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Smart Guide for Workplace Seating

If you’ve ever considered purchasing new seating for your office, you’ve likely encountered an abundance of options from which to choose.

Determining which office chair is the best choice for your company is no easy task.  With multitudes of styles, features, quality levels, manufacturers and price points available, choosing the “best” product to suit your needs can be a paralyzing process.  

There are several considerations to evaluate when selecting a chair. Quality and price are two common considerations, although selecting the “right” chair will depend on a combination of factors and the buyer's priorities. 

Office desk chairs range in quality, which impacts price, for several reasons, including: 

  1. Quality of materials and construction: Higher-quality materials (leather, mesh, reinforced plastic) and more durable construction result in a higher price.
  2. Brand reputation and marketing: A well-known brand can command a higher price for its office chairs, due to reputation and marketing expenses.
  3. Features: Office chairs with inclusive features such as adjustable armrests, lumbar support, adjustable seat height and multi-tilt mechanisms typically cost more than basic models.
  4. Customization: Many office chairs have extensive options available to allow a greater degree of customization to the user's specific needs. Examples include various seat and back size options and a wider array of upholstery & material choices.  The number and type of options selected for the chair is proportionally reflected in the price.
  5. Design and aesthetics: Office chairs with unique designs and aesthetic appeal can be priced higher due to the design and production costs.
  6. Volume of production: Office chairs produced in large quantities may have a lower price tag due to economies of scale. 

Additionally, commercial office chairs go through extensive testing to ensure that they meet the quality, safety, and durability standards required for use in the workplace. Testing costs money, which contributes to the price of manufacturing the chair. Some common tests include: 

  1. Load testing: This test checks the strength and stability of the chair under different weight loads, to ensure that it can safely support the user.
  2. Durability testing: This test evaluates the longevity of the chair and checks for signs of wear and tear after repeated use.
  3. Ergonomics testing: This test assesses the comfort and support provided by the chair and ensures that it conforms to ergonomic standards.
  4. Safety testing: This test checks for potential hazards, such as sharp edges or hazardous materials, and ensures that the chair meets relevant safety regulations.
  5. Environmental testing: This test assesses the chair's ability to withstand various environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight.
  6. Stability testing: This test checks how well the chair stays in place when the user moves and interacts with it.
With the above information in mind, here are some aspects to consider and prioritize to assist in selecting chairs that are appropriate to your needs: 
  1. Will the chair serve a single user or multiple users? This helps determine the degree of adjustability and overall durability desired for the chair. 
  2. How many hours per day, and how many days per week, will the chair be used? This helps determine the degree of comfort and durability desired for the chair.
  3. How long do you need the chair to last according to your capital spending schedule? This helps determine the quality level relative to materials and durability desired for the chair.
  4. How important is the appearance of the chair? Consider the role aesthetic quality plays in reflecting your company culture and public image.  Also, consider the visual compatibility of the chair with desks, conference tables and other furnishings that will be paired with it.

Finally, you have the ability to “test” a commercial office chair before you buy.  Manufacturer representatives typically have demo models available to bring to your office and leave them there for a couple of weeks for you to evaluate. This eliminates guesswork and enables you to replace anxiety with confidence during the selection and decision-making process.

CDG represents over 200 different manufacturers! Many include a variety of seating options from which to choose to meet your unique project requirements. Visit our website to learn more about our Business Furnishings Services, or contact us at 916-781-6543, cdginfo@CorporateDesignGroup.com, to start a conversation about your project!