Office Chairs and Seating

About Office Chairs and Seating  

Research has shown that an average person spends over 80,000 hours in an office chair. That translates to over nine whole years. It also explains why the office furniture has to be of good quality, comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable.  

Investing in a good chair in New Zealand means investing in good health, and saving on chiropractor and physiotherapist bills later in life. Buying the most attractive or most affordable chair is not the best idea. Apart from being uncomfortable and forcing bad posture, it will probably break sooner than later. In time, several low-quality chairs might add up and reach a higher cost than a branded one.  

Types of Office Chairs and Seating in New Zealand

Executive Chairs

When it comes to office chairs, it's hard to beat the comfort and appeal of an executive chair. These models are typically designed for managers, impressive in appearance, often massive, heavily cushioned, with a high back and headrest. Wood and leather are the staple materials of this design.  

Apart from materials, executive chairs are distinguished by thick padding, which includes armrests, and a thick silhouette with a waterfall edge. Some models in New Zealand offer extras like massage functions, reclining, or heating. 

Office Stools

For an active person and dynamic settings, office stools might be a better solution than standard chairs. They allow more free movement and allow easy access to office features, while some models, such as drafting stools, also provide some lumbar support. Seat-height adjustments and good - preferably silent - wheels are the assets to look for when choosing this type of office seating. Some working environments, such as labs, also require antibacterial and antimicrobial upholstery. 

Standard office stools are not ideal for long-term seating unless combined with standing intervals. Alternative types of office stools include balance balls, kneeling models, saddle chairs, sit-stand chairs, active seating chairs, and more.

Office Chairs

An office chair is a broad category of chair in New Zealand encompassing all common types of office seating, including a home office. A typical office chair features a padded seat, a mesh or padded back with lumbar support, and a plastic or metal base, usually with a set of casters. Most include some level of adjustments, from height to depth, while the more advanced models also offer customizable armrests. Office chairs are often referred to as desk chairs or computer chairs.

Ergonomic Chairs

An ergonomic chair is the closest cousin to the executive chair in terms of comfort and maintaining a healthy posture, that's also available for a fraction of the price. They are less padded than executive versions and typically made of less opulent materials, but otherwise, the differences are minimal. 

Ergonomic chairs offer superior lumbar support and improved overall posture, making an ideal choice for anyone in New Zealand who spends many hours a day sitting in front of the office desk or the computer screen. 

Reception Area Seating

Reception area seating comprises a variety of models, from stationery, single person chairs to armchairs and sofas. Guest chairs and side chairs typically feature a stable, four-leg, sled, or cantilever base. 

Sets of attached seating are ideal for spacious areas with a short waiting period, such as medical office lobbies and high traffic areas. Modular seating is a flexible solution that also boasts a modern appeal. Other options in New Zealand include benches, sofas, and a variety of grouped seating configurations. 

Office Chair and Seating Materials

Real & Faux Leather

Genuine leather has long been a staple of quality, prestigious office furniture, and that hasn't changed much today. From traditional look, often embellished with buttons and detailed stitch-work, to modern minimal appeal with clean lines - leather office seating boasts a classy, polished flair. This material is also pleasant to the skin and easy to maintain, but it requires careful use and can show signs of weariness after a while. 

Faux leather is a budget-friendly alternative to natural leather, with the appeal sometimes hard to distinguish. It's easier to maintain but also less durable than its real counterpart - especially when hard.  

Fabric

Fabric is the most common material for office seating in New Zealand, available in a virtually endless range of textures, patterns and colours. Depending on the type of fibres, the fabric can be super soft and gentle, like velvet or spandex, or resilient and thick like hemp. The ease of maintenance also depends on the fibre type - while some fabrics can be sprayed and brushed, others require professional cleaning. 

Mesh 

Office mesh chairs consist of plastic-like fibres and keep gaining popularity as office chair material. It's available in a range of colours, similar to fabric but more breathable. However, stretched over a cushion on a plastic base, it will not behave differently than fabric. Mesh chairs can appear in different qualities that also determine how easy or hard the maintenance will be. 

Vinyl & Plastic

Vinyl is a thin, artificial, rubbery material, used to create faux leather texture, among others. Like faux leather, vinyl is also prone to cracking, so it's best to go for a soft one for durability. Its most significant advantage over leather is the broad colour palette.

Plastic office chairs in New Zealand usually come with sculpted, sometimes ergonomic hard seat. Properly contoured, they can reduce stress on pressure points and provoke no issues after long-term seating. 

Wood

Wooden chairs are mostly traditional in appeal, adding a classic charm to the office space. They are rigid, but similar to plastic in terms of comfort - when ergonomically shaped, they can support the body well enough for long-term sitting. Unlike plastic, wood is hard to break and quite durable. 

Things to Consider When Buying Office Seating in New Zealand

• Adjustability: Probably the most important feature on an office chair, especially if it's meant for long working hours. While basic models are typically five-way adjustable, some advanced models offer up to fifteen different adjustment levels.
• Swivel Base: When a chair doesn't turn, it might lead to overextending and, subsequently, to muscle fatigue and stress. A swivel base will eliminate such risks. 
• Wheels: Unless the chair is stationary, good casters are the next important thing to look for. They should easily glide between office partitions, from desks to office storages, regardless of the surface. However, some casters are specifically designed for carpets, while others perform better on hard floors. Rubber-finished wheels, in general, are ideal for hard surfaces while plastics roll smoothly over the fabric floor coverings.
• Fabric: Depending on the location and work environment, breathable fabrics can be crucial for comfort.