Human walking is arguably the most significant development in our species’ history.
Walking on two feet freed the hands, which meant our distant ancestors could experiment with crafting tools, gather food from difficult-to-reach places, and communicate effectively with simple gestures. Cut to four million years or so forward, and we now spend their time seated at a desk. Isn’t it ironic?
Since the concept of a nine-to-five is relatively new (in history’s timeline anyway), our bodies haven’t caught up. It’s vital to support our spines as they adapt to our sedentary lifestyles.
In an ideal world, we’d all have high-end Herman Miller chairs which promise to support the lumbar and thoracic regions of the spine to promote a healthy posture in the workplace. But few have £1,000 to splash out on an office chair.
As such, it’s important to combine a knowledge of proper posture and a value-for-money office chair to prevent future spinal and neck damage. We’re no saints when it comes to posture here at ES Best, we’re as guilty as anyone of slouching throughout the workday. With the help of a posture trainer and some sheer dedication to the cause, all of us can work to conquer the art of sitting.
We’ve curated a selection of the best budget office chairs to help keep your posture on point.
Best budget office chairs at a glance
- Best for colourful comfort: Naspaluro Office Desk Chair - £56.99, Amazon
- Best for uber-plush excellence: Farrington Gurney Office Chair - £78.99, Wayfair
- Best for budget ergonomics: Ergonomic Resilient Swivel Office Chair BS3 - £99.99, FlexiSpot
- Best for active sitting: Height Adjustable Wobble Stool BH4 - £99.99, FlexiSpot
- Best for stylish practicality: Flintan Office Chair With Armrests - £95, Ikea
- Best for 9-5 gamers: Vinsetto Gaming Chair - £139.99, Amazon
- Best for lower-back support and easy stowage: Hbada Office Chair Desk Chair Flip-up Armrest Ergonomic Task Chair - £110.49, Amazon
- Best for breathability: Moon Mesh Back Operator Chair - £101, FurnitureWork
Shop now
Naspaluro Office Desk Chair
Best for: colourful comfort
Complete with a supportive S-shaped headrest, the Naspaluro computer chair offers supreme supportive comfort in your choice of stylish colours.
The design features five different user-friendly adjustment settings with an adjustable headrest, armrest, seat height and even a rocking mode for those lean-back and ponder moments. The nylon wheels rotate 360 degrees, and the seat cushion is filled with high-density, soft and durable sponge. The entire chair is covered in high-quality polyester mesh for breathability.
Buy now £56.99, Amazon
Farrington Gurney Office Chair
Best for: uber-plush excellence
Ergonomic office chairs aren’t exactly renowned for being stylish. Yet this design has a certain something.
It’s not all looks though: it’s easy to store, armless, and upholstered, keeping you comfortable throughout the workday without ruining your home office aesthetic. It’s equipped with adjustable seat height and sits on five 360° swivel wheels.
Buy now £78.99, Wayfair
Ergonomic Resilient Swivel Office Chair BS3
Best for: budget ergonomics
The BS3 by FlexiSpot is one of the most wallet-friendly ergonomic office chairs that we’ve found. Dynamic, adjustable lumbar support helps to maintain the natural curvature of the spine while three levels of tilt allow users to switch easily between work, relaxation and resting posture. Even the armrests are height-adjustable so that you can find a supportive position easily.
Buy now £99.99, FlexiSpot
Height Adjustable Wobble Stool BH4
Best for: active sitting
For those interested in active sitting, this height-adjustable stool from FlexiSpot is a great entry-level option. It operates on a 360° swivel and tilts at an angle of 15° for supreme flexibility. The chair cushion is composed of 8cm of cushy sponge with a breathable polyester cover.
Buy now £99.99, FlexiSpot
Flintan Office Chair With Armrests
Best for: stylish practicality
No one does practical style quite like everyone’s favourite Swedish furniture company. IKEA’s ergonomic office chair has a high backrest for superior support, as well as a breathable mesh covering for comfort all day long.
It’s equipped with automatic tilt tension which allows your body weight to determine how much resistance the backrest offers, and this in turn creates spine-supporting active sitting.
What’s more, the swivel castors are covered in rubber for smooth movement on any surface.
Buy now £95.00, IKEA
Vinsetto Gaming Chair
Best for: 9-5 gamers
Though on the slightly pricier end of the spectrum, this versatile gaming/office chair from Vinsetto is designed to provide 9-5 comfort and support. Filled to the brim with supportive and comfortable padding, it’s got an adjustable height lever situated just under the seat of the chair and extra supportive thoracic padding on the ridges.
Buy now £139.99, Amazon
Hbada Office Chair Desk Chair Flip-up Armrest Ergonomic Task Chair
Best for: lower-back support and easy stowage
A poor seating situation spells trouble for productively working at home. Either you’re constantly fidgeting to get comfortable, or you’re bending your body into painful, unnatural positions around your chair.
Not so with this design. The mid-back chair features an ergonomic backrest that fits in the lower back to keep it supported and help prevent pain. Meanwhile, the mesh back allows airflow to your back, while giving it strong support. The best part is, if your working-from-home set-up is in your living room, bedroom or alcove, you can bend the backrest forward and tuck in the armrest before sliding it under your desk.
Buy now £110.49, Amazon
Moon Mesh Back Operator Chair
Best for: breathability
Available in a choice of colours including the orange seen here, this chair is a great option for anyone who can’t bear the thought of a looming black or grey chair crossing their threshold. The tall back is curved to help support your posture, and it also features folding arms, gas height adjustment, fully reclining tilt mechanism and weight tension control.
Buy now £101.00, Furniture Work
