Ergonomic furniture for your home: everything you need to know

Ergonomic furniture for your home: everything you need to know

by | Dec 19, 2022 | Uncategorized

Ergonomic furniture often involves subtle adjustments that make a big difference to your level of comfort and productivity.
Consult this guide to find out more about ergonomic furniture and which pieces are right for you!

What is ergonomic furniture?

Ergonomic furniture is designed to promote good posture and reduce stress on your body.
This type of furniture is ideal for people who spend most of their day sitting or reclining.
A word of advice: don’t confuse ergonomic furniture with adjustable furniture.
Ergonomic furniture is designed to promote good posture and support your body in correct alignment.
Adjustable furniture is designed to allow you to easily change the height or position of the chair (or other furniture).

The most popular types of ergonomic office furniture are ergonomic desks, also known as sit-stand desks, and ergonomic chairs.
However, if you don’t have the budget for these options, there are many ergonomic accessories you can add to your existing office furniture to make it more ergonomic.

What to look for in an ergonomic office

If you’re considering investing in an ergonomic desk, you need to make sure it’s right for your body and workspace.
Here are some criteria to consider:

  • Surface

Look for a desk that’s smooth and high-quality, and large enough to accommodate your laptop and lots of documents.
Some desks also have a raised edge to prevent objects from slipping, so if this is a problem you’re experiencing, you may want to consider buying a desk with a raised edge.

  • Width

Make sure the desk is wide enough to accommodate your laptop and a mouse, and that there’s room for a notepad and other items.
You’ll also need to make sure you have enough space in your home office for the desk, so don’t forget to take measurements!

  • Drawers

Ergonomic desks often have drawers for storing items such as paper, pens and the like.
If you have a small space, you might consider a desk with a pull-out drawer or a small cabinet.

  • Materials

The best desks are made from quality materials such as hardwood, metal or a combination of both.
Choose a desk with a non-toxic finish that contains no lead or phthalates (a chemical used to make plastics more durable).

  • Height

For good posture, you need to ensure that the height of the desk matches your needs.
You should be able to maintain an angle of 70 to 135 degrees with your forearm/upper arm.
If you’re looking for a sit-stand desk, you need to make sure that the mechanism works properly and reaches the desired height.
After all, investing in a desk that isn’t even at the right height doesn’t make much sense.

What to look for in an ergonomic chair

If you’ve ever sat in a mediocre chair for long periods of time, chances are you’ve experienced the back pain and tension that comes with it.
Here are some tips on how to find the perfect chair for you:

  • Seat height

The seat should be adjusted so that your feet rest flat on the floor when seated.
This position aligns your hips and reduces the pressure on your buttocks and back to stay upright.

  • Seat depth

Your thighs should be parallel to your knees when seated (i.e. not tilted up or down).
The depth of the seat should allow for this position.

  • Back support

The chair back should support your spine in the correct posture and maintain correct alignment.
The chair back should be firm enough to prevent you from slouching.

  • Armrests

Look for chairs with armrests at the right height for your office.
You can remove or adjust the height of the armrests to support your arms and shoulders.

  • Materials

Some people prefer leather chairs, while others prefer breathable fabrics like mesh.
In the end, the decision is totally up to you.

Accessories to make your office more ergonomic

If you don’t have the budget to buy an ergonomic chair or desk, you can still make your office space more ergonomic with the following accessories:

  • Light source

It’s essential in any office, but especially if you spend a lot of time sitting in one place.
Find a light source that’s ergonomic and won’t strain your eyes.

  • Notebook stand

Use a laptop stand if you work on a laptop for long periods.
It’ll help keep your posture aligned and prevent shoulder and wrist pain.

  • Keyboard tray

This tray can help you maintain better posture when typing and reduce stress on your hands and wrists.

  • Library/Desktop organizer

You need a place to store items like paper, pens and office supplies.
A desk organizer can help you organize and declutter your office or home office.

Tips for choosing the right ergonomic furniture

When you go shopping for new furniture, there are a few things you should do before you visit the stores to make sure you have everything you need to choose the right furniture:

  • Take your measurements

This step is crucial when buying new furniture!
Make sure that the furniture you buy will fit into your interior, and that you’ll have enough room to sit and move around freely.

  • Buy online

You can find great deals on ergonomic furniture online, especially if you’re looking for used or refurbished items.

  • Ask for a second opinion

Buy from reputable sellers and always read product reviews to make sure the item is right for you.

  • Visit a store in person

You can find great deals online, but it’s always good to see the furniture in person.
Visit a store near you and look at the different ergonomic pieces they have to offer.

Choosing the right office furniture is crucial if you want to reduce your risk of musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease.
If you’ve recently experienced a lot of backache, wrist pain or even eyestrain, it’s probably time to change your office design.
Not only will your body thank you, but you’ll also be much more productive at work and, consequently, more satisfied with yourself.

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