Currently, there are many types of office chairs on the market with diverse designs, features, and qualities that help users increase work efficiency and improve sitting posture. So what are the most popular types of office chairs today? What should you pay attention to in order to find the most suitable chair? Let's explore with Okamura in the article below.
1. 3 Types of Office Chairs Based on Usage Purpose
Based on purposes, office chairs are divided into 3 main types: Office chairs, executive chairs, and multifunctional chairs. Each type of chair has its advantages to suit the needs and preferences of users.
1.1. Office Chairs
Office chairs are the most common type, specifically designed for comfortable long-term sitting during work. These chairs are suitable for office environments and are typically used by employees or managerial staff. Additionally, office chairs have the following characteristics:
Simple and utility design, suitable for various workspaces.
Comfortable seat cushion, ensuring comfort during long work hours ranging from 6 to 8 hours.
Integrate lumbar support systems to help users maintain proper posture. This reduces pressure on the pelvic bones and alleviates symptoms such as numbness in limbs and neck and shoulder pain caused by improper sitting posture.
Some chairs are designed with armrests to reduce pressure on the shoulders. Armrests play a role in supporting and balancing the body's weight, reducing tension in the muscles around the shoulders and neck of the user.
1.2. Executive Chairs
Executive chairs are high-end office chairs designed specifically for senior management positions and executives in businesses, such as directors, vice directors, etc. These chairs not only ensure comfort but also reflect the style and status of the users. They typically possess the following features:
Elegant and luxurious design, often with eye-catching and modern styles.
They are usually made from genuine leather, wood, and metal, accompanied by various adjustable features such as height adjustment, reclining backrests, and armrests to distribute body weight. This supports users to maintain an ideal sitting posture and allows for changing sitting positions throughout the workday.
Customers can customize the design (fabric material, colors, chair style, etc.), making executive chairs highly personalized.
1.3. Multi-purpose Chair
A multi-purpose chair is a type of chair that can be used for various purposes in the office such as meeting chairs, training room chairs, or open collaborative spaces. Integrated with essential functions, these chairs provide the most comfortable sitting experience without requiring frequent adjustments from the user. Additionally, multi-purpose chairs possess the following design features:
Simplicity designed, comfort, and easy to use. Some models may include integrated tables or storage compartments underneath.
Can nesting and stacking to optimize storage space.
Lightweight with flexible wheels, making it easy for users to rearrange the office according to specific needs (small group meetings, training rooms, etc.).
2. 3 Types of Office Chairs by Material
Depending on the material used, office chairs offer different levels of comfort, durability, and style. They are generally categorized into three main types: leather chairs, mesh chairs, and fabric chairs.
2.1. Leather Chairs
Leather chairs are made from leather materials, often genuine or synthetic leather. This is a popular choice that enhances the luxurious and upscale appearance of a space. Leather is also widely used in fashion and interior design. Chairs made from leather have the following outstanding characteristics:
High durability: Genuine leather typically has high durability and can last for many years if properly maintained. Additionally, leather has good load-bearing capacity and is resistant to deformation or damage.
Natural beauty: Genuine leather has natural grain patterns and a variety of colors, with each piece having a unique grain, creating a distinctive look and expressing personality. Genuine leather develops a natural patina that enhances its beauty and value after time used.
Moisture absorption capability: Genuine leather can absorb sweat and moisture, preventing the chair from feeling stuffy during use. Leather is breathable, maintaining comfort over extended periods of sitting.
Flexibility: Leather can be bent and folded without tearing or damaging, making it suitable for chair designs that follow the natural curves of the spine.
Water resistance: Genuine leather has good water resistance but is not completely waterproof. When it meets water, leather may absorb some moisture but will dry without significantly affecting its quality.
Safety and environmental friendliness: Genuine leather does not contain harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for users. Moreover, the natural tanning process of leather can be less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic leathers if done correctly.
2.2. Mesh Chair
A mesh office chair is a chair that has a backrest or cushion made of mesh material. These chairs are suitable for offices with modern, dynamic, and creative interior styles. Additionally, mesh chairs are considered symbols of flexibility, thanks to their convenient features:
Mesh chairs are the lightest among the three types of chairs, making them easy to carry or move to different spaces.
Mesh material allows good air circulation and maintains comfort during long periods of sitting.
Mesh material is easier to clean and maintain compared to other materials, as it attracts less dust and is easier to maintain.
2.3. Fabric Chair
A fabric chair is a chair with the backrest and seat cushion made from fabric material. These chairs have an elegant and sophisticated appearance, often used as focal points in room spaces to demonstrate professionalism. Fabric is a commonly used material in interior design due to its outstanding characteristics:
Soft fabric provides a comfortable feeling for users.
Chairs made from fabric are easy to clean and maintain.
Fabric chairs have low heat absorption ability, unaffected by office temperatures, and do not cause discomfort to sitters.
3. 4 Types of Office Chairs Based on Leg Design
Chair legs play an important role in providing stability, comfort, and balance support when users rotate or move. To choose an office chair based on leg design, you can consider the following 4 types: wheeled chair, guest chair, auto return chair, and fixed chair.
3.1. Wheeled Chair
Wheeled chairs are designed for easy movement on floors, thanks to a flexible 5-6 wheel axis system. This is a popular choice for work environments requiring frequent movement and interaction among employees. This type of chair has several advantages:
Wheels are typically made from durable materials like rubber or hard plastic, capable of withstanding wear and moving smoothly on various floor types such as wood, tile, vinyl, or carpet. This allows users to move without standing up, increasing flexibility and work efficiency.
Chair legs are usually made from plastic, metal, or lightweight alloys to ensure durability and good load-bearing capacity.
The base of the chair has 5 to 6 spokes to evenly distribute weight on the floor surface and enhance stability while sitting.
3.2. Guest chair
The guest chair is a simple designed office chair with a frame typically made of curved metal, suitable for modern office spaces. This type of chair is often used in meetings or as a signature chair. The chair possesses the following outstanding characteristics:
The guest chair has a "L" or "U" shaped frame that supports the chair firmly on the floor. This design helps distribute the sitter's weight stably and safely.
The product features an elegant design, diverging from the conventional style with a backrest made of mesh or leather, providing a comfortable and relaxed feeling.
3.3. Auto Return Chair
The auto return chair stands out with a feature that requires adjusting its direction only once; afterward, the chair automatically returns to its original position regardless of which way it's turned. This type of chair is specially designed for convenience and offers superior advantages such as:
Easy to use, with no complex adjustments needed as it can automatically reset its position when not in use.
When the user stands up, the chair automatically rotates back to its original position, maintaining a neat and aesthetic appearance in the space.
High durability due to its sturdy materials, ensuring long-term functionality without issues.
3.4. Fixed Chair
The fixed chair is a general type of traditional four-leg office chairs. This type of chair is commonly used in spaces that require formality and classic styling. The product comes in various designs, materials, sizes, and colors to choose from. This type of chair has the following characteristics:
It is fixed and cannot swivel. To rotate the chair, you need to lift it and turn the entire chair in the desired direction.
The chair is sized to optimize space efficiency.
The chair legs are typically made from various sturdy materials such as metal, wood, or hard plastic.
The chair lacks high flexibility and requires pushing or pulling to move across the floor.
4. Why is it important to choose a suitable office chair?
Choosing the right office chair is crucial as it directly impacts the health and work efficiency of the user. In addition, these days, there are more companies choosing sustainable options, such as environmentally friendly products.
Here are the reasons why selecting an appropriate chair for your workspace is essential:
Corporate Image: A suitable chair reflects the professionalism of the company, leaving a positive impression on clients, partners, and suppliers.
Enhanced Productivity: Opting for a chair with a backrest that conforms to the body's natural curves provides comfort during work. Moreover, chairs tailored to specific job requirements help users improve concentration.
Reduced Health Risks: The chair is a critical factor affecting the user's health due to prolonged and continuous use. A suitable chair supports proper sitting posture, reducing the health risks associated with incorrect posture.
Sustainable products: In recent years, there has been an increase in interest among people in products that can be used for a long time and are environmentally and worker friendly. Choosing such products can improve a company's image and also lead to securing good talent.
Choosing the right office chair not only supports physical health but also contributes to a productive and professional work environment.
5. Criteria for choosing a Suitable Office Chair
A suitable chair has a significant impact on the user's health, aesthetic space, and many other factors. When selecting an office chair, you should prioritize based on the following criteria:
Ergonomic design: An ergonomic chair is perfect if you are concerned about health and want to reduce the risk of joint problems, back pain, neck, and shoulder discomfort.
Integration of smart features: Choose chairs with flexible wheels and easy height adjustment features to ensure the utmost comfort for users.
High aesthetic appeal: Select chairs with colors and designs that harmonize with the overall space, creating an elegant environment. A cohesive workspace enhances work inspiration and improves the brand image of the business.
Safe, durable, environmentally friendly materials: Currently, chairs on the market offer a variety of materials for easy selection based on usage purposes and budget. Re:net fabric, recycled from fishing nets, is a preferred material for interior furniture. This fabric has excellent elasticity and color variations, enhancing chair durability while reducing marine waste, and contributing to the preservation of a clean and beautiful marine environment for the future.
6. 11+ Best Office Chair Types from Japanese Brands
Okamura is a premium furniture brand utilizing Japanese technology with over 70 years of history. Currently, Okamura provides a convenient online shopping network and showrooms in two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Okamura brand offers three main office chair products: Office chairs, executive chairs, and multi-purpose chairs.
The products at Okamura are designed based on ergonomic knowledge and scientific principles of the human body to ensure comfort and reduce the risk of spinal and musculoskeletal. Customers can refer to the following popular office chair types:
Finora: Exquisitely crafted with a contemporary design from Italdesign - known for high-end car designs like Ferrari and Lamborghini. This product has many outstanding features such as multi-density cushioning to improve blood circulation, a flexible frame that fully supports the back when the body moves in different directions, and smart height/depth adjustment features.
Sphere: A cleverly designed office chair with a backrest resembling the human spine, automatically adapting to various back shapes. The chair features soft armrests, eco-friendly Re:net material, and a 4D adjustment system for maximum user comfort.
Sylphy: In addition to backrest adjustments with spinal support, the Sylphy chair also features a specially designed back frame that allows easy adjustment to fit the user's body.
When choosing an executive chair, besides aesthetic factors, the functionality of the chair is equally important. It's recommended to prioritize choosing ergonomic chairs that support correct sitting posture, reducing discomfort and fatigue during long work sessions:
Legender: Combining function, sophistication, and elegance that an executive chair should have. Made from soft genuine leather, with multi-density cushions to support blood circulation and a flexible smart adjustment system conveniently located under the armrest, maximizing user experience.
Contessa II: Designed with smart buttons on the armrest for easy adjustment without needing to lean forward. Additionally, the intelligent operating system supports adjusting the entire seating experience with a simple operation.
Shibusa: A product with a luxurious, unique design combining genuine leather and wood veneer on the backrest. The chair features minimalist style yet maintains full functionality such as reclining up to 11 degrees, height adjustment via a lever, etc., ensuring the most comfortable sitting posture for users.
Multifunctional chairs at Okamura are used for various purposes in offices such as meetings, training, and workshops. Currently, Okamura offers several multifunctional chair products:
Plimode: Designed to prioritize user comfort with multi-density cushions that support blood circulation and an easy-to-adjust sliding mechanism for tension, height, and recline. Particularly, the chair also has an automatic tension adjustment based on the user's body weight.
Cynara: The result of a 3-year collaboration between designer Andreas Krob and engineer Joachim Brüske, featuring a minimalist design and state-of-the-art hollow wheelbase. Chosen by many customers for its ultra-lightweight (only 7kg), smart chair adjustment system, and eco-friendly characteristics with up to 100% recyclability.
Lives Work: Unlike typical office chairs, this product offers a familiar and relaxing experience to users right from the first try. The chair features vibrant colors creating a cozy atmosphere, multi-density cushions for health protection, and a flexible sliding mechanism for easy adjustment.
MC: Enhances space with a well-designed frame and an extra-wide seat surface for maximum comfort and user-friendliness. Made from breathable mesh material and foldable for space-saving convenience.
Runa: Specifically designed for compact folding to maximize space utilization. Moreover, users can easily personalize the seating with 6 frame colors and 7 different cushion colors, along with various accompanying accessories like hangers, desks, etc.
Repirorue: Encourages users to adopt a new style of working posture (a combination of standing and sitting), limiting symptoms related to musculoskeletal disorders. The chair base can tilt according to body direction, providing more stability to the pelvis.
Choosing the right office chair is a crucial tool that impacts work efficiency, user health, and the overall image of the enterprise. Selecting a suitable chair from various office chairs will help you create an ideal environment to effectively complete tasks. If you are looking for high-end office chair designs and styles, contact Okamura now for consultant.