If you work from home even a couple of days a week, your chair is one of the most important things you'll buy. This ergonomic office chair buying guide explains which adjustments matter, how to choose between mesh and padded designs, where gaming chairs fit in, and how to set your chair and desk up so you can sit comfortably for longer.
What makes a chair "ergonomic"?
An ergonomic chair is one you can adjust to fit your body and your desk, so you can sit in a supported, relaxed posture. No single chair suits everyone, which is why adjustability matters more than any one feature.
The key adjustments to look for are:
| Adjustment | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Seat height | Lets your feet rest flat with knees roughly level with hips |
| Seat depth (slider) | Supports your thighs without pressing behind your knees |
| Lumbar support | Supports the natural curve of your lower back |
| Backrest tilt and tension | Lets you recline and move rather than sitting rigidly |
| Tilt lock | Holds the backrest at your preferred angle |
| Armrest height and width | Supports your arms so your shoulders can relax |
| Headrest | Helpful when reclining, less important for upright typing |
Mesh vs padded vs leather
| Material | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh back | Breathable, cool in warm weather, supportive | Quality varies, some people prefer more cushioning |
| Padded fabric | Soft, comfortable, wide range of styles | Can feel warmer |
| Leather or PU leather | Premium look, easy to wipe clean | Warmer in summer, PU may wear over time |
In Australian summers, a mesh backrest is a popular choice for home offices without air conditioning.
Lumbar support explained
Lumbar support fills the gap between your lower back and the chair. Options include:
- Fixed lumbar curve built into the backrest
- Height-adjustable lumbar that moves up and down
- Depth-adjustable lumbar that pushes in or out
- Dynamic lumbar that moves with you as you recline
Adjustable lumbar support helps the chair suit more body types. If you share the chair with others, it's especially useful.
Gaming chair vs office chair
Gaming chairs are inspired by racing seats, with high backs, side bolsters, neck pillows and lumbar cushions. Many recline further than office chairs and have bold styling.
| Factor | Gaming chair | Ergonomic office chair |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Racing-inspired, bold colours | Neutral, professional |
| Recline | Often reclines further | Moderate recline with tilt tension |
| Lumbar | Usually a removable cushion | Often built-in and adjustable |
| Breathability | Often PU leather | Often mesh |
| Best for | Gaming, relaxing, mixed use | Long typing sessions, work calls |
Some modern gaming chairs from brands like ONEX and Eureka add proper ergonomic adjustments, so the line between the two is blurring. Compare our gaming chairs and office chairs side by side.
Getting the size right
- Seat width: you should be able to sit comfortably without your hips touching the sides.
- Seat height range: check that the minimum and maximum height suit your height and desk.
- Weight rating: every chair lists a maximum user weight. Choose one rated comfortably above your weight.
- Backrest height: taller people may prefer a high back or headrest.
Setting up your chair and desk
Once your chair arrives, a few minutes of setup makes a big difference:
- Seat height: adjust so your feet sit flat on the floor and your knees are roughly level with your hips. If your feet don't reach, use a footrest.
- Seat depth: leave a gap of a few fingers between the front of the seat and the back of your knees.
- Lumbar: position it in the curve of your lower back.
- Armrests: set them so your shoulders are relaxed and elbows bend at around 90 degrees.
- Screen: place the top of your monitor at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away.
- Move regularly: even the best chair works better when you get up and stretch through the day.
Footrests, monitor risers, seat cushions and replacement castors are in our office furniture accessories range. If you're using a laptop all day, a separate monitor and keyboard help keep your screen at a comfortable height.
Standing desks and your chair
Alternating between sitting and standing is popular for home offices. A height-adjustable desk or desk riser lets you change position through the day, and pairs well with a good chair. Browse our desks, including sit-stand options from Ergolux.
Floor protection and castors
Hard floors and carpet need different castors. Soft rubber or rollerblade-style castors are gentle on timber and tiles, while standard nylon castors roll better on carpet. A chair mat can protect flooring and make rolling easier on thick carpet.
Explore the range
Browse the full office furniture collection for chairs, desks and storage, featuring brands such as Eureka, ONEX, Ergolux, Matt Blatt and Gorilla Gaming. See every brand on our brands page. For more ideas for compact work spaces, read our small space furniture ideas.
Related guides: Laptop Buying Guide, Furnishing Small Spaces.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in an ergonomic office chair?
Look for adjustable seat height and depth, adjustable lumbar support, backrest tilt with tension control and adjustable armrests. The more the chair adjusts, the better it can fit your body and desk.
Is a gaming chair good for working from home?
It can be, especially models with adjustable lumbar support and armrests. For long typing sessions, a breathable ergonomic office chair is often more comfortable, particularly in warm weather.
Is mesh or padded better for an office chair?
Mesh is breathable and stays cooler, which many people prefer in Australian summers. Padded seats feel softer. Many chairs combine a mesh back with a padded seat.
How high should my office chair be?
Adjust it so your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees are roughly level with your hips, with your elbows at around desk height. Use a footrest if your desk is too high for this.
