Choose the right office chair for yourself

Whether you're working from home or hunkered down for long gaming sessions, the chair you sit in will make or break your experience. Choosing the right one can boost comfort, improve posture, and even prevent back and neck problems down the line. Gaming chairs offer an upgraded seating experience compared to standard office chairs and come in a wide variety of looks that match your gaming setup and personality. While opponents will cite gaming chairs as not being as functional, overpriced strictly for aesthetic purposes, or lacking in terms of warranty, most agree that they offer many features that aren't available on standard office chairs.

Most gaming chairs have the capability to rock from side to side or swivel, allowing for more movement and less static sitting. They also typically have the option to recline to a full 180 degrees, which is something you will not find in a typical office chair. Rocking and reclining are ergonomic features that help relieve the pressure on back muscles and the intervertebral discs of your spine. They can also be very relaxing, and some models even include a massage function that gently moves or vibrates the chair to give you a soothing back rub.

A reclining feature is great for when you want to take a quick power nap during those marathon gaming sessions, or even for when you just need a little more rest after hours of pounding away at Civilization V. A reclining seat is also useful for pregnant women who may need to sit up more or for those who have lower back issues. Most of the gaming chairs with a reclining feature are designed to keep you comfortable for extended periods of time, with some offering lumbar support that adjusts up and down as well.

Almost all gaming chairs offer lumbar support in some form or another. While some are built into the frame of the chair, others have a removable pillow or cushion that can be moved around as needed for support. This allows for positional flexibility and a more custom fit for your back, which can be more supportive than the integrated design of an office chair.

Some gaming chairs are also designed with a sleek racing style aesthetic that can look really good pulled up to your computer setup. However, it's important to remember that the tall wings on a racing-style seat can actually inhibit proper seating and cause discomfort after extended gaming sessions. Those high elevations on the sides of the seat also inhibit leg circulation, so they're not the best option for those who like to cross their legs when gaming or work from home. Most of the gaming chairs that have a racing style aesthetic are more focused on aesthetics than comfort, but they do offer some lumbar and neck support options. Some even include speaker ports for gaming headsets, or colored LED accent lights to highlight your chair. These are features that you will not find on standard office chairs, and may be worth the extra cost if they'll add to your gaming or home office setup.