Best Ergonomic Chairs for Writers
Grahl Synchron 5
UPDATE: Videos - Best Ergonomic Chairs for Writers
UPDATE 2: Refreshed Article December 5th 2008 with better links and more chairs. Plus, check out the all new Embody chair by Herman Miller.
This article has become so popular that we are going to continue to update it and post the updated links on the Home page, linking back to the original article. Godspeed in your search for the perfect chair!
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Every writer should invest in two things – good computer equipment and a great chair. Forget the desk. A desk just holds stuff. I don’t care if you use two barrels and slab of oak to create a desk. As long as the height is conducive to your body type.
It’s 2008 and people find themselves sitting in front of a computer all day long, including writers. Unfortunately, proper seating can be the last thing writers think about. You pick the cheapest or the prettiest chair from your local IKEA or office supply store and you live to regret it. Invest in your health and give your body the proper support it needs to create that blockbuster!
Things to consider when buying a chair:
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Free range of adjustable motion (height, seat, back, arms)
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Upper and lower lumbar support (executive series)
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Adjustable headrest
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Durable material (it’s a long-term investment)
Cost
Depending upon your budget, a good ergonomic chair can be a major investment. Expect to pay $500 + for unbelievable comfort. Too rich for your blood? If you know the chair you want check eBay and Craig’s List. You can find a descent supply of Herman Miller – Aeron chairs in both places. Lots of businesses use these sites to liquidate so you can often find some super deals. Set out with the attitude that you’re going to find the perfect chair for the perfect price…and you will.
Top-of-the-line Ergonomic Chairs
Steelcase
Ergonomic Chair Suppliers
Your best bet is to try the chair before you buy it. Look online first, and find the model within your budget and suitable to your needs. Next, contact the website and ask for local suppliers within your area. If they offer free shipping and a money back guarantee, you might consider purchasing directly online.
Relax the Back (nationwide)
HealthyBack (8 state locations)
Ergonomic Chair Pro (Spoke directly with ECP - These folks love what they do!)
All New Embody Chair by Herman Miller
Back in 1994 a chair icon was born with the Aeron series. No doubt you’ve seen them everywhere. Jump cut to 2008 and you’ll see it’s taken 14 years for the geniuses at Herman Miller to create their own rival - The Embody chair. This could be the most innovative chair on the market to date. It conforms, it breathes, it bends, it does everything but write the check. If you’ve had the chance to make its acquaintance feel free to post a comment.
Aeron by Herman Miller
Steelcase Think
Neutral Posture 8000 Series
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for posting this info. i bought a cheap, piece of junk chair and totally “lived to regret it”. i thought Aeron was king but you’ve presented some interesting competitors that i will be checking out.
Collin22 - - If you have discomfort in your lower back look into the Bodybilt line. They took the concept of the farmer’s tractor seat and incorporated into the design. Ya know how long farmers use to sit in those big iron tractor seats? I like Aerons but I also lean back a lot when working so executive-type chairs with neck support are best for me and Aerons don’t offer such.
It’s true you will end up buying 2 - 3 of the cheap chairs to outlast one high quality ergonomic chair.
Thanks for sharing!
I don’t agree that the desk doesn’t matter. First of all, if you use a computer, you need a good height for the keyboard, otherwise, you suffer. Keyboard shelves which also must hold the mouse, have been too small and confining for me if I want to play a game. Secondly, what about where to put the reference book, the manuscript that you’re typing from, the files of other copies of the manuscript…? I have a difficult time with a stand for the ms. Ideally, I suppose, it would be directly in front of the typist, where the computer screen usually is. The best computer set-up I ever saw was in a library and the computer screen was sunken and at eye level, leaving the desk top free (relatively). I need to hear from someone who has the ideal solution.
Sharron - You may have over looked the last sentence in that paragraph that reads: “I don’t care if you use two barrels and slab of oak to create a desk. As long as the height is conducive to your body type. ”
Yes, of course it [the desk] has to be the correct height. The point is if you’re going to throw money into a set up, spend the bulk of your cash on a good chair. If money isn’t a factor then look into http://www.biomorphdesk.com. Their desk products should take care of your keyboard/mouse set up. Plus they’ve got all sorts of extensions and add-ons. Their competition is http://www.anthro.com. Good luck.
Thanks for the research! I haven’t bought my ergo chair yet, so I appreciate all the info I can get. It’s kind of a major purchase.
BTW the Embody looks SUPER COOL!
Wow ! the chairs look great. I’ll be buying a couple of them, for my new office. Thanks for the information.
Those look like great chairs. I have a lot of back problems from sitting in a chair all day. My doctor told me to switch mattresses, so I bought a tempurpedic, but I think getting a knew chair might help more.
Our line of business involves a lot of sitting. Architectural designs basically means conceptualizing an idea and then giving it form and shape. Invariably, our executives consider themselves “professional sitters”. We have invested in these ergonomic chairs for them and consider the investment worthwhile. If there is a lot of sitting all day at work, we can vouch that ergonomic chairs ensure for a healthy back environment.
I think the use of Ergonomic chairs must be a veritable right of the harried executive. It must be discussed as a labour welfare measure for executives. I wonder what type of chairs they use in the UN?
Ford mass produced the T model and the world was never the same again. Can nobody produce Ergonomic chairs on such basis and prove a boon to the backs of office-goers?
The need for these chairs would become universal only if they get economic as they have become ergonomic.
Sadekya - 100% agree with you!
[...] Re: What Chair? They do say that you can find anything on the Internet… Best Ergonomic Chairs for Writers [...]
The cost-prohibitive nature of these chairs is nothing when you compare the benefit to your “one and only” spinal cord.
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