Your productivity and physical health can both benefit from having the right chair at work. Making sure your office has the right chairs is an integral part of workspace ergonomics. But it’s a point that gets missed quite frequently. Task chairs were explicitly developed to address this blind spot.
Task chairs have advanced lumbar support adjustments as well as tilt and arm height features. and standard office chairs usually offer an adjustable height.
But what is a task chair, exactly, and why are they so great? To find the answer, continue reading.
What is a Task Chair?
Charles Darwin is credited with creating the first chair that was specifically designed for office use. He adapted a wooden chair by adding two wooden wheels on the chair’s legs. As he worked, he wanted to access his area quicker. What an idea, isn’t it?
Studies on how chairs could help workers access their workspaces more quickly started in the 1850s. This would prevent them from having to get up from their desks or stretch to reach files or other things. The nobility furnished clerical workers with chairs that kept their backs straight, allowing them to work longer hours and be more attentive for greater productivity. The task chair traditionally had a lower backrest, also indicating working class or the blue-collar worker. White-collared employees had a high back office chair, indicating more power control and authority.
In conclusion, task chairs are useful chairs made to make a specific type of job being done more comfortable and convenient.
What is An Office Chair?
The difference between an office chair and a task chair is whether the office chair has arms or not. An office chair gives a worker a place to sit and work at a desk. Unlike executive offices, most of them would have a lower backrest to accommodate smaller work spaces. Backrests with lower backs may have historically denoted a lower level of authority and control. Traditionally, office chairs were made of wood or another metal.
Over the past few decades, office chairs have become more feature-rich, including fixed armrests, movable wheels, and manual height adjustments (not powered or hydraulic) when necessary.
Office chairs have undergone a significant transformation recently, with ergonomics added to appeal to the user. Here are some more details on the ten most comfortable office chairs.
Comparing Task Chairs With Basic Office Chairs
While task chairs and basic models both offer standard features like height adjustment and basic lumbar support, you need to invest in either seat to make it count. Cheap chairs, regardless of the style, won’t last very long and won’t provide the best balance for your core muscles. In that case, you might prefer white office chairs or gaming chairs. Read on to see which chair is better for extended periods at the office.
Comfort
If you work long hours at the office, finding a comfortable chair should be your top priority. Standard office chairs typically provide little more than a padded seat, a tilt mechanism, and an adjustable height. But modern adjustment features like arm height and tilt functions are available on office task chairs, along with adjustable lumbar support. Real task chairs can support more weight, so your seat height won’t gradually decrease throughout a long workday. Read our comparison of the Staples Carder mesh office chair and the TUL MFTC 200 for a look at two chairs we highly recommend.
If the idea of a large executive chair appeals to you, you might want to read our article comparing bonded leather and faux leather. All-day comfort can greatly benefit from high-quality materials.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic features are paramount for preventing back and hip pain. Basic chairs without armrests will give you a sore neck and painful shoulders. Adjustable armrests are another feature that is frequently overlooked. To determine which modern office chair is best for you, read our comparison of armrests that pivot versus those that don’t. Check out our reviews of the Hodedah armless task chair or the AmazonBasics low-back computer chair if you’d like to learn more about a chair without arms.
Suppose you’re working in a desk chair for the foreseeable future. In that case, you should also take into account a model with integrated lumbar support or one that comes with a lumbar support pillow. On the lumbar curve, cheap office chairs frequently cut corners. However, it is essential for long-lasting comfort and evenly distributing your body weight. This doesn’t mean that cheaper task chairs can’t be comfortable, for instance, you can read our Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Delux fabric task chair review. However, compared to more ergonomic chairs, it is probably best used for shorter periods of time. If you want a comfortable gaming chair, read our review of the Nitro Concepts S300.
Design
Chairs that are functional need not be ugly. In addition, an attractive office chair with a foundation in design often fits in ergonomic adjustments that blend in with the look of the furniture. You just need to find what works best for you out of the many options that will fit a variety of body types and have an ergonomic design. In spite of the fact that gaming chairs often lack the quality of ergonomic task chairs or cozy office chairs, they may look cool with their vibrant colors.
Can You Use a Task Chairs and Office Chairs Interchangeably?
The advantage of task chairs is that they can be used in a variety of settings. Because they are more convenient to use and supportive, task chairs are frequently used at desks instead of office chairs.
It might be worth thinking about using a task chair in your office if you regularly experience neck or back pain after sitting in an office chair for an extended period of time.
Are Task Chairs Better Than Office Chairs?
It all depends on your unique situation and needs; there is no right or wrong answer as to which chair is better—a task chair or an office chair.
To best decide whether a task chair or office chair is “better,” you have to understand the differences between the two and know your specific use case for the chair.
Armed with this information, you can now make an informed decision about which type of chair is right for you!
Which is Best for Your Setup: a Task Chair Vs. Office Chair?
Having learned the distinction between a task chair and a regular chair, office chair, it’s time to decide which type of chair is best for your particular environment. If you work from home and don’t have a lot of space, a task chair would be the perfect option.
However, if you work in an office setting and sit in your chair for prolonged periods, an office chair would be a better choice. Always choose the chair that is best for you because both task chairs and office chairs have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Space is one of the most significant elements in deciding which chair is best for your situation, as well as the amount of time you will be sitting in the chair.
FAQs
Are Expensive Office Chairs Worth It?
An expensive chair is worthwhile if you work long hours at the office. This does not imply that you must spend a lot of money on a Herman Miller style chair to get a comfortable seat. You should anticipate special features above and beyond what a standard chair provides, just like with other office supplies. A high-quality chair will also save your body from chronic pain, allowing you to concentrate more effectively.
How Long Do Desk Chairs Last?
How frequently you sit in your chair determines how long it will last. However, the majority of models should last for a few years. Remember that premium brands have better warranties than models priced around $100, so even though your investment is higher initially, it should pay off in the long run.
How to Make a Cheap Chair Suck Less?
You can buy a few things to help your body and chair if you don’t already have an ergonomic office chair. For example, if your unit lacks seat height adjustment, consider getting a footrest. Instead, if you prefer more padding, get a few pillows for the seat and lumbar or neck support.
