Shopping for the right ergonomic office chair can be a little overwhelming. It feels like everyone claims their chair is the best, waxes lyrical about the clever (and sometimes, unnecessary) features, and explains how they can cure your back pain overnight.
Lumbar tension control? Waterfall seat edge? 4D armrests? Sounds impressive! But do you actually need all of it?
After more than 45 years of manufacturing ergonomic chairs, we’ve learnt a simple truth: some features genuinely make a difference to comfort and long-term support, and others are mostly there to bump up the spec sheet.
So, let’s break down what’s really worth paying extra for, and what you can safely side-eye.
What ergonomic chair features are worth paying more for?
For maximum comfort, maximum support and maximum productivity, these are the features that you should consider for your ergonomic office chair.
Proper lumbar support
This is one feature we absolutely recommend that you prioritise. A good ergonomic chair should support the natural curve of your lower back instead of forcing you into an unnatural upright position.
We recommend that you look for:
- Height-adjustable lumbar support
- Depth or tension adjustments.
This is one of those features that might not look exciting, but your lower back will absolutely notice the difference after a long day.
Forward seat tilt
This one deserves a special mention because it’s often misunderstood but genuinely beneficial.
A forward seat tilt allows the seat to tilt slightly downwards from the back to the front. That might sound subtle, but it’s brilliant for:
- Encouraging your pelvis to rotate forward slightly
- Reducing slouching
- Distributing weight more evenly through your thighs.
If you’re used to feeling like you’re sliding off your seat, a forward tilt can be downright revolutionary. It’s especially useful when you’re concentrating or leaning into detailed work at your desk.
Seat depth adjustment
Seat depth doesn’t get talked about enough, but it’s quietly brilliant.
If the seat is too deep, it presses into the backs of your knees and encourages slouching. Too shallow, and your thighs don’t get proper support. An adjustable seat depth lets you fine tune that balance so you can sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and a small gap behind the knees.
This is particularly important if:
- You’re shorter or taller than average
- You sit for long stretches without moving much.
A high-quality seat cushion
More padding doesn’t automatically mean more comfort. In fact, overly soft seats generally compress quickly and leave you uncomfortable within a few months.
What you want is:
- Firm, supportive cushioning
- Pressure distribution across your hips and thighs
- A seat that holds its shape over time.
This is where build quality and rigorous testing really matter. A well-made seat will support you properly and still feel good years down the line (and not just in the first week).
Adjustable armrests
While some people find armrests simply get in the way, they do serve a necessary purpose. They help to reduce strain through your shoulders, neck and upper back, particularly if you spend a lot of time typing or using a mouse.
Good armrests should:
- Be height adjustable
- Sit comfortably under your desk
- Support your arms without forcing your shoulders up.
This is why offering armrests as an add-on works so well. You can choose what suits your setup, rather than paying for something you won’t use.
Ergonomic chair features that are mostly marketing fluff
Not every feature that sounds impressive will actually improve how you feel at the end of the day. Some are fine to have, some look great in product photos, and some exist purely to pad out a spec list.
Here are a few that are often oversold.
Overly soft seat pads
A seat that feels lovely and plush in the showroom can be a disappointment after a few weeks of real use.
Very soft cushioning tends to compress quickly, reducing support through the hips and thighs and encouraging poor posture. For those that spend a lot of time sitting in a chair, you need a strong seat pad that will protect your body.
A firmer, well-engineered seat might not feel quite as luxurious at first sit, but it will do a far better job over time.
Built-in massage functions
Massage chairs have their place. A home office isn’t it.
Built-in massage features tend to inflate the price while doing very little for actual posture or long-term support. They’re often noisy, short lived, and more novelty than necessity, especially for focused work at a desk.
Ergonomics is about alignment, movement and support over time, not short bursts of vibration. If you want some neck or back relief, you’re better off standing up and stretching than relying on a motor in your chair.
Extreme adjustability that has no real purpose
Adjustability is very important when it comes to ergonomics and proper support, however, some office chairs go a step further and offer confusing features that go untouched. This might include multiple tension settings, highly complex recline controls or ultra-fine tilt adjustments.
A well-designed chair focuses on meaningful adjustments that make a noticeable difference, rather than offering endless options that rarely get used.
4D armrests
Armrests that adjust in every possible direction can sound ideal, but they’re not automatically better for most home workers.
In practice, overly complex armrests are frequently knocked out of position, adjusted unintentionally, or simply pushed out of the way. What matters most is that armrests support the forearms comfortably and sit at the right height relative to the desk.
For many users, well-designed adjustable armrests do the job perfectly well, without the added cost or frustration.
So, what should you prioritise?
If you’re working from home and want an ergonomic chair that provides long-term support, focus on:
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Seat comfort and durability
- Sensible, usable adjustments
- Proven manufacturing experience.
The best ergonomic chairs aren’t overloaded with gimmicks. They’re thoughtfully designed, well-tested, and comfortable enough that you forget about them while you work, which is exactly the point.
Because when a chair is doing its job properly, the last thing you should be thinking about…is the chair.
