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Back-to-school season usually means new notebooks, a computer, school supplies, and organizing a study space. Yet one essential element is still too often chosen at the last minute: the office chair.
For a CEGEP or university student, a teenager doing homework at home, or a parent combining studies and remote work, a desk can quickly become a place where several hours are spent each day. A chair purchased solely based on its appearance or price may quickly show its limitations.
Preparing for a successful back-to-school season is therefore not just about buying the supplies needed for classes. It is also about creating an environment where it is easier to work, study, and stay focused.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends choosing and adjusting a chair according to the user’s size and workstation. CCOHS also emphasizes the importance of a seat height that allows the feet to be properly supported, either on the floor or on a footrest, as well as a workstation that allows the user to maintain a comfortable position.
Here is our selection of three office chairs that are particularly well suited for the back-to-school season, with three different levels of needs
Why invest in a good office chair for the back-to-school season?
It may seem excessive to invest several hundred dollars in a chair intended for a student. However, the situation should be looked at differently.
A $1,000 smartphone is sometimes replaced after three years. A laptop can cost $1,500 or more. A quality ergonomic chair, on the other hand, can accompany its user for several years and serve equally well for studying, working from home, and eventually professional life.
The real question is therefore not only: “How much does the chair cost?” It would instead be better to ask: “How many hours will I spend sitting in it over the next few years?”
One of the main advantages of an ergonomic chair is its ability to adapt. Body shape varies considerably from one person to another. Two students of the same age can have completely different heights, leg lengths, shoulder widths, and proportions. Research on furniture intended for university students has also highlighted differences between furniture dimensions and users’ anthropometric characteristics, with an advantage for solutions that allow, among other things, seat height to be adjusted.
That is why it is risky to simply search for “the best office chair.” Instead, you should look for the best chair for the person who will use it.
Features to look for in an office chair for students
Adjustable seat height
The feet should be properly supported on the floor when working. If the chair is too high, the user may slide forward on the seat and no longer benefit properly from the backrest. If it is too low, the position relative to the desk and keyboard can also become inadequate.
When the desk height prevents you from simultaneously achieving a good position for your arms and feet, adding a footrest can be an excellent solution.
An appropriate seat depth
This is probably one of the most underestimated criteria. A seat that is too deep can prevent a shorter person from properly leaning against the backrest without putting pressure behind the knees.
Conversely, a seat that is too short may provide insufficient support for the thighs of a taller person. A sliding seat or several size options make it possible to better adapt the chair to the user’s body shape.
A backrest that actually supports the back
A good backrest is not only there to lean against when you are tired. It should support the back while working and help maintain a comfortable position without constantly forcing the muscles to compensate.
Adjustable armrests
Armrests should provide slight support for the arms without raising the shoulders. They should also not prevent the chair from getting close enough to the desk. The more adjustment options the armrests offer, the easier it becomes to adapt them to the workstation.
A mechanism that allows movement
There is no single perfect sitting position that should be maintained for six hours. The body is made to move.
A good chair should therefore allow you to change your position throughout the day and, ideally, be combined with regular breaks and changes in posture.
Top 3 Office Chairs for a Good Back-to-School Season
We have selected three models that meet different needs. The goal is not to arbitrarily declare that one chair is better than all the others, but to help you determine which one best suits your use, your body shape, and your budget.
1. Cierra Standard by Horizon: our best value choice
For many students and people working from home, the Cierra Standard probably represents the best entry point into a true ergonomic chair.
It is one of the popular models at Solutions M3 because of its balance between comfort, adjustments, and price. It is equally suitable for a professional workstation or a home office.
Why we like it for the back-to-school season
The Cierra addresses a common problem with student furniture: buying a relatively affordable chair without having to settle for a model with very limited adjustments.
It makes it possible to create a more serious study workstation without immediately moving to a high-end ergonomic chair. Depending on the configuration selected, it can offer different ergonomic adjustments that make it possible to better adapt the working position.
Which user is it for?
We particularly recommend the Cierra Standard for:
- CEGEP and university students;
- teenagers with an average body shape who are approaching their adult height;
- people who study several hours per week;
- people who combine studying and working from home;
- those who want to invest in a chair they can keep after their studies.
The real advantage of the Cierra range
Another interesting point is that there are different versions of the Cierra. Solutions M3 offers, among others, a Cierra Petite, with a shorter and narrower seat designed for users for whom a standard chair is too large or too deep. This makes it possible to choose a chair based on body shape rather than forcing the user to adapt to the furniture.
Our verdict:
The Cierra is our versatile choice for getting a good ergonomic chair at a reasonable price, particularly when looking for a product that can continue to be useful well beyond the back-to-school season.
2. Entail by Allseating: an ergonomic chair designed for everyday work
In this context, choosing a true work chair can make all the difference, particularly when spending several hours in front of a computer. This is where the Entail by Allseating becomes particularly interesting.
Entail is an ergonomic office chair designed to offer a good balance between comfort, support, and functionality. Its mesh backrest promotes air circulation, while its various adjustment options make it possible to better adapt the chair to its user.
Why it works well in a study space
With its mesh backrest and contemporary silhouette, Entail can easily fit into different environments, whether it is a bedroom, a residential office, or a versatile workspace.
When a student goes from researching on their computer to a reading session, then to a video conference class, they constantly change positions. A chair offering several adjustments makes it easier to accommodate these different activities and improve comfort throughout the day.
When you plan to work several hours a day, you need to look at the adjustments, the quality of the mechanism, the support provided, and the ability to adapt the chair to its user. Entail falls precisely into this category of products designed for everyday work. It offers the features of a professional ergonomic office chair while maintaining a sufficiently understated design to easily fit into a residential environment.
Which user is it for?
Entail is particularly interesting for:
- students who spend several hours in front of their computer;
- a bedroom or workspace where comfort and aesthetics matter;
- working from home;
- long periods of computer work;
- a workstation shared between studying and working;
- someone looking to move from a consumer chair to a professional-quality chair.
Our verdict
Entail is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile ergonomic chair that can keep up with the demands of school, remote work, and long days at the computer.Its mesh backrest, adjustment options, and design intended for everyday work make it an interesting solution for creating a comfortable space without compromising on style.
3. Eighty Two by Allseating: a comfortable and functional ergonomic chair
For some people, an office chair simply needs to be comfortable, easy to adjust, and capable of keeping up with their daily routine. This is where the Eighty Two by Allseating stands out.
Designed to provide good support throughout the day, the Eighty Two combines a comfortable seat, a breathable mesh backrest, and various features that allow the chair to be adapted to its user.
Why comfort remains essential
When working or studying in the same place for several hours, an uncomfortable chair can quickly become a distraction.
We constantly change positions, move closer to the screen, lean back to read a document, or settle in for a long work session. An ergonomic chair is precisely designed to accommodate these movements rather than forcing the user to remain in a single position.
The Eighty Two offers several adjustment options to allow the user to find a comfortable position suited to their daily use. Its mesh backrest also contributes to a feeling of lightness and promotes better air circulation, which can be particularly appreciated during long periods of sitting.
A chair that adapts to different environments
One of the advantages of a chair like the Eighty Two is its versatility. It can fit just as well in a home study space as in a professional office or a work-from-home workstation.
Its contemporary design allows it to easily blend into different interior styles, without giving the impression that an imposing office chair has been installed in a bedroom or residential room.
Which user is it for?
We would recommend the Eighty Two for:
- a student who spends several hours at the computer;
- someone who studies or works from home;
- working from home;
- a workstation used daily;
- someone looking for an ergonomic chair without getting into an overly complex configuration;
- a person who wants to replace a consumer chair with a true office chair.
Our verdict
The Eighty Two is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile, comfortable ergonomic chair suited to everyday work. It offers the features needed to create a pleasant workstation, whether for studying, working from home, or long days in front of the computer.
Cierra, Entail, or Eighty Two: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Cierra if you are looking for a versatile ergonomic chair that offers an excellent balance between comfort, features, and value for money.
Choose the Entail if you want a comfortable and versatile professional ergonomic chair, capable of supporting you through your studies as well as working from home or long periods of computer work.
Choose the Eighty Two if you are primarily looking for a comfortable ergonomic chair that is easy to adjust and versatile enough to fit into different work or study environments.
There is therefore no one chair that is better than all the others. The best chair is above all the one that matches your use, your needs, and your work environment.
For a Good Back-to-School Season, Don’t Just Choose the Chair: Adjust the Entire Workstation
Even the best chair in the world will not correct a poorly designed workstation. You can buy an excellent ergonomic chair and still adopt poor posture if your screen is too low, your desk is too high, or your keyboard is too far away.
CCOHS recommends positioning the screen directly in front of the user and keeping frequently used peripherals within easy reach to limit uncomfortable positions. The screen should also be positioned in a way that allows the user to maintain a comfortable neck and shoulder posture.
Start with the chair height
Adjust the chair so that the user can sit comfortably all the way back in the seat. The feet should be supported. If this adjustment then places the arms too low in relation to the desk, a footrest can allow you to raise the chair while maintaining support under the feet.
Position the screen correctly
A laptop presents a particular problem: the screen and keyboard are attached together. When the keyboard is positioned correctly, the screen is often too low. For a workstation used daily, it may be worthwhile to place the computer on a stand and use an external keyboard and mouse.
Keep the shoulders relaxed
Armrests that are too high can cause the shoulders to rise. Armrests that are too low provide practically no support. They should be adjusted according to the person and the desk.
And above all: move
An ergonomic chair is not intended to allow you to remain motionless for eight hours. Even an excellent workstation should be accompanied by movement and changes in position.
- Get up periodically.
- Go fill your water bottle.
- Work standing for a few minutes if you have an adjustable desk.
- Walk between study sessions.
- Ergonomic furniture should promote a better way of working, not replace movement.
Can an Office Chair Really Be an Investment?
A common mistake is to compare a $500, $700, or $1,000 professional chair with a $150 chair without considering their respective purposes. Price obviously remains an important criterion. But you should also compare:
- adjustment options;
- seat and backrest dimensions;
- the quality of the mechanism;
- the expected length of use;
- the warranty;
- the quality of construction.
For a chair used one hour per week, investing in a professional model is not always necessary. For a chair used three, four, or six hours every day for several years, the equation becomes completely different.
Trying a Chair Remains the Best Solution
Dimensions and technical specifications make it possible to eliminate several poor choices, but they can never completely replace trying a chair. Two people with exactly the same height can have different proportions. Whenever possible, try several models.
At Solutions M3, it is possible to try a selection of products at our Quebec City showroom; it is recommended to check the availability of the desired model before visiting. Our specialists can also help you compare the different dimensions and options to determine which chair best suits your body shape and your use.
Preparing Your Study Space for a Good Back-to-School Season
The back-to-school season is an excellent time to completely rethink your work environment. Instead of simply placing a new computer on an old desk, take the opportunity to check four elements:
- The chair: Is it suited to the user’s height and body shape?
- The desk: Does it provide enough space to work without clutter?
- The screen: Can it be positioned directly in front of the user and at a comfortable height?
- The lighting: Does it allow you to read and work without unnecessarily creating reflections on the screen?
These small adjustments can transform an improvised homework corner into a true workspace. And this space will probably continue to be useful well beyond the back-to-school season. For many students, the same setup will be used for schoolwork, online classes, research, leisure, and eventually working from home.
That is why choosing a good office chair now can be much more relevant than buying a temporary product that will need to be replaced quickly.
FAQ – Office Chairs and the Back-to-School Season
Q1. What is the best office chair for a student?
There is no single best chair for all students. The choice mainly depends on body shape, number of hours of use, budget, and the level of adjustment desired. For excellent value for money, the Cierra is an interesting option. The Entail focuses on a good balance between comfort, ergonomics, and versatility, while the Eighty Two is an interesting option for those looking for a comfortable ergonomic chair that is easy to adjust.
Q2. How much should you invest in a good office chair?
It all depends on how it is used. For a few minutes of occasional homework, a simple chair may be sufficient. For several hours of daily studying, it becomes relevant to consider a professional-quality ergonomic chair. The cost should be considered over several years rather than based solely on the purchase price.
Q3. Which office chair should you choose for a shorter person?
Particular attention should be paid to the seat height and depth. A standard chair may be too deep for some people. It is therefore important to check the seat dimensions and adjustment options before making your choice.
Q4. What is the difference between a standard office chair and an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic chair generally offers more adjustment options to better adapt to its user.
Q5. Is a gaming chair a good office chair for a student?
Not necessarily. Some gaming chairs are comfortable and offer several adjustments, but their appearance does not guarantee their ergonomics. It is better to compare the dimensions, support, and available adjustments rather than choosing solely based on the “gaming” or “office” category.
Q6. How do you know if an office chair is too large?
If you need to slide forward on the seat to place your feet on the floor or if you cannot comfortably lean against the backrest, the chair may be improperly sized. A seat that is too deep is particularly problematic for shorter people.
Q7. How do you properly adjust an office chair?
Start by adjusting the height so that the feet are properly supported. Then position the pelvis all the way back in the seat and adjust the depth when this feature is available. Adjust the armrests to keep the shoulders relaxed, then adjust the backrest and its tilt. Finally, adjust the screen and peripherals according to this position.
Q8. Why buy a professional chair for the back-to-school season?
Because a chair purchased for studying can eventually become a chair used for working from home or a first professional job. Choosing a durable and sufficiently adjustable product from the beginning can help avoid having to buy several chairs successively.