How to choose a good chair?

Gaming chair vs office chair; so which one is better? Whether you’re a passionate gamer or someone who works from home, there is one thing you’ll always need: a good desk chair. After all, you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in it. So, which one should you get? A gaming chair, or an office chair?

Let’s consider some of the features of each type of chair.

Style

First things first, right?

There are obvious style differences when it comes to gaming chairs and office chairs. It’s difficult to say which one is better because it really comes down to your taste.

Gaming chairs are definitely the more extravagant of the two options. They come in different, often bright colours. The overall look is supposed to resemble a racing car seat.

On the other hand, office chairs are simpler. They’re usually one colour (often something neutral, like black, or blue). The design seems to prefer functionality over aesthetics.

Comfort and functionality

Arguably, the most important aspects of a good ergonomic chair. You don’t want to spend hours sitting in a chair that’s badly designed and uncomfortable.

There are some differences that you should consider:

Armrests

When it comes to armrests, gaming chairs take the lead. They generally come with completely adjustable armrests – you can adjust the angle, height, and depth.

In contrast, office chairs don’t offer as much variety. You can usually adjust the height of your armrests, but if you want anything beyond that, you will have to invest in a more expensive model.

Bucket seat vs flat seat

Because gaming chairs are designed to resemble a racing car seat, they come with some features that don’t serve many purposes beyond being visually appealing. One of these features is a bucket seat. This is the type of seat that comes with raised sides – so there’s practically a frame around your body.

Most office chairs come with flat seats. This means that there is more surface area for you to sit in, making them a better choice for larger people.

Lumbar support

The Lumbar is the lower spine area of your back. Lower back pain is common for people with desk jobs and getting the right chair for you could really change things for the better.

Gaming chairs have to win this round. They usually come with an adjustable lumbar cushion. This means that you can position it exactly to the spot where you need support.

While there are some more expensive office chairs offering the same perk, most office chairs have fixed lumbar support.

Recline

A really cool feature of gaming chairs is that they have a high level of back recline. Studies have shown that the best position for your back is having a 135° recline. This is easily achieved with a gaming chair.

Office chairs offer some level of recline but usually not quite as much as gaming chairs.

Waterfall front vs raised front

The design of the front of your chair matters, too. Gaming chairs have a raised front, meaning that the seat is slightly elevated at the front. This is, again, because of the racing car seat resemblance. It’s aesthetics only, and it offers no health or comfort benefits.

Office chairs are superior here. They come with a waterfall front – the opposite of a raised front. This is actually better, as the healthiest way to sit is with your knees at a 90° angle and your feet flat on the floor.

Price

Last but not least, price is an important factor when it comes to deciding which one you want to go for. Depending on your budget, one might be the better option for you.

Generally, office chairs are cheaper. You can find good office chairs for as little as £60. However, if you want an office chair that has a sleek design and comes with some special features, such as adjustable lumbar support, you might have to pay a bit extra.

Gaming chairs will cost you more – expect a price of at least £120. They usually come with all the cool features mentioned above though, so you won’t have to splurge too much to get an upgrade.

All in all, when it comes to picking the right chair for you, there are many factors to consider. As a rule, gaming chairs are probably slightly better when it comes to comfort and ergonomics. But it all depends on what your needs are, what your budget is, and which one you prefer.