How much money should one spend on an office chair?

Do you sit at your desk for hours every day? Then a good office chair isn't just an option – it's a must. Most people associate health with exercise or a healthy diet. They completely forget about the office chair. 1

Those who try to save money here will pay twice as much later. Back pain, tension and poor posture are the consequences. This not only harms your health, but also your performance at work. This article will tell you how much a good office chair should cost and when you need to replace it.

Why is a good office chair so important?

Imagine wearing uncomfortable shoes all day. Unpleasant, isn't it? A bad office chair puts just as much strain on your back and neck.

The consequences of a bad office chair

The effects are clearly noticeable:

• Back pain: Insufficient support leads to pain in the back, neck, or head.

• Poor posture: Many people sit hunched over with drooping shoulders. This impairs breathing and concentration.

• Reduced performance: People who feel unwell have difficulty concentrating.

• Long-term damage: Even young people suffer postural damage from sitting incorrectly.

A good office chair is therefore not a luxury, but important for health and success.

How much does a good office chair cost?

Prices vary greatly. There are inexpensive models for under 100 euros and expensive ones for over 1000 euros. But you don't have to spend your entire salary. It is important that price and quality match your needs.

Under €100: Stay away!

These chairs are usually poorly made. They have very few adjustment options and break down quickly. That's a waste of money.

€100 - €300: Solid base for occasional users

Here you will find chairs with essential basic functions . You can adjust the seat height and backrest. The materials are better and last longer. For people who don't sit all day, this is a good start. Pay attention to adjustability and stability.

€300 - €800+: The professional class for frequent users

If you spend a lot of time working at a desk, this investment is worthwhile. You get high-quality materials and many adjustment options. These chairs adapt perfectly to your body. They are very comfortable and last a very long time. This is a real investment in your health.

Insider tip: The secondhand market

Also check the secondhand market! You can sometimes find very good office chairs there for much less. But check if everything is working.

How often should you replace an office chair?

A good office chair lasts 5-10 years. Cheaper models often only last 1-2 years. These warning signs are more important than age:

Clear signals for an exchange

• Visible damage: Broken wheels, torn upholstery, or a wobbly backrest

• No more comfort: You can't find a comfortable position or the cushions are flat.

• Disturbing noises: The chair creaks or wobbles.

• Health problems: Back pain despite sitting correctly

• New working conditions: Longer working hours or working from home

Tip: Taking care of your chair extends its lifespan! Clean it regularly and check the screws and rollers.

What should you pay attention to when buying?

You now know why a good chair is important. But what makes him who he is? Pay attention to these points:

Important settings

• Seat height: Feet flat on the ground, knees at a 90° angle

• Backrest: It supports the lower back and is tiltable.

• Armrests: Height adjustable, ideally also laterally adjustable

• Seat depth: It supports the thighs without pressing on the back of the knees.

Promote movement instead of rigid sitting.

A good chair encourages changes in posture. That's better than sitting still.

Materials and comfort in detail

• Relation: Breathable fabrics prevent sweating.

• Upholstery: Firm, but comfortable – not too soft

• Stability: Sturdy metal base, high-quality casters

The right casters for your floor

Soft casters for hard floors such as parquet. Hard casters for carpet.

A test sit is mandatory!

Try out the chair for at least 10-15 minutes. Test all settings. Only then will you know if he's really right for you.

Conclusion: Invest in your health

How much you should spend depends on your needs. It pays to invest in quality. A good chair protects your health and increases your performance. Check it regularly and replace it if necessary. This is how you can sit healthily in the long term – whether in the office or working from home.