Your computer furniture is the most important part of your office. It is where you will spend most of your time. Your computer desk should be big enough to hold your computer, paperwork and files, and a few pictures. You should always measure your office space before your purchase a desk. You want to have plenty of room to move around your home office.

If your desk is important, picking the right chair is vital. Using the wrong office chair for hours or even years can take a toll on your body.  An office chair should give you plenty of back support, and allow you to sit comfortably in relation to your computer. Ergonomic office chairs are a great solution for workers who spend hours at a desk. When you purchase a chair, don’t buy the first one you sit in. Try out different types of fabric from leather to a soft knit.

Once you pick out a type of fabric, you can begin to decide more on what style of chair fits your style and your body. A great office chair should have an adjustable back to allow you to adjust it to your height. Your chair should also have an adjustable seat that can fit any desk. Many chairs have arms, which can be a great place to rest your arms while you are typing or reading papers. If, however, an arm chair impedes your comfort, you should definitely forgo this luxury or buy a chair with arm rests that can adjust to your needs. Do you often take small breaks in your office chair. If so, you may wish to consider an office chair with a high back. Such a chair can protect your neck as you lean back for a break. To enhance your break experience, you may even want to put on some quiet music and lower your lights.

Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, July 26, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.135

Authors: Guoqiang Zhang, Alison L Thomas, Amanda L Marshall, Kelly A Kernan, Yanyuan Su, Yi Zheng, Jiro Takano, Takaomi C Saido
& Allison A Eddy (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)