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Consumer Reports: 3 Budget-Friendly Office Chairs to Buy and 3 to Steer Clear Of
**3 Affordable Office Chairs To Purchase And 3 To Steer Clear Of According To Consumer Reports**
When establishing a home office, selecting the appropriate chair is vital for comfort and efficiency. While premium chairs such as the Herman Miller Aeron may approach $2,000, many individuals look for budget-friendly options. Consumer Reports has evaluated various economical office chairs, highlighting three to consider and three to avoid.
### What is Lumbar Support and Why Does it Matter?
Lumbar support is critical for preserving the natural curve of the lower spine, helping to avoid back pain during extended periods of sitting. A quality office chair should include adjustable lumbar support to suit various body types and guarantee comfort.
### How to Modify Your Chair for Maximum Comfort
To avert back and neck discomfort, tailor your chair’s height, armrests, and footrest. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and the chair should undergird your thighs without pushing against the backs of your knees. The backrest should recline slightly, and lumbar support should be modified to conform to your spine’s curve.
### Chairs to Consider
1. **Staples Dexley Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides adjustable lumbar support, tilt tension, and armrests.
– Lauded for its sturdiness and breathable mesh material.
– Priced at $149.99 on Amazon, with assembly choices available at Staples.
2. **Flexfit Hyken Mesh Chair**
– Boasts adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh structure.
– Limited customization but delivers good value at $139.99 from Walmart.
3. **Ikea Flintan**
– Recognized for its ergonomics and simplicity of use.
– Features a reclinable backrest and a removable seat cover.
– Available for $119.99 with armrests from IKEA.
### Chairs to Avoid
1. **Mainstays Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Headrest**
– Lacks adjustable lumbar support and comes with fixed armrests.
– Priced at $75 from Walmart, but unsuitable for all body types.
2. **Staples Essentials Ergonomic Fabric Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides limited padding and no lumbar support.
– Costs $89.99 from Staples, but falls short on durability.
3. **Smug Ergonomic Mid Back Mesh Task Chair**
– Recognized for inadequate build quality and insufficient support.
– Does not have a headrest and features a low weight limit.
### Approach
Consumer Reports analyzed chairs for ergonomics, adjustability, and user-friendliness. The top three recommended chairs achieved the highest ratings in these areas, while the three to avoid received the lowest. Further feedback from online retailers and discussion forums was also taken into account.
Selecting the right office chair can significantly improve your remote work experience by delivering comfort and support without exceeding your budget.
