Most people like to sit in a chair where they can easily put their feet on the floor. But for some people, such as those who are taller than average, this can mean that they have to bend their knees to sit in their chair. In this article, we will discuss the ideal seat height of an armchair and what to look for when buying a new chair, so that you can always sit comfortably and relax.

What is an armchair?

An armchair is a chair with armrests and a high backrest. The word comes from the Frankish word for 'folding chair' . Another word for armchair is 'armchair' or 'lazy chair'. Nowadays there are many single-seater sofas and lounge chairs , these are also popularly called armchairs.

What factors play a role in the ideal seat height?

When buying a new armchair, it is important to consider the seat height. The ideal seat height of an armchair depends on various factors, such as your height, the length of your legs and the height of your back and of course your personal preference. It is therefore important to consider in advance who usually sits in the chair.

Determining the height

To sit as comfortably as possible, your knees should form a 90-degree angle. Your thighs should rest on the seat and your feet should be flat on the floor.

What are the consequences of a seat height that is too high or too low?

If your seat height is too high or too low, it can have negative consequences for your body. An armchair is for comfort and should help you relax. You do not want to associate your armchair with pain, fatigue, or other discomfort.

Too high

Sitting too high can cause your legs to hang. This pinches the veins and increases the chance of your legs falling asleep. It also makes your legs more tired. People whose feet do not touch the ground often get wobbly feet and can no longer sit still; this can be particularly annoying for a housemate...

There is also the chance that you will sit more forward, in order to reach the ground with your feet. Your back will then receive less support from the backrest.

It is not always the case that a higher seat height makes it easier to get up. Because your feet cannot touch the ground, you have to apply extra pressure with your arms to get out of the chair. In addition, there can be more pressure on your ankles and feet when getting up, which can cause you to sink through your ankles. It is better to choose a lower seat height.

Too low

If your legs are not resting on the seat, this ensures that the pressure is distributed over a smaller surface. This means that your legs can rest less; relaxing becomes more difficult.

Getting out of a low seat height can put more pressure on your knees. This is because the angle in your knees is less than 90 degrees. Getting out of your chair then feels more like a fitness exercise. Better to choose a higher seat height.

What else should you look at when choosing an armchair?

When choosing an armchair, it is therefore important to look at the seat height. In addition, there are other comfort features that are important, besides colour and design. The seat depth determines whether the support in your back is optimal. The seat angle can be adjusted in some chairs so that you can switch between active and relaxing. The right arm height ensures that your shoulders are relieved and prevents a painful neck and back. The type of fabric and the right hardness depend mainly on personal preference.

Conclusion

The ideal seat height of an armchair depends on various factors, such as the length of your legs and the type of chair. In general, you can say that the ideal seat height is approximately 40 to 47 cm. Make sure that your knees are at a 90-degree angle. If you are short, go for a lower seat height. If you are tall, go for something higher . On our website you will find various armchairs