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Office Work Chairs: Definition, Classification, and Selection Tips

Updated: Sep 15

In workspace design, office chairs are among the most essential elements, directly impacting employees’ health and productivity. With a wide range of models, materials, and features available on the market, understanding the characteristics of each type will help you choose the most suitable product. This article explores the definition, classifications, and essential tips for selecting the ideal office chair to meet every demand.

1. What is an Office Chair?

An office chair is a type of chair designed explicitly for use in work environments. It helps users maintain a comfortable and practical sitting posture for long hours. Its primary purpose is to support various work-related tasks, ensure proper posture during extended sitting, and reduce the risk of occupational health issues related to the back, cervical spine, etc.

An office chair is a specialized piece of furniture, researched and developed to meet continuous, long-hour working needs
An office chair is a specialized piece of furniture, researched and developed to meet continuous, long-hour working needs

2. General Types of Office Chairs

The office chair market is diverse, offering numerous models, styles, and functions. Below are some standard classifications to help you choose the right product with ease:

1. Type of User

  • Task Chairs: These chairs are designed to keep employees comfortable during long working hours. They feature simple, practical designs suitable for various office spaces and are often made from soft fabric or breathable mesh. Some models come with armrests to reduce shoulder pressure, support body weight balance, and help limit strain in the neck and shoulders.

  • Executive/Director Chairs: These are premium chairs for senior management positions like directors and deputy directors. Executive chairs provide comfort and reflect the user’s style and authority. They are commonly made from genuine leather, natural wood, and metal and include multiple adjustable features such as seat height, reclining backrests, and armrests for maximum flexibility.

2. Type of Material

  • Fabric: These chairs feature fabric backrests and seats. With their elegant and refined appearance, fabric chairs are often used as statement pieces in office spaces. The soft material has low heat absorption, is unaffected by ambient temperature, and provides a comfortable seating experience for users.

  • Mesh: At least one part of the backrest or the seat is made of mesh material. They are an absolute fit for modern & dynamic, and creative interior office styles. The breathable mesh promotes airflow, ensuring long-lasting comfort even during extended sitting periods.

  • Leather: Made from leather, either genuine or synthetic, these chairs are a popular choice for bringing a premium, luxurious look to the workplace. Leather is flexible and can bend or fold without tearing, making it ideal for chair designs with backrests that follow the spine's natural curve.

3. Type of Function

  • Traditional Office Chairs: These office chairs are primarily designed for standard sitting while working. They usually feature a simple structure with fixed backrests and seats, offering limited customization options. Users cannot typically adjust colors or add accessories to match personal needs. Adjustability capability is limited, mainly to seat height, 360° swivel, and casters. As a result, they only meet the most basic sitting requirements and do not provide personalized support for different body shapes & specific working demands.

  • Ergonomic Chairs: Designed based on scientific principles of posture and user health, these chairs aim to minimize pressure on the body, especially the spine and lower back, to deliver the most optimal working experience. Ergonomic chairs often come with multiple adjustable parts such as backrests, armrests, seat height, seat depth, and tilt, allowing users to find the most comfortable and correct sitting posture easily.

3. How to choose a suitable Office Chair

To select the most suitable office chair, you should carefully consider the following criteria:

  • Prioritize Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic chairs support correct sitting posture, helping reduce pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders, which can cause office syndrome pain when sitting for long hours. If you care about health and want to maintain the natural S-curve of the spine, this option is highly worthwhile.

  • Look for Smart Features: Choose chairs with flexible casters and a 360° swivel function. These allow you to rotate easily, move around your workspace, and communicate with colleagues without standing up frequently.

  • Ensure High Aesthetic Value: Pick chairs with colors and designs that harmonize with your office interior. A cohesive, neat, and sophisticated environment not only boosts work inspiration but also enhances your company’s brand image.

  • Opt for Safe, Durable, and Eco-Friendly Materials: Today’s market offers chairs in a wide range of materials, allowing you to choose based on usage needs and budget. Re:net fabric—recycled from used plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets—is highly popular. This fabric offers excellent elasticity, a broad color palette, and improved durability. At the same time, it contributes to reducing ocean waste and protecting a cleaner, greener marine environment for the future.

An ideal office chair combines health, comfort, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility perfectly
An ideal office chair combines health, comfort, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility perfectly

4. Okamura Office Chairs: A Blend of Smart Design and Modern Features

When it comes to premium office chairs, especially those that focus on health and ergonomics, Okamura is a leading brand that should not be overlooked.

Okamura’s design philosophy stems from prioritizing user health and experience above all. The company focuses on advanced ergonomic research of the human body, combines it with cutting-edge technology, and pays meticulous attention to craftsmanship. As a result, their products are not only visually appealing but also optimized to provide superior support and comfort in professional workspaces.

Outstanding Features of Okamura Office Chairs:

  • Exclusive Multi-Density Cushion: Built with Okamura’s proprietary technology, the cushion incorporates three layers of urethane foam with varying firmness to support the body and encourage healthy posture. The front cushion is soft to reduce pressure on the thighs and improve blood circulation. In contrast, the rear cushion is thicker and firmer to stabilize the hips, ensuring a secure sitting experience.

  • 2D—4D Adjustable Armrests: Armrests can be adjusted flexibly in two to four directions—including height, depth, width, and pivot angle—allowing you to find the optimal position for elbow support across different tasks and devices.

  • Re:net Eco-friendly Fabric: To promote sustainable development, Okamura has researched and developed the "Re:net" fabric line for ergonomic chairs. This fabric is made from recycled nylon fiber "REAMIDE," sourced from discarded fishing nets in Japan, combined with recycled PET fiber.

  • Synchronized Reclining Mechanism: This flexible system allows the backrest and seat to move in sync with the user’s movements, delivering a seamless and comfortable sitting experience. With two reclining modes—standard and forward tilt (as featured in the Sylphy series)—you can choose between free reclining up to 23° or locking it in multiple positions to suit different work needs.

Discover four stylish office work chairs from Okamura:

1 - Finora

Designed by Italdesign and Okamura, Finora is a perfect blend of fashion and functionality. Inspired by automotive design philosophy, every angular line on the backrest exudes a modern aesthetic, while inside lies advanced ergonomic features that elevate the working experience.

Finora's angular beauty, is a prominent highlight for any modern office space
Finora's angular beauty, is a prominent highlight for any modern office space

2 - Sphere Office Chair 

Inspired by minimalism and versatility, Sphere is designed to adapt seamlessly to different body types. Its backrest is composed of multiple flexible horizontal slats that automatically adjust to support both smaller and wider backs, delivering a perfectly tailored fit.

The Sphere’s modern, elegant design easily blends with various interior styles, helping create a professional, welcoming, and inspiring workspace. Notably, it is one of the pioneering chairs to use Re:net fabric recycled from plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets, making it an ideal choice for offices pursuing sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Sphere applies Okamura's exclusive technology to help the product fit all body shapes, providing maximum concentration for office workers
Sphere applies Okamura's exclusive technology to help the product fit all body shapes, providing maximum concentration for office workers

3 - Sylphy

Sylphy is one of today’s best-selling chairs, a testament to Okamura’s deep understanding of global office seating needs. It is designed to accommodate all body shapes and delivers maximum comfort throughout the workday.

Sylphy's highlight is its flexible backrest, which contours to the spine's natural curve and promotes proper sitting posture. Its unique dual backrest design lets users adjust the outer frame to match shoulder widths and body sizes. In contrast, the inner frame provides adequate lumbar support, offering optimal spinal protection.

Sylphy is a product that Okamura’s ergonomic experts developed, crafted to suit every sitting posture and body type
Sylphy is a product that Okamura’s ergonomic experts developed, crafted to suit every sitting posture and body type

4 - Abilis

A result of collaboration between Okamura and the renowned German design company ITO Design, Abilis embodies refined modern elegance. Featuring a distinctive hexagonal frame, this chair is a functional piece of office furniture and an artistic statement, creating a unique aesthetic highlight.

The design of Abilis is inspired by the hexagonal structure, which symbolizes balance and harmony in the natural world
The design of Abilis is inspired by the hexagonal structure, which symbolizes balance and harmony in the natural world

Choosing an office chair is about aesthetics, ensuring comfort, supporting health, and boosting productivity. Okamura believes the above information will help you easily identify the most suitable office chair for your work needs and personal style. When you need a solution that elevates both aesthetics and well-being, let Okamura be your trusted companion. Contact us HERE!

 
 
Okamura Việt Nam Nội thất văn phòng cao cấp từ Nhật Bản

OKAMURA INTERNATIONAL VIETNAM CO., LTD. (OIV)

        HO CHI MINH

Add: Suite 1104B, 11th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan St., Saigon Ward, HCMC

Tel: (028) 3822 6392

      HA NOI

Add: CP2.L.02, 19 Floor, Capital Place, Tower 2, No 29 Lieu Giai St., Ngoc Ha Ward, Hanoi City

Tel: (024) 7300 6879

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Copyright © Okamura International Vietnam. All rights reserved.

Okamura Corp. stands as the premier provider of office furniture, modern architecture, and workspace solutions in Japan. Our offerings are born from extensive research, innovative technology development, and the creation of sustainable materials.

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