How to choose the right chair size

Chair height standards for different types
When calculating the standards for chairs, designers take into account the features of human anatomy, combination with other furniture - dining, writing, computer tables.

Also take into account the purpose - for eating, writing, working at a computer, reading, relaxing.

Chairs with backs
The dimensions of the chair with a back are regulated by GOST 13025.2-85. Among the main parameters:

Seat depth - 360-450 mm.

The minimum width of the chair is 360 mm, the maximum is 500 mm, the optimal is 420 mm.

The inclination of the seat relative to the floor - no more than 5 ° with a slope towards the back.

The angle between the seat and back is 95–110°.

The optimal inclination of the backrest relative to the vertical axis is 13–15 °.

The maximum backrest tilt allowed is 24°. A larger angle requires a headrest, this option is suitable for relaxing, reading, watching TV.

The optimal height of the chair, taking into account the backrest, is 900 mm. In this case, the back itself should not be lower than 450 mm.

The distance from the floor to the seat surface can vary from 420 to 480 mm. The ideal height of the chair is selected individually: in the sitting position, the heels should be pressed to the floor, and the knees should be slightly above the level of the hips.

An important point is the height of the armrests, if any. The minimum value is 110 mm. Comfortable - 180-250 mm. You can choose the right model only by experience. The arm on the armrest should lie freely. In this case, the line of the shoulders should remain flat, and the shoulder itself should be lowered.

Stools
When choosing a stool, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the seat and the height of the supporting surface.

Most products have square seats with a side of 320–450 mm. There are also oval and round models with a diameter of 350 to 400 mm. Choose so that the pelvis fits completely on the surface - then it will be comfortable to sit.

The height of the chair-stool according to GOST can be 420–480 mm.

Since stools are more often used together with a dining table, the distance between the knees and the tabletop is taken into account when choosing a height. It should be more than 150 mm, otherwise it will be inconvenient to get up from the table.

Adjustable chairs
Products with adjustment must have a reliable support, as they are originally designed for people with different weight, build, center of gravity. The ideal option is a five-beam support with a diameter of 700 mm.

The height from the floor to the seat surface can vary from 460 to 600 mm. This is the standard for adult models with a gas lift, or gas spring: the mechanism provides the most smooth and easy adjustment, allowing you to change the height as often as necessary.

The range of values for children's adjustable models depends on the age category, it can vary from 220 to 470 mm. Children often take growing structures made of wood, metal, plastic with grooves on the legs, rearrange the seat as the child grows. This is not as convenient as a gas lift, but it eliminates the child's accidental change in height.

Classic children's models with adjustment involve the use of tools - Phillips screwdrivers, pliers. More modern ones have a built-in latch with a comfortable handle.

The main parameters to consider when choosing values from this range are:

The height of the seat of the chair depends on the height, the height of the tabletop. In the sitting position, the angle at the knees is straight, the feet are pressed to the floor.

Comfortable depth less than the length of the hips by the width of the palm.

The optimal width is greater than the width of the hips in the sitting position by 100 mm.

Extra options:

Support type.

The classic version is four legs of a straight or curved shape. The stronger the bend of the rear legs and the distance between them, the more stable the whole structure.

Folding models often consist of a U-shaped or L-shaped hollow profile - it facilitates the product.

Office versions with height adjustment have one central axle, a five- or six-beam base at the bottom - it is better to take models with locking wheels.

Backrest height.

According to GOST 13025.2-85, the back bend supporting the lower back should be at a distance of 160-200 mm from the hard seat, 145-175 mm from the soft surface. Here it is important to take into account your physiological characteristics: the bend located at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra will be the most convenient.

Back width.

The ideal width of the back is equal to the transverse diameter of the thoracic region. The width of rectangular products is measured along the upper edge, trapezoidal - in the area of ​​the blades.

Armrest shape.

The most ergonomic is the shape with a recess in the place where the elbow is placed. It excludes compression of the radial nerve, prevents numbness of the fingers, which is felt as a tingling sensation.

Armrest slope.

The slope is negative - from the back, positive - to the back. Chairs with negatively deflected armrests are placed in meeting rooms, concert halls, waiting areas. On them, the hands rest, take a natural position. Positively sloping armrests are comfortable when using the keyboard at the edge of the table. For both types, the maximum slope angle is 15°.

headrest position.

The headrest is an optional item, but soft office models are often equipped with it. In order for the head restraint to be comfortable to use, it should be directly opposite the neck.

filler thickness.

The stiffness of the seat depends on how much filler is put into the seat. A high degree of rigidity is provided by thin foam rubber, felt 6–10 mm thick. Medium - thick foam rubber, foamed polyurethane with a thickness of 500-600 mm.

Another parameter is the overall dimensions of the chair. It is important to take them into account when compiling a dining set: 150 mm should remain between the outer chairs and the legs of the table, as well as between the chairs themselves. If the chairs are more closely spaced, those sitting at the table will interfere with each other, and those who are on the edge will not be able to freely leave the table.