Writers are known for spending long hours feverishly typing away at their desks. When they get inspired, nothing can pull them away from their work.
That means they are even more susceptible to aches and pains than the average office job that often requires more movement in between tasks.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to promote health, comfort, and efficiency [1]. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 6 best writing chairs for ergonomics.
All of them can provide crucial back support and relaxation to ensure that you can focus on creativity and not your aching body.
Table of Contents
Herman Miller Sayl – Best Overall
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Rubberized mesh backrest
- Adjustable lumbar support
- 3D-adjustable armrests
- Adjustable seat depth
- Durable
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- No head and neck support
The Herman Miller Sayl brings style, comfort, and quality to your workspace with a modern design and innovative technology.
Its most noticeable feature, the rubberized mesh backrest, is designed to naturally flex with your movements to provide continual support in every position. Without a metal frame, there are no pressure points to cause back pain.
An adjustable lumbar support system can be moved vertically up to 4 inches to cushion your lumbar or mid back region.
Another major selling point of the Sayl is its adjustable seat depth. It ranges from 16 to 18 inches deep to perfectly fit the length of your thighs. Not only does this promote healthy circulation, but it also works with the backrest to give you the best possible spinal support.
The armrests are fully adjustable for height, width, and pivot, as well as forward and back.
Buyers also love the Sayl’s easy assembly, which only takes about 5 to 10 minutes and involves just a few pieces.
Herman Miller is one of the most respected chair manufacturers on the market and for good reason. Their chairs come with a generous 12-year warranty and can withstand daily use for years without any problems.
Brand new Sayl chairs can be purchased directly from Herman Miller, but you can also find refurbished ones on Amazon that offer incredible value and come with a 3-year warranty.
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair – Best Premium
Pros:
- Ball-and-socket, 360-degree adjustable armrests
- 3D LiveBack design
- Reclining function with four locking positions
- Adjustable seat depth
- Optional adjustable lumbar support
- Adjustable headrest
- No assembly required
- 12-year warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a plush feel
- Large package to receive and move
- Expensive
Steelcase is another top office chair manufacturer that doesn’t disappoint with the Steelcase Gesture Office Chair.
It offers firm support for the entire spine with its 3D LiveBack design that gently flexes with your movements. People have found it comfortable at a 90-degree position and in a reclined position, where you can lock it into one of four positions.
The lumbar support system is height adjustable. Although it doesn’t move in and out, it works very well with the backrest design.
The chair doesn’t have the plush feel of a heavily-cushioned, leather chair, but some people found that the sturdy support improved their productivity due to less time spent changing position.
The adjustable headrest is more flexible than most others. It can move vertically 5 inches, tilt forward up to 4 inches, and rotate up to 90 degrees. Users that didn’t want to use the headrest simply flipped it around out of the way.
Another key feature of the Gesture is the adjustable armrests that have a ball-and-socket design. They can pivot 360 degrees to comfortably support your arms. People who prefer non-traditional positions found this to be very helpful.
The seat depth can easily be adjusted for optimal leg comfort. If you happen to have longer- or shorter-than-average legs, this goes a long way towards making a chair fit your build.
For those who are not mechanically inclined, the Gesture comes fully assembled. This can save buyers a lot of time and struggle, but it also means that a very large box will show up at your door. It may take an extra pair of hands to move it in.
Steelcase offers a 12-year warranty with the Gesture to give buyers peace of mind with their investment.
Hbada Task Chair – Best Budget Pick
Pros:
- Flip-up armrests
- Lightweight and portable
- Tilt function
- Holds 250 pounds
- Built-in lumbar support
- Mesh backrest
- Ideal for petite to average users
- Easy assembly
- Affordable
Cons:
- No reclining or locking function
- No adjustable lumbar support
- Not suitable for people over 6 feet tall
- Nylon base instead of metal
The Hbada Task Chair is lightweight, fits well in small spaces, and offers support at a very affordable price.
Its key feature is the flip-up armrests that make it easy to roll up close to a desk. Due to its nylon frame, the chair is very lightweight and portable. This could be handy if you move your workspace around the house.
The breathable mesh backrest has a built-in lumbar support that average-sized users found to be comfortable. People from 5 to 6 feet tall should fit well in this chair.
The back can tilt back to 120 degrees, but it doesn’t lock. However, there is a tilt tension control knob to customize the force needed to lean back.
The seat depth, which is an average 19 inches, can’t be adjusted, but that isn’t surprising at this low price point. The height ranges from 16 inches to 19.75 inches, which works well for petite people.
Assembly can be done in just six steps, and the shipping box can be used to help you hold the pieces in position.
At just over $100, the Hbada Task Chair lacks many of the adjustable features found in other ergonomic chairs, but it still offers support, comfort, and functionality for those on a budget.
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Value
Pros:
- Adjustable headrest
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Adjustable tilt tension
- Adjustable armrests
- Recline and lock function
- Rollerblade wheels
- Mesh backrest
- Supports 330 pounds
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Not suitable for petite people
- Armrests don’t adjust easily
The Duramont Office Chair falls in the mid-level price range and has a variety of adjustable features.
The mesh backrest is cool, breathable and can recline to 120 degrees and lock into place. There is a highly adjustable lumbar support that can be moved up and down, as well as in and out for precise positioning.
The adjustable headrest can be moved up and down and tilted forward and back. It is also removable if not wanted.
The seat cushion is well-padded and comfortable even after a full day of use. It is covered in a mesh fabric that doesn’t trap body heat like leather.
With its sturdy construction, the Duramont can hold up to 330 pounds. The frame rests on rollerblade wheels that roll smoothly across any surface.
Buyers have a 90-day window for a full refund if the chair isn’t satisfactory. They also get a 5-year warranty.
OFM Racing Style Chair – Best Hybrid
Pros:
- Gaming chair design that fits in office setting
- Upholstery made of leather and breathable mesh material
- Segmented padding
- Flip-up arms
- Tilt and lock function
- Holds 275 pounds
- Easy assembly
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Affordable
Cons:
- Non-adjustable lumbar support
- Armrests have limited adjustability
For those who love the comfort of racing chairs but want a professional look, the OFM Racing Style Chair offers the perfect balance.
Similar to gaming chairs, it has segmented padding that gives users a plush yet supportive feel, even after hours of use. It is upholstered in a mixture of leather and breathable mesh fabric that keeps users cool instead of trapping heat like traditional gaming chairs.
The contrasting fabrics also add to its aesthetic appeal, even in the black/gray color scheme.
The tall backrest is well padded, with extra cushioning for the head and lumbar region. Most people found it very comfortable, but some needed to add an extra small cushion for the lower back. There is a tilt function that can also lock into place.
The padded armrests flip up for space efficiency, but they don’t adjust any other way. Depending on your needs and build, this may or may not be an issue.
The chair can hold up to 275 pounds and is relatively easy to assemble. For most people, it took about 20 minutes to put together.
Coming in at under $200, the OFM Racing Style Chair offers a lot of comfort and functionality for an affordable price. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
XUER Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Ergonomic Pick
Pros:
- Supports 330 pounds
- Adjustable headrest
- Double-back design
- Intelligent lumbar support
- Tilt function
- All-mesh design
- Adjustable seat depth
- 3D-adjustable armrests
- Easy assembly
- Excellent customer service
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Short warranty
The XUER Ergonomic Chair brings great spinal support and breathability to users for less than $300.
It has a headrest that adjusts up and down and a double-back design. The backrest has distinct upper and lower sections.
Instead of a small lumbar pillow, the entire lower back section is designed with an intelligent, gravity lumbar system that naturally adjusts to your weight and position.
People that suffered from lower back problems found it to be extremely comfortable. The backrest can tilt back to 120 degrees and lock into place.
The chair is designed to be very breathable with a mesh backrest and mesh fabric on the thick seat cushion. Users found that they stayed cool even after a full day of use.
A surprising feature is the seat cushion can be moved in and out to adjust the seat depth and further improve spinal position. Usually, this can only be found on more expensive chairs.
The 3D armrests are easily adjustable, and people found them to be very comfortable.
Assembly only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact customer service. People found that they were quick, friendly, and professional.
This chair comes with a 1-year warranty, which is shorter than most others. However, the company’s stellar customer service is sure to help with any problems.
Conclusion
Writers may be at even higher risk for pain and soreness from bad posture and poorly made chairs. Long hours spent over a keyboard mean that an ergonomic chair is crucial to their physical health and ability to focus.
We have looked at the 6 best writing chairs on the market that offer a range of ergonomic features.
You can choose from the high-end chairs from Herman Miller and Steelcase or the ergonomic design and great customer service of the XUER Chair.
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for some style and comfort, the list above is a good place to start your search.