Chair Size

Having a chair with the correct dimensions for your body can make the difference between a comfortable, supportive chair encouraging good posture, and one which is uncomfortable, unsupportive, and produces poor sitting posture.

You may have the opportunity of being measured by a healthcare professional such as your OT, Physio or nurse, but if not then the guidelines below may help a relative or friend gather the measurements for you. 

Once you have these three measurements (seat height required, seat depth required and seat width required), you can consider some of the chairs on offer, and whether they correspond to your own requirements.

If your current chair has an appropriate seat depth and width for you, but is too low in comparison to your required seat height, you could consider chair raisers.

If you have queries on selecting a chair or chair raisers once you have the three measurements, e mail advice@otstores.co.uk or telephone 0845 260 7061.

• Why is seat height important?

  If the seat is too high, your feet will not touch the floor securely, and it may feel uncomfortable under your thighs. If the seat is too low, it will be more difficult to get out of, and will put pressure on your hip joint rather than distributing it evenly across your thighs.

  
  How to measure seat height

  Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor, and hips and knees at right angles. Measure the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the knees. Note this measurement.

• Why seat depth is important?

  If the seat is too long, you have to lean back to support your shoulders, which may cause you to slump or to slide forwards. Also, the cushion may rub behind your knees. If it is too short, it will not support the full length of your thighs and may be uncomfortable.

  
  How to measure

  Sit comfortably with hips and knees at right angles. Measure from the crease at the back of the knees to the back of the body, then deduct 1½” (30mm). Note this measurement.

• Why seat width is important?

  The seat needs to be wide enough for you to sit comfortably while reading, writing, knitting and so on. If it is too narrow, you may feel restricted and uncomfortable, but if it’s too wide, you won’t be able be able to make good use of the arm rests.

  
  How to measure

  Sit comfortably with your hands by your hips in a loose fist. Measure the distance from the outside edge of one fist to the other. Note this measurement.