office chair cushion for hip pain
If you’ve ever endured a long day at the office (or at home) in a less-than-ideal seating scenario, you know that a quality office chair is a must. These comfortable seats offer up crucial ergonomic designs to support your body and prevent aches and pains when you log off for the day—in that regard, they’re just as essential as a sturdy office desk or standing desk. But they don’t just provide comfort: The best desk chairs on the market can add to your overall office décor, too, imparting beauty and professionalism to the entire space. Our top pick overall is the Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair, which is guaranteed to keep you comfortable while you work, but we’ve got plenty of other great options ahead.
The very best office chairs feature an ergonomic design to ensure you remain comfortable throughout ... [+]t the workday.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERSIn general, when it comes to shopping for office chairs, you want to start with the basics—in other words, you need something comfortable. “The main features of ergonomic chairs are that they are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey. Beyond that, it’s important to consider additional features like whether you want a chair with wheels or arms, and what kind of design aesthetic you’re going for. Ahead, find the best of the best office chairs and best desk chairs available today, according to lumbar support, material, additional accessories and overall value.
Amazon
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Base movement: Swivel
If you’re looking for a high-end office chair, you might think you’d need to make a bigger investment. Good news: The Ignition 2.0 gives you many of the features you can find in pricier chairs—at a lower cost. Crafted from breathable mesh, the bestselling chair will help you stay cool as you field calls, type at a furious pace or just sit back and relax. Its nifty contoured seat will also help you maintain a high level of comfort during your workday.
This chair offers ample adjustment opportunities: You’re able to tweak the height and width of the arms, for one, and you’ll also enjoy pneumatic seat height adjustment and tension control to get that just-right angle. To help you get around without getting up, there are also five casters on which to roll around.
What the reviews say: “With so many office chairs on the market nowadays it's very easy to purchase one that is uncomfortable, poorly built, poorly designed or all the above,” one user notes. “This HON chair is very adjustable, comfortable and could not be easier to assemble.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 43 inches | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty | Base Movement: Swivel
While some people aren’t into armrests for their office chairs, others prefer them—and want something incredibly comfortable. Sure, you’re unlikely to buy a chair based on armrests alone, but the Alera Elusion offers next-level comfort for your forearms that you can feel good about. The armrests are topped with soft polyurethane pads, and you can easily adjust the height and width. The chair itself also offers several options for height and tilt. And, because the back is made of mesh, you don’t have to stress about getting sweaty while you work.
What the reviews say: Hundreds of positive reviews point to the benefits of this chair, with many reviewers commenting that it’s an excellent model for the price point. One user writes, “Very nice chair for the price. Gel like seats, arms and back easily adjust to several different heights. Curve of the back provides nice lumbar support. Wheels roll smoothly.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 21.2 x 18.9 x 45.3 inches | Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee; 1-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
Can you find a cheaper office chair out there? Sure. But this option from Noblewell manages to offer the perks of a more expensive chair with a budget price tag. This chair offers a high, breathable mesh back and even an adjustable headrest, so you can enjoy support all up and down your spine.
The chair has ample adjustment opportunities, too. The armrests, lumbar support, seat height, and waist height can all be tweaked to help you find the perfect position. You can also tilt between 90 to 135 degrees with the backrest, in case you get a moment to kick back.
What reviews say: Thousands of happy customers have raved about this chair in reviews on Amazon. One user wrote that it more than compares to more expensive models, saying, “Spent double this on a faux leather chair at the beginning of covid, fabric split arm broke looked like trash. Spent like 80 dollars on this about 6 months ago and I couldn't be happier.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches | Warranty: 90-day money-back guarantee; 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day, and the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Using dials on the back of the chair, you can move the piece up and down, as well as in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.
This chair has several other useful features, as well. It has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable armrests, backrest and headrest (via tilt). Plus, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
What reviews say: This chair has over 5,000 positive reviews, which is pretty impressive. One reviewer noted, “With my lower back issues, this chair can ease off that pain with a cushion that supports the lower body in which is also adjustable. And if you like to move around the area with your chair, the rollerblade wheels are easy to glide with on hard and carpeted services.”
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Best Office Chair For Back Pain
Design Within Reach
Dimensions: 24.5 x 26 x 40.75 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has a flexible elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment. You can also opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for armrests and seat, but keep in mind that they aren’t included in the base price.
You can also tailor the Sayl Chair to aesthetically fit your space. There are several base colors available, and a wide range of upholster options for the seat. It’s also available with two types of caster wheels—one for carpet and one for hard floors.
What our staffers say: “I splurged on the Sayl after transitioning to working from home, and it's been a worthy investment. My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the arm rests, back, and height. The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.” —Anna Perling, reviews editor
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Herman Miller
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge. It has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three different sizes to choose from—that ensures you'll remain comfortable throughout the day.
The chair offers plenty of adjustments, too. It has a tilt adjustment along with a seat angle adjustment, plus the arms are fully adjustable and there’s an option to add a lumbar pad for extra support. Best of all, it’s backed by a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.
What our staffers say: “Herman Miller sells chairs in different sizes (small, medium and large) so they ‘fit’ the user. There are also plenty of adjustments and optional add-ons for a customizable fit. My Aeron chair is super comfy and cool—I especially love the tilt feature that lets you lean back!” —Karen Tietjen, associate updates editor
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Branch
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37-41 inches | Warranty: 7+-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
One of Branch’s newest models, this striking chair offers adjustable spine support via its soft knit back and padded lumbar rest—features that are appreciated by several of our staffers, who own and love the chair. While it looks an awful lot like pricier models on our list, shoppers will be glad to note that this futuristic-looking chair is actually under $600. Verve also comes with several other helpful ergonomic features including adjustable seat height, and petite users will appreciate the ability to lower the seat to 16.5 inches. Meanwhile, very tall sitters might want to look elsewhere: Though the chair can be raised up to a whopping 20.5 inches, that might not be high enough for some. The Verve model is available in three colors including a cheerful peach hue (“Coral”), a shadowy black (“Galaxy”), and the grayish, off-white “Mist.” Refunds are available for chairs returned in their original packaging within 30 days.
What the reviews say: “It’s not often that I can sit in a chair and have my feet flat on the floor and no pressure behind my knees,” offers one reviewer. “During my shopping research, the dimensions of the Verve Chair gave me some hope that the chair would be the right fit. Branch delivered on this promise. It’s a very comfortable chair and flat-out gorgeous design.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
Mesh office chairs are ideal for hot summer days, as they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is a top choice in this category for its adjustability for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors to match your space.
This chair allows you to adjust the headrest, armrests, height and knee tilt, as well as the tilt tension as needed. The dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty.
What reviewers say: Reviewers rave about how comfortable and durable this chair is. One noted, “Anyways the seat hits all of my checkmarks. Stable and fold away armrest, ergonomic and mesh seating that does not increase my body temperature and to start sweating. While it had everything I was looking for I didn’t know how comfortable it would be, and in truth you would never know until you actually purchase it. It’s cool, the mesh surfaces breathe well and it’s comfortable to sit on for an extended period of time.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 30 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
The Mimoglad office chair has everything you need in a desk chair without the bells and whistles you don’t. The chair features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides you necessary support. Thick padding helps cushion your butt, even during long hours at work. Another nice perk: The armrests flip up so you can slide your chair all the way under your desk to save space.
What reviews say: Customers love the affordable price point and the comfort they get with this chair. One reviewer wrote, “This chair is exactly what I was looking for. Reasonable price and the adjustable back support works like a charm. Already gave a recommendation to a friend looking for a chair. I work at my desk for hours at a time and my back was killing me. Now I can adjust the lumbar support to fit the exact spot throughout the day.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 37 inches | Warranty: 2-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho Soft Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style: incredibly durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame build.
The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and the chair has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings.
What reviews say: One reviewer raved, “Buying this chair was the best decision I made and I am happy with how comfortable it is. I am not that tired after my work since my back is not hurting after long hours of working with computer. As the result, it improved my daily productivity, and I am amazed to see how much difference the chair can make. This chair makes my life easier.”
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Steelcase
Dimensions: 23 x 34 x 44 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
The Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair is an ideal option for tall people, as it comes in a high-backed seat with a 400-pound weight capacity. The chair offers a number of adjustments, including its headrest and high-tech armrests, which move with your arms to provide support in virtually any position. The seat cushion is also more flexible than most, providing comfort no matter the sitting position.
What our staffers say: “About two years ago, I upgraded my home office to a Steelcase Gesture after trying a handful of other, less expensive chairs. It was pricey, but I am thrilled with the result. The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting. The optional headrest is a revelation—super adjustable and always there to support my neck and head when I need it. And the armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor
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Amazon
Dimensions: 33 x 26 x 21.5 inches | Warranty: 1-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel
Planning to game? This chair from Homall is designed to keep you comfortable while you get down to business. It features high-density foam to support your whole body, plus you can adjust both the height and armchairs. Multi-directional wheels make it easy to cruise around while seated. There’s even a special function that allows you to rock back and forth when the mood strikes.
What reviews say: It’s hard to argue with almost 70,000 positive reviews. One raved, “I feel super safe in this, it's very well made so far and I know I haven't used it an awful lot but I've still sat down and spun around and just existed in this chair and I absolutely love it.”
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As you compare different office chairs, consider the materials they’re made of. Seats are often made from foam, and some are contoured to fit your body more comfortably. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs, which are more breathable, while upholstered foam versions generally provide more support. There are several benefits to mesh office chairs: They’re extremely breathable, preventing your back from getting sweaty on hot summer days. They’re also very low-maintenance and typically quite durable, and the material stretches to contour to your back. That said, some people prefer a traditional back, which typically provides more overall support.
It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.
No two bodies are alike, and that’s something the best office chairs take into account. They’re the ones that can be adjusted to fit your unique body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” says Dr. Shah, citing the importance of height adjustment, too, which can help to accommodate the curvature of the spine and add neck and lumbar support.
You’re going to want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.
When it comes to working long hours, you’re going to want to prioritize one thing above all else: adjustability. As Dr. Shah reminds us, you should be able to adjust just about everything on the chair, from the seat depth to the arm support and even the amount of back support. Height adjustment is of particular importance; it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your chair is really working for you and your unique body type. Our top pick overall is the Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair, which offers exceptional comfort for all-day working situations, but be sure to check out all of the options on our list above.
First, make sure you know what you’re working with: Office chairs are made with all sorts of different materials, including leather, mesh and linen upholstery. Use a microfiber cloth to give leather and mesh components new life, dust off any metal parts and use a vacuum fitted with a hose attachment to take care of dust and debris on fabric upholstery. (You can also use a leather conditioner for leather office chairs, though some tutorials recommend simply mixing mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. In our opinion, it’s best to consult an expert before applying any sort of liquid to an expensive chair.)