Office Chairs

Elevate Your Workspace: The Best Office Chairs in the UK and Where to Buy Them

Why choosing the right office chair matters

Have you noticed how a good chair can make the day fly by and a bad one can feel like sitting on a bag of rocks? Your office chair isn’t just a piece of furniture — it’s the engine that keeps your back happy, your focus sharp, and your posture in check. In the UK, where many of us split time between home offices and shared workspaces, picking the right chair can cut neck pain, boost productivity, and even save you trips to the chiropractor. Think of it like choosing the right shoes: comfortable ones help you do more without thinking about your feet.

Top UK stores for office chairs — overview

If you’re shopping for office chairs in the UK, you’ll find a wide range of stores, from gadget-focused retailers to Scandinavian design specialists. Two shops that stand out in different ways are Menkind and Nordic Nest — one appeals strongly to gamers and novelty seekers, the other to minimalist, high-design lovers. Beyond those, mainstream options like John Lewis & Partners, IKEA UK, Argos, Dunelm, and Wayfair UK cover everything from budget task chairs to premium ergonomic and designer pieces. Each retailer has its own strengths, so knowing what you value most — comfort, style, budget, or brand names — will narrow the field quickly.

Menkind — gaming and novelty-focused chairs

Menkind is well known in the UK for bringing playful, themed, and tech-forward products to the masses, and its selection of gaming chairs reflects that personality. You’ll find models like the X Rocker Agility Esports PC Office Chair and licensed designs such as Noble Hero Star Wars chairs. These chairs often sport bold colours, integrated speakers, and a racing-style silhouette that appeals to gamers and anyone who wants a statement piece. They’re designed to be supportive for extended gaming sessions, though they sometimes sacrifice the subtle adjustability you’d expect from high-end ergonomic task chairs.

Nordic Nest — Scandinavian design and quality

Nordic Nest brings a different sensibility: clean lines, premium materials, and a focus on design classics. If you’re drawn to brands like Muuto and Fritz Hansen, Nordic Nest is a strong contender. Models such as the Muuto Fiber Armchair with swivel base or the Fritz Hansen 3177 Series 7 Junior Chair are examples of how form and function can merge. These chairs are perfect if you prefer a minimalist look, natural materials like oak or beech, and practical comfort for a modern home office.

John Lewis & Partners — trusted all-rounder

John Lewis & Partners is a go-to for many UK shoppers because it blends reliable customer service with a wide assortment of chairs — from ergonomic office models to designer collaborations. Expect solid build quality and a range of price points. If you want reassurance and a test-sit before committing, they’re a sensible stop on your shopping journey.

IKEA UK — budget-friendly and practical

IKEA is often the first stop for many setting up a home office. Their chairs are typically cost-effective, easy to assemble, and designed to fit small spaces. While some IKEA models lack the advanced ergonomics of specialist brands, they offer surprising value, especially if you’re on a tight budget or need a temporary solution that still looks tidy in a compact home office.

Argos, Dunelm and Wayfair UK — wide range and convenience

Argos, Dunelm, and Wayfair UK each bring something useful. Argos is fast and accessible, often stocking popular gaming and office chair brands. Dunelm mixes functional everyday chairs with soft furnishings if you want a cosy look. Wayfair UK offers an enormous selection, making it easy to compare dozens of options at once. These retailers are great when you want variety and the ability to filter by features or price.

Gaming chairs vs ergonomic office chairs: which one fits you?

Are gaming chairs just for gamers? Not at all — but choosing between a gaming-style chair and a dedicated ergonomic task chair depends on how you work. Gaming chairs, like those sold by Menkind (X Rocker series, Noble gaming chairs), tend to have high backs, bold styling, and features aimed at long sessions in front of a screen. Ergonomic chairs focus on adjustability, lumbar support, and posture, often with subtler styling. If you sit for long stretches and switch between tasks, ergonomic adjustability wins. If you want immersive comfort with a sporty look for both play and work, a gaming chair might suit you.

Key gaming-chair perks

Gaming chairs score high on style and comfort for extended sessions. They often have thick padding, bucket-seat shapes, and headrests that feel like a cosy cockpit. Extras like built-in speakers and vibration are fun bonuses. Just be mindful of lumbar support and seat depth — not every gaming chair fits every body type.

Key ergonomic-chair perks

Ergonomic chairs excel in adjustability: seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, recline tension, and armrest adjustments. These features let you fine-tune the chair to your body, which reduces strain over a long workday. Designer ergonomic chairs, such as those from Muuto or Fritz Hansen, combine aesthetics with function, giving you both comfort and style.

How to choose the right chair — an easy checklist

Shopping for a chair can feel overwhelming, so let’s break it into bite-sized checks. Think of this as a packing list for comfort: seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, armrests, materials, and adjustability. If you tick the right boxes, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like knees sitting too high or a seat that’s too shallow. Here’s how to approach each factor.

Seat height and depth — the foundation

Seat height matters because your feet should rest flat on the floor with thighs roughly parallel to the ground. Aim for a seat height range that covers about 18 to 22 inches so you can fine-tune your sitting position. Seat depth is about whether your back is supported while leaving about 2 to 4 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. Too deep, and shorter users won’t get proper lumbar support; too shallow, and taller users may feel unsupported.

Lumbar support and backrest

Lumbar support is often the make-or-break feature for comfort. Look for chairs with adjustable lumbar support or a shape that naturally cradles the lower back. Backrests that allow for some recline can relieve pressure on spinal discs, especially when you switch between typing and reading. Think of lumbar support like the shock absorbers in a car — they smooth the ride and reduce long-term wear and tear.

Armrests and arm support

Adjustable armrests that move up, down, in, and out help keep shoulders relaxed and wrists aligned when typing. Fixed armrests can work but often force awkward shoulder positions. If your work alternates between keyboard tasks and drawing or drafting, armrests that swing away or are height-adjustable are game-changers.

Materials and build quality

Leather or faux leather looks smart and wipes clean, though it can feel warm during long sessions. Mesh backs breathe well and are a go-to in warmer rooms. For a designer aesthetic, natural materials like oak or beech (seen in Nordic Nest’s offerings) give a crafted look. Check the weight limit too — many chairs support around 250 lb, but heavy-duty models go higher.

Adjustability — how flexible is your chair?

The more adjustable a chair is, the better you can tune it to your body. Look for multi-axis tilt, adjustable seat height, lumbar support, and armrests. A chair that remembers settings or has preset positions is a bonus if multiple people use it. Think of adjustability like tailoring a suit — good tailoring makes a big difference in comfort and confidence.

Designer and junior chairs: style and scale

Not every office chair needs to be a high-tech task chair. For creative spaces, a designer piece like the Muuto Fiber Armchair on a swivel base blends aesthetics with everyday comfort. For younger users, Nordic Nest stocks options such as the Fritz Hansen 3177 Series 7 Junior Chair and Ferm Living Little Architect Chair in ash — scaled-down designs that look grown-up but fit smaller frames. If you’re setting up a study corner for a teen or child, choose chairs with seat heights and depths appropriate for their size to promote healthy posture early on.

Budget vs premium picks — where to spend and where to save

Let’s be honest: price is a key deciding factor. Budget chairs from IKEA, Argos, and Dunelm can be great for short-term setups or spare rooms, while premium ergonomic models and designer chairs from John Lewis & Partners or Nordic Nest invest in long-term comfort. A good rule of thumb: spend more on adjustability and lumbar support if you sit for seven or more hours a day. Save on looks and accessories if your sessions are shorter. Think of it like shoes again — you might skimp on party shoes, but you invest in ones you’ll wear every day.

Care and maintenance — extend the life of your chair

Keeping your chair in top shape is simple: dust mesh regularly, wipe leather with a damp cloth, and tighten screws once in a while. If your chair has removable covers, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance. For gas lifts and casters, avoid rough floors and consider a chair mat if you roll a lot. Regular maintenance is like routine oil changes for a car — small efforts now prevent big problems later.

Where to try and buy in the UK

Trying a chair in person makes a huge difference. John Lewis stores often let you sit and test multiple models. Ikea also offers showrooms where you can experience heights and materials. If you prefer shopping online, Menkind, Nordic Nest, Wayfair UK, Argos, and Dunelm provide extensive product descriptions and customer reviews to help you decide. Look for retailers that offer good return options or trial periods so you can test the chair at home — after all, comfort is personal.

Final buying tips — quick dos and don’ts

Do sit in a chair for at least 10 minutes before buying when possible. Do prioritise adjustable lumbar support if you sit long hours. Don’t choose a chair purely for looks — style should follow comfort. Don’t forget to measure your desk height and legroom; your chair should tuck comfortably under the desk while allowing your thighs to clear the edge. Finally, read reviews and compare warranties: a longer warranty often reflects better build confidence from the maker.

Conclusion

Choosing the right office chair in the UK boils down to understanding how you use it and what you value most: whether that’s the high-octane comfort of gaming chairs from retailers like Menkind, the refined Scandinavian design of Nordic Nest, or the broad selections found at John Lewis, IKEA, Argos, Dunelm, and Wayfair UK. Focus on seat height, lumbar support, adjustability, and materials, and don’t be afraid to try before you buy. With the right chair, your workspace can become a place where comfort and productivity sit side by side — literally.