The search for home furniture and specific chairs for particular needs will land many more options than most can possibly evaluate. Even when the investigation is narrowed to computer-related furniture, selections abound.

If you’re buying office furniture, computer chair choices may have you somewhat confused. Today, there are saddle seats, ergo-balls, standing stools and other choices that waver from the standard chair.

So, to help you make your computer chair choice, keep reading for a helpful overview of the new and unique seat choices available on the market today.

Sitting on an Exercise Ball

The basic principle behind an exercise ball chair is that it forces you to maintain good posture, therefore alleviating stress on your back, shoulder and arm muscles. Also, because you’re holding proper posture and engaging your core muscles to stay erect, you actually also benefit from an all-day abdominal workout.

That said, spending hours and hours on an exercise ball chair can cause pain in the upper legs for some individuals and isn’t recommended for those with tailbone or lower back pain. The lack of support can prevent a tailbone injury from properly healing.

To make sure you’re getting the best use out of your exercise ball chair, ensure that it is the proper size. Typically these balls come in four sizes - 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm and 75 cm. Ideally, when you sit on the ball, your thighs should slope slightly downwards and your hands should be able to comfortably reach the keyboard.

Kneeling Chair

The idea behind a kneeling chair is that your spine is kept erect when you sit in it as the person is forced into an upright kneeling or praying position. Slouching is possible, but often difficult, particularly if the chair is properly adjusted to your dimensions.

Unfortunately, kneeling chairs can actually be quite hard on your knees, especially if you’re using one for hours on end, day after day. Fans of the chair suggest looking for a model with additional knee padding or investing in a Tempurpedic pad designed for the knee.

Saddle Seating Position

When it comes to office furniture, computer chair companies always want to sell you on overpriced, ergonomic wonders that come complete with hundreds of adjustable levers and mechanisms. But, sometimes simple is better.

That’s where the backless saddle seat comes in - it’s simple, but basically engages the user to sit in a comfortable position that causes almost no strain on the back.

However, there is one major drawback to the saddle seat - it’s a seating position that almost needs to be learned. If done properly, it’s an innovative piece of office furniture - computer chair haters will soon be converts. But, the seating arrangement takes some getting used to, and not everyone is instantly sold. It’s definitely a chair you should try out in the store before you buy.