You spend a large part of the day sitting. The right office chair is not a luxury, it is an investment in health and productivity. A good set-up reduces the risk of neck and lower back discomfort and fatigue, and helps you stay focused for longer.
The key improvements come from a seat with adjustable height, a backrest with lumbar support and a neutral posture in front of the computer.
In this article
Quick posture checklist
- Seat height so your feet rest flat on the floor or on a footrest. Knees level with or slightly below your hips.
- A backrest with lumbar support that fills the lower curve of your back.
- A trunk angle between 100 and 110 degrees so you can alternate slight reclines without losing support.
- Keyboard and mouse at elbow height with relaxed shoulders.
Guide based on office ergonomics and occupational health recommendations.
Standards that matter: what they mean and why they are relevant to you
When a chair states that it complies with UNE-EN 1335, it means it meets requirements for dimensions, stability and durability designed for professional use. It also draws on the principles of ISO 9241, the ergonomics benchmark for screen-based work.
The two standards in brief
In short: you are more likely to find useful adjustments, correct dimensions and materials that stand up to 8-hour days.
How to choose your chair: 6 key decisions
- Gas-lift adjustable height: adjust it so your feet are supported and your hips and knees are aligned.
- Backrest with lumbar support: best if it adjusts in height or depth to suit your back.
- Movement mechanism: synchro or tilting (we explain the difference just below).
- Adjustable armrests: at least in height; ideally they also swivel and adjust in depth.
- Ergonomic seat: with high-density foam and a rounded front edge.
- Stable base: five legs and castors suited to your type of floor for smooth movement.
Synchro or tilting
- Synchro: the backrest reclines and the seat follows. It makes changing posture easier without losing support.
- Tilting: backrest and seat tilt together, keeping the angle constant.
Set up your workstation in 5 minutes
Your workstation, step by step
- Adjust the seat height so your feet rest firmly.
- Adjust the lumbar support until you feel firm support in the lower back.
- Recline the backrest slightly.
- Place the armrests at keyboard height.
- Raise the screen to eye level.
Light matters too if you want to work without straining your eyes: we tell you all about it in how to choose the perfect lighting for each room. And if your work corner is small, you will find ideas in decorating small spaces. To complete your workstation, take a look at our desks and study tables, such as the Mumbai desk.
Move more during the working day: alternate between sitting and standing tasks, take micro-breaks and walk a few steps often.
What about gaming?
Gaming chairs have become more prominent thanks to their eye-catching design and adjustment features, but the principle is the same: neutral posture, an ergonomic backrest and breathable materials.
Signs your chair needs replacing
If this happens to you, it is time for a change
- You cannot rest your feet fully on the floor.
- The backrest leaves a gap in the lower back.
- There is pressure on the backs of your legs.
- The armrests bump into the desk or push your shoulders up too high.
Conclusion
The ideal chair is the one that adapts to you. A good structure, lumbar support, durable materials and freedom of movement make all the difference to your wellbeing and productivity.
Frequently asked questions about office chairs
How high should an office chair be?
At the height that lets you rest your feet flat on the floor (or on a footrest), with your knees level with or slightly below your hips. The keyboard and mouse should sit at elbow height, with your shoulders relaxed.
Which is better, a synchro or a tilting mechanism?
With a synchro mechanism, the seat follows the backrest as you recline, which makes it easier to change posture without losing support; it is usually the most comfortable option for long days. With a tilting mechanism, the seat and backrest tilt together and the angle between them does not change.
What does it mean for a chair to comply with UNE-EN 1335?
It means it meets requirements for dimensions, stability and durability designed for professional use. It is a guarantee that the chair has useful adjustments, correct dimensions and materials built for 8-hour days.
Discover our full range of office chairs
Find your ideal model: executive, visitor, managerial or gaming in our Office Seating collection.
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At Pino & Jacaranda we believe that wellbeing at home is also built in the work corner: a good chair, the right light and a tidy space help you work calmly.
Because looking after your posture is looking after how you feel at the end of every working day.
