Most of us didn’t give much thought to our home office setup until we found ourselves spending eight or more hours a day in it. The desk might be a repurposed dining table, the lighting a mix of natural light and a lamp from the guest room. But the chair—that’s where things get serious. If your chair isn’t working for your body, your body will let you know.
Back pain, stiff shoulders, numb legs—these aren’t just minor annoyances; they are signs that your home office chair is failing you. And in a world where remote work is here to stay, investing in the right chair isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Ergonomics is the buzzword, but what it really means is designing your workspace to support your body’s natural alignment. A good chair encourages movement, supports your lower back, and keeps your hips and knees at the right angles. It’s not about sitting still like a statue—it’s about sitting smart. The wrong chair can lead to chronic discomfort, reduced productivity, and even long-term health issues. The right one can make you feel like you’re working in a space that respects your body as much as your brain.
There are plenty of options out there—from high-end boutique brands to budget buys that look good but feel terrible. In the Ottawa area alone, you’ll find dozens of retailers offering everything from sleek designer chairs to utilitarian task seating, and the online marketplace expands those choices exponentially. But more options don’t always mean better outcomes. Without knowing what to look for, it’s easy to end up with a chair that looks great in your home office but leaves your back and shoulders begging for mercy by midweek.
That’s where IKEA quietly gets it right. Their chairs are thoughtfully designed, reasonably priced, and surprisingly comfortable. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re just making sure it rolls smoothly.
MARKUS Office Chair
Colours: Available in light grey or dark grey (pictured above)
Height-adjustable seat: Yes
Seat depth: 47 cm
Armrests: Yes
Price: $229.00
One of the most popular choices is the MARKUS chair. It has a high back, built-in lumbar support, and a breathable mesh design that makes long hours more bearable. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants comfort without sacrificing style.
HATTEFJÄLL Office Chair
Available colours: beige/white (pictured above), dark grey/black, green/black, medium grey/white, red/white
Height-adjustable seat: Yes
Seat depth: 40 cm
Armrests: Yes. Adjustable armrests
Price: $299.00
Another standout is the HATTEFJÄLL, which offers a sleek design and adjustable features that support posture and movement. It feels custom without the custom price tag.
FLINTAN Office Chair
Available colours: beige, black (pictured above)
Height-adjustable seat: Yes
Seat depth: 49 cm
Armrests: Available as an extra
Price: $79.00
For smaller spaces or hybrid setups, the FLINTAN chair is compact and supportive. It’s proof that ergonomic doesn’t have to mean oversized. 
STYRSPEL Gaming Chair
Available colours: Dark grey/grey, grey/red (pictured above), purple/black, red
Height-adjustable seat: Yes
Seat depth: 47 cm
Armrests: Yes — attached to the backrest, so they recline together
Price: $299.00
If you want a bit more flair and flexibility, the STYRSPEL chair brings a gaming-inspired design that works just as well for spreadsheets as it does for strategy sessions.
And for those who want something stylish and versatile, the LÅNGFJÄLL conference chair blends ergonomic support with a clean, modern look that fits seamlessly into any home office. Here’s the link: LÅNGFJÄLL Conference Chair
When choosing a chair, it’s important to consider adjustability, lumbar support, seat depth, cushioning, and mobility. Casters should glide, not grind. And don’t forget aesthetics. Your home office is still part of your home, and IKEA’s designs tend to blend well with modern interiors without screaming “corporate cubicle.”
You don’t need to spend a fortune to sit well. But you do need to think critically about what your body needs. IKEA’s lineup isn’t perfect for everyone, but it’s a great place to start—especially if you want a balance of comfort, design, and value.
In the end, your chair isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s your daily partner in productivity. Choose wisely.
Header image: iStock
