Office chairs with casters aren't for everyone. Yes, they're comfortable but, they're also heavy, often leave scratches on the floor, and can be quite distracting for some. Imagine swiveling in your chair all day instead of getting work done.
Fortunately, desk chairs without wheels are on the rise now! They're more affordable despite being high quality, look much better in home offices, are easier to assemble, and come in a plethora of styles and designs.
Although most people only consider aesthetics when choosing a wheel-less desk chair, there's more to a chair than its looks. If you want maximum comfort and support during long working hours, you'll need to assess other aspects of the chair as well.
Read on to find out 5 things to consider when buying a desk chair with no wheels!
Desk chair materials
Desk chairs vary significantly in their material and fabric but, not all of them provide the right amount of comfort and breathability for a productive workflow. Indeed, even the chair's material can affect your productivity! The aim here is to pick a material that'll withstand daily use and won't irritate your skin or make you sweaty.
Fabric-upholstered desk chairs are among the most common types of materials that are equally comfy and attractive. They're the perfect fit for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort over style since they have both! However, the main drawback of desk chairs with fabric construction is that they're an easy target for spills and stains.
If durability is a priority when choosing a desk chair without wheels, you can't go wrong with a hard surface chair. Wood chairs are, without a doubt, the sturdiest and can stand the test of time. You don't have to worry about spills and irritated skin with a wood office chair - and the same goes for plastic. Plastic desk chairs are long-lasting and aren't as flimsy as people make them up to be. But despite that, these materials don't offer the best back support and feel hard and uncomfortable as time goes by.
Vinyl office chairs are the type of chairs you'd typically see in an office space. They're hard-wearing, come in different softness levels, and are spill-resistant, making them easy to clean. Nevertheless, vinyl chairs tend to make their users unpleasantly warm due to their non-breathable nature.
Unlike vinyl, leather is a great option if you're looking for a material that can hold heat and keep you cool while you work. Plus, leather chairs offer timeless elegance that never goes out of style! The main drawback of leather is that it needs regular upkeep which can be a hassle for busy people.
For maximum breathability and cool comfort during hot days, go for a mesh desk chair without wheels. Although they're great at promoting the flow of fresh air, mesh chairs aren't capable of distributing body weight properly which eventually leads to discomfort over time.
Ergonomics
There is no doubt that sitting for prolonged periods can cause serious health problems. This is why ergonomic desk chairs were initially created. You no longer have to worry about back, arm, and shoulder pain when choosing an office chair that comes with ergonomic features. These types of chairs are designed to improve posture and support the body correctly. But what exactly makes a desk chair without wheels ergonomic? Firstly, the chair should include an adjustable seat height. This feature is typically found in rolling chairs but some wheel-less models may come with an adjustable seat height as well. Next, you'll want a chair that has lumbar support to prevent yourself from straining your lower back. The office chair's backrest should be adjustable and at least 12 inches for proper support of the upper body. If your desk chair happens to have armrests, make sure they're adjustable for a comfortable typing experience.
Lumbar Support Executive Chair
The desk chair's overall comfort
What's comfortable for one may be unbearable for another. For this reason, you should test the chair if you can to know if it's worth the purchase or not. Just because a desk chair promises lumbar support doesn't mean that it's going to be completely pleasant for you. It may even turn out to be extremely comfortable, making it hard to focus when working. Nothing beats visiting a store when purchasing a desk chair but if you're unable to do so, do your research by carefully reading the chair's specifications, read reviews, and check the return policy.
The types of flooring they'll be standing on
The type of flooring you have in your office may be the last thing on your mind but, it is actually an important factor you should consider when choosing a desk chair. Why? Because not all desk chairs are designed for the same type of flooring. Even though desk chairs with no wheels do less floor damage than those with rolling casters, they still have their fair share of scratches and scuffs. After all, you'll be moving your desk chair back and forth all the time. If your floor isn't scratch-resistant or isn't easy to clean, stay clear from chairs with metal legs as they can rust and cause stains and scratches over time. Tile, laminate, and vinyl floors are known for being scuff and stain-resistant so you don't have to worry about what chair to get if your floors are one of these. However, if you have hardwood flooring, you may want to get a desk chair with felt chair glides to prevent your floor from getting ruined. Whether you have hardwood or carpet flooring, the best way you can protect your floors is to use felt furniture pads. This way, you can get any chair you want whether it's compatible with your type of flooring or not.
The desk chair's weight limit
One-size-fits-all chairs simply do not exist. Each chair has its weight capacity and there's a reason for it. Exceeding a chair's weight limit will only wear it faster and turn it into an annoying squeaky piece of furniture. Computer desk chairs can typically hold up to 250 pounds whereas big and tall office chairs have varying weight limits of 300 to 800 pounds. To make sure you get the best comfortable seating experience for your body, keep the weight limit in mind.
