The well-designed chair can improve posture and circulation while decreasing fatigue. The shape of the chair should permit most of the body weight to be transferred to the seat through the buttocks rather than the thighs.

Seat height should be adjusted so that your thighs are horizontal, the lower legs vertical and the feet firmly on the floor. The front of the seat should be of waterfall design to relieve pressure on the thigh's blood vessels. A five-footed seat base is preferred for maximum stability.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety, a federal agency concerned with the work environment, advises that your chair should have adjustable heights and backrests. The backrest should adjust in the lumbar region to provide adequate support. Well-designed chairs include independent controls for back support and seat-front angle as well as seating height. You should be able to lean backward or forward without tilting the seat and be able to make adjustments from a seated position. Casters that roll freely are also a must.

Finally, armrests can be useful because they support the forearms reducing fatigue and strain on the shoulders, neck, and upper body. Armrests also provide leverage or support to help a person get in and out of the chair. If the armrests restrict you in the performance of your tasks or are uncomfortable, they may not be practical for you.

Remember you will probably spend about 80,000 hours of your life doing work while sitting so it's well worth your time to find a comfortable chair. For more information including detailed sketches, please visit the Seating section of this web site.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our design tips, please send us an e-mail with comments to info@duttondesign.net or send your comments via our on-line form.