Back height
Chair back height; for models with a variable back height (see "Adjustments"), as a rule, the maximum value is indicated.
The back height is measured from the seat to the top edge. In essence, this is the height of support available to the back. In some situations, you can not pay much attention to this indicator - for example, if the chair is intended for visitors and the role of the back in it is purely symbolic. However, if you have to sit in a chair often and for a long time, this point should also be taken into account. Ideally, it's best to try a few chairs "live" and find out which backrest height is most comfortable for you. If this is not possible, it is worth deciding which area on the body the back should reach (to the shoulder blades, to the base of the neck, etc.) and measure at what height from the seat this area is in a sitting position. And if you need specific support for the back of the head, you should choose among models equipped with head restraints (see above).
Seat size (WxD)
Dimensions of the seat installed in the chair in width and depth (from the back to the front edge). For models with variable depth (see "Adjustments"), the maximum value is taken into account when the seat is pushed forward to the stop.
Most modern chairs are designed for the average adult, so paying attention to size is primarily for people of a large, or, conversely, miniature physique. In width, the average is considered to be 45 – 55 cm, the narrowest models are up
to 40 cm wide, in the widest it can
exceed 60 cm. Similarly, a depth of less than 40 cm is considered small, up to 60 cm — medium, more than 60 cm — large.
Seat height
Seat height from the floor. The optimal height for a person of average height is considered to be 40 – 50 cm, however, this moment is largely subjective, and the comfort of the chair for a particular user depends heavily on his preferences and physique. Thus, many models have the ability to change the height in a certain range (see "Adjustments"). To choose, it is best to determine “live” at what height you are comfortable sitting, and find a model with the appropriate characteristics.
Headrest
The presence of a
headrest in the design of the chair.
The role of the headrest can be played as a stand, made separately from the backrest, and the upper part of the backrest — if it has a pronounced characteristic shape or a pillow is supplied in the kit, which can be installed at the request of the user. The simplest high backs that do not have a characteristic upper part are not considered head restraints.
Anyway, this feature provides additional comfort — especially when reclining back. On the other hand, if you have to sit mostly straight in the chair and the back plays a symbolic role, perhaps the best choice would be a model
without a headrest(especially since such chairs are cheaper).
Backrest tilt
The ability
to change the backrest tilt back and forth. Allows users to adjust the chair depending on how they prefer to sit: straight or slightly leaning back.
Height from the seat
The height of the armrests installed in the chair relative to the seat. In models that have the ability to adjust the armrests in height (see "Adjustments"), the range of such adjustment is usually indicated.
The overall comfort of using the chair depends on the height of the armrests, but this parameter is largely subjective: even people of the same height can differ in physique and personal preferences. So if comfort is of fundamental importance to you, it is best to check live what armrest height is optimal and choose a chair with the appropriate specifications.
Base material
The material from which the base of the chair is made (see "Base construction").
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Plastic. Plastic is notable for its low cost, combined with ease of processing — it can be easily given even a rather complex shape. This material is considered less durable than metal, but modern plastics are able to provide sufficient strength even for chairs designed for high loads (see "Maximum user weight"). However this is true only for bases of the "cross" type; for the legs and skids, the plastic is still not strong enough. However, it is found in models of all price categories.
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Metal. The main advantage of the metal is its high strength, due to which it can be used for all types of bases. At the same time, it is somewhat more expensive than plastic, and therefore, among armchairs with a cross, it is found mainly in models of the middle and higher levels.
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Tree. Wood can be attributed to design materials: it is used not so much for practical reasons as to provide the chair with a stylish and aesthetic appearance. At the same time, it is considered more reliable than plastic (although not as reliable as metal), so it can even be used for skids. However chairs with wooden bases are quite expensive.