How to Pick a Chair You Won’t Regret (Especially If You Sit for Hours)

How Long Is This Read?

This version is about 4-5 minutes, detailed enough to be super useful but not overwhelming.

So, you’ve moved into your first apartment. Exciting! But also a little overwhelming because now you have to furnish the place.

Let’s talk about chairs.

Not just any chairs, but the kind that won’t leave your back aching after a workday, a gaming session, or an unplanned three-hour FaceTime call.

A bad chair is a silent enemy. It looks fine at first, but over time, it ruins your posture, your mood, and sometimes even your productivity. Here’s how to avoid that mistake.

1. The “I Work From Home” Chair (Ergonomic Office Chair)

If your work involves sitting at a desk for 6+ hours daily, do yourself a favor and get a proper chair.

What to Look For:

• Adjustable height – Your feet should be flat on the floor, with knees at a 90-degree angle.

• Lumbar support – If the chair doesn’t support your lower back, you’ll start slouching (and hating life).

• Adjustable armrests – Your arms should rest naturally, not be lifted or forced downward.

• Breathable fabric – Leather looks fancy but can get hot. Mesh keeps things cool.

• Tilt & recline – A little movement is good for your spine.

Budget Tip: Ergonomic chairs can be pricey, but check out used office furniture stores or Facebook Marketplace for deals. Even a well-designed dining chair with good lumbar support can work as a temporary fix.

2. The “Netflix Marathon” Chair (Lounge Chair or Armchair)

Not everyone wants to lie in bed to binge-watch their favorite show, and a couch isn’t always in the budget yet. Enter the lounge chair, the sweet spot between comfort and support.

What to Look For:

• Deep seat – You should be able to sit cross-legged if you want.

• Soft but not too soft – If you sink too much, it’s a trap (literally).

• Armrests – You’ll want somewhere to lean while scrolling your phone.

• Pairs well with a footstool – Because propping up your legs adds extra comfort.

Budget Tip: Look for floor cushions or bean bags as a short-term fix. You can also find great secondhand armchairs on resale apps.

3. The “Friends Are Over” Chair (Stackable or Foldable Chairs)

You don’t think about extra seating until you have friends over, and suddenly someone’s balancing on an upside-down laundry basket.

What to Look For:

• Compact storage – Foldable or stackable chairs that can be tucked away when not in use.

• Lightweight but sturdy – Nobody wants a chair that feels like it’ll collapse mid-conversation.

• Not hideous – Just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it has to be ugly.

Budget Tip: Get mismatched thrift store chairs and give them a DIY paint job. They’ll look intentional, not random.

4. The “Casual Everything” Chair (Dining Chair That Doubles as Extra Seating)

Not everyone has space for multiple types of chairs. If you’re trying to keep things simple, a good dining chair can work for everything—eating, working, gaming, and even reading.

What to Look For:

• Padded seat – Wooden chairs look nice but aren’t great for long sitting.

• Slight recline – A perfectly upright chair feels like a school. You want something with a little give.

• Lightweight but strong – Easy to move around but won’t wobble.

Budget Tip: If you already have dining chairs but they’re uncomfortable, add seat cushions with ties. They’re cheap and instantly improve comfort.

The Quick Takeaway:

You don’t need a million chairs. You just need the right chairs.

• If you work long hours at a desk → Get an ergonomic chair.

• If you lounge a lot → A deep, comfy armchair is a must.

• If you have guests often → Keep some foldable chairs on hand.

• If you need a chair that does everything → A padded dining chair works.

Make good choices now, and your back (and future guests) will thank you.