Office Chairs - the History of the Office Chair

Office chairs first came in demand because of the railroad system. Traditional, family owned businesses were becoming less and less attractive and as large companies, like railroad companies, began to increase in numbers so did the need for administrative employees. This new type of occupational need also created a need for new types of furniture that would be specific to the administrative tasks. The office chair was created to increase productivity and comfort while tasking for long hours. Office seating was first introduced with 2 functions that set it apart from most other chairs. Office chairs had casters and a swivel function. These functions made employees much more mobile. The casters allowed for effortless rolling around a workstation or desk area. The swivel ability made it possible for 1 employee to perform multiple tasks at the same time because of the added range and movement.

The rapid development in our technology has created a huge demand for a number of different office chair designs. New technology creates new occupations and some of those occupations require new types of furniture. Much of the technological growth has come in administrative and information based fields. These fields have created the demand for specialized office seating like computer chairs and ergonomic office chairs. Other factors like climate and architectural design have recently influenced the office chair industry. The increased popularity of mesh office chairs in hot and humid climates is due in large part to the ability that mesh has to breathe and keep the user cool during the work day. On the other hand, chairs like the Aeron have been developed with a strong emphasis on modern, artistic design which has drawn the attention of any business trying to keep up with modern trends. There is also a big distinction in the style of chair that an executive uses compared to that of a typical employee. Executives have always had to distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd and it is no different with executive office chairs.

• Computer Chairs were designed to be very adjustable and comfortable for long periods of sitting. Computer chairs usually feature an adjustable seat and backrest, casters, a swivel function and a padded seat for more comfort. Many times employees from different shifts will use the same chair. This makes the adjustability of computer chairs a big positive.

• Ergonomic Office Chairs are designed to keep the user in a supportive, proper sitting position to help minimize stress and tension put on the muscles, joints and limbs. Ergonomic chairs are highly adjustable and feature high end upholstery. Most ergonomic chairs have a fully adjustable seat and backrest, fully adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar support and an adjustable headrest (if the chair features a headrest). An ergonomic office chair should be used if the employee will be seated for more than 4 hours at a time.

• Mesh Office Chairs first came into popularity when Herman Miller introduced the Aeron Chair. Most mesh chairs are completely transparent which makes them extremely breathable. Traditionally office chairs have had a wood or plastic backing with a fabric or leather upholstery. This upholstery will often make the user hot or sweaty if used for long hours. Mesh has constant airflow keeping the user cool during the day.

• Executive Office Chairs are usually upholstered in top of the line upholstery and almost always feature a high back or headrest. They also feature a swivel function and seat height adjustment. There is a wide range in the number of adjustments available on different models after the initial functions. Executive office chairs have typically been upholstered in leather but many executives are now sitting in mesh chairs.