Executive chairs are durable and attractive office chairs designed for use by managers and executives. The chairs normally feature a higher back and additional padding in comparison to the simpler and more practical chairs utilized by other employees. Executive office chairs are available in mass-produced designs, but may also be custom designed.
The typical executive chair is designed for comfort as well as style. The seat usually includes thick padding that provides cushioning and support that make it possible to sit at a desk for long periods of time without tiring the lower area of the spine. Different brands of these types of chairs offer seat padding that range from very soft to relatively firm. This makes it possible to choose a chair that provides the level of support needed, even if the user has a pre-existing back problem.
Additional padding is also included on the back of the chair. In design, the back may be tufted or solid, depending on the personal preferences of the owner. The frame of the back is usually configured to promote proper posture, which also helps to relieve stress on the spine.
The arms on an executive chair may be padded or be designed with exposed wood that is stained and sealed to match the upholstery for the back and seat. Padding on the arms provides support for the elbows and lower arms while resting, without making it necessary to reposition the back or the seat. This means that even when the executive is taking a moment to pull away from the desk, it is still possible to maintain good posture and minimize stress on the lower back.
There are several popular options for the upholstery on an executive chair. Leather is a time-honored option that has remained a favorite today. Less expensive designs often are manufactured with high-grade vinyl or imitation leather. Durable fiber upholstery, such as polypropylene or a similar olefin blend, is also a popular option.
In order to be an efficient piece of office furniture, most models of the executive chair are designed to allow easy movement. A swivel device makes it possible to rotate the body of the chair a full 360 degrees if necessary. Casters on the legs of the chair make it possible to roll to and from the desk to a credenza, file cabinet, or other area of the office space.
Along with mass-produced models, it is also possible to purchase an executive chair that is custom designed. Several manufacturers offer customers the option of choosing a specific blend of materials and styling. There are also companies that offer chairs with unique designs that make use of ergonomics to offer the maximum benefit in terms of relieving pressure on the body.
