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There are a whole load of reasons why I love working from home. For one, the time I’d otherwise have spent on a sweaty tube can be used for at-home workouts, long and lazy breakfasts or (more commonly) extra hours in bed. I also find the flexibility it offers to be good for my mental health… and I’m saving a hell of a lot of money on lunches.
That said, there are a few downsides. I miss human interaction with real life colleagues a lot, and it can be difficult to concentrate when beauty box subscriptions, coffee deliveries and *all* the loungewear drop through my letterbox every 20 minutes. Oh, I and I almost forgot. My back REALLY HURTS.
When I first started working from home, I didn’t have a desk in my flat. So, I worked from my bed or sofa day-in, day-out. Enter: a ridiculously sore lower back and neck that just would not budge. I’d never experienced anything like it before, since my *proper* office is well-equipped with office chairs, big monitors and laptop stands. I know, I sound thirty years my senior right now, but the struggle is real.
Even once Coronavirus disappears into the abyss, talk of a “new normal” suggests working will be more flexible and we’ll be able to work from home a whole lot more. So, my search for the perfect desk chair began. I wanted something that offered lower back support (I spend around eight hours at my desk every day) (oh yeah, I finally bought a desk!), arm rests and a swivel base if I was lucky. It also needed to look great – not ugly, chunky or reminiscent of my dad.
It turns out there are quite a few stylish office chairs on offer, if you know where to look. But which is right for you? If you spend a lot of time at your desk, look for lumbar back support. The support should sit flush against the small of your back so your hips and shoulders stay in alignment. This should help alleviate back pain. If you’re constantly moving to pick up files and paper, consider a swivel-based chair to make your life easier. You should also consider what your chair is made from. Fabric and leather chairs do tend to be more comfortable for long hours spent sat still, so avoiding metal and wood may be best. But you could add a separate lumber back support if you find a chic office chair without one.
Herman Miller office chairs are often regarded as the best that money can buy, and for good reason. They’re quite a hefty investment, but the Aeron office chair accommodates a wide range of postures, regulates temperature, delivers ergonomic support and supports lumbar region of the spine to keep you strong while you sit. We also love the Margot Office Chair from Made.com. They have a great selection of Pinterest-worthy office chairs that won’t leave you aching. The Margot doesn’t have lumber support, but it has been designed with subtle curves to keep you comfortable, while also being heavily padded. As far as leather desk chairs go, the John Lewis Aspect chair is a great buy. You can pre-order it now for delivery in a week. Both the position of the armrests and the height of the seat can be adjusted to suit the way you sit and the swivel base allows for easy movement around your room.