How To Choose an Office Chair (Your Back Will Thank You)

May 1, 2025

Choosing the right office chair can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. From ergonomic designs to memory foam cushions, the choices are endless. But don’t worry, we’re here to make it simple.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when buying an office chair; the Ergonomics, the Economics, the Comfort and, the Customisation.

1. Ergonomics: Support for Your Body

Ergonomics is the science of designing products to fit the human body. When it comes to office chairs, this means ensuring proper posture, reducing strain, and preventing long-term discomfort. Here’s what to look for:

Adjustable Features	A good ergonomic chair should allow you to adjust the seat height, armrests, lumbar support, and tilt. This ensures the chair fits your body perfectly.
Lumbar Support	Proper lower back support is crucial to prevent slouching and back pain. Chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron are known for their advanced lumbar support, but they come at a hefty price of $2,565.00 CAD. In comparison, the top of the range Nucleus Chair offers similarly excellent lumbar support at under 4 times the price at $619.99 CAD, making it a much more affordable option.
Seat Depth & Width	The seat should be deep enough to support your thighs without cutting off circulation. Many office chairs offer seat height, but rarely do they come with the ability to move the seat forwards and backwards, a feature to keep an eye out for.

2. Customization: Tailor the Chair to Your Needs

Not all bodies are the same, so your chair should adapt to you, not the other way around. Customization features to look for include:

Height Adjustability	This ensures your feet rest flat on the floor, reducing pressure on your thighs.
Tilt Mechanism	A reclining feature allows you to lean back and relax during breaks. A smooth tilt mechanism is important as often change how we sit throughout the day without even noticing. High-end chairs like the Steelcase Series 2 ($1,333.00 CAD with headrest) offer great tilting and locking mechanisms. Some cheaper chairs will only have 1 or 2 locking positions, however the Pinnacle Mesh office chair ($554.99 CAD) has 4 different locking positions to choose from.
Armrest Adjustment	Adjustable armrests help reduce strain on your shoulders and wrists and are often overlooked, but armrest can be the most integral piece to a comfortable work day. Some chairs like the Nouhaus Ergo3D chair ($600.00 CAD) and Pinnacle Mesh ($554.99 CAD) offer this feature at a reasonable price, some chairs ask you to pay a premium. The XG Wing Split-Back Management Chair ($1,380.00 CAD) asks an extra $240.00 CAD for upgrade armrest.

3. Comfort: Materials Matter

Comfort is key when you’re sitting for hours. The materials used in the chair can make a big difference:

Cushioning	Memory foam cushions conform to your body, providing personalized comfort, and mesh-seat chairs will provide a spring-like feeling. It is important to choose wisely, depending on how long you think you will be sitting on the chair for. Mesh is bouncy, but can become uncomfortable after a long day.
Breathable Fabrics	Mesh backs are popular for their breathability, keeping you cool during long workdays. It is no secret that the Herman Miller Aeron excels in this area, however other chairs on our radar today also utilise a mesh fabric for its breathability and comfort.
Durability	High-quality materials ensure your chair lasts for years. Sometimes cheaper plastic chairs are tempting like Amazon's Choice Office Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair. However, the best way to check a chair's durability is via the warranty offered by the company. Aim for 4+ years and you'll get a good office chair.

4. Cost: Getting the Best Value

Let’s face it, price is often the deciding factor. While high-end chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron ($2,300.00 CAD) or Steelcase Series 2 ($1,200.00 CAD) offer excellent features, they’re not always practical for everyone’s budget and ofter the same features (and more!) can be found with more affordable chairs:

Brand - Chair	Price (CAD$) Low - High	Company's Description/Features	Warranty
FelixKing - Office Chair	$207.58	Ergonomic Desk Chair Adjustable Height and Lumbar Support Swivel Lumbar Support Desk Computer Chair with Flip up Armrests	30-Day Return
Tralt - Office Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair	$244.95	330 LBS Home Mesh Office Desk Chairs with Wheels Comfortable Gaming Chair High Back Office Chair for Long Hours	Lifetime*
Kopplen - Inclusive Office Chair	$319.99	Lumbar Support & Tilting Backrest 4-Stage Gas Lift Seat Breathable Mesh Material Quiet, Non-Scratch Durable Castors Tailored Comfort for Extended Sessions Easy to Clean with Vacuum/Soft Brush	5 Years
Kopplen - Long-Hours Office Chair	$409.99	Adjustable Cervical Headrest 2-Axis Adjustable Armrests 2-Axis Lumbar Support 60mm Smooth-Rolling Nylon Casters High Weight Capacity (154kg/341lbs) Durable BIFMA-Certified Construction	5 Years
Nouhaus - Ergo3D	~$512.11	Adjustable Headrest Breathable Mesh 4D Adjustable Armrests Dynamic Lumbar Support Super-Lounge Recline ADC #12 Aluminum Wheelbase Easy to Adjust! Blade Wheels	1 Year
Kopplen - Pinnacle Mesh Office Chair	$554.99	Lumbar Support & Tilting Backrest 3-Axis Adjustable Armrests Soft Supportive Mesh Material Quiet, Non-Scratch 6 cm Nylon Castors Waterproof Molded Foam Seat Easy to Clean with Vacuum/Soft Brush	5 Years
Kopplen - Nucleus Office Chair	$619.99	Adjustable Headrest Double Waist Spring Lumbar Support 3-Axis Adjustable Armrests Backrest 5 Adjustable Height Positions 4 Locking Recline Positions High Weight Capacity (154kg/341lbs)	5 Years
Steelcase - Series 2	$1,333.00	Air LiveBack® Recline Adjustments Quilted Back Seating Ergonomics	12 Years Lifetime**
Herman Miller - Aeron	$2,565.00	Breathable suspension keeps you cool and comfortable. Three chair sizes deliver comfort to nearly every body type. Adjustable PostureFit SL pads provide lumbar and spine support. Harmonic Tilt supports the way you naturally move. Fully adjustable arms (height, depth, and angle) for custom fit. Composed of recycled materials, Aeron's production helps divert plastic waste from the ocean.	12 Years

*Lifetime: Replacements for broken parts will be sent to customer to replace
**Lifetime Warranty: Frame, seat shell, outer-back, arm frame structure, base, stool, foot ring

As you can see, Kopplen chairs offer many of the same features as high-end competitors but at a fraction of the cost. Why pay more when you can get the same functionality for less?

5. Why Choose Kopplen?

While competitors like Herman Miller and Steelcase are known for their premium designs, they come with a hefty price tag. Kopplen chairs, on the other hand, are designed to provide ergonomic support, comfort, and durability at a price that won’t break the bank. Here’s why Kopplen stands out:

Affordable Pricing: With prices starting at just $399 CAD, Kopplen chairs are accessible to a wider audience.
Thoughtful Design: Every Kopplen chair is designed with the user in mind, offering features like memory foam cushions and adjustable settings.
Durability: Built to last, Kopplen chairs are made from high-quality materials that rival even the most expensive brands.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right office chair doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on ergonomics, customization, comfort, and cost, you can find a chair that meets your needs without overspending. While high-end brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase offer impressive features, Kopplen chairs provide a comparable experience at a much more reasonable price.

Ready to upgrade your workspace? Explore our full range of office chairs and find the perfect fit for your needs:

Your back will thank you!