Max. user weight
The highest weight that the chair is guaranteed to withstand with regular use — in other words,
the maximum weight of a seated person, allowing you to constantly use the product in normal mode without fear of unexpected breakdown. Note that many models are able to endure short-term excess weight without problems, however, anyway, it is not worth overloading the structure (and even more so doing it all the time): off-design loads will significantly increase its wear, and breakdown can occur at the most unexpected moment.
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).
Shoulder back width
The width of the back at the shoulders of the intended wearer.
In order to recline as much as possible on the back, this width should be no less than the actual width of the user's shoulders. At the same time, for more or less comfortable use, a smaller back size is also sufficient — approximately corresponding to the width of the back in the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulders (between the outer edges of the shoulder blades). Well, anyway, this parameter is, on the one hand, secondary, and on the other, very subjective. This means that in most cases you can not pay much attention to it, however, if you have already decided to choose the furniture that is the most suitable in size, it is better not to measure your own back, but to test several chairs and determine the most convenient value by experience.
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.
Mechanism
A type of mechanism that provides various adjustments (see below).
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Permanent contact. A mechanism designed to ensure constant contact between the back of the seated person and the back of the chair. Accordingly, the adjustments available when using it relate only to the back, but the list of such adjustments is quite extensive: in height, inclination and depth of the back. At the same time, permanent contact is found mainly in inexpensive chair models.
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Freestyle. Also known as a permanent back support mechanism. Another fairly simple option, concerning only the adjustment of the back of the chair. The back and seat in such models are connected by a flexible plastic cover, which contains a spring; due to a special screw, it is possible to change the degree of compression of the spring, thus adjusting the degree of swing stiffness.
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Tilt(swing). Also known as Top Gun. A mechanism that provides the possibility of rocking back and forth, as well as adjusting the rocking stiffness; in addition, in most cases it also provides the adjustment of the seat height according to the principle of the piastres described above. The adjustment knob is responsible for two functions — gas lift control and swing blocking; rocking stiffness is usually controlled separately. This type of mechanism involves a rigidly connected back and seat.
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— Deep Tilt(deep swing). A variation of the tilt mechanism (see the relevant paragraph), which, in accordance with the name, provides the possibility of a deeper swing. Simply put, in such a chair you can lean back very far, almost lie down. However the seat and backrest in such models are still rigidly connected to each other, and fixation is provided only in one position — vertical (working).
This option is typical mainly for products of the middle and higher price range.
— Freelock. Like the Tilt described above, this mechanism allows free swing and stiffness adjustment. In such chairs, however, fixation in one position is not provided — on the other hand, the backrest in them does not have a rigid connection with the seat and can be separately adjusted in height and inclination.
— Multiblock. In fact, it is an improved and supplemented version of the Tilt described above. Multiblocks not only allow you to swing and adjust the rigidity of the swing, but also provide the possibility of fixing the chair in four positions (instead of one). In addition, they are usually equipped with so-called “anti-shock effect”: when unlocking, the tilt of the chair does not change on its own, for this you need to apply a little effort. This prevents jerks and shocks to the occupant's body when the mounts are released.
— AnyFix. A kind of swing mechanism that allows you to fix the chair in any intermediate position — and not only in those specified by the manufacturer, as is the case with Tilt and multiblocks (see above). Provides maximum freedom in tilt adjustment, however, it is quite expensive.
— MultiFix. Another, along with AnyFix, is a kind of tilt mechanism that allows you to fix the chair in any intermediate position. In fact, from the point of view of the user, these mechanisms fundamentally differ only in name. Accordingly, the advantages and disadvantages of "multifixes" are the same: on the one hand, this is convenience in setting up, on the other hand, a higher cost than, for example, "tilts". Also note that the seat and back in such chairs are usually rigidly connected and lean together.
— Synchro mechanism. The name of this mechanism is due to the fact that the back and seat in it are synchronized in a special way: when swinging, they do not deviate in the same way, but in a ratio of 2:1. It is believed that this provides an anatomically optimal fit to the position of the human body when bending back. In addition, such mechanisms usually have several fixed tilt positions, rocking stiffness settings and an anti-shock system (described in detail in the “Multiblock” paragraph above). This option is considered one of the most suitable for high-quality "director's" chairs (see "Purpose").
— Asynchronous. The asynchronous mechanism assumes the presence of a back and a seat that can change the slope independently of each other; usually, both there and there several fixed provisions are provided. Such designs provide ample features for customization to individual preferences, but the customization itself is not as convenient as in most of the advanced mechanisms described above.
— Piastre. One of the simplest mechanisms, found mainly in low-cost-level models. Allows you to change only the height of the seat. The operation of the mechanism is based on the action of a gas lift — a sealed reservoir with a piston, where gas is pumped under high pressure. The gas lift is located in the support column of the chair, under the seat, and the handle is usually located on the side of this column, within reach of the person sitting, for adjustment. Pressing this knob unlocks the seat and you can adjust the chair as you wish – raise it up and let the gas lift push the seat up, or push it down and lower the height. When the handle is released, the seat is fixed in the predetermined position. Gas lifts are often used in conjunction with other options described below, and the “piastre” type includes only structures that do not have other mechanisms for adjustment — these are mainly low-cost-class chairs.
— React. Mechanism developed by Legett&Platt; React's specific feature is that it combines the rocking of the back with the movement of the seat back and forth. This, according to the creators, provides the most comfortable and at the same time natural movement of the body when swinging. Another interesting feature is that React does not require manual adjustment to the user's weight, the mechanism itself regulates the effort required for swinging. There are usually as many as 8 fixed positions. Armchairs with such a mechanism may outwardly resemble models for staff (see "Purpose") — in particular, they have a back and seat clearly separated from each other — however, with all its advantages, React is not cheap, as a result of which Still, it's more for leaders.
– Relaxing Active System. Another high-end "anatomical" movement, designed for the most comfortable and natural movement; used mainly in furniture from the company Elano. Like the React described above, it combines the swing of the back with the movement of the seat back and forth; in addition, it may also be possible to change the inclination of the headrest depending on the inclination of the backrest. At the same time, chairs with the Relaxing Active System are usually made in a solid classic design, using leather, which makes them look rich and representative, but they also cost accordingly.
— Aircraft. A variation of the rocking mechanism used primarily in AMF chairs. In chairs with this feature, the place of attachment of the seat to the stand is not located in the centre of the seat, but closer to the front edge, at the very knees. This is believed to provide additional comfort and a more natural body position than traditional binding arrangements. Otherwise, this mechanism is similar to the Tilt systems (see above).
— Double springs. A mechanism based on a twin spring that supports the back of the chair and creates impedance when the seated person leans back. The impedance of the springs can be adjusted, thus changing the angle by which the backrest will deflect under the weight of the user. This mechanism is used in some gaming chairs (see "Purpose").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).
Removable cushions
Removable pillows can be both under the head (with their help, the back bend in the neck area is additionally regulated), and under the back (act as an auxiliary lumbar support). Basically, they come in pairs, but it happens that either a pillow for the head or only for the back is supplied with the chair. As a rule, removable pillows are fixed on the belts.
Tilt of the entire chair
The ability to change the
tilt of the entire chair as a whole. At the same time, the back and seat remain motionless relative to each other, and the chair can be fixed at any angle of inclination (within the available adjustment). Note that in some mechanisms - for example, AnyFix and MultiBlock - such capabilities are available by definition, but the matter is not limited to this.