Why Your Chair is the Most Important Piece of Office Furniture

When it comes to setting up a productive office, I always tell my customers: the most important piece of furniture isn’t your desk, it’s your chair. Why? Because your chair is where you spend the majority of your time, and it needs to move with you, flex with you, and support you throughout the day. Your chair isn’t just a place to sit—it should allow you to recline when needed, provide firm support during task work, and offer adjustable arms that reduce strain on your neck and back.

Many people don’t realize that sitting for long periods can hurt your body, especially if your chair isn’t designed to support your natural spine curvature. That’s why many chairs have a forward pitch, which helps relieve that pressure and pain you feel in your lower back. While I can’t cure back problems, I can certainly help prevent discomfort by helping you find the right chair.

A big part of our work, aside from creating great environments for employees, is selecting the right furniture for our clients, especially when it comes to task chairs. Recently, I had a long-time customer who was reluctant to replace his old chair. It was a typical black executive chair—looked good but wasn’t exactly the most comfortable. Eventually, after experiencing some back and arm issues, he decided it was time for an upgrade. I recommended one of my favorite chairs, the very one I use. I sent it to him to try, and guess what? He loved it so much he wouldn’t give it back, and I had to order myself a new one! But it made a big difference for him, and that’s what matters.

Sitting in a poor chair for long periods can cause long-term harm to your back. Unfortunately, most people make the mistake of picking a chair based on price instead of comfort, and they end up in pain. That’s why we encourage “sit tests.” The key is finding a chair that fits your body and adapts to you—not the other way around. Proper support is crucial—from your lower back to your shoulders, down to your legs.

We’ve just launched a new chair—The Breck Chair—Haworth’s latest task seating option, and we’re excited about it. The Breck has a unique GeoStretch back, made of plastic for easy cleaning, that offers targeted support. It also features adjustable lumbar, and synchronized seating, and comes in some trendy new colors and fabrics. Not only is the Breck easy to use, but it’s also made with 58% recycled content and is about 98% recyclable. Sustainability is something Haworth always takes seriously, and I’m proud to work with a company that thinks about the environment and their carbon footprint with every product.

And did I mention how easy the Breck is to assemble? We recently had a fun contest at the office (take a peek below) where two of our team members who had never put together a chair before did it in under a minute! The chair ships in four easy-to-assemble pieces, which helps reduce shipping costs and environmental impact.

If your current chair isn’t giving you the support you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stop by our showroom and try the Breck for yourself. You can even take it for a test drive in your office or home for a few days. We’re confident you’ll love it as much as we do, and your body will thank you for the proper support! Don’t wait to invest in your comfort—the sooner you do, the better you’ll feel.