So you’re ready to invest in a new office chair, hey? The big question is how much “should” you be spending on this new addition? The cost of office chairs can range wildly from £150 to £1,000+. And while price is important, you’ll also need to consider the quality and the function of the chair, so let’s get into it.
How much does a budget office chair cost?
You can buy an office chair that sits within a budget price range for around £100 to £150. These chairs can be a great option for people who use them infrequently, or maybe have a hybrid working policy and so are in the office more than they’re at home. However, there are some considerations to think about before you jump at the great price.
These chairs are generally less durable, less supportive, made from cheaper materials and aren’t that adjustable (you might have a back tilt option if you’re lucky). All of these can result in pain (back, neck or hip) and frustration that you’ve spent £100 on a chair that you hate.
If you’re shopping for an office chair and you’re on a tight budget, it may be better to find something in the sales or even purchase one secondhand. This way you know you’re getting a better quality chair for a reduced price, and your back will probably thank you.
How much do premium office chairs cost?
Office chairs within the premium price range could cost as much as £500+ per chair, some even going into the thousands. They often boast advanced ergonomics, high-quality materials (such as leather) and better-than-ever support. However, you do need to consider whether the price tag is worth it, or whether a mid-range chair could do just as much and be as equal in quality.
Why a cheap chair might cost you more in the long run
We know that cheap office chairs seem appealing. They look the part, it seems like they have all the features of a more expensive equivalent and the reviews look pretty good.
But what you realistically need to consider is how many cheaper chairs you’ll get through compared to one quality home office chair that costs a little bit more.
We’ll paint the full picture for you: your new office chair has arrived and you’ve set it all up. It feels comfortable and you’ve adjusted the height so it suits you. But over time, you notice the armrests aren’t as supportive as they once were, the foam seat has moulded but never seems to spring back up and the chair slowly sinks thanks to a cheap gas lift mechanism.
Manufacturers of cheaper office chairs have to cut corners, and this is usually the case for the design, the structure and the materials, so what looks like a great chair is ready for the skip after a year (which isn’t sustainable).
But also why an expensive chair might not be worth the investment
These days, very few people have £1,000 to spend on a home office chair. It might be one that lasts for years, but it is a huge initial outlay, particularly if you’re someone who works from home a couple of days a week. It might be that you’re creating a new home office and also need to budget for decorating the space, a new desk and storage elements, like filing cabinets or bookshelves.
You need to weigh up whether you can afford a premium office chair and whether the cost is going to be worth it before you buy.
So how much should you spend on an office chair?
We’ve talked budget, we’ve talked high-end. Ideally, your perfect office chair will fall somewhere in the middle. Mid-range office chairs usually cost between £200 and £400 and are likely to be the exact compromise you’re looking for.
These chairs, including Slouch’s Task One chair, use quality materials, are tested for longevity and are completely adjustable, from the head rest tilt to the armrest height. They prove that you absolutely can have a home office chair that is comfortable, supportive and aesthetically pleasing without having to spend more than £500.
If we were going to suggest a minimum budget, we’d suggest £200, making sure that the chair does also have some adjustable features for ergonomic benefit, such as lumbar support, back rest tilt and adjustable arm height.
We’ve been designing office chairs for over 45 years, and our team of designers, engineers and manufacturers know what it takes to create an office chair that works for everyone.
What to look for in an office chair alongside price
When you’re shopping for a new home office chair, there are some features that are a must to consider, as well as cost, that might help to make your decision:
- Lumbar support that can be adjusted (not everybody is the same height or has the same size back)
- Adjustable seat depth for maximum comfort and correct posture
- Forward seat tilt that properly aligns your back and opens your pelvis to support your hips
- Armrests that can move up and down to suit you
- A guarantee that states your chair will be replaced if it breaks within a certain time frame (we offer a two-year guarantee as standard).
When you find an office chair that ticks all these boxes and comes in on budget, you’re onto a winner.
