Office chairs: types, characteristics, device, manufacturers

Types of office chairs

Executive chairs. This type of chair differs from others in its solid appearance and large size. For upholstery, natural leather is most often chosen.
Chairs for staff. There are two main criteria for them: convenience and reliability. Appearance is also important here, but attention is primarily paid to the gas lift mechanism, the shape of the backrest and seat.

This category includes operator models with armrests and computer chairs.

Chairs for visitors. The main criterion in production is convenience, because guests of the organization should feel comfortable while waiting for the reception.
Child seats. They are provided with a large number of mechanisms that allow you to adjust the backrest, seat and height. The materials used in production are completely safe.

The design has no sharp corners or crevices where a child’s fingers could accidentally get caught.

Why is it important to choose the right computer chair?

In the online store kstul.ru you can choose and buy a good computer chair in stock and on order.

The range of computer chair models is so vast that it is difficult to compare them side by side. At the same time, there are several common features among all varieties:

use of a height regulator called gas lift;
the back sways slightly and even with a rigid fixation, leans back a little;
office style appearance and design;
the presence of a cross with rollers;
a combination of elements of armchairs and chairs at the same time.

Do not delude yourself that any chair will provide you with an optimal level of comfort. Too many factors influence health benefits and some of them vary from person to person. If you spend many hours a day at the computer, then at least you shouldn’t skimp on this element of your furniture. Incorrect landing over a long period of time will invariably provoke.

Stagnation of blood in the extremities. This will cause swelling and may be the start for the development of varicose veins.
Curvature of the spine and abrasion of intervertebral cartilage. Osteochondrosis will develop, accompanied by severe back pain.
Headache.
Deterioration of vision.

For women, improper positioning for a long time is fraught with menstrual irregularities and the development of a number of diseases associated with stagnation of blood in the pelvic area. For men, these same phenomena are fraught with the development of prostatitis.

Arrangement of office chairs

To ensure comfortable work at the desk, office chairs have the ability to:

Height changes, which allows you to adjust the desired seat height to suit the height of any person.
Changes in backrest angle. This suggests that the back is always in contact with it, even if the person’s position in the chair changes.
Rotations around its axis.

For clarity, it is necessary to consider the operating principle of a gas lift - a device that is responsible for adjusting the height:

The metal body contains a cylinder in which the rod and piston fit. This cylinder contains 2 reservoirs, and between them there is a closing valve. When the seat position is low, the piston is at the top.
To raise the chair, you need to lower the piston. When a person presses the adjustment lever, the button responsible for opening and closing the valve is touched. The valve, in turn, moves gas from the first reservoir to the second.

The gas presses on the piston, causing it to lower, while at the same time the chair rises.

If you release the button, the valve closes. This means that gas movement becomes impossible and the chair is fixed in a certain position.
To lower the seat position, you must press the lever, which will open the valve again. Under the influence of the person's weight, the cylinder lowers, the piston rises and pushes the gas into the external reservoir. The chair lowers at this moment.

Chair materials

Pay attention to the filling of the office chair. The following options are usually used:

Foam rubber . It is used in both budget and expensive models. The quality of the foam may vary. To understand that it will not sell right away, check a small test. Press firmly with your finger in the middle of the seat. If it is strongly pressed, this means that the foam rubber is cheap and of high quality, and it is unlikely to be durable.
Polyurethane foam . This is a more preferable option: it is elastic, durable, wear-resistant, and provides comfort when sitting. But such chairs are more expensive.

The frame and base of the chairs are most often made of metal or plastic. Wood is used extremely rarely in modern models. The stand is usually made of steel, but durable plastic can also be used. The lower support can also be plastic or steel. The wheels are usually plastic, the frame elements are steel with a plastic coating. Wood can be used for edging the backrest, armrests, and so on.

There are several options for upholstering the chair:

Natural or artificial leather . These materials provide a presentable appearance of the product. The executive chair is usually leather. However, the material requires specific care, and it is also quite expensive. Usually black or brown leather is used, but in some interiors models made from light or even bright colors will be appropriate.
Textiles . A popular option that offers a wide range of colors and patterns. The fabric should be durable, breathable and hygroscopic, and choosing a design will no longer be a problem. Textiles are attractive due to their low price, but they also have disadvantages: they easily absorb odors, wash out, and fade.
Net . Quite an interesting option with which the chair can become the highlight of the interior. The rigid mesh looks stylish, provides good back support, and allows air to pass through.

The specific choice depends on your budget and personal preferences, as well as who the chair is intended for.

Characteristics of office chairs

All characteristics are divided into 2 groups:

Providing passive comfort. These include the shape and size of the chair and armrests, rollers on the base structure, anatomical thickenings on the seat and back.
Providing active comfort. In this case, it is very important to have mechanisms that allow you to adjust the chair to suit you: you can change the angle of the backrest, the depth of the seat and adjust the height.

Office chair mechanisms

Permanent contact

A chair with permanent contact is suitable for people whose time is devoted to working at the computer. Properties:

The chair easily tilts back - this prevents long-term stiffening of the spine.
Height adjustable.
Seat depth is adjustable.
There is a hardness adjustment.
There is no position locking function - the back is constantly in motion.

Piastra

A special unit that connects the seat base to the gas lift rod. Fastens with four bolts. It has holes that allow you to attach the backrest. In this case, various docking options can be used:

A spring-screw mechanism that constantly supports the back in a certain position.
Ovalina, which allows you to change the depth of the back and its height.
Permanent contact that regulates the height of the backrest and its angle of inclination.

Freestyle

Freestyle adjusts the stiffness of the backrest. Its setting depends both on the physiological characteristics of the person and on his personal preferences.

Rocking

Swing (tilt) – a swing mechanism with fixation of the working position. Divided into 2 types depending on the location of the swing axis:

Central-axis, when the swing axis is located directly in the center.
With an offset center when the axle is in the front.

The tilt mechanism is usually used in chairs of low and medium price categories. People weighing more than 100 kg are not recommended to use it due to the welded bushing, which can break under high load.

Multiblock

The multiblock allows you to adjust the chair's height, use the ability to swing and fix the backrest. The height is controlled by a lever located under the seat on the right. The lever that adjusts the swing and fixes the position is usually installed on the left.

The swing amplitude is regulated by a special screw, which is located in the center.

Anyfix

One of the levers adjusts the seat height, and the second turns on the swing. A chair with such a mechanism has the ability to fix the position due to metal plates that compress at a certain moment.

Anyfix is typically used in low to mid-priced chairs.

Synchromesh mechanism

The essence of this mechanism is that when the backrest is tilted, the angle of the seat changes. The maximum comfortable proportion is 3 to 1: if you recline the backrest by 3 degrees, the seat will recline by 1 degree.

The synchronized mechanism prevents the chair from tipping over, allows you to freely change the sitting position, provides back support, and also allows for a rocking function.

Asynchronous mechanism

An asynchronous mechanism, unlike a synchronous one, makes it possible to change the tilt of the backrest without affecting the position of the seat.

Slider

It is responsible for adjusting the seat depth depending on the user's wishes. Typically, manufacturers use 5 main positions, one of which the user can choose.

Base design

Cross

The crosspiece (five-beam) is a support for the user.

The design of the cross includes rollers, which are divided into groups depending on hardness:

Harder casters made from nylon and polypropylene are suitable for tile or stone floors.
Polyurethane rollers, distinguished by their softness, will be an excellent replacement for hard ones for parquet or laminate flooring.

Types of armrests in office chairs

There are three ways to attach the armrests:

To the seat. In this case, the armrests can be removed if necessary, without damaging the structure of the chair.
To the back and seat. In this case, they are a kind of connector between these two parts of the chair.
The armrests are attached to two parts of the chair, but the back and seat are separately connected to each other using a metal plate. In this case, they can be removed without violating the integrity of the frame.

Material

Various materials are used to upholster the seats of office chairs.

Textile

Series C is pure synthetics, similar in properties and appearance to burlap. It is commonly used to upholster visitor chairs and low-cost operator chairs.
ZT series – 100% polyolefin. It is used for inexpensive operator's chairs, chairs for visitors, but is sometimes used for management chairs.
Microfiber. It is soft to the touch, the fibers do not stick to clothes and do not form pills. It is easy to care for because it is stain resistant. This fabric is suitable for upholstery of mid-price operator chairs, chairs and executive chairs.
JP Series. It is resistant to fading and stains, but, unlike microfiber, it is also resistant to wear. Armchairs and chairs for visitors, executive chairs and operator chairs are upholstered with this fabric.

Leather

The basis for classifying leather is its quality and processing methods:

Category A. The surface is completely processed during the production process. It is rough and thick, but at the same time durable. A long period of work is carried out on the workpiece: irregularities are puttied, painted and sanded several times.

After these procedures, a polymer is applied to the skin, which is designed to protect it from moisture and dust. The second name for such material is Split. Split leather is used in the manufacture of chairs for visitors, executives and business class furniture.

Skin category B is partially corrected. It belongs to luxury leather. Animal skins with the fewest flaws are selected, so they are of higher quality.

In this case, the skin is not worked on for long: it is slightly corrected with putty and painted. In this regard, it has good breathability and hygroscopicity.

Leather of this category is used for upholstery of chairs for visitors, management and in the production of luxury furniture.

Category C leather is almost not processed in any way. For its production, very high-quality skins with a minimum number of flaws are chosen. The top layer does not change in any way, only natural dyes with virtually no color are applied to it.

Leather in this category has the highest level of hygroscopicity. It allows air to pass through well, and sudden temperature changes and ultraviolet rays will not affect its quality in any way.

Due to its originality and exclusivity, it is used only in the production of executive chairs and premium luxury furniture.

Leatherette

Divided into 2 types:

Vinyl leather, practical and inexpensive. The basis of this material is PVC-coated fabric. There is nothing complicated in its processing, caring for it is also easy, in addition, there is a wide variety of textures and colors.

Most often, low-price operator chairs, executive chairs, and furniture for offices and public places are made from this material.

Eco-leather is a modern material that consists of PU-coated fabric. “Furniture fabric” is resistant to low temperatures and wear, and is quite elastic. It is as easy to care for as it is to handle during production.

Another advantage is that manufacturers try to diversify the range of textures and colors as much as possible. A significant disadvantage is that it is inferior to natural leather in moisture removal, that is, hygroscopicity.

Armchairs and chairs for visitors, office furniture, and executive chairs are upholstered in eco-leather.

Plastic

Products made from this material are the cheapest, which is why they are not intended for managers or even employees, because it is impossible to sit on them for a long time.

Very often, plastic chairs and stools are placed for visitors waiting in line to be received.

Back material

The back is upholstered with the same materials as the seat, that is:

various types of fabric;
natural leather;
leatherette.

To these are added 2 types of mesh:

TW series mesh fabric. On average, its thickness is 0.5 cm. This fabric is used to cover the backs of computer and operator chairs, chairs for visitors and chairs for business class executives.
Acrylic mesh. Breathability prevents the accumulation of moisture, and properties such as resistance to wear, repelling dirt, dust, water and sunlight explain its enormous popularity.

The acrylic mesh backrest is used for seats for visitors, executives and business class operators.

Base material

Most often, a cross is used as a base for office chairs. It is similar in color and material to the armrests and consists of 5 rays. Its diameter may vary, but the smaller it is, the less stable the entire chair is.

The following materials are used in production:

Plastic. Inexpensive material, can withstand loads of up to 250 kg.
Metal. Respectable and reliable, but quite heavy.
Metal frame with wooden overlays.

If the base of the chair has legs or runners, then wood or metal is usually used to make them.

Computer chair. Types and device. How to choose and features

Modern computer chairs are very diverse in terms of design, functionality and comfort. Each computer chair has certain characteristics and meets certain human requirements. They have one thing in common - they are all designed for those who spend a lot of time at the computer. Therefore, they should all provide a comfortable fit and minimal stress on the spine during prolonged sitting.

Classification of computer chairs

Armchairs are divided into various types according to various characteristics. So, according to their appearance, the number of adjustments and devices, they are divided into:

Luxury
Economy
Business Class.

Luxury chairs not only provide maximum comfort when working, but are also designed to show the status of the person sitting in it due to their presentable appearance. They are massive, with a high back, made of expensive materials and equipped with a large number of adjustment mechanisms.

As a rule, company executives purchase such furniture for their offices. It helps clients and partners perceive its owner in a special way.

Economy class computer chairs are designed for use at home. They contain a minimum number of different devices, use inexpensive upholstery options and simple mechanisms.

A business class computer chair is usually installed in company offices and employee offices. They are designed to be spent in them for a long time, therefore they have various mechanisms for adjusting the seat, back and armrest. There are even models with a headrest, which is necessary to relieve tension from the muscles of the neck and back.

This classification of computer chairs is the most common. It is for this or that class of furniture that all the structural components and materials used for their production are selected.

Design features

Any computer chair consists of the following elements:

Back.
Seat.
Cross.
Gas lift.

To create additional convenience, armrests, headrests, casters and adjustment mechanisms can be used.

Back

This part is mainly responsible for the position of the spine. Therefore, a properly selected backrest is the key to a healthy back:

The high backrest measures 90 cm (height) and 60 cm (width), providing reliable support for the entire back.
The short back controls only the lumbar region. Its height is 60 cm and its width is 55.
The orthopedic has a special curve, thanks to which the spine is in a natural position.
Some chairs are equipped with backrest adjustment mechanisms.

For gamers, special models of backrests have been developed, which belong to the highest class products. The design of the backrest follows the anatomical structure of the body, has a mechanism for supporting the spine and adjusters for height and angle of inclination.

seat

Seats for computer chairs are distinguished by rounded edges and a recess in the middle. This design promotes a comfortable position in the chair. Many models have mechanisms for adjusting the level and capacity of the seat in order to maximally adjust the products to the needs of the sitter.

Armrests and headrests

For hand comfort and stress relief, the chairs are equipped with armrests. There are different options for mounting them:

The armrests are attached to the seat and can be removed if desired.
The backrest is connected to the seat as an intermediate element.
Attached to both the back and the seat.

In order to relieve stress from the cervical spine, specialized types are equipped with headrests. They can be tilted or extended to achieve the most comfortable position for your head and neck.

Gas lift

This is a shock absorber that allows you to change the seat height. It is a metal cylinder with gas inside. This is an integral part of a computer chair, and the safety of operation depends on its quality. Some gas lifts can withstand weights of up to 120 kg.

They differ in length and material of manufacture. Typically, gas lifts are made either chrome-plated or black, with decorative plastic covers.

Cross

This is the support of the chair, consisting of four to five legs attached to the base. The diameter varies, but it is generally accepted that the higher it is, the greater the strength and safety.

Crosses are made from the following materials:

Plastic is the cheapest material, but at the same time it provides high strength and stability of the structure. Although a chair with a plastic support is considered an economical option, it can support weight up to 250 kg.
Chromed metal is a strong and durable material that gives the chair a presentable appearance.
Metal with overlays made of inexpensive wood, painted in shades of walnut, beech, mahogany.

As a rule, the crosspiece and armrests are made in the same style, color and from the same material.

Rollers

Casters are wheels on the legs of the crosspiece that provide mobility and maneuverability of the chair. There are three types:

Regular black ones are made of plastic and are the most widely used.
Rubberized, specifically for use on laminate.
With a “skirt” - massive, attached mainly to luxury chairs.

Adjustment mechanisms

This is a device that allows you to control the level and angle of the seat, landing, rotation and fixation. The types of mechanisms are different: a plate with a lever, and a screw device. They are usually attached between the gas lift and the seat.

Chair upholstery

The upholstery creates the appearance of the product, moreover, it has a specific functional purpose:

Leather is used for premium furniture and has a number of well-known benefits, including durability and aesthetics.
Eco-leather is a type of leatherette characterized by durability and practicality.
Fabric is the most widely used material for inexpensive models and comes in a variety of colors.
Mesh is a multi-layer fabric that has the advantage over regular fabric that it can “breathe”, providing greater comfort in hot weather.
Acrylic mesh - used in orthopedic backs.
Microfiber is a fabric similar to suede, resistant to wear, water-repellent and dust-proof.

How to choose a computer chair

The less time you devote to working at the computer, the lower the requirements for the modification and functionality of your chair. An economy class computer chair with a comfortable back, soft seat and armrests is quite suitable for you. Of the adjustment devices, a mechanism responsible for the angle of the backrest is sufficient.

When sedentary work takes up more than five hours of your time per day, you should be more demanding in the design of the product. It must be movable, with rollers; adjustment mechanisms must be provided for all its elements. Armrests and a headrest are required, and the upholstery must be breathable.

If you spend the entire working day at the computer, you should opt for special office chairs. Ergonomic ones are perfect because they provide maximum comfort for the spine and properly distribute the load.

The design of a chair used for daily work should include an anatomical backrest, armrests, a seat with the ability to adjust parameters, a headrest and a stable cross with rollers.

You should choose a seat for your child most carefully. After all, incorrect modification can disrupt your posture. The computer chair must be suitable in height, have a headrest, a stable crosspiece and be equipped with a special leg support. It is better to choose a fabric material that is non-slip and stain-resistant. But you shouldn’t buy a rotating version - they are very dangerous for children.

Along with a variety of designs, modern computer chairs come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors, from classic to high-tech. Therefore, with their help you can complement the interior of the room or give the room a finished look.

How to choose an office chair

First you need to determine who the chair is intended for. For the company's clients, budget options for chairs using inexpensive materials or furniture in the mid-price segment are suitable.

When purchasing chairs for staff, you should pay attention to the presence of armrests, as they provide comfort while working. The manager's chairs should emphasize his status.

For the boss, the main thing is quality, and this can only be achieved through the use of expensive upholstery materials.

The second important step is to choose the material for the upholstery of the seat and backrest, taking into account the budget, the properties of the materials (strength, repelling moisture and dirt, environmental friendliness) and personal wishes.

Third, decide on the design of the base:

Legs are commonly used in visitor furniture.
Runners are found in chairs for visitors and bosses.
A five-arm with wheels is suitable for staff and management.

Fourth, pay attention to whether there is a cushion in the lumbar area, which is designed to maintain posture in the correct position. Its presence is mandatory for office employees and managers.

The fifth step is to select the appropriate maximum backrest angle.

Next you need to choose a comfortable seat, which can be:

hard;
soft;
semi-soft.

Afterwards, you should pay attention to the appearance, choose a color that should match the style of the entire company and the surrounding interior.

The last thing to do is ask about the warranty period. The warranty on the chair must be at least two years.

No. 9. Upholstery and body material

The base and frame of modern chairs are preferably made of plastic and metal ; wood is a thing of the past and is used only for decoration. The stand is usually made of steel, but it can also be made of durable plastic, and the bottom support is also made of either steel or plastic. The wheels are made of plastic, and the frame elements are made of steel with a plastic coating. Wood can be used to create armrests, backrest edging, etc.

As for the upholstery of the chair , there are not many options:

leather and artificial leather are materials that give a prestigious look to the product. It’s hard to imagine the leadership chair otherwise. On the other hand, leather requires specific care so that the material does not lose elasticity, and it is not cheap. As a rule, black and brown leather is used, but if the interior requires it, you can choose a light shade or even a bright color;
textiles are a very popular option for finishing chairs; they provide a wide selection of colors and patterns. The main thing is that the fabric is durable, wear-resistant, hygroscopic and breathable, and choosing a pattern and shade is not a problem. Textiles are a fairly cheap upholstery option, but they absorb odors and can fade and wear out;
mesh is a rather interesting option that can turn a chair into an elegant highlight of the office. The rigid mesh supports your back well, is springy, allows air to pass through and looks great.

Which is better

The best office chair meets the following requirements:

comfortable armrests made of metal or wood, attached to the base of the chair;
ergonomic backrest with different tilt angles and fixation in several positions;
soft seat padding;
hygroscopic and easy-to-care upholstery material (mesh, eco-leather);
the presence of a synchronizing mechanism and a lever for changing the height.

Design and rules for choosing computer chairs

Back and seat

Almost any computer chair consists of the following elements:

sitting;
back;
armrests;
crosspiece;
support leg with height adjuster;
rollers;
swing mechanism.

Sizes and shapes

Let's start with what kind of backrests there are. This can be a short wide strip located in the lumbar region, or a chic model that resembles a throne with a headrest. The range of heights is very wide. Let's take a closer look at the types.

Short. The width and height are approximately equal and range from 40 to 60 cm. The disadvantages are minimal support for the lower back and lack of relief for the neck. Very common in the budget price segment.
Tall. The width ranges from 50 to 60 cm and the height is about 80–90 cm. Almost all the shortcomings of the first category are solved by this alone.
Orthopedic. The backrests are equipped with overhead bolsters for the lower back or anatomical curves. Support in the shoulder blades and a comfortable headrest. Chairs in this segment are expensive, but no amount of money can buy health.
Gaming ones. This type is designed for those who spend the longest possible time at the computer. Lateral support, taking into account the anatomical features of the body, complex device. The chairs are the most expensive.

There are far fewer seating options. Their width completely coincides with this parameter at the back. The standard thickness is about 5 cm. The normal height from the floor is 45–55 cm. The main parameters include the ability to move the seat forward and adjust the seating angle.

When choosing a computer chair, you should pay attention to additional equipment.

Anatomical curves. In the right places, the filler is placed more densely. Not only backrests, but also seats can be designed this way.
Lumbar roll. It can be removable or be an integral part of the structure. Provide support for the lumbar region.
Headrest. Characteristic of most high backs. Supports the neck. Allows you to tilt your head back and relax the muscles of the cervical spine.

Manufacturing materials – fillers and upholstery

The frame of the main elements is based on a figured fragment made of furniture plywood, plastic or metal.

Next, all this is laid with filler. They can act in this capacity.

Polyurethane foam. This is a foamed polymer very similar to foam rubber. Lasts much longer. It holds its shape well and straightens out faster after compression than its counterparts.
Vulcanized latex. The material is actively used in expensive and gaming models. This is due to its high strength, durability, and high wear resistance.
Sintepon. Very common. This is due to the availability and low cost of the material. Lasts about 1–2 years. Easy enough to replace with a new one.
Holofiber. Eco-friendly, soft, but wrinkles quite quickly. Suitable for chairs with short sitting time.

The next element of the “pie” can rightly be called upholstery. Its quality greatly affects the comfort of sitting. Most actively used.

Fabrics. For the most part, preference is given to synthetic samples. Covering with polyester, acrylic or nylon mesh, and microfiber deservedly occupy a leading position. These materials are well ventilated, remove moisture, do not overheat in summer and are very comfortable to the touch.
Eco-leather and other substitutes. Modern samples are soft to the touch, but strong in tension. Partially ventilated. They are unstable to mechanical stress and quickly become covered with small scratches. If the case is PVC (vinyl), then proceed with extreme caution. The material is treated with tangible chemicals and is completely non-breathable.
Genuine Leather. The material is very expensive and respectable. Permeable to air, withstands wet cleaning. The downside is that it causes sweating in the heat. But it will last a very long time.

Armrests

An important element when choosing a chair for working at a computer are the armrests. They are divided into:

Direct. Positioned exactly relative to the seat.
Inclined. Placed at an angle. Your arms will hang slightly.
Short. Good only for models that will not be used for long.
A loop. Comfort depends on the width of the armrest.
Height adjustable.
Customizable. In addition to the previous possibility, they also deviate to the side or even turn 90°. Very expensive and needed mainly for gaming models.
Retractable. The armrest can be moved forward, making it longer.

This element is almost always made from polymers. Wooden or metal variations are slightly less common. They can be equipped with a non-slip rubberized coating or soft pads.

Mechanisms

Last but not least, the types of computer chairs depend on the installed adjustment mechanism. You can find it at the border of the seat and the gas lift. The following are distinguished.

Piastra. The simplest and most budget option. Installs even on the cheapest chairs. Made in the form of a plate. The seat can be raised using the attached lever. It happens to be rotary. In this case there are several records. The mechanism allows you to rotate the seat around its axis.
Permanent contact. The device consists of a spring and a screw. With it, you can adjust the backrest according to the seating depth, angle of inclination and height. The backrest returns behind you after you straighten (swing function).
Top gun. This model is a modernization of permanent contact. It can provide free swinging or provide for its fixation (multi top gun). To do this, simply lower the lever down. The backrest can only be fixed vertically. A very massive mechanism mounted on large management chairs.
Multiblock. This mechanism has added the ability to lock the backrest in several positions. Usually there are from 3 to 5 options. There is an anti-shock function. After the lock is released, the backrest does not return to its original position sharply. You will have to move it and push it with your hands. A blow to the back is excluded. The back and seat are adjustable independently of each other.
Asynchronous. Its predecessor, a synchronous mechanism, made it possible to adjust the backrest according to the deviation only together with the seat. Few people liked this, and the developers eliminated this drawback. The backrest can be fixed in several positions.

Height adjustment

A mechanism called gas lift is responsible for adjusting the seat height. Externally, it is perceived as the leg of a chair and is placed under the seat. Consists of several elements:

Cartridge. An all-metal glass that is filled with a working inert substance (gas or oil).
Piston. Its diameter is smaller than that of the cartridge.
Spring. It may not exist.

It operates by displacing the piston with the pressure of an inert substance (hydraulics). There are direct or reverse action. The first one is easily recognized by the extended rod at rest. The second one has the rod in the base position placed in the glass.

To decide how to choose, you need to consider the size of the gas lift. On average, they range in piston length from 20 to 44 cm. There are models that will allow you to raise the chair as much as 80 cm above the floor. You will recognize them by the ring located above the crosspiece and serving as a footrest. Gas lift of satisfactory quality can withstand loads of up to 150 kg. In this case, the glass can be reinforced.

Gas lift is present in absolutely any model of computer chair. It is prohibited to disassemble or attempt to repair it. The only correct action is to replace the broken one with a new one. Contact with the working substance is unsafe. This is either gas or its mixture with technical oils.

Base

The element responsible for the stability and mobility of the chair is the crosspiece. It can be made of wood, plastic, metal or steel spokes placed in plastic casings. Very similar to a spider. The following types of crosses are distinguished.

Classic. Five-fingered.
Four-fingered.
Straight. The spokes are parallel to the floor.
Curved. The spokes have an upward bend. The ends are down.
Reinforced. Between the joint of the spokes, soldered metal plates are placed. The technique is called reinforcement and is needed to increase the loads withstand.

The minimum value for the span of the knitting needles is 50 cm. The most optimal parameter can be safely called 70 cm. If you like to put your feet on the cross while working, then the presence of silicone or rubberized pads on the knitting needles is a must.

Supports

Casters are responsible for the mobility of the computer chair. Classic diameter up to 11 mm. They are attached to the knitting needles using special sockets. Can be performed in the form.

Open. The casing is missing.
Closed. The roller is located in a special case.
With fixation. Any video can be immobilized if desired.

May vary in material of manufacture. They are divided into plastic with metal fittings or rubberized. The rollers themselves are made of rubber, and a layer of nylon or polyurethane foam is applied on top. Ideal for hard floors.

By removing the rollers it is easy to lower the chair a couple of centimeters. Very relevant for people with short stature. Special gliders (plugs) are inserted into the same sockets. The difference is that the chair will stop rolling.

Exploitation

Each material has its own method of care:

Leather. Easy to clean with a damp cloth. To remove greasy marks, use a dry sponge. Buy a special product for caring for leather products and wipe the chair with it at least once every six months.
Textile. If a stain appears on the chair, it can be removed with a damp cloth or a special cleaning solution.

If you are dealing with stubborn stains (ink or paint), then it is worth purchasing a special solution. Regular vacuuming is recommended.

Tree. A rag with water is inappropriate here - special solutions without abrasive particles are needed.
Metal and glass. There are 2 options: either a damp, clean cloth, or a special cleaner for cleaning metal and glass parts. After this, you need to take a dry cloth and polish it until it shines.

Cloths with stiff fibers, sponges containing metal shavings and products that cause corrosion should not be used.

Precautionary measures

To enjoy the use of the chair, you must follow basic safety precautions:

Do not place too much stress on the armrests.
Consider the maximum weight that the chair can support: a chair with a plastic base can support up to 120 kg, with a wooden cross - up to 130 kg, and with a metal one - over 200 kg.
Avoid impacts on the structure and foundation.
Use only in dry rooms with an air temperature of 17 degrees or more.
Avoid contact with acids, alkalis and dyes.
Periodically inspect the fastening of nuts, screws and screws.
Do not stand on the chair or armrests - this may harm your health.
Do not allow two or more people on the chair.

Do not leave furniture near fire or at temperatures above 50 degrees.

Do not leave objects with sharp edges on the chair.
The chair should not be used to move heavy objects.
Correctly use the levers and mechanisms of the chair.
Do not create a dynamic load on the armrests.
It is recommended to select rollers depending on the hardness and unevenness of the floor surface.
Try to keep all nuts, bolts and other small parts in a box so that they do not get lost.
When walking behind the chair, do not use explosive substances (gasoline, acetone) or solvents not intended for this purpose.
Do not expose the chair to ultraviolet rays.
The humidity level in the room should not exceed 70%.
After complete assembly, it is necessary to check the strength of the entire structure and its elements.

Chair design and elements

Pay attention to the back of the chair. To relieve your back as much as possible, it is better to choose a chair with an anatomically shaped backrest. This design completely follows the shape of the back and touches it at as many points as possible. Try to choose models with headrests and a lumbar support.

Advanced models provide a wide range of backrest angle adjustment. According to doctors, the optimal tilt is a little more than 90 degrees relative to the seat. Some models make it possible to adjust both the angle and height of the seat, which is very convenient. There are chairs with the ability to adjust the back height.

There are models with a backrest base in the form of a mesh rather than a frame. It is elastic and allows for an ergonomic design. In addition, with it the back completely takes the shape of the spine.

The seat of the chair is no less important; it is also responsible for the level of comfort and back health. The seat height is adjustable even in the simplest models. More advanced models make it possible to adjust the seating depth, which provides maximum convenience.

It is better to choose a chair with a round or rounded seat, slightly concave in the center, with a compacted curved cream. This will prevent compression of the blood vessels in the legs and disruption of blood circulation in them.

The seats differ in their level of rigidity:

Tough . They are made from dense flooring materials and are not the best option.
Semi-soft . A more preferable option, but the quality is largely determined by the filler.
Soft . Assume a large layer of filler. They also have a spring block.

As for the armrests, this is a mandatory element for an executive chair. There may be options for staff without them. However, they help make getting in and out easier and minimize stress on your arms and shoulders. The location of the armrests should be such that the elbow bend angle is 90 degrees. Since people's height and weight may vary, the height adjustment feature of the armrests is important.

Expert opinion

Korzhavin Daniil Dmitrievich

Designer of stylish home furniture

A headrest is usually found in premium models. It makes it possible to relax the cervical spine and muscles in this area as much as possible. In the most expensive models, you can adjust the angle of the headrest.

One of the most vulnerable components in moving chairs is casters. For good manufacturers, the mileage of wheels before breakdowns is at least 15 km. Unless there's a chair race in the office, the wheels should last for at least 10 years.

The surface of the wheels can be soft or hard. The choice will depend on the flooring: for tiles, parquet and other hard surfaces it is better to choose soft wheels, and for soft surfaces - hard ones. There are universal models that will move perfectly on any surface. Some options make it possible to fix the rollers in a stationary state.

Malfunctions, repairs, spare parts

The most common breakdowns:

The lever responsible for changing the height of the chair does not work. Causes:

damaged gas lift or swing mechanism;
breakage of the tab located in the piastra structure (if this mechanism is installed in the chair);
breakdown of the multiblock that fixes the backrest in a certain position;
errors that occurred during the production of the chair and the fastening of the armrests or piastres.

Solution: to fix the problem, first try to relax the multiblock. If this does not lead to anything, it is worth rearranging the fasteners. If this does not work, you should contact the service center.

The mechanism for locking the backrest in a certain position does not work. Solution: the connector for the backrest and seat is permanent. Check its integrity and serviceability.

There is a lot of play in the back, although all fastenings are well fixed. This problem occurs when using the chair for a long time.

Due to constant loads, there is a possibility of failure of the fastening system.

Solution: repair the fastening system or buy a new chair.

Seat play. Possible reasons for this could be: breakdown of the gas lift, piastra fastening or tilt mechanism. This usually occurs due to constant movement around the office. Solution: replacing the gas lift.

Unfastening the rollers. Reason: a large and long-term load caused the circlips to break, the plug to wear out, or the roller itself to break.

Solution : option one - complete replacement of the wheels.

Purpose of an office chair: choosing the right one

When choosing an office chair, you must immediately take into account its purpose and type of design. Today, a convenient classification has been adopted that divides all manufactured models into chairs for staff and managers, chairs for visitors, furniture for conference rooms and meeting rooms.

The most commonly used types of office chairs are those with a swivel mechanism, which can rotate 360 degrees. To make moving easier, such models are equipped with wheels on a special, very durable and stable cross. Such chairs are available in two types:

Executive chairs. This is furniture characterized by increased comfort, interesting, attractive design and ergonomics. Expensive, high-quality materials are used for manufacturing; the upholstery is often made of genuine leather. In addition, these types of chairs are equipped with various additional mechanisms that allow you to adjust the position of the backrest, armrests, and seat height. For relaxation, some models are equipped with a swing mechanism.
Staff chairs are a cheaper, simpler option that uses durable but less expensive materials. The range is very large - from simple models without armrests and additional mechanisms to ergonomic special chairs designed for the needs of operators. When choosing furniture from this group, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the employee’s work process, the time he spends at work, and other nuances.

Ordinary office chairs are also called conference chairs; most often their design does not provide for the presence of casters or additional mechanisms, for example, for adjusting the height of the seat. The chairs are installed on a solid frame, their backs are low, and there are often no armrests. Such chairs are practical, save space, and are usually chosen for lecture and conference rooms, reception areas, corridors, and security rooms.

Chairs for visitors can have different levels of comfort, ranging from the simplest to very soft and comfortable. But additional mechanisms are not provided for them, since such types are intended for short-term sitting.

Office chair manufacturers

Bureaucrat

Burokrat began producing furniture in 1997, and today it is the largest manufacturer of plastic furniture: it produces more than a hundred models of chairs.

We have our own plant in the Moscow region, as well as agreements on the production and release of goods in Southeast Asia.

A wide range of products, replenished annually with new models, a laboratory and a multi-level system for checking product quality according to the BIFMA standard put the company on a par with the largest European ones, owned by MERLION, founded in 1992.

Chairman

The brand opened furniture production in 1999. By 2001, its stores had spread throughout Russia, and in 2003, the presentation of the first model line of Russian chairs made from foreign parts took place.

Currently, it is increasing the output of its products, which is associated with active import substitution. The production of chairs exceeds 60 thousand per month. Today you can see more than 120 models of furniture from this company.

Good Chair

A distinctive feature of the company is that it sells high-quality chairs well equipped with various mechanisms at an affordable price. It is difficult to find a chair whose cost exceeds 25,000 rubles.

At first, the company adhered to the basic standards of furniture manufacturers, but then developed its own original system, focusing on quality rather than assortment.

Types of chairs

If we look at the chairs in more detail, then in general they can be classified into only three categories: for managers, for workers and for visitors.

Chairs for executives, as a rule, look solid, have a high back, wide armrests, and soft upholstery (always made of genuine leather). Black, beige and brown chairs look ideal in offices. Chairs for office workers do not look so stylish. They are usually made from faux leather and durable textiles. Visitor chairs often look like regular chairs.