Ergonomic Chairs for Tall People and Frames
Taller people often find it challenging to find an ergonomic chair that suits them. We often spend upwards of nine hours sitting everyday… We need to make sure the chair we sit in is not only comfortable, but also supports our frame. For tall people, standard chairs have seats that are too small, are not deep enough to support their thighs and have backrests that are too low.
With that being said, there is no such thing as ‘average height’. We are all different shapes and sizes. Many offices have ‘one size fits all’ furniture, however, this doesn’t suit tall or petite people. As such, we are defining tall people as over 6ft for this article.
So, if you’re in need of a few ergonomic office chairs for tall people, you’re in the right place.
What Is the Risk of Poor Posture and Support?
Poor posture and inadequate support can add strain to your muscles and put stress on the spine.
Over time, this can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, and problems with muscles, discs and joints.
All of these can be major contributors to back, neck, hip, knee and thigh pain, as well as headaches and fatigue.
How to Find the Perfect Tall Office Chair:
Taller people often find the chair they are using does not raise high enough for their needs, forcing them to sit too low, with hips below knee level. This can cause you to over-flex your knees or extend your legs, increasing pressure on the hips and thighs.
Headrest
Some tall individuals may find a chair with an adjustable headrest beneficial for additional neck and head support, particularly if upper back, shoulder or neck pain is a problem. It can help you to ‘unhunch’ your shoulders and settle into a more natural position.
Backrest and Lumbar Support
A high backrest provides support for the entire back, shoulders and neck. Look for a chair with a height-adjustable backrest that extends to the upper back and shoulders.
Forward slouching can be a problem for taller individuals and sets in with fatigue. It’s important you receive full support from your backrest to avoid this. Make sure your bottom rests against the backrest and your lower back is gently arched, supported by the lumbar cushion.
Lumbar support helps maintain the natural ‘S’ shape curve of the spine, reducing stress in the spine and pelvis. A chair with adjustable lumbar support, either independently or within the backrest height adjustment, allows tall individuals to position the support at the correct height.
Armrests
Adjustable armrests are crucial for accommodating varying arm heights. Make sure the chair allows you to adjust the armrests to a comfortable height and depth. Forearms should rest at the same height, parallel to your desk, at a comfortable level. Elbows should have a 90 to 110 degrees open-angle. Make a few tweaks to the height until your forearms are either parallel to or slant slightly toward your desk.
Width and Depth
Seat depth and width are essential in distributing your weight uniformly across the seat, which helps alleviate pressure on your knee joints, hips and sitting bones. Ensure the seat depth is sufficient to accommodate your thigh length, but still allows you to fully engage with the backrest.
A seat that is too short can cause discomfort and pressure on the underside of the thighs. A two to three finger gap from the front of the seat to behind the knee to avoid compression and aid circulation is ideal. The seat width needs to accommodate your frame and hip width measurement (the widest point when seated).
Height and Tilt
You should aim for your knees to be at a 90-degree angle, if possible slightly lower than your hips, with your feet firmly planted on the floor. This seat inclination will ‘open’ your pelvis and realign your lower back, restoring the natural curves in your spine.
Gas struts come in various sizes; a taller person will likely need a larger strut to accommodate their height. Seats should have a tilt mechanism, either individually adjustable or on a ‘synchronised’ action.
Swivel
The swivel allows you to move comfortably and find the best sitting position. This is especially important for taller individuals who may need more flexibility in their movements.
Sturdy Construction and Cushioning
A chair with a sturdy construction is essential to support the weight of taller individuals. Check the weight limit the chair is guaranteed for if you are tall and of a larger build. Look for chairs that are guaranteed, suitable for 24/7 use and conform to strength and stability standards.
High-quality padding in the seat and backrest contributes to overall comfort. Look for chairs with adequate cushioning; cold-cured ergo density or memory foams provide support over extended periods. Fabrics need to be durable in line with the chair’s guarantee and suitable for the surroundings and individual requirements.
What Measurements Should I Take?
Calculating the ideal chair and desk height can be challenging. It’s important to compare your body measurements to the measurements of the chair and desk.
Two people who are both 6ft could have very different measurements and ratios for their back, upper leg, lower leg and torso. Getting these measurements right will enable a chair that suits your body type and height.
In addition, your desk height is a hugely important consideration and should be set at the correct height to allow your eyes to rest in the centre of your monitor when seated (or standing if you use a sit-stand desk).
Sturdy Office Chairs for Tall people at Ergonomic Chairs Direct
Overall, office chairs for tall people must be robust, adjustable and designed to prevent common issues, such as back and neck strain. Investing in tall office chairs with a swivel base, sturdy construction and quality padding ensures taller individuals can maintain good posture and work efficiently without discomfort. This attention to detail also enhances both productivity and wellbeing in the workplace.
Browse our range of high-back and large office chairs to find a suitable fit for you. Alternatively, input your specific measurements into our Chair Builder tool to create the perfect product. If you have any questions about our stock, don’t hesitate to contact us.