Desk chairs and executive armchairs

• Desk chairs feature castors, a back rest and arm rests. Furthermore, not only is the chair height adjustable, but the height and inclination of the back rest are also able to be adapted to suit the user.


• Executive armchairs are simply office chairs that are a little larger and wider, with thicker upholstery than standard chairs, and a leather cover. They are very comfortable, however not necessarily more ergonomic than other chairs.


• So-called operator swivel chairs, which are also known as 24-hour chairs, usually feature a head rest and pneumatic lumbar support – a curved area filled with air at the same height as the lumbar vertebrae. This ensures the spine is given good support even when you are concentrating on work for long periods.


• Industrial chairs, in contrast, are used in production or in the laboratory, for example, and exhibit special additional features, such as resistance to disinfectants. To guarantee maximum flexibility, they are supplied without fixed arm rests. And if you need a pair after all, then that's not a problem: you can simply order arm rests from us along with the chair.

As a rule, the following applies: the more time you spend sitting at your desk, the higher the requirements are before a desk chair is suitable. And the more physical limitations there are, the more specific the requirements are that need be met to compensate the strain placed on your body while sitting. You should also consider the way you work: those who frequently lean back to make telephone calls have a different idea of what a good chair is than someone who largely works leaning over a table.

The most basic requirements of a desk chair are arm rests and a back rest, whereby both should be able to be adjusted. However, to find the chair that is perfect for you, there are a few other characteristics that need to be observed.

To provide support for dynamic sitting, the mechanism used needs to be one that ensures the chair follows your movements. There are different levels to choose from:

• Simple chairs feature a rocker mechanism or a permanent contact mechanism. This means that the back rest tilts backwards when you lean back. The level of resistance can usually be adjusted individually, and the back rest can be locked in place in any position when required. This rocker function takes the strain off the spinal column, and prevents you from assuming an overly rigid posture.


• The synchronous mechanism is more complex, and therefore better for maintaining flexibility while sitting. There's a good reason why this is the most widespread mechanism in use. In this case, not only does the back rest follow each movement, but the seat also tilts with a small delay. Because the back rest and seat are coupled to each other, your back maintains contact with the back rest, and your spinal column is kept straight.


• When the synchronous mechanism is used, the same point on your back will always be leaning up against the back rest. This has the advantage of preventing the so-called untucked shirt effect. If the back rest constantly slides up and down when leaning back, then the shirt the user is wearing will be pulled upwards over time.


• The synchronous mechanism has meanwhile become a superior mechanism to the now almost old-fashioned rocker mechanism, because on the one hand, it promotes movement while seated, while on the other hand preventing the user from straining one side of the body too much, and from fatigue from setting in too early.

A lumbar support (also known as a lordosis support) that is curved forwards and is height adjustable ensures that the spine's natural curvature is maintained. This constant support takes any strain off the spinal discs and prevents bad posture.

In general, a good seat is distinguished by comfort and its suitability for precise adjustment to the respective user. In the best case, the seat depth can be adapted to legs of any length. Furthermore, the front edge should lift as little as possible when leaning back in the chair. This is because the feet should always maintain contact with the floor, as this ensures blood keeps circulating in the lower legs. There are also specially contoured seats with a deep and wide seat pan for fatigue-free sitting, or the ergonomic chair featuring a raised rear seat section to support the pelvis. Read more about his in our shopping guide, the ''Encyclopaedia of healthy sitting in the office''.