Eames replica chair - Black-chrome setting

Choosing the right office chair can significantly impact your productivity, health, and overall satisfaction at your workplace. A well-designed chair not only provides comfort for those lengthy work hours but also supports good posture, helping to alleviate common office ailments such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

In this article, we will explore ten different types of office chairs available in New Zealand, aiming to provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision. So, whether you're setting up a new office or planning to upgrade your current chair, our guide will assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs.

Heavy Duty Chair

The Heavy Duty Office Chair is specifically designed to accommodate extended usage and larger body types and it differentiates it from other types of office chairs. Historically robust and durable, these chairs are equipped with reinforced frames and high weight capacities, often supporting users up to 120-200 kg. The seats and backrests are typically larger, providing ample space and comfort. They are also adjustable to a high degree, ensuring proper ergonomic alignment.

The Heavy Duty Office Chair is particularly recommended for individuals working long hours, especially those of a larger build. Such heavy duty office chairs are also suitable for busy environments like call centres or trading floors, where big and tall chairs are used continually in shifts.

Heavy duty Mesh back chair

Ergonomic Office Chairs

The Ergonomic Chairs are designed to provide optimal comfort and support, promoting better posture and reducing fatigue and back pain. Many models also have adjustable elements such as height, armrests, seat depth/angle, tilt tension, lumbar support etc., allowing users to customise the ergonomic chair to their individual needs.

The Ergonomic Chairs are highly recommended option for businesses looking to invest in their employees’ wellbeing. Additionally, it is also suitable for people with existing postural issues or those working at a computer all day.

Ergonomic high back office chair

Mesh Office Chair

The Mesh Office Chair is preferred mesh office chairs by many due to its breathability and lightweight construction. Its mesh fabric allows air to circulate and eliminates heat build-up, while its slim frame is often adjustable. The chair also offers considerable lumbar support, with many models providing a curved backrest for better alignment of the spine.

The Mesh Office Chair is ideal for those who prefer lighter chairs that won’t weigh them down. Its open design also makes it suitable for areas with high temperatures and humidity.

Mesh high back 3 lever office chair

Stackable Chair

The Stackable Chairs is a practical choice for businesses in need of cheaper, easy-to-store desk chairs around. Its simple construction makes it stackable, enabling fast and efficient storage during events or periods of low usage of computer chairs. It usually comes as an all-in-one chair attached to the frame, with no adjustable elements.

The Stackable Office Chair is recommended for businesses such as for conference rooms, centres or co-working spaces that frequently host events and require frequent set up and takedown of chairs and conference room. It is also a great option for businesses on a tight budget.

Polypropylene stacking chair

High Back Chairs

The High Back Office Chair is a popular choice for individuals seeking both comfort and status within the workplace. Characterised by a tall backrest that extends to support the entire back and head, these chairs offer comprehensive support, helping to alleviate stress on the neck and shoulders. Many models of high back office chairs also come equipped with adjustable elements such as armrests, headrests, and lumbar support, allowing for personalised comfort.

The High Back Office Chair is highly recommended for executives or individuals in leadership roles due to its professional and authoritative appearance and ergonomic features. It is also a suitable choice for workers who spend large portions of their day seated, as its robust support can help minimise the risk of long-term health issues related to poor posture.

High back executive chair

Leather Chairs

Leather Office Chairs, leather chairs exude a sense of luxury, prestige, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Crafted from high-quality leather, these traditional office chairs provide a smooth, comfortable seating experience that adapts to the user's body temperature and softens over time. Many leather office chair models come with adjustable features such as seat height, armrests, and tilt functionality, enhancing their ergonomic benefits.

The Leather Office Chair is an excellent choice for office environments that value sophistication and classic style. It is especially recommended for executive chairs and for professionals in senior positions or roles that require a strong executive presence. Also, it is well-suited for individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and are willing to invest in a chair that combines comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal in equal measure.

Leather high back executive chair

Mid Back Chairs

Mid Back Office Chairs are a versatile and common choice in many office settings. Characterised by a backrest that extends up to the middle of the user's back, these standard office chairs provide a balance between comfort and space conservation. They offer sufficient support for the lumbar region and are often equipped with adjustable features such as seat height, tilt and armrests, which make them adaptable to a variety of individual needs.

The Mid Back Chair is recommended as office furniture for workers who perform a mix of seated and standing tasks, as the lower backrest of chair allows for more freedom of movement. It is also a suitable choice for smaller workspaces or home offices where space is at a premium. Furthermore, its moderate design makes it an ideal fit for businesses seeking an unassuming, professional look for their office environment.

Mid back office chair

No Arms Chair

A No Arms Office Chair or armless chairs, as the name indicates, is a type of office chair that comes without armrests. This minimalist design promotes more freedom of movement and flexibility, allowing users to move task chairs closer to their desks or switch positions more easily. Despite the lack of armrests, these chairs often still offer good back support and comfort, with many models featuring adjustable height and tilt functions.

The No Arms Chair is particularly recommended for workers who require more mobility or prefer a more unrestricted seating experience when compared to other types of office chairs, such as graphic designers, artists, or those who practice active sitting. It is because saddle chairs are also an excellent choice for smaller offices or workspaces where space is at a premium, as their streamlined design takes up less room. Furthermore, their simplicity and functionality make them a versatile addition to any professional environment.

Comfortable reclining high back chair

Large Seat Chair

The Large Seat Chair, as the term implies, offers a wider seating area than the standard chair you will find in offices. It is particularly designed to sit comfortably accommodate individuals who need more space and prefer not to feel constricted while seated. Comfort and support remain paramount, with many models of gaming chairs featuring additional padding, adjustable seat height, and often adjustable armrests.

The Large Seat Office Chair is among the ergonomic office chairs ideally suited to individuals who value comfort and space in their seating arrangement. It is recommended for larger individuals, or for those who simply prefer a more spacious seating experience. Additionally, this type of chair is a perfect fit for spacious offices, meeting rooms, or environments where the additional size of the chair isn't a limiting factor. Its substantial presence can also contribute to a sense of comfort and inclusiveness in a meeting room chairs the workplace, catering to the diverse needs of all staff members.

High back wide seat chair

Executive Chair

The Executive Chair is a premium choice guest chairs that embodies professionalism, comfort and leadership. These chairs are designed with high-quality materials and often feature plush padding, high backrests, and adjustable settings for seat height, tilt and armrests. Many such conference chairs even include additional features such as a headrest and lumbar support.

The Executive Office Chair is particularly recommended for those in leadership positions or individuals who spend a significant portion of their day seated. Its luxurious and commanding presence makes it an excellent fit for high-level executives, managers, or professionals who want to make a statement. This type of executive chair, is also well-suited for spacious and upscale office environments that portray a strong image of success and prestige. With an Executive Chair, comfort, style, and status go hand in hand.

Executive high back chair

Task Chairs

The Task Chair is a functional and efficient choice designed with simplicity and versatility in mind. These folding chairs are generally lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, with adjustable settings for seat height and often tilt functionality. Though they might lack the rich padding or high backrests found in executive or high back chairs, they still offer a comfortable seating experience designed for productivity.

The Task Chairs are recommended for workers who are constantly on the move within their office setting or workstation, such as administrative staff, data entry personnel or anyone involved in multi-tasking activities. Their straightforward design and functionality make them a perfect fit for dynamic and fast-paced office environments, co-working spaces, or home offices where space is limited. The Task Office Chair is a testament to the principle that simplicity and efficiency can go hand in hand in the modern workplace.

High back office Task chair

Drafting chairs

The Drafting Chair is a unique type of office chair designed to be used in conjunction with drafting tables or other adjustable work surfaces and nowadays it is the most common among all types of office chairs. It typically features a tall backrest, as well as adjustable height and tilt settings for the seat. This combination of features gives users greater range of motion and flexibility active sitting chairs, allowing them to move closer to their desks or switch positions easily.

The Drafting Chairs are recommended for creative professionals such as architects, illustrators or designers who spend a significant portion of their time working at an adjustable desk. Its tall backrest makes it well-suited to drafting tables standing desks or other elevated surfaces, providing superior lumbar support and allowing users to work in a comfortable standing position if needed.

Technical stools

What to look for when buying an office chair?

When selecting among the types of office chairs, there are several key factors to take into consideration. Firstly, ergonomics should be at the forefront of your decision. The chair must provide proper support to your back, neck, and arms, minimising the risk of strain or injury over time. To find the right ergonomic chair look for features such as adjustable armrests and lumbar support to ensure a comfortable fit.

Secondly, consider the material of the chair. Breathable fabrics are ideal for prolonged use, while leather options offer a more executive look. The padding should be sufficient to provide comfort but firm enough to provide support.

Thirdly, adjustability is a crucial feature. A chair with adjustable height and tilt allows you to customise the fit to your body and desk height, promoting better posture and reducing strain on your joints.

Lastly, durability and warranty are important considerations. A good chair is an investment, so ensure the chair is well-constructed and comes with a solid warranty. Take into account user reviews and brand reputation when considering durability and longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right office chair among all types of office chairs is a nuanced process that takes into account several factors such as the nature of the work, the individual's needs, and the other other office chairs' space.

From the luxurious Leather chair to the streamlined No Arms Chair, or from the spacious Large Seat Chair to the efficient Task Chair, each type new office chair serves a unique purpose and caters to different preferences and work styles.

Remember to prioritise comfort, adjustability, and support when making your selection between the types of office chairs. Ultimately, the ideal office chair is one that enhances your productivity, safeguards your health, and complements your work environment, thereby contributing to a more satisfying and successful workplace experience.