5 popular low-back office chairs

In this guide, we explain what characterises a low-back office chair, when it is suitable and what you should consider when choosing one. We conclude with five of our popular chairs that are available with a low back.

What is a low back on an office chair?

A low-back office chair has a backrest that reaches the lower or middle part of the back, often without supporting the shoulder blades or neck. The purpose of the lower backrest is to provide stable support where it is needed most – the lumbar region and pelvis – while giving the upper body greater freedom of movement.

Benefits often highlighted include:

• Greater freedom of movement in the shoulders, neck and upper back
• Easier to stand up and change position throughout the day
• Less visual weight in open-plan office environments
• Often a slightly lower overall height, which can be a practical advantage in flexible environments

At the same time, it is important to understand that a low back is not ideal for everyone. If you sit for many hours at a time in front of a screen, tend to experience tension in the neck and shoulders, or need clear support in a reclined resting position, a mid-back or high-back chair – ideally with an adjustable headrest – may be a better choice.

When is a low-back office chair suitable?

A low-back office chair can be a good choice in several workplace situations.

Active sitting and changing positions. When you regularly alternate between leaning forward towards the keyboard, sitting upright, or getting up and moving around your workstation, a lower backrest can offer less resistance and support natural movement.

Flexible or shared workstations. In offices where several people use the same chair at different times, a lower backrest is often easier to adapt and takes up less visual space.

Short to medium-length screen sessions. For work that does not involve hours of uninterrupted screen time – for example when combined with meetings, in a reception area, at touchdown workstations in the office, or in a workshop environment – a low back can provide sufficient support.

Meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. A low-back office chair can also be suitable in meeting rooms where longer meetings place higher demands on ergonomics and adjustability than a standard conference chair can offer.

What to consider when choosing

The height of the backrest is one of several factors that influence how well an office chair suits your working situation. When comparing chairs, it is worth looking at the whole picture.

• Mechanism. How does the chair follow your movement? FreeMotion® allows the seat and backrest to move independently of one another and encourages active sitting. Synchrone™ moves the seat and backrest in a synchronised, controlled motion. Read more in our guide to finding the right office chair.
• Adjustability. Seat depth, seat height and armrests that can be adjusted in several ways make it easier for more people to use the same chair comfortably.
• Fabric choice and materials. Upholstery, mesh and different combinations affect comfort, breathability and the overall expression of the space.
• Sustainability and certifications. Möbelfakta, EPDs and similar labels provide comparable information for larger procurement processes.
• Available backrest options within the same range. Many of our chairs are available with several backrest options within the same product family, allowing you to choose a low or mid-back version based on the user’s needs without changing model.

The right settings create better conditions for ergonomic sitting. Most importantly, however, you should change position often – your best position is your next position. A correctly adjusted chair, with seat height and armrests tailored to the user, makes it easier to change position naturally throughout the day.