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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: Melvang on Sun, 09 February 2014, 13:40:06

Title: office chairs
Post by: Melvang on Sun, 09 February 2014, 13:40:06
Alright guys I am in the market for a new office chair and I actually prefer them without arm rests.  Most of the reason is because I have a very small area in my home office and need to be able to roll the chair under the desk and the arms prohibit that.  Any suggestions?  I don't mind buying one with arms so long as I can leave them off and it still look decent.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 09 February 2014, 13:41:37
Keep an eye on this thread too :)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54550.0

I've posted my recommendation there, and I'm sitting on that chair now.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 February 2014, 17:25:50
I found this one at Staples. Mine is fabric, my preference; the chair is also available in leather.
It has a really nice back adjustment.

http://www.staples.com/Flash-Furniture-Mid-Back-Fabric-Multi-Functional-Ergonomic-Task-Chair-With-Arms/product_201042?cmArea=FAVORITES
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Lanx on Thu, 13 February 2014, 18:50:45
don't limit yourself to chairs "WITHOUT" arm rests, usually imo chairs w/o armrests are the "lower end" chairs (there are some that aren't), in any event you can just remove them. (i did)
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 February 2014, 18:58:13
don't limit yourself to chairs "WITHOUT" arm rests, usually imo chairs w/o armrests are the "lower end" chairs (there are some that aren't), in any event you can just remove them. (i did)

+1 It's a good point; and I do the same. I usually buy chairs with arm rests and remove or not install them if assembly is required. I found armless chairs to be lesser quality and not as comfortable, generally with a height adjustment only. Good point to make, Lanx. I have to admit, there are times I'll install the arm rests when I'm into a lengthy typing session.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: ajunakey on Sun, 23 March 2014, 22:03:49
hey melvang, what's your budget? do you prefer leather or mesh?

edit: gg just realized i was a month late
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: davkol on Mon, 24 March 2014, 04:42:12
don't limit yourself to chairs "WITHOUT" arm rests, usually imo chairs w/o armrests are the "lower end" chairs (there are some that aren't), in any event you can just remove them. (i did)

Unfortunately, the arm rests hold many cheapers chairs together. If you remove the rests, there's nothing to keep the backrest in place.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 24 March 2014, 11:59:56
don't limit yourself to chairs "WITHOUT" arm rests, usually imo chairs w/o armrests are the "lower end" chairs (there are some that aren't), in any event you can just remove them. (i did)

Unfortunately, the arm rests hold many cheapers chairs together. If you remove the rests, there's nothing to keep the backrest in place.

Thats what I noticed.  I ended up getting a chair that didn't come with arms.  It has a leather seat and a mesh back.  Price was under $200.  Pretty satisfied with it so far.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 24 March 2014, 12:07:15
Just bought a secondhand Steelcase Leap (http://www.steelcase.nl/en/office-furniture/products/seating/task/leap/pages/overview.aspx) from an office that was replacing them. Basically for nothing.
These are usually not that cheap though. It does have excellent adjustability and it is one of the few chairs I can sit in all day without problems.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 24 March 2014, 14:33:33
The best value for a good office chair is without a doubt trolling classifieds like Kijiji for high-end office gear being let go on the cheap. I grabbed a fully loaded Steelcase Criterion on Kijiji for $75, and the chair would have retailed at $900. Mind you, I live in a government city and the availability of used office gear is generally higher than average.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 24 March 2014, 14:38:14
Like others have said, I'd recommend going to a used office furniture store and picking up a used Steelcase or Herman Miller. I have a used Steelcase Criterion which retails for about $900. I got mine for $200. Plus the store *should* let you sit and try out a ton of chairs.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 24 March 2014, 14:50:58
Got my Steelcase Leap Techno with extra hard-wearing fabric for €25. It's a $900+ chair.

Do I win best deal so far? :P
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 24 March 2014, 14:53:20
Do I win best deal so far? :P

Badwrench (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37338.msg1078609#msg1078609) scored a Leap for $20. Seems like he beat you by about $10 :P
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 24 March 2014, 14:55:30
Do I win best deal so far? :P

Badwrench (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37338.msg1078609#msg1078609) scored a Leap for $20. Seems like he beat you by about $10 :P

Good god, I thought I did well. Suddenly I feel like a chump for paying $75! Haha.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 24 March 2014, 15:35:18
Do I win best deal so far? :P

Badwrench (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37338.msg1078609#msg1078609) scored a Leap for $20. Seems like he beat you by about $10 :P
You just had to factor in exchange rates, didn't you. :P
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Lastpilot on Mon, 24 March 2014, 15:46:06
I use the IKEA Markus and I love it! I first read about it in thewirecutter (http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-office-chair-is-the-steelcase-leap/).
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: dustinhxc on Tue, 25 March 2014, 01:54:24
Volmar! I just got this chair and love it..

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40173777/#/40173777
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: chibishin on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:25:04
Seconding craigslist or used furniture places, and also seconding steelcase leap and herman miller aeron. most comfortable and adjustable chairs I've ever used. definitely prefer the armrests on the aeron, though. I've used the same aeron for the last 5 years at my current job and it's still going strong, but I'm not a big guy (<200lbs), so that may factor in to it.
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: ajunakey on Tue, 25 March 2014, 18:50:14
Seconding craigslist or used furniture places, and also seconding steelcase leap and herman miller aeron. most comfortable and adjustable chairs I've ever used. definitely prefer the armrests on the aeron, though. I've used the same aeron for the last 5 years at my current job and it's still going strong, but I'm not a big guy (<200lbs), so that may factor in to it.

I have an aeron too. Scored it for $200 off of craigslist. Fantastic chair!
Title: Re: office chairs
Post by: Nixietube on Wed, 26 March 2014, 12:45:37
the herman miller is amazing, but i am not sure about the arm rests