How To Choose A Desk Chair

Today’s desk chairs feature everything from faux-fur and colorful patterns to soft suede and supple leather, giving you a nearly endless variety of options. If you’re working with your parents to create your own study space or you simply need a comfy place to sit in your room, you’re probably wondering how to choose a desk chair. We can help streamline the process with two simple words: form and function. Get your homework done or enjoy some computer games with help from a desk chair that looks awesome and feels even better by following five steps.

Step 1: Consider The Style

We know that style reigns supreme in everything from your clothing down to your desk accessories. Find a selection of chairs at PBteen that complement your bedroom or study area’s decor or that contrast with the color and style of your room for a little pop of variety. The style of the desk chair you choose sets the tone for your study area while keeping you comfortable during long homework sessions.

To keep yourself feeling active even while you’re sitting, check out our Rockin’ Roller Desk Chairs, which combine the benefits of an exercise ball with comfort, support and many different colors and prints to keep your study area’s look on point. If you’re heading off to college soon, you might enjoy stylish chairs that still fit in with your new dorm room’s smaller space. Maybe you want to keep things Zen with neutral colors and extra coziness so you can focus on hitting the books; go for our line of desk chairs that feature faux-fur for a distinct look and extra plushness.

Step 2: Choose Form and Function

Your chair’s appearance is a great way to add a splash of your personality to your space, but when it comes to desk chairs, you also need to consider how the chair feels. You’re probably already anticipating the increasing workload you’ll have as you progress through high school and begin college. All those papers, homework and late-night study sessions add up to some pretty serious time spent at your desk. Some helpful comfort-focused features to look for in your new chair include:

• The ability to move while sitting. Whether you can rock back and forth or perfect your balance, moving while sitting helps keep blood circulating and oxygen flowing to your brain for optimal support during long work sessions.

• Back support. Having enough support for your lower back prevents strain and muscle fatigue that can later become a distraction.

• Seat support. If you do need to sit for long periods, the seat should definitely be comfortable.

Step 3: Search for Extra Features

If you take your study sessions particularly seriously or you want to get a chair that can last for a long time — even after you graduate college or move out into your first apartment — extra features make the difference. Look for benefits such as an adjustable tilt and height to deliver a custom fit. Ideally, when you sit in your desk chair, the center of your computer screen should be at eye level with your arms comfortably capable of resting on the desk. Other added features to consider in a desk chair include:

• A back that comes up to the middle of your shoulder blades or higher for support

• A long seat with two to three finger lengths between the edge of the chair and the back of your knees

• Casters for smooth movement around your study area or between your desk and bookshelves

Step 4: Check the Durability And Care

From spills during late-night cram sessions to chair racing with your friends and siblings, you need something that’s built to last. Look for a chair with a steel or iron base that’s easy to assemble and designed to withstand the rigors of daily life it’ll endure while it helps you make it through your study sessions. Choose easy-care upholstery so you can spot-clean it as needed to keep the chair looking fresh and new. For even easier cleanup, look for a chair without any upholstery and instead incorporate a supportive pillow with a design you love.

Step 5: Make Sure It Fits

An oversized chair can be super comfortable, but if it’s too big for your study space, you might not get the most use out of it. You and a parent can take measurements of your desk and available floor space to make sure the chair you’re considering can work well in the area. Alternatively, you can have some fun using our interactive room planner to design your floor plan and create a functional study space that’s all your own.