Should a Desk Chair Have Arms?

In most cases, it is suggested for desk chairs to have arms. This allows the user to sit comfortably with better posture for longer periods of time, reducing strain on the body. There are exceptions to this, but most will benefit from using a desk chair with appropriately adjusted arms.

In this article, I will go over:

  • Whether armrests are good or bad
  • Whether armrests are ergonomic
  • The importance of armrests
  • Why office chairs have armrests

Let’s get started!

Should A Desk Chair Have Arms

Are Armrests Good or Bad?

There is irrefutable evidence that, when adjusted and seated properly, armrests provide more benefits than concerns to the user. 

Most arguments against armrests assume that the user is seated incorrectly in their desk chair. Improper use can lead to issues such as:

  • Shoulder shrugging
  • Contact stress
  • Incorrect leaning postures

This is more so an education error than a fault of the part.

Anyone using a desk chair should take the time to set up their workstation properly and make sure that their armrests are in the correct height, placing their elbows at their desk.

As long as you take the time to adjust your armrest and sit correctly (as in the video) you can use the armrests to combat these issues, as well as reduce the load on your lower back, wrists, and forearms as you work.

Some may find that they do not need armrests while they work to rest their arms, but they may still use them to remain in a proper seated posture and for assistance getting in and out of the desk chair.

Read More >> Top 5 Best Armless Office Chairs (2022 Review)

Are Armrests Ergonomic?

The common desk is designed to accommodate the seated elbow height of a 6’2” male, so anyone outside of this body needs to make adjustments to better accommodate their needs.

Armrests on a desk chair are ergonomic because, when used correctly, they improve the comfort and efficiency of the user.

Adjustable armrests are especially important because they fit the proportions of your body and provide efficient support for your arms. This allows you to rest your arms throughout the workday instead of holding them up to type and mouse.

Armrests allow for appropriate seated posture. They help you maintain the correct height in your seat and let your elbow sit naturally. 

Adjusting both height and width is essential for improved function at your workstation. If you have a chair that is otherwise fitted to your needs, moving the armrests should be easy.

Read More >> Top 5 Best Office Chairs for Glute Pain? (2022 Review)

They are the last part to adjust on the chair, after height, depth, lumbar, and tilt.

To get the most out of the ergonomic use of armrests they need to sit at a natural elbow position. This puts them just under the elbows when your hands are in your lap.

You can raise them when using your phone or a tablet to allow the device closer to your eyes and prevent further neck strain, but remember to move them back for proper ergonomic use.

Placing them too high can lead to shoulder shrugging, but too low increases stress on your neck and shoulders.  Armrests should also be used intermittently throughout the day to rest your arms, not to support them the majority of the workday.

Are Armrests Important?

There are several reasons that armrests are important, including:

  • Allowing rest throughout the day
  • Reducing strain and consequential pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists, and forearms
  • Encouraging proper seated posture

Studies as far back as 1999 show that ergonomic chairs with armrests:

  • Minimize loads on the spine
  • Reduce loads on the thighs and hips when getting up
  • Reduce the force of keystrokes when typing

These may seem like small benefits on their own, but when you add everything together it is undeniable that armrests are important to improving comfort and health, especially if you spend large amounts of your day sitting in a desk chair.

Furthermore, armrests are helpful for those who may already have difficulty in these areas.

Read More >> Top 5 Best Office Chairs for Ischial Bursitis? (2022 Review)

By using an armrest to get in and out of a chair or allowing the muscles in the arms a break throughout the day, users may be able to perform work tasks with focus or dedication they did not have before.

Chairs without armrests can be harmful in many ways. Most users will then opt to lean their body forward, causing them to lose the lumbar support built into the chair.

This curves the spine and increases back pain on top of the stress and strain on the wrists, arms, and shoulders.

Should A Desk Chair Have Arms

Why Do Office Chairs Have Armrests?

Office chairs have armrests to:

  • Reduce strain
  • Promote appropriate seated posture
  • Assist in getting in and out of the chair

Desk chairs with armrests reduce strain by providing an appropriate place to rest your elbows.

This prevents inappropriate resting conditions that can increase the strain on the wrists and forearms and encourage shoulder shrugging.

By encouraging correct posture in the seat, armrests reduce the potential load put on your back. Because you are not leaning forward in your seat, you can maintain appropriate contact with the backrest and lumbar support of the chair.

Keeping your spine upright allows your muscles to engage properly and efficiently to handle the task at hand.

Sturdy armrests are also great at helping you get in and out of the chair, even if you do not use them for support otherwise.

This provides a point of contact to facilitate movement up or down, and it prevents you from sliding in the chair and potentially falling out.

Final Thoughts on Desk Chairs and Armrests

While not everyone will use the armrests on desk chairs, they provide invaluable assistance.

A desk chair without armrests is likely to lead to improper posture and strain on the body, even if you do not notice it or correlate it to the lack of arms at first.

When you spend a great deal of your time seated at your desk you want to make sure you are not causing your body damage.

The arms on your desk chair may seem like a controversial topic, but they will provide you invaluable support and keep your body happy and healthy throughout the day.

Recent Guides

Looking to learn more about standing desks? Check out some of our other informative and in-depth reviews and guides!

Why do you need an ergonomic chair

Traditional office chairs can be uncomfortable and sitting is already bad for your health. The greatest

Read More »
Are ergonomic chairs better than gaming

To use a desk most healthily and comfortably, you will need a chair that offers

Read More »
Introduction to Ergonomics and the Importance of the Right Office Chair

What is an ergonomic office chair? Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their

Read More »
Do standing desks cause varicose veins

Are you interested in a standing desk? Maybe your workplace is offering standing desks for

Read More »
Best balance boards for standing desks

Interested in learning about the best balance boards for standing desks? In this product review

Read More »
Top five best standing desk with cupholder

Interested in learning about the best Standing Desk with Cupholder? In this product review guide,

Read More »
Darryl Higgins

Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!
Darryl Higgins

Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!

About Athlete Desk

Learn about standing desks, bicycle desks, treadmill desks, ergonomic chairs & accessories.

Recently Published Guides

Recommended Guides