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Ask HN: Best chair for programming?

by jnankin on 3/1/13, 5:49 PM with 16 comments

Not looking for a fancy comfy chair. On the contrary, I'm looking for something that keeps me sitting upright, not leaning back, yet allows me to sit and work for long periods of time without making me stand up because it's so freaking hard.

Right now I'm dealing with a wooden chair, like the kind you'd find at a kitchen table. I've found that to be better than anything at staples/office depot for my productivity.

  • by vellum on 3/1/13, 6:20 PM

    I still like the Aerons. You can get a cheap knockoff on Amazon for $150-200, or a used one off Craigslist. Whatever one you end up going with, I'd recommend trying it out in person first.

  • by pooMonger on 3/1/13, 9:59 PM

    Interestingly enough, from what I've read [1], a slight lean to your posture is actually recommended, and considered the healthiest position when sitting in a chair for long periods of time.

    I've purchased <$120 chairs for a long time from the usual suspects, Office Depot, Staples, etc. and the padding in the seat just goes to shit after a year. As if I'm sitting on wood, resulting in lower-back-pains galore.

    Today, I'm using a Humanscale Freedom with headrest that I got off craigslist used, but reupholstered, for $400. It's one of the best investments I've ever made. I sit in this chair up to 10 hours a day, and not the slightest bit of back pain.

    Can't recommend it enough, so my advice would be to seriously consider stretching your budget ever so slightly. Your future 70-year-old self will thank you (and me if you remember this recommendation!).

    [1]: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6187080.stm

  • by jedmeyers on 3/1/13, 6:32 PM

    I recommend taking a look at Steelcase Leap. It has a lot of features and a multi-level reclining back.

  • by eswat on 3/3/13, 8:32 PM

    I’ve been sitting on an exercise ball for the past few months. Don’t really care for the science behind it vs. a real chair, but I do find the constant readjustment to stabilize yourself lets me stay on it longer than if I had sat on a chair.

  • by shail on 3/2/13, 1:59 PM

  • by jnankin on 3/1/13, 6:41 PM

    Yeah, also let me add the requirement that it can't break the bank. I can't spend 1k on a chair. Perhaps something more in the 120 or less range.

  • by brador on 3/3/13, 2:45 PM

    Go to a big box office furniture store. Sit in every chair, see what you like.

  • by drharris on 3/1/13, 8:49 PM

    Cue the standing desk weirdos...

    Get something <$100 that doesn't have armrests and doesn't lean back (or else it locks such a function solidly). It will force you to sit correctly.

  • by briajens on 3/1/13, 7:45 PM

    Aeron, hands down.