In the realm of office essentials, there's one item we all undeniably spend a lot of time with: the office chair. Whether you're grinding through spreadsheets, brainstorming, or sneaking in a quick gaming session, that chair of yours plays a starring role. A bad fit? Hello, back pain. The right one? Smooth sailing all day.
But with a myriad of choices, especially in Malaysia's diverse market, picking just one can feel like a wild treasure hunt. Here, we'll break down 15 top office or desk chairs commonly found in Malaysia, helping you pick the one that feels just right.
Best Types of Chairs for Your Office or Home Workspace
1. Task Chair: Comfortable and Affordable
Task chairs are the most common chairs you'll find in workplaces worldwide. Despite their basic appearance, they are surprisingly comfortable for short bursts of work. They come with essential adjustments, a five-star wheelbase for mobility, and even a reclining function for added versatility.
If your job involves only a few hours of sitting at a stretch, a task chair is a cost-effective choice.
Suitable for:
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Students
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Back pain
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Home office
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Gaming
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Long hours
2. Mesh Chair: Breathable Comfort
Made of breathable mesh material, mesh chairs are perfect for those who tend to get hot while sitting. The mesh backrest promotes air circulation, keeping you cool during long work hours. These chairs are both comfortable and practical, making them a popular choice for modern offices, whether you're in need of a small office chair or a large office chair.
Suitable for:
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Back pain
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Students
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Home office
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Gaming
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Long hours
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Office Visitors
3. Armless Desk Chair: Perfect for Close Work
As the name suggests, armless chairs lack armrests. These chairs are perfect if your work involves sitting closer to your desk or if you need ample space for activities like typing or playing a musical instrument like the guitar.
Suitable for:
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Home office
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Bedroom
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Students
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Petite or shorter people
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Office Visitors
4. Leather Chair: Luxurious Seating
Leather chairs exude sophistication and luxury. They can be made from real leather or synthetic materials like microfibre or PU leather. If you want an office chair that not only looks impressive but also provides exceptional comfort, a microfibre leather or PU leather office chair might be the perfect fit for you.
Suitable for:
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Home office
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Students
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Long hours
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Back pain
5. High Back Chair: Supportive Seating for Upper Body Comfort
A high back office chair is a type of chair that is made to give extra support and comfort to your upper body, especially your back and shoulders. This chair has tall backrests that go up higher than your shoulders, which can help support your lower back and neck.
Great for back support and upright sitting, these chairs reduce upper body strain, ensuring comfort during long periods of sitting.
Suitable for:
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Back pain
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Students
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Home office
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Gaming
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Heavier or larger people
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Long hours
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Office Visitors
6. Ergonomic Chair: Avoiding Muscle and Bone Problems
Ergonomic chairs are all about keeping you healthy while you work. They are designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting.
These chairs feature adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, armrests, and headrests, allowing you to customise your sitting experience. Ergonomic chairs are the go-to choice for anyone who spends long hours at a desk.
Suitable for:
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Gaming
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Heavier or larger people
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Long hours
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Students
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Back pain
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Home office
7. Heavy-Duty Office Chair: Built to Last
For those who need a chair that can withstand heavy use and weight, heavy-duty office chairs are the answer. These robust chairs are designed to support larger individuals and are built to last. They often come with reinforced frames, extra-thick cushioning, and heavy-duty casters for smooth movement.
Suitable for:
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Back pain
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Long hours
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Students
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Home office
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Heavier or larger people
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Gaming
8. Conference Chair: Keeping You Engaged
Conference chairs is a type of chair designed specifically for use in conference rooms and meeting spaces. It's comfy, easy to move around, and looks professional. People like it because it makes long meetings better, lets you move easily, and makes the room look good.
Suitable for:
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Home office
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Students
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Petite or Shorter people
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Office visitors
9. Executive Chair: Luxurious Chairs for Top-Notch Style
Executive chairs are like the kings of office chairs. They're not just comfy; they also look really stylish. They usually have tall backs, soft cushions, and they're often made from fancy materials like leather. Executive chairs are made to make important people look and feel professional, making them a popular choice for corporate settings.
Suitable for:
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Heavier or larger people
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Long hours
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Back pain
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Home office
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Students
10. Without Wheels: Desk Chair for Stability and Support
Office chairs without wheels are typically more stationary and can help prevent unintentional movement or rocking while seated, offering a stable work environment. This design choice may be preferred in certain situations where stability is a priority.
Suitable for:
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Compact space
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Petite or shorter people
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Office Visitors
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Home office
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Students
11. Kneeling Chair: Short-Term Relief for Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain and are in search of a solution, one of the small office chair options worth considering is a kneeling Chair. These uniquely designed chairs encourage sitting with your thighs dropped to an angle of 60 to 70 degrees from vertical.
This redistributes your body's weight between your knees and buttocks, relieving pressure on your lower back. While they offer short-term relief, they're not ideal for extended use.
Suitable for:
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Back pain
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Heavier or larger people
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Petite or Short People
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Home office
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Students
12. Gaming Chair: Not Just for Gamers!
Gaming chairs, initially designed for avid gamers, have evolved and found their way into many offices and study spots. They're super comfy for long hours of sitting, with high backs and all the adjustable bits like armrests and lumbar support.
Plus, if you're a bit on the heavier side or just want something sturdy, these chairs have got your back (literally).
Suitable for:
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Bigger spaces
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Heavier or larger people
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Long hours of work or play
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Students
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Back pain
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Home office
13. Drafting Chair: A Companion for Standing Desks
Photo on Vari
If you prefer working at a tall or standing desk, a drafting chair is your best friend. These chairs are designed to complement elevated workstations. They come with a higher seat and a footrest, allowing you to work comfortably at higher surfaces like drafting tables or standing desks.
Suitable for:
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Long hours
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Students
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Back pain
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Home office
14. Leaning Stand Chair: Sit or Stand with Support
Photo on LIFT Sit Stand Chair
Leaning stand chairs are great because they give you support when you're sitting or standing. They're perfect if you like to switch between sitting and standing while you work.
These chairs are stable and comfy no matter how you use them, so they're a good choice for desks that can be adjusted up and down.
Suitable for:
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Home office
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Students
15. Active Chair: Promoting Movement
Photo by AndreyPopov on istock
The balance ball is made to keep you moving even when you're sitting down. They make you shift your posture a little and work your tummy muscles, which helps your blood flow better and lowers the risks of sitting too long.
Suitable for:
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Back pain
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Long hours
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Students
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Home office
Which type of office chair is best?
The best type of office chair depends on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your office table dimension. Look for a chair with good lumbar support to maintain proper posture, adjustable height and armrests for comfort, and breathable, cushioned material for long hours of sitting.
What is the importance of a good office chair?
A good office chair is more than just a comfortable place to sit; it's an essential tool for productivity and well-being. Here are some key reasons why investing in a quality office chair matters:
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Comfort
A comfy office chair improves work experience by enhancing focus and reducing discomfort-related distractions. Studies using electromyography (EMG) have shown that a chair with adjustable height, backrest, and armrests can lower muscle activity in the neck, shoulders, and back, while also reducing pressure on the intervertebral discs.
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Fewer health problems
Sitting for long periods can cause health issues like back pain and poor circulation. An ergonomic office chair offers support, promoting proper posture and reducing strain on your body.
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Less time off due to illness
Uncomfortable office chairs can lead to physical discomfort and increased sick days. A well-designed chair can boost productivity and foster a healthier work environment.
Conclusion
To sum it up, choosing the right office chair is super important for your comfort, health, and getting things done at work. Different chairs do different things, so you need to think about what you need and what makes you comfy. Don't forget to look at stuff like how good it is for your body and how long it's gonna last when you're picking one.
By selecting the right office chair in Malaysia, you can transform your workspace into a haven of productivity and comfort, ensuring that you stay focused and pain-free throughout your workday.