic tilt mechanism that allows the chair to move with you — while still ensuring the backrest provides enough counter pressure to fully protect your posture.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these IKEA discount codes.
Eames DSW Chair RE with Upholstered Seat
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H83cm x W46.5 x D55cm.
- Seat height: 43cm.
- Weight capacity: Doesn't say.
- Pros: Choice of leg finishes. Doubles as a dining chair. Hard-wearing.
- Cons: Very expensive.
Why we love it: Originally crafted in 1950 by Charles and Ray Eames, this iconic chair has long been an iconic example of mid-century design. Best of all, the organic “shell” seat and backrest ensures a comfortable sit — while still providing firm posture support. It's probably not the kind of chair you'll want if you work fully remotely — but it's great for the occasional WFH morning.
Herman Miller Setu Multi Purpose Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H94.5 - 98.0cm x W63.8 x D38.1cm.
- Seat height: 43 - 57cm.
- Weight capacity: 136kg.
- Pros: Good reviews. Looks chic. Great for shared use.
- Cons: No tilt tension for reclining. Less good for long hours of sitting.
Why we love it: One of the cheaper options from office chair extraordinaire Herman Miller is the Setu Multi-Purpose chair, which has been designed with the shape of the spine in mind. While many of the brand's other chairs have premium features like adjustable lumbar support and tweak tension so that each model can be tailored to the individual user's needs, the Setu will adapt to the needs of whoever is sitting in it. Super responsive, its elastomeric fabric naturally conforms to the contours of the body to keep it supported — and it also responds to your weight as you sit, and helps regulates temperature.
John Lewis Radcliffe Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H104.8 x W52.7 x D72.4cm.
- Seat height: 47 - 56.5cm.
- Weight capacity: 125kg.
- Pros: Looks professional. Great reviews. Designed for long periods of use.
- Cons: No targeted lumbar support.
Why we love it: With its realistic tan faux leather upholstery, and lack of armrests, this is a good office chair for anyone looking for a sophisticated — yet space-saving — addition to their study or designated WFH space. Best of all, it's suitable for a full eight-hour working day, thanks to its comfy and supportive foam-filled seat and backrest.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H80cm x W50cm x D46cm.
- Seat height: Doesn't say.
- Weight capacity: 135kg.
- Pros: Has tilt tension. Arms fully lift up. Fast delivery.
- Cons: Not that good looking.
Why we love it: A definite upgrade from your kitchen chair, this basic yet good quality office chair will keep you comfortable for long periods of time. It has an S-shape backrest which curves to support your natural bone structure, while the height and angle of the seat can both be adjusted to suit your height, weight and body shape. The chair itself is crafted from breathable mesh - another bonus, since it'll stop you from getting too hot.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these Amazon discount codes.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H104cm x W68 x D68cm.
- Seat height: 43 - 53cm.
- Weight capacity: 110kg.
- Pros: Really great reviews. Good lumbar support. 10-year guarantee.
- Cons: Quite a low weight limit.
Why we love it: Simple but effective, this height-adjustable IKEA chair has ergonomic features like built-in lumbar support, and an adjustable tilt mechanism. Available in a range of different configurations, you can decide whether to buy it with or without armrests, choose your frame and seat finish, and also decide whether you'd prefer this high back option, or a lower more standard-sized seat.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these IKEA discount codes.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H109cm x W65.8cm x D59.8cm (Size B).
- Seat height: 41 - 57cm.
- Weight capacity: 159kg.
- Pros: Amazing specs. Higher weight capacity. Superior lumbar support.
- Cons: Incredibly expensive.
Why we love it: This office chair reigns supreme in the supportive desk chair arena. It might cost a fair amount, but it's well worth it — not least because of the science and research which has gone into creating an ergonomic design which will best support your spine and posture (thank you tilt adjustment). It comes in three different sizes to ensure a really great fit, provides constant and responsive lower back support, and offers pretty much every opportunity for adjustments that you can imagine.
Frame Leather Office Chair in Natural Oak
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H86 x W59 x D56cm.
- Seat height: 48cm.
- Weight capacity: 100kg.
- Pros: Reviews say it's very comfy. Looks great.
- Cons: Not for long periods.
Why we love it: Coming in at just under £350, this oak wood and leather style office chair may not be the most ergonomic — but it is one of the most stylish. Consider Herman Miller options or similar for extended periods — but if you don't sit at your desk for very long each day, you'll love the this John Lewis one. Its leather upholstery means it's easy to wipe clean, plus it can be substituted for a dining room chair when you've one-too-many guests.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.
COMHOMA Office Desk Chair with Armrest
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H97cm x W62cm x D61cm.
- Seat height: Doesn't say.
- Weight capacity: Doesn't say.
- Pros: Really affordable. Good reviews. Foldable armrests.
- Cons: Some reviews claim it's a tad creaky.
Why we love it: Correct your posture for under £100 with this ergonomic office chair. It has a back support and adjustable seat height, so it's suitable for extended periods of working at your home desk. And yes, you can get it with free delivery. Race ya.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these Amazon discount codes.
Flexi-Chair Ergonomic Office Chair BS8
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H119 - 128cm x W66cm x D61cm.
- Seat height: 44 - 54cm.
- Weight capacity: 120kg.
- Pros: Really good reviews. Adjustable headrest. Easy assembly.
- Cons: Nothing of note!
Why we love it: With its reclining S-shaped backrest that can be locked in three different levels, arch-shaped headrest that relieves cervical stress, and adjustable lumbar support, there's a lot that's impressive about this affordable ergonomic office chair from FlexiSpot. Plus, the zero-pressure mesh seat cushion is really comfy and breathable — and also relieves any pressure on the thighs.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these FlexiSpot UK discount codes.
John Lewis ANYDAY Tilly Button Back Office Chair
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: H80.5 - 88cm x W60.5cm x D59.5cm.
- Seat height: 45cm.
- Weight capacity: 110kg.
- Pros: Comfortable. Lovely to look at. Great reviews.
- Cons: Not proper ergonomic support.
Why we love it: Chic yet comfortable, this lovely office chair has a lovely cream and button back upholstered finish that'll work well in any style of space. Although it's not an ergonomic chair, we reckon that it deserves a spot in this edit simply because its many reviewers can't stop raving about how comfortable and supportive they find its scoop back — even after a full-day of use.
Save when you shop for the best office chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.
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