Your home office might be a wall-mounted secretary’s desk in the kitchen or a converted closet in the primary bedroom. If you’re lucky, your home office might actually be a dedicated home office. No matter where you work, the chair in which you sit is arguably most important. It is vital to both your chiropractic health and to your workplace mindset. Home office chairs can also define the entire look of your home office. Plus – with many of us still working from home full-time – your chair might be the only part of your office that clients ever see. If you plan to work all day from your home office, shouldn’t your chair be supportive and stylish? The challenge is that most chairs are either designed for comfort or beauty, but not for both. Many of our clients think they have to sacrifice aesthetics in order to have a functional desk chair. But that’s not the case! You can have an office chair that is both comfortable and beautiful. Find a few of our tips for selecting your perfect office chair below. In this article, we also list ten gorgeous chairs chosen by the Laura U Design Collective team.
AMERICAN WORKERS ARE FINALLY INVESTING IN THEIR HOME OFFICES
After nearly two years of hybrid and fully remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American workers are finally investing in their home offices. In his article “The home renovation craze of 2020 isn’t letting up anytime soon” for Fast Company, Nate Berg explains. Berg references Houzz’s 2021 Houzz & Home Study. This survey recorded responses from more than 70k respondents in the US. The survey found that many Americans invested more time and money in their home offices than ever before.
Referencing data from the report, Berg writes that “the amount of home office projects increased by 4 percentage points in 2020.” At the same time, homeowners “spent 10% more on them compared with the previous year.” Still, many of our home offices are still multi-purpose. They are not only home offices but also yoga rooms, meditation spaces, remote learning centers and guest bedrooms. Because of this, our updated list prioritizes home office chairs that are anything but traditional.
TIPS FOR SELECTING HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
It doesn’t matter whether you use your home office chair for hours every day or a few times a week. It’s important to select home office chairs that are durable and can stand up to the continual use. You want to make sure it’s oh-so-comfortable and gives you the proper support. As you think about what chair will work best for your home office, here are a few things to think about.
1. FIND A SUPPORTIVE CHAIR
The most important part of an office chair is the lumbar support. This helps support the natural curve of your lower back to maintain good posture. If you fall in love with a chair, but wish it had more support, don’t worry! You can add a decorative pillow to add additional support and make the chair more comfortable.
2. CONSIDER YOUR FLOORING
For offices that have hardwood or tile floors, home office chairs with casters are a great option. If you’ll be using the chair on a rug or carpet, consider using a chair with stationery legs or with hard rubber wheels.
3. DON’T NEGLECT THE ARMRESTS
Armrests align your arms which helps reduce stress. An office chair with arms is a great option if you’ll be sitting down and typing for long periods of time. If you’re working at a table and need a chair that slides out of the way, use home office chairs without arms.
The task chair with arms from Mark Albrecht listed below is great for those who do a lot of typing or writing. The woven leather seat and back add visual interest and texture to your office. The chair’s simple silhouette and timeless design make it perfect for a minimalist or mid-century style office.
4. TRUE COMFORT = ADJUSTABILITY
Determining whether you need an adjustable office chair depends on the height of your desk. The average height of an office chair is between 16 and 21 inches. You want to make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your arms are in line with the desk when you’re sitting. If you’re taller or have a taller desk, you may want an adjustable office chair.
OUR DESIGNERS’ FAVORITE CHIC OFFICE CHAIRS
A home office should be both functional and stylish with a cohesive connection to the design of your home. One of the best parts about having a home office is that you don’t have to use the typical desk chair. It’s okay to do something different. In fact, we adore home office chairs that stray from tradition. If the style suits your taste and supports your body, feel free to pick a dining chair or cozy armchair for your home office! Find our team’s favorite home office chairs below.
#1 ENJOY AN UNCONVENTIONAL DESIGN
Kukio Arm Chair by Barbara Barry for Baker
This Kukio Arm Chair designed by Barbara Barry for Baker is refined, stylish, and perfect for an executive’s home office. We love the unique design of this chair with its tapered legs and paneled back. It’s an unexpected way to make a statement when someone walks into your office.
#2 PICK FOR A PIECE THAT ADDS TEXTURE
Leather Slip covered Low Back Campaign Chair by Lee Industries
We adore this textural Leather Slip covered Low Back Campaign Chair from Lee Industries. Cozy and comfortable yet beautifully tailored, this campaign chair from Lee Industries captures some of 2021’s biggest trends. The pleated slipcover is one element designers just could not get enough of last year.
In fact, we mentioned pleats and fluted details in our recent “HIGH POINT MARKET RECAP 2021 TREND REPORT” post. At last year’s October High Point Market, “exquisitely tailored box, gathered and stretched pleats graced lampshades, armchairs and more.” Other details we love on the Campaign Chair from Lee are its elegant, gently sloping arms and slightly weathered yet oh-so-sophisticated leather upholstery.
How to Style It
Neutral chairs like this Campaign-style chair provide a beautiful canvas to show off texture. We love adding a sheepskin throw or printed decorative pillow to a neutral chair. Adding a pillow is a great way to soften up a structured chair and bring in a touch of your personality. Or you can pair a woven floor rug with the chair to give your office a homey, chic feel!
#3 OPT FOR A UNIQUE SHAPE
Brasil Lounge Chair OR Poltrona Bag Chair by Roberta Schilling
The Brasil Lounge Chair from Roberta Schilling is a stunning example of form meeting function. It has a modern mountain vibe, and it’s a great option for those who love the rustic and mid-century styles. The leather is earthy, grounding, and would look gorgeous against colorful book spines and collected art in a study. Because of the chair’s low line of sight, we could see this chair blending into the surrounding snowy landscape of a winter Aspen chalet. We also love Roberta Schilling’s Poltrona Bag Chair, which has a similar silhouette. However, this piece may not be ideal for those who exclusively work from home.
#4 DON’T SHY AWAY FROM DUAL FUNCTION
Fitzroy Chair by Mr. Brown London
Don’t be afraid to select an office chair that serves dual functions. If you want the option to use the chair as extra seating, consider using an accent style chair in your office. The Fitzroy Chair from Mr. Brown London is a fabulous example of a dual function chair. I love the sophisticated, glamorous, old Hollywood vibe it has.
We can picture this chair in a chic California home office overlooking the beach. The cozy cushions provide support for your back and soften the angles of the metal frame. But it would also look beautiful in an outdoor cabana as extra seating for your guests during your summer soirées!
#5 CONSIDER YOUR OFFICE CHAIR AN INVESTMENT
Velvet and Polished Brass Swivel Chair from Anthropologie
Though your office chair is something you’ll be using every day, it’s not the bed you sleep on. We recommend figuring out what you want to invest before you begin shopping. This helps narrow down your choices and makes the selection process easier. With all the options available at every price point, you’re sure to find a chic office chair no matter what!
This gorgeous velvet and polished brass swivel desk chair from Anthropologie is a beautiful option. Polished brass and black are a big trend for furnishings and lighting in 2019. It brings a contemporary feel to this classic office chair design. You can adjust the height and because it doesn’t have arms, you can easily tuck it under a desk or table. We love the unexpected handle detail on the back paired with the sumptuous velvet. It’s a perfect combination of masculine and feminine styles.
#6 EMBRACE A CLASSIC SILHOUETTE
Eames Lounge Chair
You can never go wrong with a classic Eames Chair. Each Eames Chair is an ode to innovative mid-century modern design. The ancestors of today’s Eames Chairs were first exhibited during the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design. You will find two Eames chairs on this list – the Eames Lounge Chair and the Eames Task Armchair. Both are ideal for creating a timeless space that you are sure to love far into the future.
First, the Eames Lounge Chair pairs a tufted backrest with bolstered arm rests. We recently featured a similar design in our Rice Residence remodel. Our favorite colorway of this classic Eames chair is Pearl, but the Cayenne colorway is also stunning. For an on-trend fabric choice, consider shearling upholstery. Shop this Eames Lounge Chair through Design Within Reach or search for a vintage piece!
#7 CREATE A TIMELESS STUDY
Eames Task Armchair
The other Eames Chair on our list is the Eames Task Armchair, which is customizable to any space and aesthetic. Available online through Herman Miller, shoppers can find this Eames chair in dozens of colorways and materials. According to the product description, this Eames Task Chair “marries the beloved molded one-piece shell design.” It offers both a “five-star base for just-right stability and a height-adjustable, swivel-mounted seat and casters for mobility.” By Ray and Charles Eames, this chair features a molded fiberglass body that first took the design world by storm in the 1950s.
#8 REMEMBER THAT COMFORT IS KEY
Four Hands Adara Side Chair from Perigold
Eighth on our list of office chairs is the Four Hands Adara Side Chair from Perigold. Our designers at LUDC love a cushy upholstered office chair. This one is especially pretty because of its warm brass base. This piece also jumps on the bouclé upholstery trend we noticed at High Point in October. Best of all, Perigold markets this piece as an ergonomic office chair! We recommend pairing this cozy armchair with a simple, streamlined desk and minimalist decor for an elegant yet ultra-comfy interior.
#9 BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SCULPTURE AND SEATING
Durrant Arm Chair by Mr Brown London
With its subtly tapered legs, brass detailing and velvet upholstery, the Durrant Arm Chair is a cut above most office chairs. As the product listing notes, the Durrant chair is “both chair and sculpture.” Its sleek wooden frame in smooth white oak almost resembles marble while its metal detailing adds an industrial edge. Our favorite colorway is Thistle Velvet but the Durrant Chair is also available in a variety of other velvets, linens and high performance fabrics.
#10 GO FOR GORGEOUS MATERIALS
Circle Chair by Overgaard & Dyrman
The Circle Chair designed by Jasper Overgaard and Christian Dyrman is a tribute to craftsmanship and beautiful organic materials. Made in Denmark, this chair reminds one of an antique compass or sexton but is only very subtly nautical. Material options for the frame include oiled walnut, matte black lacquered ash, white oiled ash, oiled oak or smoked oak. Fittings come in brass, aged brass or stainless steel. Leather along the armrests is available in natural, black or dark brown colorways.
YOUR PERFECT HOME OFFICE CHAIR
The most important thing to remember about your home office chair is to select one that’s durable and adjustable. Your office chair can be a piece that’s both functional and beautiful. There are tons of chic office chairs that are beautiful and comfortable enough for you to sit in all day long.
You aren’t limited to using a traditional style office chair. You can incorporate a chic office chair with a unique design or one with sleek lines. The goal is to be as comfortable as possible while you’re working, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
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