Buying Tips & Selection Guidance

Buying Tips & Selection Guidance: Office Chairs

Use this practical guide to choose the right Office Chair for your space, body, and budget. We cover ergonomics, mechanisms, materials, and use cases, with quick links to shop popular categories on Office Stock.

Start With How You’ll Use the Chair

Role & Environment

• Executive & Boardroom: Prioritise comfort and presence with High-Back Office Chairs or Executive High-Back.
• Daily Task & Open-Plan: Balance support and value with Medium-Back Office Chairs.
• Warm Offices & Hybrid Desks: Improve airflow with Mesh High-Back Chairs.
• Counters, Labs & Studios: Choose Draughtsman / Counter-Height Chairs with footrings and extended gas lifts.
• Reception & Meetings: For guests, see Visitor Office Chairs and Conference Chairs.
• High-Demand/Shift Work: Consider robust Typist & Operators Chairs.

Ergonomics That Matter

Fit & Adjustability

Look for a seat height that places your knees at about 90°, your feet flat, and your elbows level with the desk—Prioritise adjustable lumbar, back-angle or synchro-tilt, and seat-depth where available. For a step-by-step setup, see our Office Chair Adjustment Guide and posture tips in Best Office Chair Posture.

Back Height Selection

• High-Back: Best for long sessions and leadership spaces. Shop High-Back Office Chairs.
• Medium-Back: Great for general task work and shared workstations. Browse Medium-Back.

Mechanisms (How the Chair Moves)

Movement keeps you comfortable. Synchro and knee-tilt mechanisms encourage active sitting and even weight distribution. Explore Office Chair Mechanisms for options.

Materials & Breathability

• Mesh: Cooling airflow for warmer rooms and extended use. See Mesh High-Back.
• Upholstered/Leather-Look: Plush comfort and executive aesthetics; pair with knee-tilt for longer meetings in Executive High-Back.

Practical Checks Before You Buy

Size & Body Support

• Seat Depth: Leave 2–3 fingers between the seat edge and the back of your knees.
• Seat Width & Cushioning: Ensure adequate width and supportive foam for all-day comfort.
• Weight Capacity: Match chair specs to the heaviest expected user; for extra capacity, see select models in High-Back and Executive.

Arms, Base & Castors

• Armrests: Height-adjustable arms keep shoulders relaxed and wrists neutral.
• Base: Five-star nylon or aluminium bases add stability; see Office Chair Bases.
• Castors: Choose hard-floor or carpet-friendly wheels; glides are useful for conference/visitor seating.

Room Layout & Aesthetics

In compact offices, slim profiles and mesh keep spaces airy. In boardrooms, match finishes with tables and storage from Office Furniture.

Budget Planning

Good, Better, Best

• Good: Value-driven task models in Medium-Back or Typist & Operators.
• Better: Mesh or enhanced mechanism chairs like those in Mesh High-Back.
• Best: Premium finishes and knee-tilt mechanisms in Executive High-Back.

For model comparisons and expert picks, see our Top Ergonomic Office Chairs in South Africa.

Maintenance & Lifecycle

Keep Chairs Performing Longer

• Gas Lifts: Restore height adjustment with Office Chair Gas Cylinders.
• Bases & Mechanisms: Refresh stability and movement using Bases and Mechanisms.
• All Parts: See the full range of Office Chair Parts.

Popular Shortlists

Final Checks Before Checkout

• Confirm dimensions, mechanism type, and lead time on the product page.
• Plan delivery access (lift or ground floor) and any assembly needs.
• Review store policies: Terms & Conditions and Refund & Return Policy.

Ready to Choose?

Browse the full range of Office Chairs or reach out for a consolidated quote for multi-site rollouts and bulk orders—Contact Us. Please set up your chair correctly with our Adjustment Guide and maintain it easily with Chair Parts for long-term value.