Have you ever been sitting at work when you notice that you have been slouching more and more as the hours go by? This may be because you never rest your back muscles. A reclining office chair may be just what you need!
This article covers:
- The 5 best office chairs that recline
- How they work
- What to look for when shopping for one
Let’s get started!
Best Reclining Office Chairs
- Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner Chair(Our Top Pick)
- REFICCER High Back Executive Office Chair (Best Budget)
- Gates Genuine Leather Executive Chair (Best High End)
What Are Reclining Office Chairs?
We often associate reclining chairs with sitting at home watching television, but why can’t you also be comfortable while you are at work? Reclining office chairs may help you reduce the amount of pressure on your musculoskeletal system which may help to reduce pain.
Sure, why some tasks are not plausible while you are reclined, they are still great for meetings, talking on the phone, and doing tasks where you are not having to type constantly.
Using a reclining chair may help you shift and move more which may even reduce the risks associated with sitting. This is especially true if you combine your sitting time with standing at a standing desk.
When we sit for prolonged periods of time, we tend to gradually slouch more and more. This is because our muscles are being used for posture and get tired over time.
Sure, it is good to stand when possible, but that may not be the best position for some tasks. A reclining office chair may help to relieve some of the pressure on the muscles that we use for posture all day long.
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of reclining office chairs for you back!
Types of Reclining Office Chairs
It is important to know the different types of reclining office chairs so that you can narrow down your shopping search for the type or types that will be good for the way you plan on using the chair.
There are partially and fully reclining office chairs, reclining office chairs with footrests, and ergonomic reclining office chairs.
Partially Reclining
These chairs will recline some, but not all the way like fully reclining chairs. They will take some of the pressure off of your back and are good for short breaks or tasks that do not require upright sitting posture.
Fully Reclining
These chairs recline back to provide 135 degree sitting and some may even recline even further. This is a great option for those who are suffering from back pain related to their unhealthy sitting habits or posture.
They are also a good choice for breaks or those who work jobs that allow them to lean back without compromising productivity.
Reclining Office Chair with Footrest
These have a footrest to provide additional comfort. The footrest is sometimes in the form of an ottoman. Other office chairs have the footrest built-in and it can extend out when you want to use it.
Ergonomic
This type of reclining office chair offers more adjustability to provide comfort and health benefits. They will usually have a seat depth adjustment as well as height adjustment. They also usually have a higher backrest and higher quality lumbar support.
How Do Reclining Office Chairs Work?
A reclining office chair will either recline with a lever or with pressure from your body. This allows you to recline when you want and sit upright when you need to.
Reclining properly can provide relief for your back muscles and can also help you retain the natural curve of your spine.
Some options also have an adjustable tilt tension. This will allow you to only lay back to a certain point. This can be helpful so that you can keep the natural curve of the spine while reclining. It can also be good for active sitting.
Another component of a quality reclining office chair is the tilt lock. This is important so that you do not lean back accidentally when you are trying to sit upright with good posture.
Read More >> Are Stools Better for Your Back?
What to Look for in the Best Reclining Office Chairs?
The first thing that you need to consider is the reclining and all the components that relate to it. Make sure that the office chair reclines as far or as little as you want it to. If you want the ability to recline all the way back, then be sure to only look at fully reclining models.
You also want to consider the tilt tension and if you cannot find one that has a tension amount that you are comfortable with, you may want to look at options that have an adjustable tilt tension. You should also check into tilt lock if you plan on using the chair in an upright position without wanting to rock or recline at all.
You should also consider the chair cushion itself. You want it to be comfortable and to fit your body. Lumbar support can help you relieve the tension and pain in your back. You may also want to look at mesh and other breathable fabrics that allow air to enter and keep you cool.
The seat depth is another important consideration. You want it to be comfortable when sitting upright and leaning back. You also do not want to be sitting so far back that the edge of the chair puts pressure on the back of your legs because that can be bad for your circulation.
You also need to consider the mobility of the chair. If you want it to roll and turn easily, be sure to find one that spins all the way around and has quality caster wheels. The wheels themselves are a concern because smaller or lower quality wheels do not work as well on carpet.
Read More >> Ergonomics in the Workplace [Ultimate Guide]
If you are shopping for reclining office chairs with footrests, you will need to decide the type of footrest that you want. Take the size of the footrest into consideration and how far it extends. You should also make sure that the space you have can accommodate the chair with the footrest.
Best Reclining Office Chairs
#1 Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair High Back Desk...
This is a fantastic chair that has adjustable settings for the tilt, lift, lock, and height. The upholstery is made out of mesh for comfort, air flow, and breathability.
It has a pull out footrest, lumbar support, and a rotatable headrest. The frame is made out of steel and it has high quality caster wheels. This chair will recline up to 155 degrees.
Pros
- Adjustability
- Footrest
- Mesh upholstery
Cons
- Lumbar support is not great
- Gets dirty easily
- Not very durable
#2 REFICCER High Back Executive Office Chair
This stylish chair is affordable, but well-made. It has a high backrest and waterfall seat. It also has lumbar support and a tilt lock. The caster wheels are high-quality and the chair has a 250 pound weight limit. This chair also comes with a 1 year warranty.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great lumbar support
- Caster wheels
Cons
- Low quality knobs for adjustment
- Poor upholstery
- 250 pound weight limit
#3 Gates Genuine Leather Executive Chair
- W 28.75" x D 26" x H 50-53"
- Adjustable Seat Height: 18.75-21.75"
This high-quality chair is very durable and comes in three different colors (black, white, and dark grey). The upholstery is made out of real, high-quality leather and the construction is all metal.
It has large caster wheels for use on any surface and also has a high backrest that can function to support your head. The reclining features and components work well and allow you to recline while keeping your legs in a comfortable position with feet flat on the floor.
Pros
- Reclining ability and hinge
- Real leather
- Caster wheels
Cons
- Not great for shorter people
- The tilt tension does not adjust very high
- No lumbar support
#4 Duramont Reclining Leather Office Chair -...
This chair is designed for a balance of comfort and style and has a high backrest and waterfall seat edge. It also has a footrest that can extend out and a locking tilt anywhere from 90 to 155 degrees. The weight limit is 250 pounds and it comes with a 1 year warranty.
Pros
- Stability
- Full recline
- High backrest
Cons
- May creak
- Poor upholstery
- No lumbar support
#5 Vinsetto Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
This attractive chair has material that can fit your body for comfort and ergonomics. It has a tilt degree from 90 to 150 degrees and adjusts using a high quality pneumatic system. It also has a strong, padded headrest and lumbar pillow.
It also has a retractable footrest and padded arm rests. It is durable and has a 330 pound weight limit.
Pros
- Retractable footrest
- Durable with 330 pound weight limit
- Headrest and lumbar support
Cons
- Arms can loosen
- Pillows may flatten after heavy use
- Poor caster wheels
Final Thoughts on Reclining Office Chairs
A reclining office chair can help keep you comfortable while you work and take pressure off of your spine and muscles.
This may help to relieve some of your back pain and can help you make the most out of short breaks at work. There are tons of options that are affordable and some that are high-end and stylish with durable designs.
There is surely a high-quality chair that fits your style, needs, and budget.
Last update on 2022-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
