Office Chair Accessories Explained
The main accessories of an office chair include casters, chair legs, gas lift cylinders, bases, seats, armrests, backrest-seat connectors (corner brackets), backrests, lumbar pillows, headrests, footrests, and five-star bases. The functions and purchasing points of each accessory are as follows:
Casters: Usually divided into ordinary casters and PU wheels. PU wheels are made of soft materials and are suitable for use on wooden floors and in computer rooms, as they will not scratch the floor.
Chair Legs: The thickness of the iron frame directly affects the service life of the chair. Surface treatment methods include polishing, painting, baking paint, and electroplating. Among them, chairs with good electroplating quality are less likely to rust.
Gas Lift Cylinders (Height Adjustment Cylinders): Used to adjust the height and rotation of the chair, allowing users to adjust their sitting posture as needed. It is recommended to choose gas lift cylinders that are grade 4 or above and have TUV or SGS certification for greater peace of mind.
Base: The part that supports the seat and is connected to the gas lift cylinder, supporting the entire chair. It acts like a 'joint', connecting the seat cushion, backrest, and gas pressure rod. Its main tasks include fixing and connecting various components, enabling reclining, and providing adjustment functions. Common types include ordinary bases, single-reclining bases, single-reclining bases with locking mechanisms, synchronous reclining bases, wired-control bases, and gravity-sensing bases. Metal bases are more reliable, with a focus on the smoothness of reclining; those that can automatically match the sitting posture are even better.
Seat: Composed of a wooden board, sponge, and fabric. The quality of the wooden board is often not easily noticeable. The quality and thickness of the sponge directly affect comfort, and fabric options include linen, mesh, and leather.
Armrests: The thickness affects quality, with thicker armrests being more durable. Hardcore gamers can opt for 6D (height adjustment + forward and backward movement + left and right sliding + rotation) armrests, while ordinary needs can be met with 4D armrests; at a minimum, they should be adjustable up and down.
Backrest-Seat Connectors (Corner Brackets): The seat and backrest are separate and connected by steel pipes or steel plates. Steel plates are usually 6mm or 8mm thick, and steel plates with a width of less than 6cm must be 8mm thick.
Backrest: Made of a steel frame or plastic frame combined with mesh fabric, providing breathability. Mesh or cotton backrests are more comfortable than plastic ones, offering breathability without sweating. Choosing an aluminum-framed backrest provides stable support, allowing for a 135ยฐ large-angle recline without wobbling.
Lumbar Pillows and Headrests: Their design reflects the comfort of the chair. A suitable lumbar pillow can reduce fatigue from prolonged sitting; it should be adjustable, preferably self-adjusting. Headrests are suitable for users who work long hours; avoid fixed models and prioritize 2D (height adjustment + rotation) or elastic models, preferably with memory foam filling.
Footrests: Choose hidden telescopic models that do not take up space and can be extended for lying down during lunch breaks.
Five-Star Base: Prioritize aluminum alloy models, which have sufficient static load-bearing capacity, do not wobble under heavy weight, and move smoothly.
