Since working in a secretarial role requires a lot of sitting, you need to utilize a quality office chair that provides a comfortable sitting experience, pain-free and tension-free.
If interesting in one, there are some factors you need to consider, such as ergonomic features, that will make your work easier. We gathered all the information you need to know and recommend suitable models. Meaning, in this article, we cover everything.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Our Top Picks
★★★★★
Designed to withstand 24/7 use, this office chair will support users’ interactions with today’s technologies.
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★★★★☆
This is a highly ergonomic office chair with fully adjustable armrests, headrest and quality lumbar support.
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★★★★☆
Big and tall executive office chair comes equipped with commercial-grade components and high weight capacity.
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What Is A Secretary Chair Used For?
A secretary is a professional who provides behind-the-scenes work for an office, so its job requires a lot of sitting. Therefore, the term secretary chair includes various chairs designed for long-term sitting, equipped with many adjustments and ergonomic features to properly support body shapes, sizes and postures.
Who Else Can Use This Chair?
Except for the secretaries, these chairs can be used by administrative assistants, receptionists, medical staff, technical staff, librarians, teachers, freelancers, developers and many others. They all have one thing in common – long hours sitting.
Is It Really Necessary To Have A Good Secretary Chair?
Shortly, yes! Having a good ergonomic secretarial chair will provide you with many benefits. That includes – increased productivity, many healthy benefits (supports your body posture, reduces the risk of neck and back pain, reduces pressure on your hips and legs,…) and optimum safety.
What Features A Good Secretary Chair Should Have?
Whether you spend more or less time sitting, you should protect yourself from pain and increase your productivity by investing in a high-quality chair. A quality chair will ensure you work more efficiently, without experiencing back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Ergonomic Features
Some things are very important to look for in a good ergonomic secretarial chair. The following things will allow the individual user to make the chair work well for its needs.
- Lumbar Support – The lumbar spine has an inward curve, so the chair without support for this curve tends to lead to slouching. Lumbar support refers to padding or cushioning around the bottom of the backrest that supports the lumbar region.
- Armrests – Armrests allow you to rest your forearms while sitting in front of the desk. Good chair armrests should have soft padded material, adequate size (long and wide enough), adjustable height.
- Reclining – Reclining is important for so-called sustainable sitting. This feature lets you move your body a bit more while sitting. Some chairs even allow you to lock the backrest into your desired reclined position.
- Adjustable Height – Fixed-height chairs work for most people, but not all of them. Look for a pneumatic adjustment lever to let you bring the seat higher up or lower. For optimal comfort, your tights should be horizontal to the floor.
Ideal Chair Size
Standard chairs are built for people who are between 5 to 6 feet and weigh about 250 lbs. So, the standard chair’s height is from 16” to 20”, chair width is from 19” to 21” and the chair depth measures 15” to 19”. If you aren’t an average size person, look for petite office chairs (for small people) or big office chairs (for big people)
Weight Capacity
It’s very important to choose the chair that supports your weight, for both your safety and the safety of the chair. Most chairs have a 200 to 250-pound weight capacity. If you are a bit heavier than that, there are big and tall chairs that have a sturdier construction and higher weight capacity.
Most Common Materials
The material will affect the chair’s performance, and each material has its unique characteristics. The most common materials are genuine leather, faux leather, vinyl, nylon, plastic, wood. Genuine leather and faux leather are often used for executive chairs, while nylon is used to create a mesh backrest that is breathable and lightweight. Avoid plastic if you can.
Make Movement Easier
If you have an L-shaped desk, need to stand up often and go to another office or room, then you definitely should consider a chair with casters. Some office chairs feature a traditional four-legged design, but I recommend using a five-wheeled chair, it is safer and more stable.
Best 6 Secretary Desk Chairs
Here you can find top-rated secretary desk chairs designed to support your body comfortably for the long haul. There are executive office chairs, with and without armrests, tilt adjustment, dynamic back support and many other useful features. Find the model that suits all your needs.
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 23.” x 34.” x 44.”
Capacity: 400 lbs
Armrest: Adjustable
Assembly: No
The manufacturer says that Gesture is the first chair designed to support users’ interaction with today’s technologies. It provides support and comfort to a wide range of users in a wide range of postures. This is a highly-ergonomic office chair that will perform in any work environment.
Adjust the chair height from 39.2” to 44.2” to fit your body size. Also, you can adjust the seat height (16” to 21”), seat depth, overall chair width and depth. The seat cushion is designed with built-in air pockets that conform to your body. Its 3D LiveBack technology mimics the natural movements of your spine.
360-degree rotating arms are designed to remain parallel to your work surface as you move. Steelcase Gesture features recline tension adjustment and has a 4-position recline lock to ensure the most comfortable position. This chair is designed to withstand 24/7 use.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$900 to $1,230
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
PROS
- 3D LiveBack technology adapts to spine movements
- Fully adjustable armrests
- Designed to withstand 24/7 use
CONS
- No seat angle adjustment
Nouhaus ErgoPro Office Chair
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 27.2” x 27.2” x 46”
Capacity: 275 lbs
Armrest: Fully adjustable
Assembly: Easy
This Nouhaus ErgoPro office chair is often on the top-grade office chair lists. It is recommended for people under 6’1” and it supports up to 275 pounds. Comes with a full 3-year warranty and all tools and instructions you’ll need. It’s easy to put together. Available in black, grey, burgundy and blue colors.
The aluminum base is equipped with silent Pro wheels which easily glide across hardwood, polished concrete, tiles and soft surfaces, such as carpet. 2:1 Synchronized mechanism allows you to tilt back, while the dynamic lumbar support responds to the pressure of your body.
Also, you can adjust seat depth and slide forward and back for the ideal seat position. The 4D adjustable armrests glide up and down, forward and back, side to side, right and left. They auto-lock for full support. ErgoPro has an adjustable headrest, you can change its height and tilt with ease.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$35 to $55
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
PROS
- Smooth and silent five-wheelded casters
- Adjustable headrest’s height and tilt
- Fully adjustable 4D armrests
CONS
- Not for people above 6’1”
Serta Big & Tall Executive Chair
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 30.5” x 28” x 47”
Capacity: 350 lbs
Armrest: Fixed
Assembly: Easy
Serta is a big and tall leather secretary chair suitable for stylish offices. Built with commercial-grade components to support up to 350 pounds. It’s easy to assemble it within 30 minutes, and no extra tool is needed. The manufacturer suggests the height range from 5’9” and up.
The manufacturer uses the parts that pass 3rd party SGS testing and are certified by BIFMA – industry standards for quality and safety. The generous sitting area is equipped with deep layers of plush cushioning. Thick, moulded foam armrests reduce pressure on forearms and elbows.
A deep, cushioned headrest provides comfort while sitting or reclining. Serta easily reclines up to 122-degree, you need to rotate the mechanical spring tension knob to control the ease of recline. There is a single lever that allows you to adjust the tilt, lock and raise or lower seat.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
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PRICE
approx:$255 to $300
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
PROS
- Designed for big and heavy people
- Meets BIFMA standards
CONS
- Low back support
Hon Ignition 2.0 Task Chair
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 28.5” x 27” x 44.5”
Capacity: 300 lbs
Armrest: Adjustable
Assembly: Easy
Hon Ignition 2.0 is a quite affordable office chair that has many adjustments generally reserved for more expensive office chairs. This multi-purpose chair features a 300-pound weight capacity. The chair’s backrest is equipped with a 4-way stretch mesh that helps alleviate the pressure and stresses of desk work.
It is equipped with a synchro-tilt mechanism that reclines the seat and back for proper alignment. The breathable mesh materials are combined with plush for max comfort. Hon Ignition desk chair provides all-day comfort. Its lumbar support is adjustable to meets various demands.
This chair also has height- and width- adjustable arms that provide fully customizable comfort. Other ergonomic features such as tilt lock, tilt tension and pneumatic seat height allow you to fully adjust the chair. A five-star base with a 360-degree swivel provides easy movement in any direction.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$365 to $430
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
PROS
- Advanced synchro-tilt control
- High weight capacity – ideal for heavy people
- 4-way stretch mesh increases airflow
CONS
- Plastic legs
Aeris Swopper Ergonomic Stool
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 23.” x 23.” x 17.”
Capacity: 290 lbs
Armrest: None
Assembly: Easy
This chair is a bit different than others on the list. The idea behind the Swopper desk chair is simple – it encourages constant movement as you sit. Meaning, the designers combine the best features of a regular office chair with an exercise ball chair. The result is the durable, practical and highly functional office chair.
A sturdy base equipped with strong springs initiates the movement. The user should sit right above the springs to achieve the most effective position. Your feet should be placed flat on the ground, and your pelvis should be slightly above your knees. Adjust the seat height from 22” to 27.5”.
Swopper features unique technology that supports dynamic sitting and reduces hip and back tension. The seat is equipped with 2.3-inch high-density foam which feels quite firm. Since it isn’t a standard office chair, you’ll need some time to adjust to it. Swopper is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
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PRICE
approx:$700 to $870
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales
PROS
- Promotes dynamic sitting
- Convex seat reduce pressure in tights
CONS
- No backrest
Sidiz T50 Home Office Desk Chair
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 28.9” x 29” x 45”
Capacity: 250 lbs
Armrest: Adjustable
Assembly: Easy
The Sidiz T50 office chair looks good and provides a nice, comfortable sitting experience. The overall chair width is 28.9” and max chair height is 44.5”. This is one of the best office chairs for hip and lower back pain. It features an S curve design that supports your back while keeping your waist aligned.
It is a reliable secretary chair with lumbar support, comes with a 3-year warranty and the manufacturer uses high-quality materials. The chair’s frame is made from durable aluminum. Each component of the chair is made from durable and solid material. It is equipped with a few handy levers.
The Sidiz T50 chair comes with an adjustable headrest, seat height, tilting angles, 3D armrests. You can simply personalize the chair depending on your preferences. The PU foam and the base memory foam softly hug your body curves. The waterfall edge seat design reduces pressure on your legs.
Comfort:
Adjustment:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$420 to $630
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales
PROS
- S-shaped curved design prmotes even weight distribution
- Fully adjustable home office chair
CONS
- Firmer seat padding
Which Chair Types To Avoid?
Since your job requires long-hour sitting, there are some chair types you should avoid to prevent bad body posture and annoying back or buttock pain.
Chairs With Hard Surfaces
In the past, wooden secretary chairs are often used for office assistants. This kind of chair is sturdy, has a hard surface that doesn’t support your body and is not designed for long sitting hours. That’s what you need to avoid – chairs without ergonomic features, adequate adjustments and hard surfaces.
What About Kneeling Chair?
Kneeling chairs have some advantages – they take pressure off your lower back by shifting your weight forward. It helps you maintain your body’s natural curve, helps engage your core and prevents slouching. Rocking kneeling chairs can be used all day by most people, after acclimatization. However, static kneeling chairs are the best for short-term tasks, since they don’t provide stimulation.
Final Verdict
In short, I recommend the Steelcase Gesture office chair, it features plenty of adjustability for a wide range of body types, it’s made from high-quality materials and comes with a 12-year warranty. The 8-hour office chairs are designed for office workers and assistants thanks to their ergonomic features and multi-adjustments.
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