Executive Chair vs Ergonomic Chair
What makes an executive chair different from an ergonomic office chair? Which chair provides better adjustability features? Should I buy an ergonomic chair or an executive chair?
If all these questions are popping into your mind and you are unable to find satisfactory answers, you are at the right place. This article is going to delve into the debate of Executive Chair vs Ergonomic Chair, which one has better features, which is visually more appealing, which has an affordable price, and other such questions.
A brief synopsis of the entire discussion is that an ergonomic chair is designed to avoid pain and discomfort in the human back, knees, neck, and other body parts while an executive chair is designed to provide high levels of comfort and support. It also gestures the authority or command of its user.
However, the ultimate decision of buying an ergonomic chair or an executive chair depends upon the specific needs of the user and what features he/she wants to have in the chair.
What Makes an Office Chair Ergonomic?
As discussed earlier, an ergonomic office chair helps your body to stay properly aligned and supported. For an office chair to be called ergonomic, it needs to have the following features:
- It allows you to adjust your seat height according to your body requirements.
- Similar to seat height, it allows you to adjust the seat depth, that is, you can modify the distance between the front edge of the seat and the backrest.
- It offers adjustable lumbar support that fills the gap between your back and the chair’s backrest.
- It has a fully adjustable headrest that keeps your head in an upright position rather than leaning forward.
- It features back angle adjustment that enables you to adjust the angle of the backrest concerning the seat for optimum comfort.
- It has height-adjustable armrests. Some high-end ergonomic chairs allow you to adjust the width, depth, and pivot of armrests as well.
- It has a back tilt adjustment mechanism so that you can adjust the resistance or tension when you rock the chair back and forth.
- It features a swivel mechanism that enables you to rotate your body while sitting.
What is an Executive Office Chair?
As the name suggests, an executive chair is a premium office chair with a tall backrest, sturdy armrests, lavish upholstery, and a sophisticated appearance.
Sitting in an executive chair automatically signals command and authority to others. It is most commonly used by CEOs, presidents, and executives of firms or companies. You can also use it if you have a higher professional status or want an elegant and classic chair in your workspace.
However, it’s not all about extravagance and affluence, there is so much more to an executive chair. It is known for providing high levels of comfort and support to users who sit for long hours without any physical movement.
Being a premium quality chair, it also relieves you from the need of upgrading and replacing it after every two or three years. Buying an executive chair is a lifetime investment as it can last for generations with proper care and maintenance.
Are Executive Chairs Ergonomic?
A simple answer to this question is that an executive chair can and can not be ergonomic depending on its construction and features. While an executive chair contains an adjustable seat height, swivel mechanism, and lumbar support but these features are not enough to declare it genuinely ergonomic.
It is more focused on providing comfort and relaxation to the users and comfort does not necessarily equate to proper body alignment and a good sitting posture.
However, if an executive chair fulfills the criteria mentioned above, that is, it contains adjustable seat height, seat depth, and armrests as well as built-in adjustable lumbar support, back tilt adjustment mechanism, and swivel mechanism, it can be declared as an ergonomic executive chair.
Executive Chair vs Ergonomic Chair: Key Differences
As you have understood the criteria that make a chair ergonomic and you have also gone through the basic definition of an executive, let’s jump into our main debate.
Below, we have provided a comparative overview of executive chairs vs ergonomic chairs in terms of comfort, ergonomic support, aesthetic appeal, portability, and pricing. The discussion would help you to make an informed decision as to which chair suits your body’s needs and preferences.
Comfort
Comfort is the top priority for most of us when we look for a new office chair. One of the key features that differentiates an executive chair from an ergonomic chair is the level of padding in the chair. Executive office chairs are known for their excessive padding in seats, armrests, and backrests whereas ergonomic chairs don’t use much padding in these areas.
Ergonomic Support
Features like lumbar support, 3-D adjustable armrests, reclining mechanism, and adjustable seat height are considered ergonomic features. Ergonomic office chairs are made with a special focus on all these features.
Executive office chairs, however, are more inclined towards aesthetics and executive-style appearance. So, we don’t see a compromise when it comes to customization and ergonomic support in executive chairs.
Design and Aesthetics
Executive office chairs have a bossy and stylish look that brings an element of elegance to the workspace. This helps you make a lasting impression on your clients and visitors.
An executive chair is also recommended for tall people. Now because executive chairs are considered a status symbol, they are suitable for senior and executive management of the company.
On the other hand, ergonomic chairs in general are limited in terms of style and aesthetics. They have a sleek and minimalistic appearance making them ideal for simple workspaces.
Adjustability Options
An ergonomic chair offers a range of adjustability options allowing you to fully customize it according to your body contours. However, it does not imply that an executive chair is a complete failure in this regard.
An executive chair also offers different adjustability options but the primary emphasis is given to comfort and splendor while ergonomics comes secondary. Therefore, an ergonomic chair outweighs an executive chair regarding adjustability and customization.
Portability
An ergonomic chair is designed to be lightweight and convenient for users, which is why lightweight materials are used in its upholstery and frame. Generally, materials like mesh, plastic, and leather are used to make the upholstery part, and aluminum, plastic, or lightweight steel are used to manufacture the frame of these chairs.
Executive office chairs, in contrast, feature steel or hardwood frames, pure or faux leather upholstery, and thick cushioning. While using these materials makes executive chairs more durable and comfortable, they make it difficult for the user to move the chair from one place to another.
Price Range
Executive office chairs feature premium upholstery, a sophisticated appearance, and thick cushioning, which is why they are on the higher price end. Ergonomic chairs, on the other hand, are more focused on providing comfort and support to the users and they don’t use premium materials. This is why they are reasonably priced compared to executive chairs.
Executive Chair vs Ergonomic Chair: Which One is Better?
Now that you have an idea about ergonomic and executive office chairs, here is a quick comparison table:
FEATURES | Executive Chair | Ergonomic Chair |
It has a luxurious, comfortable and stylish appearance. | The appearance of ergonomic office chairs varies depending on the design, functionality, and brand. However, the primary emphasis is on ergonomic support and adjustability rather than visual appeal. | |
It has a large size characterised by a tall backrest, sturdy frame, and wider and deeper seat. | Ergonomic office chairs generally have pretty decent sizes which can be neither characterized as too large nor too small. It has a standard or medium range size. | |
The executive chair is mainly used to show the status and prestige of the user. | It is primarily designed to provide maximum comfort and support to the user by conforming to his/her body contours. It provides proper alignment to your spine, knees, shoulders, legs, and arms. | |
The executive chair falls under the expensive category of features | The ergonomic office chair is budget-friendly in contrast to the executive range. Its price generally falls between $100 to $1200. |
Final Thoughts!
In sum, both executive and ergonomic office chairs are made for different users. One major thing that sets an ergonomic chair apart from an executive chair is its ability to improve the sitting posture of users.
Once the sitting posture improves, the overall well-being and eventually the productivity of users enhances. Therefore, if you are considering to buy an office chair that can keep your sitting posture correct, an ergonomic chair is the right choice. However, if you are more into style and aesthetics, you should get an executive chair.
FAQs
What is the difference between an ergonomic chair and an executive chair?
Executive chairs are larger in size and have a fancy and luxurious appearance whereas ergonomic chairs are relatively smaller in size and bring comfort to the users.
What is an ergonomic executive chair?
An ergonomic executive chair features various adjustability features allowing users to customize them according to their body requirements. Its main focus is on the posture and comfort of the users.
Are executive chairs good for the back?
The tall backrest and full lumbar support of an executive chair provide maximum support to the lower back and ensure that your spine is properly aligned.
What is the purpose of executive chairs?
Executive chairs serve many purposes including maximum support to the lower back of users and constant comfort throughout long working hours. Also, they feature style and elegance.
