How do you find the perfect office chair? You get a chair connoisseur to test them out.
Glen James, creator and host of the Money Money Money podcast often finds himself seated to do admin work, episode planning, podcast recording and writing, whether it’s for one of his three books or regular keynote presentations.
“A comfortable office chair is not only important for your productivity, but also for your health,” says Glen. “If you’re like me then there are some days you’ll find yourself spending more time sitting in your chair than laying down on your mattress, which is why it’s so important to have a comfortable one.
“Looking for an office chair is like looking for emotional support – I need something I can lean on. One of the things I look for in an office chair is stability; I need to feel comfortable, I need to feel like I’m in control and I like to have a little bit of lumbar support for my old spine.”
We asked Glen to put five office chairs through their paces to find his perfect match. He tests everything from adjustable ergonomic features to aesthetics and style. Find out what he thought and which chair was his winner.
Best for Aesthetics: Otto Larvik Chair Rust
The Stats
Usage time: 3 to 5 hours per day*
Weight capacity: 120kg
Minimum recommended user height: 172cm
Glen’s first impression: “Very sturdy, looks cool.”
What did you find most comfortable?
“The most comfortable parts of this chair are the back and the [seat] base; really firm but not too hard. Like the touch of an angel.”
What was the best adjustable feature?
Glen says that although this office chair has a simple design, it boasts two of the most essential adjustable features: wheels for movement and a smooth gas lift for height.
What did you like about the look of the chair?
“The colour is striking, it will stand out against anything, and I like the fact that [the armrests, seat and back of the chair] look like they’re one piece.”
Who would best suit this chair?
“This chair would be best suited to a meeting room, like a real estate office. Your client comes in, you sit them down in this chair, razzle dazzle them and close the deal.”
Glen’s Rating: 7/10. “It’s comfortable and sturdy; I think it’s great.”
SEE ALSO: How to Create a Movement-Friendly Home Office Setup
Best for Back Support: Pago AirForm Synchro Ergonomic Chair Forest Green
The Stats
Usage time: 8+ hours per day*
Weight capacity: 130kg
Minimum recommended user height: 150cm
Glen’s first impression: “Great look and amazing back support.”
What did you find most comfortable?
“The whole backing piece. It fits snugly and feels firm. It’s like a personal trainer – firm but good for you.”
What was the best adjustable feature?
“You can actually pull a lever and slide the whole back [to adjust its distance] from the base, so if you need a little more comfort or space then you have the movements to do that.”
What did you like about the look of the chair?
This office chair’s colour scheme really caught Glen’s eye. “The cool tones of grey, teal and white give it a stylish vibe.”
Who would best suit this chair?
“The part-time, work-from-home professional or even a part-time influencer. It’s got everything you need to get some success in your life.”
Glen’s Rating: 8/10
SEE ALSO: 10 Life Hacks to Increase Your Productivity at Work
Best for Corporate Style: J.Burrows Halifax Ergonomic Chair Grey/White
The Stats
Usage time: 5 to 8 hours per day*
Weight capacity: 135kg
Minimum recommended user height: 163cm
Glen’s first impression: “A traditional corporate typical workhorse.”
What did you find most comfortable?
“The most comfortable part of this chair is the tilt action.”
What was the best adjustable feature?
“When you’re tilted back, you can lock it in – perfect for when you’re next in a board meeting.”
What did you like about the look of the chair?
“I love how the back [of the chair] tapers in. [The design] has style and class.”
Who would best suit this chair?
If you’re looking to make a great first impression, whether you’re making a pitch to investors or greeting new customers, Glen says this is the chair for you. “Not only does it look great, but it’s comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time.”
Glen’s Rating: 7.5/10
SEE ALSO: Organisation Inspiration: Spring Clean Your Office
Best for Customisable Comfort: Stilford Pro Heavy Duty Chair Black
The Stats
Usage time: 5 to 8 hours per day*
Weight capacity: 200kg
Minimum recommended user height: 160cm
Glen’s first impression: “A throne of productivity.”
What did you find most comfortable?
Work hard, play hard, all in extreme comfort. For Glen, the wide base and thick, plush cushion stands out as this office chair’s most comfortable feature.
What was the best adjustable feature?
“The adjustable lumbar support. We all come in different shapes and sizes, so [features like this help you] dial your chair in to suit you perfectly.”
What did you like about the look of the chair?
“When I look at this chair, I love everything about it.”
Who would best suit this chair?
“This chair is perfect for the remote worker. It’s wide enough to sit cross legged and would suit someone who likes to put their feet up. No shoes, no worries.”
Glen’s Rating: 9/10. “For its comfort features, ergonomics and overall vibe.”
Best for Glen James: Pago Ash Office Chair Blue
The Stats
Usage time: 3 to 5 hours per day*
Weight capacity: 130kg
Minimum recommended user height: 163cm
Glen’s first impression: “Snug, compact, feels great, will adopt.”
What did you find most comfortable?
“I love how this chair’s armrests are built into the frame itself so it feels really sturdy.”
What was the best adjustable feature?
Glen’s favourite adjustable feature of this office chair is its tilt. “Though it doesn’t lock in, it’s smooth and responsive.”
What did you like about the look of the chair?
“The black on blue on black. It’s versatile and will work with anything [or in any space].”
Who would best suit this chair?
“I think this chair would probably best suit a podcaster. Probably a podcaster that runs a money podcast. In fact, I have decided I’m taking this chair home with me today.”
Glen’s rating: 9.5/10. “This is my winner. It’s compact, comfortable and offers great support. This is my pick of the day. I can see myself doing my admin in it in the morning, then wheeling it over to my set and shooting a podcast, all while being comfortable all day.”
Glen’s Final Thoughts
“Whether you work from home, maybe you’re in a traditional corporate environment or at a cool tech startup, there is a chair for you. They’re all very comfortable and have their own unique features. You’re sure to find a chair that suits your environment, but also what you’re after in terms of comfort and style.”
*While chair usage times are provided as a guide, prolonged sitting is not recommended. Consider taking short breaks hourly to stand, stretch and walk to incorporate regular movement into your workday.
