Adjustments that make a difference
- Seat height. Feet flat on the floor with knees at roughly hip level
- Seat depth. Two to three fingers of space between the seat edge and the back of your knees
- Lumbar support. Should meet the inward curve of your lower back
- Armrests. Low enough that your shoulders stay relaxed while typing
Mesh, foam or leather
Mesh backs stay cooler and suit warm rooms. Foam seats feel softer at first but can compress over years. Leather and faux leather are easy to wipe clean but hold more heat.
Fit for your body
Check the stated height range and weight capacity, and the seat width. Taller people need a higher backrest and a deeper seat; shorter people often need a seat that goes low enough or a footrest.
Setting up your desk
Adjust the chair first, then the desk and monitor: the top of the screen at or just below eye level, keyboard close to the body, and short breaks to stand and move every half hour.