Hunting for the best office chairs for women — or more specifically, the best fancy chair to buy for your office? Readers have had a ton of conversations over the years about this and I'm on the hunt myself, so I thought I'd comb through the comments to put everyone's thoughts together. Is a Herman Miller Aeron worth the money? Is the brand Steelcase better for women? Let's discuss.

To be clear: This article is for people who have decided they might want to invest in a fancy chair like Herman Miller or Steelcase but aren't sure where to look first or what the differences are.

(I had, um, no idea… For example, the main one I'd heard of was the Herman Miller Aeron, but many readers have noted that they preferred other chairs much more for fit reasons.)

If you're looking for a more affordable, comfortable office chair, we've rounded them up in the past. The chair I've had for almost 10 years is the Ikea Markus ($289) and I must say it's been comfortable, cool, and quite adjustable. A number of readers also gave shoutouts to the classic balance ball chair, like this one from Amazon.

(I should also mention the super old-school classic, the kneeling chair, like this one. I have owned two of these over the years, and while I can see how they would be amazing for posture, I've never found them comfortable enough to sit in all day.)

Readers, have you gone on a hunt for the best office chair, either for your home office or to replace the one provided by your employer? (Do you have a “fancy” chair at the office, like an Aeron, and what do you think of it?) If you have a more affordable chair that you love, what is it?

The Best Office Chairs for Women

Table of Contents

• The Best Office Chair for Women Overall: Steelcase Leap – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Office Chair for Short Women: Herman Miller Sayl – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Office Chair If You're Very Narrow: Steelcase Gesture – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Office Chair for People Who Fidget: Knoll by Generation – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Office Chair for a Splurge: Steelcase Gesture – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Affordable Office Chair for Women: Herman Miller Sayl – read our thoughts / see the product
• The Best Office Chair Available in a Lot of Colors: Steelcase Leap (34+) – read our thoughts / see the product

The Best Office Chair for Women Overall

Steelcase Leap

starts at $1006 at Steelcase

also at Amazon

The number-one name that kept coming up in the comments was the Steelcase Leap (followed by the Steelcase Gesture). A number of readers noted that they had bought it for their home office after comparing it to other office chairs their company provided, including Steelcase Think and Herman Miller Aeron.

People who were both short and tall seemed to like it, and a number noted how adjustable the chair was.

Like the Steelcase Gesture, the adjustable armrests was something commenters frequently called out, with one noting that you can move the entire armrest to a narrow settings vs. the more common “angling in the front of the armrest.”

One woman noted that she ordered hers from Amazon in basic black.

The Leap comes in 30+ different colors, and you can add a headrest, as well as choose different adjustable arms (4-way vs height only). The minimum dimensions for the chair are a height of 38.5″ H x 27″ W x 21.75″ D, with maximum dimensions of 43.5″ H by 27″ W by 24.75″ D. The seat depth range is 15.75″-18.75,” and the seat width is 19.25″; it has a weight limit of 400 lbs. The width between arms ranges from 12.75″-20″.

(Comparatively, the Gesture does have a wider range for width between arms: 10.25″-22.5″.)

The Best Office Chair for Petite Women

Herman Miller Sayl

starts at $735 at Design Within Reach

A lot of readers noted that the Herman Miller Aeron comes in different sizes, and that compared to the Aeron Size A, many preferred the Sayl.

One commenter noted, “If you are on the shorter side and have the budget, try the Herman Miller Sayl chair. Traditional office chairs are always too large for me and not ergonomic, even the fancy ones. This one actually fits me (5'4″), has a low profile so you basically don't even see the chair when I'm sitting in a Zoom meeting, and the white looks great in my midcentury modern home office.”

Another 5'1″ woman noted that when she went to buy a nice chair, the salesperson didn't have one on the floor for her to try, but told her to “Just come into the back office, all the women use these.”

This is also one of the best chairs under $1000. It comes in 15+ different color options and has minimum dimensions of 34.75″Hx24.5″Wx19.75″D (with maximum height of 39.25″). The seat height range is 16″-20″, the seat width is 18″, and it has a weight capacity of 350 lbs.

(Comparatively, the Herman Miller Aeron Size A ($1275) has dimensions of 38.5″Hx25.75″Wx16″D, a seat height range of 14.75″-19″, and a weight capacity of 300 lbs.)

The Best Office Chair If You're Very Narrow or Small

Steelcase Gesture

starts at $1331 at Steelcase

also at Amazon

A number of Corporette readers who described themselves as “very narrow” said they loved the Steelcase Gesture, with many raving about the adjustable armrests. Sample comments:

“I thought I wanted HM for the style factor, but I am very narrow and couldn't get one to fit my body after trying several Aerons and other styles. Instead I ended up with a Steelcase Gesture which is adjustable in just about every way and now I have armrests that actually function instead of being too far away for me to use.”

Another reader compared the Steelcase Gesture to the Steelcase Leap, noting, “The Leap arms were still just a little off for me but the Gesture is amazing. The arms felt much more substantial and customizable than the ones on the Leap. . . . The sales guy told me very small people tend to buy the Gesture, FWIW.”

Many agreed that the price is expensive, but worth it. One commenter said it was “worth every penny and I would buy another without question.” Another said it was “such a splurge but I've never regretted it.” A third one said she thought it helped with her neck and shoulder pain.

There are a number of customizations you can make to the product — many colors (30+), fabrics, frame colors — as well as adding a headrest, lumbar support, or wheels for carpet (vs. hardwood). The minimum dimensions for the chair are 39.25″ H x 22.375″ W x 21″ D, with maximum dimensions of 44.25″ H x 34.625″ W x 23.625″ D. The seat depth range is 15.75″-18.5,” and the seat width is 19.25″; it has a weight limit of 400 lbs. The width between arms ranges from 10.25″-22.5″.

The Best Office Chair for People Who Fidget

Knoll by Generation

$1331 at Design Within Reach

This one is a bit off book, because the recommendation comes from my brother, who got a Herman Miller Aeron chair but returned it because it made his back hurt. After more research, he decided to go with Knoll by Generation (a Herman Miller company), as he was swayed by reports he heard that it was more flexible and designed for people who fidget and move around a lot.

Here's the product description from Design Within Reach:

Freedom and flexibility are the guiding principles behind the creation of Knoll’s newest ergonomic seating solution, the Generation Chair (2009). Recognizing that sitting upright and facing forward is just one of the many positions people take throughout the day, the design team behind the Generation Chair created a seat that moves with you, as you move. Providing both freedom of movement and continuous support, this ergonomic office chair is a groundbreaking example of elastic design – where a product rearranges itself in response to its user. The Generation Chair is manufactured by Knoll.

The general dimensions for the chair are 44.5″H x 28.5″ W x 26″ D; it is $1331 at Design Within Reach.

Along similar lines, one reader noted that she loved the Herman Miller Embody chair for the “bounce factor.”

The Best Office Chair for a Splurge

Steelcase Gesture

starts at $1331 at Steelcase

also at Amazon

Starting at $1331, this one isn't cheap, but it's one of the names that came up time and time again. As one reader noted, “It is obscenely expensive and worth every penny. I could not be happier with it.”

Other pricy options include the Steelcase Leap (starts at $1006), the Herman Miller Aeron (starts at $1270), and the Herman Miller Embody (starts at $2270).

The Best Affordable but Fancy Office Chair for Women

Herman Miller Sayl

starts at $735 at Design Within Reach

Of the chairs mentioned repeatedly, the Sayl was the most affordable, starting at $735.

A few people did call out the Steelcase Series 1 or 2 chairs. Series 1 starts at $450, and Series 2 starts at $588.

Of course, a number of readers have noted that if you're looking for an affordable fancy office chair for women, you should check out used office furniture warehouses near you since so many companies are downsizing. Craigslist was another option that many people mentioned.

The Best Office Chair With Multiple Color Options

Steelcase Gesture

starts at $1331 at Steelcase

also at Amazon

All of these options come in a ton of colors, many with swatches available so you can carefully gauge the color and quality. Steelcase tops the list at 34+ colors (to Herman Miller's 12ish).

There are four upholstery types available, including the soft Era, the “hard-working polyester blend” Cogent, the “velvety soft” Billiart Multi, and the Elmosoft leather. You can choose anything from a light blue “sea salt” or a very Tumblr pink (“rose quartz”). There are also richer colors like a deep red “lipstick/merlot” or the brighter-than-navy “blueprint.”

Other Chair Company Names Mentioned (or Not) By Readers

• Autonomous: One reader noted that she got the ErgoPro from Autonomous and “absolutely loved it.”
• Branch: One reader noted she had gotten the Branch Daily chair and really liked it.
• Haworth: There were no recent mentions from readers (only one in 2011).
• Humanscale: Readers mentioned the Freedom, Liberty, and Cinto chairs, but only a few times.
• Knoll: not too many mentions for the chairs, but rather the desks

Affordable Ergonomic Chairs for Women

As we noted above: If you're looking for a more affordable, comfortable office chair, we've rounded them up in the past. (As I mentioned, I really like my Ikea Markus ($289).) A number of readers also gave shoutouts to the classic balance ball chair, like this one from Amazon.

Other Resources: Where to Research the Best Office Chairs for Women

The subreddit r/OfficeChairs has a ton of great information, but from what I could find there isn't a lot that was specific to women.

The post The Best Office Chairs for Women appeared first on Corporette.com.

Let's have an open thread today about POSTURE — have any of you tried to improve your posture? Have you had success with small adjustments and simple exercises, or did you need a systematic overhaul?

I was thinking the other day about how good posture is SO key for looking polished. I mean, we can talk about clothes and fit and style until we're blue in the face, but if you're slumping and slouching in your $2000 Armani blazer you're going to look as bad as if you had a $20 blazer.

Good posture is also incredibly important if you work in a desk job — if you have bad posture, sitting all day just seems to amplify the problems.

This is something I personally struggle with, so let's discuss — what are YOUR best hacks for improving your posture? Do you feel like your posture has gotten better or worse over the years?

For my $.02, it's a big goal right now to improve my posture! My second son turned three in May, and I'm just now realizing that babies (or perhaps the lifestyle I lead after my babies!) has really left my core decimated, which really affects my posture — it's harder to keep my back and shoulders zipped up because my abs get tired. (Tiny violin, I know.)

I don't have the common postpartum issue of diastasis recti but my abs in general are very weak, and I'm finally in physical therapy right now because of that. I went down this huge Internet rabbithole before PT, though, reading about all of these things that really come back to posture issues — “lower crossed syndrome,” “anterior pelvic tilt,” “smartphone neck,” and more.

I've bookmarked a million stretches to “counteract” the effects of sitting (e.g., this one from Lifehacker), but in general I think I just need to focus on my posture more, all the time.

Related: How to Fix a Dowager's Hump and Tech Neck

I have a Lumo Lift* (read my review here) but have fallen out of using it, and I've tried to correct my office ergonomics by getting one of those kneeling chairs* for my office (mini review: meh), and even bought the little $25 standing desk we mentioned a few weeks ago (quick review: it is ugly and huge but definitely does elevate your desk!).

I also went through the comment Corporette threads (as I often do to see what the collective wisdom of the group is!) and found a super old thread where someone recommended the blog Katy Says, where the blogger talked so much about alignment issues that she's now got a book out called Alignment Matters* — I just got that out of the library this week. 

I've also adjusted my thinking re: exercise and core work — in my head over the years I've mistakenly conflated “washboard abs = core work = something you work on after you've lost those last 10 pounds.” Instead, for me I'm realizing that if I really want to improve my posture, core and trunk work is the true starting point, whether through Pilates or other efforts. 

So let's hear it, ladies — have you ever tried to improve your posture, either for health, comfort, or image reasons? Do you feel like poor posture keeps you from looking polished? What have you attempted to do to “fix” your posture — and what have you actually seen results with?

(Did anyone get into Pilates or barre or PiYo or other specific exercise classes out there just in the interest of strengthening your core in order to improve your posture?)

Psst: Our Latest Favorite Ergonomic Products for the Office

Pictured, some of our favorite tools for better ergonomics at the office as of 2024…

* Affiliate links. Picture credit: Deposit Photos / Jaykayl.

The post How To Improve Your Posture appeared first on Corporette.com.

For everyone who's investing a bit more in a home office setup, I wanted to give a shoutout both to the concept of dual monitors and monitor risers, as well as to these particular monitor risers, as they're the ones I have. (You can get one riser for $23, or a pack of two for $37.)

As I've written before, I love my dual monitors way more than I thought I would; these monitor risers have improved the experience because the ergonomics are so much better — my neck is able to be longer and looking straight ahead instead of angled down for that slouching/slumping look we all love. (I think they call it “text neck” now…)

These particular ones are great because they have pull-out trays for paper beneath the monitor, as well as side pockets for smaller papers like post-its. I actually have my monitors pushed pretty far back so that there's about 2″ of space at the front for more “desk” space. I am… not the tidiest of ladies, to quote a memorable line from a book I read, so this is a double-edged sword for me because more space means more space for me to clutter.

Still: ergonomics! Yes! And I do kind of know what's in the trays, as well as beneath the monitor riser, and all of that would have been just out and floating around otherwise. 

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Sales of note for 7.19.24

• Nordstrom – The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to everybody! Here are all of our picks, and here are reader favorites.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, extra 50% off markdowns + 20% off everything!
• Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, take an extra 20% off your purchase
• Eloquii – 50% off select styles
• Everlane – Up to 70% off
• J.Crew – End of Season Sale, extra 50% off sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Madewell – End of season sale, up to 70% off with code.
• M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the biggest sitewide discount I've ever seen…)
• Rothy's – Lots of great finds in the “final few” section
• Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, extra 40% off markdowns

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

• Is there a mantra or slogan that will help me combat imposter syndrome?
• AITA for not moving to the middle seat to be closer to my husband on a recent flight?
• What are your latest favorite nonfiction books for fans of Mary Beard?
• I'm so annoyed by people who look at their smart watches instead of paying attention to our conversation…
• Let's have a secrets thread…
• I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
• I'm thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?

The post Coffee Break: Monitor Risers appeared first on Corporette.com.

We've talked before about ergonomics at work — as well as ergonomics for petites — but it's been a while, so let's discuss today, ladies! Have you tried to have better ergonomics at the office? What have you bought; what products did you like/not get annoyed by, and what actually made you feel better/good? (Plus, do tell: what did you get reimbursed?) What resources were the most helpful for you in your hunt? 

{related: how to make your office more comfortable}

For my $.02: I feel like I am forever buying, trying, and discarding various things to try to make my office better ergonomically. I'm typing this very post on a new split keyboard (recommended by Wirecutter as one of their top choices), and trying to relearn how to type because the numbers along the top are split (1-5 are on one keyboard, 6-0 on another), and other keyboard features that I use frequently are in a different place than my old keyboard.

Over the years, I've bought a huge number of those lower back pillows designed to improve your posture — and about every ten years I seem to need to try a kneeling desk chair one more time. (I bought one last year and think I'm set for this decade… nope, still don't like them.) Ergonomic products I have bought and liked:

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Pictured, some of our favorite tools for better ergonomics at the office as of 2024…

• monitor risers (I have double monitors so I have one for each; I like them!)
• this is the split keyboard I bought a few weeks ago — I like the mechanical keys (very clicky clacky) and the squishy wrist rest, but we'll see if I can get past the weird Ctrl button and lack of a number pad. If you're out and about frequently, I still like my Bluetooth keyboard also so I can avoid trying to type long things on my phone (a friend was just telling me she was diagnosed with “texting thumb,” which might also explain hand pain I've had for a while now…)
• I got this $30 lumbar pillow during my second pregnancy and must say I like it much more than all the other desk chair pillows/posture adjusters that I've had over the years (check out our recentish post on how to improve your posture, as well – lots of great suggestions from readers in the comments)
• I feel guilty saying it's an “ergonomic” pick but it was recommended by Wirecutter as their “budget” pick — I have the Ikea Markus chair for my main desk chair. It's ugly as sin but for $200 I'll take it.
• Over the years I've also had apps installed on my computer to reduce eye strain, including one years ago that reminded me to blink regularly (I can't find it now, but here's a more recent article from Lifehack with free apps to help you with eye strain)
• I don't regularly have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome, but during my first pregnancy I did for some reason — I remember loving the arm brace from my local drugstore and thinking it really helped the pain (I slept in it, I think, instead of using it during the day)…
• I need to get a nice big crate or banker's box to put under my desk — I've tried and discarded a few nicer “stands” and stools over the years and just like the basic banker's box!

How about you, readers? What products have you tried seeking better ergonomics at the office? What are your biggest complaints (wrist? neck? back? eyes? other?)

Further Reading:

• Wirecutter Posts:
  • The Best Ergonomic Keyboard – 2017
  • The Best Office Chair – 2016
  • The Best Laptop Stands – 2017
  • The Best Wireless Mouse – 2017 (if anyone has any wired mouse favorites that are better for ergonomics I'd love the tips!)
• How to Set Up an Ergonomic Workstation [CNET]
• Are Standing Desks Better For You? Not So Fast [Fast Company]
• Seven Ways to Prevent and Manage RSI [Guardian]

Stock photo via Shutterstock / Martin Novak.

The post Better Ergonomics at the Office: What Products Have You Tried and Loved? appeared first on Corporette.com.

If you're petite and your office desk is too tall for you — enough that it's causing you pain while you work — how much is your employer required to do to make your desk/chair setup more ergonomic? What if you work at a nonprofit? Reader A asks…

I wonder if you could address what my work place is required to do regarding ergonomics? About a year ago I started a new position where I sit at a desk all day. (For the last 5 years I worked remotely meeting clients 90% of the time.) Since then I've noticed that I've been getting weird pains in my back, wrists, hips, and neck. I'm just about 5'2″ so my desk is too tall for me, my typing and monitor alignment are all wrong.

If I raise the chair to the right height, my feet dangle, and resting them on the chair base caused weird hip pain (and a footrest just wasn't convenient.) I work for a nonprofit, so buying new office supplies isn't really at the top of our priority list, but can I request one for health purposes? If not, do you have another suggestion? (I live in Ohio if that matters.) Thanks for the help!

Interesting question, Reader A. We haven't talked about ergonomics in a little while, and I'm curious to hear what readers think about this, both petite and otherwise.

What ergonomic hacks have you used for your office? What help have you gotten from your employer in the matter, whether officially (ergonomics consultant, ergonomics budget) or after the fact (e.g., being able to get a $36 footrest reimbursed)?

{related: how to have better ergonomics at the office}

Psst: looking for more tips for petite women? We've discussed where to find stylish petite suits for women, as well as where to find petite work clothes in plus sizes. For those of you who are extra petite, we've also talked about wearing kids' clothes when you're petite, as well as XXS work clothes (for when you're slim but too tall for petites). We've also rounded up the best made-to-measure work clothes, as well as the most common alterations Corporette readers love!

Here's the Expert's Advice on Petite Ergonomics:

First, though, we asked an expert for his take on Reader A's situation. Paul Krewson, OTR/L, CEAS III — an occupational therapist, ergonomist, and president of Peak Ergonomics — suggested the following:

I recommend that you visit this link and work through the three ergonomic tools for computer workstations.

I would take the results and review them with your supervisor and ask if there is anything they can do to help.

If you need an outside consultant, then you can make a request with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation via the web link above [Readers: find the contact for your state here – Ed.] and that will connect you with a local consultant.

Most computer ergonomic problems can be improved with simple solutions and don't always need to cost a lot of money. It sounds like you need to find a “convenient” foot rest, because it is essential to your back that your feet rest firmly on the floor. I recommend that you consider using a Fellowes Adjustable Foot Rest.

If your employer is unwilling to help you, then there are two potential legal remedies:

Using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can ask for a reasonable accommodation for a personal medical problem you are experiencing. You will need to produce a letter from your physician to support your request.

Alternatively, you can file a workers compensation claim if you believe your medical problem is being caused or substantially aggravated by your work activity.

It's best if you just ask very nicely. Your employer could fight you on both counts which may require you to hire an attorney.

For my own $.02, I think Reader A should definitely a) figure out what she wants in terms of ergonomics, b) figure out what the cost is for everything, and c) figure out where she should start. Your employer will likely see it as a matter of cost more than anything — asking for reimbursement for a $36 footrest or $25 keyboard tray is likely to need a lot less evidentiary support than, say, a treadmill desk or a $600 Aeron chair (they do make a special sized chair if you're under 5'2″!). If you're really tight on money, though, you can always just fill a banker's box with books and then put it under your chair to use as a footrest, to at least see if that feels a bit better.

The Best Office Chairs for Petite Women

We recently did a big roundup of readers' favorite “fancy” office chairs for women — the Herman Miller Sayl was the one that everyone liked for short women. On the flip side, if you're petite and “very narrow” you may want to consider the Steelcase Gesture — the armrests were so adjustable that even women who described themselves as “very narrow” could use the armrests.

Our Latest Favorite Desk Chairs in General

Our Latest Favorite Ergonomic Products

Pictured, some of our favorite tools for better ergonomics at the office as of 2024…

Readers, what are your thoughts on petite-friendly office ergonomics? How has your office handled ergonomics, and what have become your must-have ergonomic tweaks? 

Further reading:

• Searching High and Low for a Just-Right Chair: For the Very Tall and Short, Many Office Chairs Just Don't Fit [Wall Street Journal]
• The Importance of Being Ergonomic: When Office Chairs Wreak Havoc [Wall Street Journal]
• Sizing Up the Right Chair for the Petite Body [The Human Solution Ergonomics Blog]
• What to Look for in an Ergonomic Office Chair [Lifehacker]
• Computer Workstations eTool [OSHA]

The post Petite Office Ergonomics (and: How Does Your Office Handle Ergonomics?) appeared first on Corporette.com.

2018 Update: We still think this is a fascinating discussion of how to have a comfortable and pain-free office — but you may want to check out our more recent discussion on how to get better ergonomics at the office.

Here's something we're curious about:  How many of you have picked out your own desk chairs, keyboard drawers, and so forth in an effort to make your office more ergonomic and comfortable? Which brands have you found to be the best?

We've read a million articles about how — without the right set-up — your office could be causing you back pain, headaches, eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. In terms of eye strain, we've noticed a huge difference in a flat-screen monitor versus one of the old CRT monitors. We also prefer a keyboard tray versus having our keyboard sitting on top of our desk. Otherwise, we are far from experts on the subjects, so thought we would turn to you guys. Does anyone swear by the Aeron chair? Did changing the “refresh rate” for your monitor change your life? Do tell — what are your best tips for a comfortable and pain-free office?

(Pictured:  Ergonomics matters, originally uploaded to Flickr by Ezu.)

Further reading:
Office Ergonomics, WebMD

How to Ease Back and Neck Pain at the Office, eHow

The post Open Thread: A Comfortable and Pain-Free Office… appeared first on Corporette.com.