Are Office Chairs Good for Gaming?

Here at Ergo Outlet, we often get asked whether office chairs are suitable for gaming, and if you’ve ever played a video game before, you can understand why!  It’s not just about winning – it’s about how you feel when you finally step away from the screen. So let’s perform a double jump and dive straight into the differences between gaming and office chairs and why an ergonomic office chair might be your perfect companion for those long gaming marathons.

Office Chairs vs. Gaming Chairs: The Battle Begins

When choosing a chair for your setup, it’s essential to understand the differences between office and gaming chairs. Both are designed for sitting, but their purpose and features can differ significantly.

Gaming Chairs

Gaming chairs have gained popularity for their bold designs and features tailored specifically to gamers. A high quality gaming chair will often include high backs, headrests, and lumbar pillows that can help support the body during prolonged gaming sessions. However, their bucket style seats and brightly coloured designs can sometimes prioritise style over substance. In particular, we think cheaper gaming chairs are gimmicky and certainly don’t serve a purpose, other than trying to look good and cause destruction to your back!

Office Chairs

In contrast, a good quality office chair is designed to offer longer lasting support with their ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar support, armrests, and seat depth. They may lack the flashy flair of gaming chairs, but their design focuses on preventing fatigue and promoting better posture, which can be crucial for those of you who spend hours glued to the screen.

Why Ergonomic Office Chairs Are Ideal for Gaming

So, can you use an office chair for gaming? Absolutely, as long as it’s ergonomic. Here’s why:

Posture Matters

An ergonomic office chair is all about providing personalised support and keeping you perfectly aligned. It helps promote a neutral spine position, which means you can focus on your game without worrying about aches later.

And for the dubious among us – I hear you ask, is it really that important? Yes! Leaning forward can increase pressure on your spine by up to 200%. Gamers are notorious for leaning forward from concentration, which can lead to ‘gamer lean’ a posture that’s tough on the back.

Long Lasting Comfort

Ergonomic office chairs are built to support your body throughout the day. The materials are carefully chosen for durability and breathability, and the seat padding often provides balanced support without sagging over time.

It’s also important to note that not every office chair is ergonomic. Standard models often lack key features like lumbar support or seat depth adjustment. They may seem appealing due to their lower cost, but gamers who sit for long hours will quickly feel the strain on their backs and necks.

Built Just for You

Not all gamers are the same size or have the same preferences. Ergonomic office chairs typically come with multiple adjustment options to cater to different body types and postures. Whether it’s seat height, armrest angle, or backrest tilt, an office chair can be adjusted for the perfect fit.

Our Choice

Right, we’ve told you why an ergonomic office chair is perfectly fine for gaming. And if you’re happy with that, then feel free to browse our range of ergonomic office chairs online today, available in new and used options.

But what if we could only pick one? In that case, we’d go for something that offers the best of both worlds and opt for the XiliumG gaming chair. It is one of, if not the best gaming chair in the UK today.

Either way, we definitely think it’s important to invest in a chair that helps you keep good posture and stay comfortable, so you can focus on winning your next match!