Discovering What Your Chair Can Really Do for You
Most of us have been there. You get a new office chair, give the height lever a quick pull until it feels "about right," and then completely forget any other controls exist. It’s a bit like buying a performance car and never taking it out of first gear—you’re missing out on all the features designed to make your ride smoother and more comfortable. A chair that feels just ‘okay’ might actually be draining your energy and focus without you realising it. A truly ergonomic chair isn’t just a place to sit; it’s an active tool for your wellbeing.
The real value of a quality chair from a brand like Pago isn't just in its cushioning, but in its adjustability. Beyond simply moving up and down, these chairs offer a range of office chair adjustments that are meant to fit your body's specific shape and needs as you move through your workday.
Unlocking Your Chair's Hidden Potential
Before you can dial in the perfect setup, you need to know what you’re working with. Take a moment to play detective with your chair. Run your hands under the seat and along the sides to find all the levers, knobs, and paddles. Each one controls a different function designed to support you better.
You'll likely find controls for several common adjustments:
- Seat Height: This is the one everyone knows, usually a large paddle found on one side of the seat.
- Backrest Tilt/Recline: This lets you lean back. It often comes with a tension knob to control how easily the chair reclines.
- Lumbar Support: This might be a sliding pad, a pump, or a knob that adjusts the curve of the lower backrest to support your spine.
- Armrest Position: Look for buttons that let you adjust the height, width, and sometimes even the angle of the armrests.
Just identifying these controls is your first move toward a more personalised and comfortable setup. This focus on adjustability is a big deal in the furniture world. In Australia, the office furniture market is expected to reach US$980 million in revenue by 2025, a trend driven by the growing understanding that our health at work is incredibly important. You can read more about this in a recent market analysis on home and office furniture.
Why Your Current Setup Might Be Holding You Back
If you consistently wrap up your day feeling that familiar ache in your neck, lower back, or shoulders, your chair's setup is a probable culprit. A frequent mistake is forcing our bodies to fit the chair, when the chair should be adjusting to us. For example, if your armrests are too high, you might be shrugging your shoulders all day without noticing. If your backrest lacks proper lumbar support, your spine might be slumping into an unnatural 'C' shape for hours on end.
Learning to use your chair’s features correctly is a crucial skill for anyone who spends their day at a desk. The same principles apply across different fields; understanding how to apply ergonomic principles in professional environments can dramatically improve comfort and prevent long-term strain, whether you're at a computer or in a specialised setting like a dental clinic. The main goal is to make your chair work for you, not against you.
Finding Your Perfect Height Sweet Spot
You've probably heard the old advice to “keep your feet flat on the floor” when setting up your office chair. While it’s a decent starting point, it’s far from the whole story. It's a one-size-fits-all rule in a world where none of us are built the same. A 185 cm project manager will have very different needs from a 157 cm graphic designer, especially when you consider different desk heights, what shoes you're wearing, and simple personal preference. That classic 90-degree knee angle isn't always the answer; true, lasting comfort comes from a more personalised setup.
Your main goal is to find a neutral posture where your body feels supported, not strained. This typically means your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor, or even angled slightly downwards. This slight downward angle opens up your hips and can do wonders for your circulation, helping to prevent that annoying pins-and-needles feeling in your legs after a long work session.
A Practical Method for Height Adjustment
Instead of obsessing over your feet, try this instead. Stand up in front of your chair and adjust the height so the highest point of the seat cushion sits just below your kneecap. Now, have a seat and see how it feels. Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor without you having to stretch or feeling like your knees are pushed up.
If your feet are dangling, the chair is too high, and a footrest is an excellent solution to bridge that gap. If your knees are pointing up towards your chest, the chair is too low, which can put unnecessary strain on your lower back.
Getting the height right is a critical part of your overall office chair adjustments. It prevents a domino effect of bad posture. For example, a chair that’s too low might cause you to hunch your shoulders to reach the keyboard, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain down the track. Our detailed Pago guide has more on fine-tuning your entire setup. For extra tips, you can learn more about how to adjust your office chair on our blog.
To help you visualise the best position for your body, here's a table with some general guidelines based on user height. Remember, these are starting points, so always listen to your body and adjust for your unique desk and comfort needs.
This table provides a great foundation, but don't treat it as a strict rule. The best setup is one that feels right for you and supports you comfortably throughout your workday.
Seat height also influences how you use other features, like the backrest recline. As this infographic shows, comfort ratings change significantly with different recline angles.
The data makes it clear that a gentle recline between 100 and 110 degrees is the sweet spot for most people. This position helps relieve spinal pressure much more effectively than sitting bolt upright at 90 degrees.
Don't be afraid to make small adjustments throughout your day. You might find you prefer a slightly higher position for focused typing and a lower, more relaxed one for leaning back during a video call. The most important thing is to listen to your body and adjust your chair to match its needs.
Mastering Armrest Positioning Like a Pro
Armrests often get a bad rap. Some people find they get in the way, bumping against the desk or forcing an awkward posture. The truth is, when used correctly, they are one of the most powerful tools in your ergonomic arsenal, taking a significant load off your neck and shoulders. The goal isn't to rest your arms on them constantly, but to have them available as a support system when needed, preventing shoulder fatigue.
The secret to effective armrest use is to position them as a natural extension of your body, not as an afterthought. Start by sitting with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Now, bring your forearms up to form a roughly 90-degree angle at the elbow, as if you’re about to type. This is the height your armrests should meet. If they are too high, you’ll find yourself shrugging; too low, and you'll slump to one side. This single adjustment is a key part of your overall office chair adjustments.
Finding the Right Position for Your Tasks
Beyond just height, consider the width and angle of your armrests. They should be close enough to your body that you don't have to splay your elbows out to use them. For typing-intensive work, pivoting the armrests slightly inwards can provide excellent forearm support, keeping your wrists in a more neutral position.
However, the "set and forget" approach doesn't work for armrests. Your needs change depending on your activity.
- Intensive Typing: Position the armrests to support your forearms, keeping your shoulders relaxed and preventing wrist strain.
- Mouse Work: Many people find success with an asymmetrical setup. Try lowering the armrest on your mouse-hand side slightly to allow for a greater range of motion without your elbow bumping the rest.
- Video Calls: During meetings, you might prefer the armrests slightly higher to support your arms while you lean back and listen, giving your shoulders a break.
Don’t be afraid to move your armrests out of the way completely. If you need to pull in close to your desk for detailed work or if they simply feel restrictive, lowering them all the way down is a perfectly valid adjustment. The best setup is one that adapts to your workflow, providing support when you need it and disappearing when you don’t.
Getting Your Back Support Exactly Right
When it comes to back support, a lot of us have it backwards. We tend to think it should feel rigid and firm, almost like a brace forcing us into a perfectly straight posture. The truth is, your spine isn't a straight line; it has natural curves. Good back support isn't about flattening those curves but gently supporting them. Many physios will tell you that cranking the lumbar support to its maximum setting can actually cause more problems, creating uncomfortable pressure points rather than offering relief.
A better way to think about your lumbar support is as a small, gentle cushion that fits snugly into the curve of your lower back. It’s there to give a subtle nudge, helping you maintain a healthy posture without feeling like you're being aggressively propped up. This small adjustment is a crucial piece of the ergonomic puzzle and a key step in our overall office chair adjustment guide, as it helps prevent the slouching that so often leads to those dreaded afternoon backaches.
Dialing in Your Backrest Angle and Lumbar Prominence
Your ideal backrest position isn't a "set it and forget it" deal; it should change with what you're doing. For general computer work, a slight recline of about 100-110 degrees is often best. This angle actually reduces pressure on your spinal discs much more effectively than sitting bolt upright at 90 degrees. If you’re leaning in for some deep, focused work, you might pull it more upright. Then, for a relaxed video call, leaning back a bit further can make a world of difference.
People are definitely paying more attention to these features. This trend is visible in the Australian office furniture market, which was valued at around USD 1.17 billion in 2025 and is expected to climb to about USD 1.40 billion by 2032. This isn't just about stylish chairs; it's driven by a demand for truly ergonomic options that improve health and productivity. You can discover insights into the Australian office furniture market to see how this demand is shaping the industry.
Troubleshooting Common Lumbar Issues
One of the most common complaints is a lumbar support that just doesn't hit the right spot—it’s either digging into your mid-back or sitting too low. On a quality Pago chair, you can usually slide the entire backrest up or down to align the curve of the support with the curve of your spine. If your chair has a fixed lumbar piece that isn't quite right, don't be afraid to improvise. A small, rolled-up towel or a dedicated lumbar pillow can give you that customised support.
Also, remember that what you're wearing can affect how the support feels. A thick winter jumper, for instance, might mean you need to increase the lumbar prominence slightly to get the same supportive feeling you would in a t-shirt. The aim is to have consistent, gentle reinforcement for your lower back, whatever you're doing or wearing.
Optimizing Movement with Tilt and Recline Features
Sitting still all day is a recipe for stiffness and fatigue. That’s why your chair’s tilt and recline features are so essential—they’re not just for kicking back, but for encouraging micro-movements. These subtle shifts keep your muscles active and your blood flowing, turning your chair from a static seat into a dynamic tool that supports you throughout the day.
Think about how your tasks change. You wouldn't use the same posture for intense spreadsheet work as you would for a relaxed team brainstorming session. For deep focus, a more upright, slightly forward tilt can keep you alert. When you're on a long video call, leaning back into a gentle recline can take a huge amount of pressure off your spine.
Fine-Tuning Your Tilt Tension
The secret to fluid movement lies in the tilt tension, which you can usually adjust with a large knob underneath your seat. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you can lean back with a gentle push from your feet, and the chair holds you there without you needing to brace your core or feeling like you'll tip over. If the tension is too loose, you'll feel wobbly. If it’s too tight, you’ll never actually use the recline feature because it feels like a workout.
For most people, a recline angle between 100 and 110 degrees is the comfort zone. This slight recline is far more supportive for your lower back than sitting bolt upright at 90 degrees. Once you find an angle that feels right for what you're doing, you can use the tilt lock to hold it steady.
To help you match your chair's settings to your daily activities, here’s a quick guide to optimal tilt angles and tensions.
This table shows how small adjustments can support different work styles. The key is to avoid staying in one locked position for too long.
The Overlooked Seat Depth Adjustment
Finally, let's talk about seat depth. This feature, which lets you slide the seat pan forwards or backwards, is crucial for getting the most out of your recline. When you're sitting back, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This gap ensures your thighs are fully supported without cutting off circulation to your lower legs. It also guarantees you’re making proper contact with the backrest, which is where all that important lumbar support comes from.
For a more detailed look at how your backrest and lumbar settings work together, check out our complete guide to office chair lumbar support.
Solving Common Chair Adjustment Frustrations
You’ve followed all the steps to set up your new chair, but something just feels… off. Don't worry, this is a pretty normal part of the office chair adjustments experience. Sometimes, a chair feels strange at first because your body has simply gotten used to sitting with poor posture. The first step is often just giving your muscles some time to adapt to a new, healthier position.
Another common issue is when the chair's dimensions don't quite line up with your body. Maybe the lumbar support digs in too high on your back, or the armrests are too tall to let you slide under your desk. This is where a bit of creative problem-solving can go a long way.
Bridging the Comfort Gap
When your chair's built-in adjustments don't fully meet your needs, some well-chosen accessories can make a huge difference.
- For Chairs That Feel Too Big: If the seat is too deep and you can't get your back against the backrest, a good quality back cushion can be a game-changer. It adds comfort and pushes you forward, making sure your lower back gets the support it needs.
- For Chairs That Feel Too Small: Is your desk a bit too high for your chair's maximum height? A solid footrest is essential to keep your feet properly supported and maintain good posture.
- For Limited Adjustments: If your armrests are fixed at an awkward height or are broken, you might be better off removing them completely. You can then use a desk-mounted arm support to get the positioning just right.
It's also important to know when it's time for an upgrade. The Australian office furniture market is growing, with revenue for desks and chairs projected to hit around US$665.80 million in 2025. This shows a clear trend towards people investing in highly adjustable, ergonomic chairs that properly fit their bodies. You can read more about this in the market outlook for Australian office furniture.
Sometimes, the problem isn't one single setting, but how they all interact. A slight change in your seat height can completely alter how your back support and armrests feel. Think of it as an interconnected system. If you're finding it hard to strike that perfect balance, our guide on how to master office chair posture offers a broader look at aligning your entire workspace for better comfort and wellbeing.
Keeping Your Setup Working for You Long-Term
Getting that "just right" feeling with your chair is a great start, but it's not a set-and-forget task. The perfect setup is a living thing, not a one-time project. Your ideal office chair adjustments will naturally shift as your body adapts, your work habits change, or even as the seasons change the clothes you wear. That perfect recline angle you found in summer might feel a bit tight when you're wearing a bulky winter jumper.
Staying in Tune with Your Body
Think of your chair settings like a regular check-up. Ergonomic specialists suggest doing a periodic review to make sure your chair is still doing its job properly. Why not set a reminder every couple of months to quickly run through your main adjustments—like height, backrest angle, and armrest position?
Ask yourself a few simple questions: am I still comfortable at the end of the day? Have any new aches or pains started to appear? These are little signals from your body that it might be time for a tune-up. Making small, proactive tweaks can stop a minor discomfort from turning into a nagging, long-term problem.
To make this process easier, especially if you share your workspace, try taking a quick photo of your levers or jotting down your preferred settings. A simple note like "seat height lever all the way up" or "lumbar knob turned 3 times" can save you a lot of fiddling around. It’s also a handy reference when you need to gently guide a colleague or family member on how to return your chair to its perfectly personalised state.
Your Chair in a Broader Context
While keeping your chair's mechanics in top shape is key for long-term comfort, it’s just one piece of the ergonomic puzzle. Step back and consider how your whole environment affects your wellbeing. For a wider view on creating a healthy and effective workspace, including some great tips on cutting down distractions, you might find some useful ideas on how to create a productive workspace.
Ultimately, understanding what makes a chair ergonomic means seeing it as a dynamic tool that adapts with you, not just to you. To dive deeper into the core principles behind this, feel free to check out our guide on ergonomic chairs.
When you invest in a quality Pago chair, you're not just buying furniture; you're bringing an adaptable partner into your work life. Explore our range of ergonomic solutions to find a chair that will support you for years to come.