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Guide to Easily and Effectively Lowering a Swivel Chair

Office swivel chairs play a crucial role in keeping users comfortable throughout long working days. However, if the chair is too high or too low compared to the desk, it can lead to health issues and decreased work efficiency. In this article, Okamura will guide you on how to lower a swivel chair easily and effectively.


1. Instructions for Lowering a Swivel Chair

To protect spinal health and enhance work productivity, it is essential to appropriately adjust the height of the office swivel chair. Here are the steps to lower a swivel chair:



Adjustment Functions - Okamura CP

1.1. Step 1: Identify the Adjustment Mechanism

The height adjustment mechanism of the swivel chair is designed to be flexible, typically in the form of a lever or a smart button located in an easily accessible position, allowing users to change the height even while seated. Depending on the type of swivel chair, the height adjustment mechanism may be integrated in one of the following two locations:

  • Standard swivel chairs: The lever is usually located underneath the seat cushion on the right side.

  • Premium swivel chairs: The lever or smart button may be more elegantly designed, integrated into the armrest or under the seat cushion on the right side.


1.2. Step 2: Lower the Swivel Seat Correctly

Depending on whether you are standing or sitting, lowering the swivel seat will vary. Let’s explore the detailed adjustment methods below:

1 - When Adjusting While Standing:

  • Step 1: Stand next to the chair, then grasp the lever or adjustment button underneath the seat.

  • Step 2: Press down on the lever or button and hold it; the seat height will decrease.

  • Step 3: Adjust the seat so that the bottom of the seat is slightly lower than your knees so that your feet can rest flat on the floor when seated.

2 - When Adjusting While Sitting:

  • Step 1: Sit on the chair, gently lift the lever or press the smart button (depending on the chair design); the chair will automatically lower.

  • Step 2: Release the lever or button when the chair reaches the desired height. Adjust your seating position for maximum comfort and suitability.


2. Benefits of Adjusting Swivel Chair Height When Working

Properly adjusting the swivel chair height offers many benefits for users, especially for office employees who often sit for 7 to 8 hours daily. Here are four key benefits of adjusting swivel chair height that you should know:

  • Improved Sitting Posture: When the chair is adjusted to the correct height, you can maintain an appropriate sitting posture, distributing weight evenly across your back and neck, thus preventing slouching or spinal curvature.

  • Prevention of Long-term Health Issues: Adjusting the height reduces pressure on the spine, helping to prevent conditions such as back pain, spinal degeneration, muscle strain, or herniated discs.

  • Increased Comfort: An adequately adjusted chair height minimizes discomfort and back pain during long working hours, enhancing user comfort.

  • Optimized Work Efficiency: With the chair at the right height, your spine remains straight, reducing pressure on the discs. Additionally, a comfortable sitting posture improves blood circulation, providing sufficient oxygen to the brain, which enhances focus reduces stress and fatigue, ultimately leading to more effective work performance.


Benefits of Adjusting Swivel Chair Height When Working
Benefits of Adjusting Swivel Chair Height When Working

3. 6 Tips for Lowering Swivel Chair Height

When adjusting the height of your swivel chair, there are six factors to keep in mind to ensure maximum comfort during your work hours:

  • Maintain Proper Sitting Posture: To achieve a comfortable and practical working posture, adjust the chair so that your back is straight, your feet are flat on the floor, your elbows are bent at 90 degrees, and your lower back is well-supported. This posture helps reduce fatigue and enhances focus, allowing more productivity.

  • Use Proper Technique: When adjusting the chair, gently handle the lever or button. Forceful actions can damage the adjustment mechanism and make the chair operate less smoothly.

  • Adjust When Changing Sitting Positions: Using a height-adjustable desk, you should also change the swivel chair height to correspond with your new sitting position. Experts encourage flexible switching between different working postures, as it effectively reduces physical strain while maintaining high work productivity.

  • Ensure Compatibility with Desk Height: When lowering the chair, adjust it so that your feet touch the ground, creating a 90-degree angle between your legs and the floor. This helps maintain proper eye level with the computer screen, avoiding neck strain and eye fatigue.


Proper sitting posture you can refer to for lowering the swivel chair correctly  
Proper sitting posture you can refer to for lowering the swivel chair correctly  

4. Guide to troubleshoot the issue of the swivel chair not lowering  

In some cases, when using a swivel chair, you may be unable to lower the chair using the lever or button. Below are common causes and specific solutions for each situation:

Causes of Issues

Detailed Solutions

Adjustment Mechanism Stuck

  • Check the lever or adjustment button for any obstructions. 

  • Ensure no objects are blocking the adjustment mechanism.

  • If necessary, lubricate the adjustment rod to ensure smooth operation.

Piston Malfunction

  • If the piston is damaged, the chair will not adjust in height properly. 

  • Replace the piston or take the chair to a repair shop to replace this part.

Weak Spring System

  • Over time, the spring system that supports height adjustment may wear out or weaken. 

  •  If so, you need to replace the spring to resolve the issue.

Lever or Button Malfunction

  • Sometimes, the lever or button may break due to heavy use or lack of use over time. 

  • Check and replace the adjustment mechanism if needed.

Old Swivel Chair

  • For chairs that have been used for a long time, some parts may wear out or break. 

  • Consider replacing the chair to ensure safety and comfort while working.

5. Explore Okamura's Flexible Adjustable Swivel Chair Models  

Okamura is a leading office furniture brand from Japan, renowned for its ergonomic swivel chair designs that provide maximum comfort for users. Okamura products focus not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and practicality, helping users enhance their work performance and protect their spinal health. Key features of Okamura swivel chairs include:

  • Ergonomic Design: The backrest, armrests, and seat cushion are designed to follow the natural curves of the body, reducing pressure on the spine and joints.

  • Premium Materials: Made from high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly materials, including genuine leather, breathable mesh, and recycled fabrics.

  • Flexible Adjustment Features: With various adjustable components like height, depth, and tilt, the chairs accommodate different body shapes and sitting positions, allowing users to find the most comfortable position.


5.1. Executive Swivel Chairs  

Exclusively for leaders, Okamura introduces a premium collection of swivel chairs with luxurious design and outstanding features. Models like Legender and Contessa II not only provide comfort but also convey a sense of elegance and professionalism, making them suitable for high-end office spaces with the following two standout features:

  • Diverse Customization Options: The chairs have adjustable features for backrest tension, seat depth, overall height, and armrest position. This allows users to easily adjust the chair to their most comfortable posture, providing maximum support for work and relaxation.

  • Smart Adjustment System: The chairs are equipped an intelligent control system, allowing you to adjust the entire chair with just a touch. From changing the height and recline angle to the firmness of the cushion, everything is personalized so you can enjoy optimal comfort.


Adjustable Swivel Chairs for Executives
Adjustable Swivel Chairs for Executives

5.2. Swivel Chairs for Employees  

Okamura offers office staff a range of high-quality swivel chairs such as Sylphy, Sabrina, and Finora. These chair models are designed to meet the daily sitting needs of employees, featuring flexible adjustment options that provide maximum comfort for users. 

With ergonomic designs and various customizable features, these chairs help enhance productivity while ensuring that users maintain proper posture throughout the workday.


Adjustable Swivel Chairs for Employees
Adjustable Swivel Chairs for Employees

Here are the standout features of Okamura's adjustable swivel chairs designed for employees:

  • Height Adjustment Feature: Most Okamura swivel chair models come with an easy height adjustment function, allowing you to find the perfect seating position relative to your desk.

  • Backrest Functionality: This feature lets you adjust the recline angle of the chair back, enabling you to relax or focus on your work. Most Okamura models are equipped with this functionality for maximum comfort.

  • Armrest Adjustment: Chairs like Sylphy, Sabrina, and Finora feature adjustable armrests that allow you to modify the height, depth, and angle. Depending on the chair model, armrests can be adjusted in three dimensions (up and down, forward and backward, angled) or four (adding lateral movement left and right), providing optimal customization to suit your needs.


Understanding how to lower your swivel chair enhances your comfort while working and plays a crucial role in protecting your health and optimizing work performance. With Okamura's premium swivel chair lines, you can easily adjust the chair to your requirements, increasing comfort and efficiency in your daily tasks.

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