Best Office Chairs For Tall People

Having the perfect office chair is vital. On average, an office employee will spend seven to eight hours a day, five days a week, in the comfort (or discomfort) of their office chair. For this reason, it is important to figure out what kind of office chair will work best for you. Our own chair builder can help you figure this out.

Ergonomic chairs are designed to fit the user, keep them mobile, and support them correctly. Most chairs are designed for the ‘average’ body size, and there are some chairs for petite users. However, none of these chairs would be comfortable or ergonomically compatible enough for a larger-framed or taller person.

The terms ‘average’ and ‘tall’ are entirely subjective, but concerning chairs, these terms are classified as those who are more than six feet tall that weigh above 213 pounds. When looking for chairs for large and tall people, a properly fitted chair can make a huge difference to comfort and your experiences. 

If you are a tall or big person, you have probably found yourself sitting in office chairs with your knees flexed or with a good portion of your thighs exposed past the edge of the seat. This may make you feel like you look awkward. But it is important to know that the wrong chair could cause physical ailments such as long-term postural and circulation problems, as well as a negative impact on productivity and energy. Additionally, the wrong type of chair can exacerbate existing problems. 

Which Chairs Work Best for Big and Tall People?

There are a couple of things that you should consider when purchasing a new office chair. To achieve the most dynamic and comfortable seating, you need to think about:

• Seat height 

Many office chairs have a maximum seat height adjustment that may still be insufficient for you if you have tall legs. You may find yourself bending your knees or stretching your legs while seated, which can put your body in an awkward posture while increasing pressure on your thighs and hips. Purchasing a chair with higher seating adjustments can eliminate this problem. 

• Seat angle

The ideal seat height should have your knees positioned slightly lower than your hips or at a 90-degree angle when your feet are planted on the floor while seated. Chairs with seat tilts or a synchronised mechanism can allow you to adjust the seat to your specific requirements. 

• Seat depth 

Tall people have longer femur bones than shorter people. So, you’ll need an office chair with greater depth to stay comfortable. A ‘seat slide’ would be perfect if you’re encountering this problem. It is important to ensure that the minimum seat depth fits your upper leg bones while allowing a three-four-finger gap from behind the knee to the front of the seat. Our ergonomic office chair for regular, large and tall user has a built in seat slide.

• Seat Width 

The average large and tall person should have a seat wide enough to comfortably rest their thighs. 

• Padding 

High-quality, sag-resistant foam will help you to stay comfortable in your seat for long periods. Memory foam is a great choice.

• Backrest height

A backrest on a chair should provide full upper back support and follow the natural shape of your back. Otherwise, you may find yourself uncomfortable. Additionally, if you’d like a headrest, you should ensure that you can adjust it to support your neck or head. Take a look at our ergonomic high back office chair for large and tall users today,

• Backrest Width

The backrest should be wide enough to support your whole torso while being moulded, curved, and shaped to the natural position of the spine to encourage correct posture. 

• Backrest angle

Backrests need to be adjustable, with a ‘free float’ or locked option to allow permanent contact and support to your back. Rigid or fixed-angle backrests do not allow for the movement that is essential for working comfortably for long periods. 

• Lumbar Support 

Chairs for large and tall people should have lumbar support for adjustable lower back support. The forward curvature of your spine needs to be supported, particularly if you work long days, to prevent injuries and your long-term health. A built-in, inflatable, or adjustable lumbar cushion will provide optimal support.

• The tilt, recline, and Synchronised mechanism

There are two types of mechanisms your new chair could include. The first of which is Independent Tilt (recline). Independent Tilt allows you to adjust the angle of your seat to relieve back tension. 

It should also allow for free float and independent locking.

The second is a Synchronised Mechanism. Synchronised Mechanisms allow the seat and backrest to move in harmony in a 2:1 ratio, allowing the seat to tilt slightly forward as you lean back on the backrest. It helps to promote circulation in your legs and will allow permanent back and seat support by enabling you to move naturally. One of our chairs which offers this is our best selling ‘Elite’ high back office chair.

• Warranty

Heavy-duty chairs are ideal. We provide a guarantee of five years on all of our chairs and although they can seem like a costly initial investment, the quality of our chairs won’t have you needing another chair any time soon. 

• Armrests 

Armrests should be height-adjustable to support your forearms while taking pressure away from your neck and shoulders, enabling maximum comfort. Armrests that can be extended are also beneficial if you have wider shoulders. 

• Upholstery 

We have an array of fabrics and colours available, many of which with 10-year guarantees! Be sure to check the label to learn whether your seat fabric is compatible with bleach before washing, though!

What we can do for you

Here at Ergonomic Chairs, we have a variety of chairs for you to choose from, so you won’t be walking away empty-handed. If you have any more questions about any of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us!