Seven Things to Consider When Buying a Chair Chairs are a vital part of everyday life. They are also usually seen as relatively simple, everyday objects but buying a new one can be difficult. The difficulty comes partly from the fact there are so many different types of chair on the market. The fact that chairs can impact on important matters such as health also raises questions that need to be considered. These problems can be roughly broken down into a list of seven things to consider when buying a chair. Working through these seven points can help you ensure you make the right choice. Purpose The very first thing to consider is what the purpose of the chair will be. For example, is it an office chair you will sit on for hours every day, a leisure chair for relaxation, or a dining chair you will just sit on at mealtimes? This will help you make fully-informed decisions about the remaining points. Type The type of chair will often become clear after considering the purpose, but not always. It can also be tempting to try and be flexible on types. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. For example, never save money by using a dining chair instead of an office chair. It may look suitable at first glance, but will not seem that way after sitting in it for a few hours. Size The size of the chair is often an under appreciated factor. It can, however, be very important. Make sure your chair will not crowd the room or form any kind of obstruction. At the same time, make sure it is not so small as to be uncomfortable.
Adjustability Depending on what the chair will be used for, you may want it to be adjustable in some way. This might mean adjusting the height for a desk or breakfast bar. Alternatively, you may want a chair with wheels or swivel action for added mobility. Comfort Comfort will be a key consideration in choosing a chair. It partly depends on the purpose of the chair. For example, a leisure chair will definitely need to offer a good level of comfort. It will also relate to whether you will sit in the chair for short or prolonged periods. Ergonomics Ergonomics is related to comfort, but not quite the same thing. A chair with good ergonomics will usually be more comfortable, but more importantly it will be better for your health. It will offer a healthy seating position, good back support and often adjustability for your unique needs. This can be important in all kinds of chairs, but especially office chairs that will usually be sat on for hours at a time. Quality It is important to consider quality when buying a chair. A chair that will only be sat on for brief periods can get away with being lower-quality as it will be subject to less wear-and-tear. For a chair that will see heavy usage, it may be worth spending more to get something more sturdy.