Building a comfortable and efficient workstation is an important consideration for all serious traders. Investing in a quality desk chair makes sense. It supports posture, reduces body strains and provides a more comfortable trading experience. That’s why is this post I’d like to discuss my favorite options for the best day trading chair.
If you are just starting out trading and committed to a career as a trader. Then a high quality chair is a great investment. If you’re an experienced trader and spending significant time at your workstation then you really do want to consider the best quality gear.
If your looking for a high quality chair for day trading. In my opinion the Herman Miller Embody is a fantastic option and the best chair for day trading. In this post I will discuss why I believe this is the best option for a comfortable, durable and beautiful looking day trading chair. I’ll also discuss several others options that you also might want to consider.
5 Best Day Trading Chairs Comparison Table
Types of day trading desk chairs
There are huge variety of desk chair styles available. Some have specific designs targeted at supporting posture and maintaining muscular conditioning.
If you have a pre-existing condition or looking to improve poor posture but still required to work at a desk. Then you might want to consider some less conventional seating options such as a balance exercise ball or a medical stool. These options are designed to maintain load on your muscles whilst seated.
However if you prefer a more conventional option. Then there are now available a nice selection of high quality desk chairs. Perfect for day traders. Designed for optimal comfort and posture support.
A good quality day trading desk chair offers a range of adjustments for seating height, chair back angle, arm rest position and built from quality materials.
Best day trading chair
Below is a list of the best day trading chairs. These chairs are beautifully designed to offer the best long term comfort and support for users.
Most high quality chairs require a significant investment. But if you consider the amount of time you spend seating at your desk and the health and posture benefits of a quality desk chair. Its well worth the investment in my opinion.
Herman Miller Embody
My first pick has to go with the Herman Miller Embody. This chair is the ultimate day trading chair. It is beautifully designed. This really is a timeless piece of furniture design for the modern office.
The chair has one of the most unique designs of any chair on the market.
The backrest uses a suspended plastic membrane that’s supported by a plastic skeleton frame. Its designed to move and conform to your back. This flexible structure allows you to stretch and move around while you work.
The chair offers height and backrest angle adjustments. The backrest adjustment also adjusts the lumbar support against your lower back.
Other adjustments include Arm rest and seat pan adjustments.
The arm rests can be moved up and down between 6.5 inches and 11.5 inches from the vertical from the seat. The arm rests can also be moved closer or further from your body. Between 12 inches and 21 inches.
The seat pan depth can be lengthened or shortened. A tilt switch at the back of the chair adjusts the tilt angle of the seat pan.
the seat pan is designed with a coiled spring design that provides a firm and comfortable seat.
The unique backrest and seat design provides an exceptional comfortable experience.
The only real downside of this chair is the price tag. All these unique design features come at a price. But considering the 12 year warranty that comes with the chair. Its a solid investment for any day trader serious about their craft.
| Pros |
- High quality materials and build
- Beautiful design
- Designed for maximum ergonomic support
- Exoskeleton provides a flexible backrest support that moves while you work.
- Multiple adjustments – Including seat pan depth
- 12 year warranty
- Designed and manufactured in USA
| Cons |
- Expensive
Steelcase Gesture
The SteelCase Gesture is consistently rated as one of the best office chairs on the market. This is a beautifully designed chair that has more adjustability options than the other options on this list.
If you tend to have back issues, then the SteelCase Gesture could be perfect for you. The lumbar support on this chair is excellent. SteelCase has designed a chair that fits the natural contours of the body. Ideal for supporting posture and seating health.
The gesture is also designed to fit a wide range of users. There are three different heights available for this chair. Each with height adjustability ranges listed below:
- 14.5″ to 18.25″
- 16″ to 21″
- 17″ to 22.5″
The chair has a full range of motion and plenty of adjustment. The chair has probably the best armrest adjustment out of all of the chairs listed here. The Gesture offers up to 10 inches of width adjustement.
You also have some extra control over the depth of the seat pan, something that most chairs don’t offer.
The build quality of Steelcase chairs in general is excellent. It is clear that Steelcase take a lot of thought into chair construction. The chair is constructed from plastic, steel and fabric components. All the components fit together really nicely. The chair mechanism is also of high quality construction – custom designed for this chair.
The chair can support up to a whopping 400lbs in weight.
The only real downside to this chair is the back support might be a little ‘aggressive’ and unfamiliar to some people.
In summary, this is a chair that has clearly been built to last. It looks great and is available in a large range of colors. If you are looking for a simple, super high quality chair with loads of adjustability options then the Steelcase Gesture is a fantastic option.
| Pros |
- Stylish design
- High quality build
- Huge range of adjustability options
- Contoured lumbar and body support
- Available in a large range of colors
- Supports up to 400 lbs
| Cons |
- Expensive
Branch Verve Chair
The Branch Verve Chair is an upgrade of the popular Branch Ergonomic chair. It offers a slightly more elegant and refined look with (almost) the same adjustment features.
The Branch Verve is an excellent option if you like a large amount of adjustment options. The chair features six points of adjustment, Including:
- Tilt and tilt lock
- Seat height adjustment
- Seat depth
- Lumbar height
- Tilt tension
- Armrest height
The only adjustment limitation (vs the Branch Ergonomic chair) are the armrests. The armrest can only be adjusted up and down. So if you prefer lots of armrest adjustment options then the cheaper Branch Ergonomic chair might be a better choice.
Branch have mentioned future plans to offer fully adjustable armrests and headrest add-on options.
The chair is currently available in 5 colors Galaxy (Black), Coral, Mist (Light grey), Mint and Cobalt.
The build quality of this chair is exceptional. All material and construction is top of the line. The chair is designed in San Francisco, California. The chair base mechanism is engineered in Germany.
The chair is sized for people 5′-6′ (1.52-1.82m) and max weight 275lbs (124.7 kgs)
| Pros |
- Elegant design
- Extremely comfortable ergonomic design
- Great straight back support
- 3D knit breathable back rest
- Available in a range of colors
- Good amount of adjustability
- Designed in USA
- Base mechanism Engineered in Germany
- Affordable price
| Cons |
- Limited arm rest adjustments
Branch Ergonomic Chair
If your looking for a quality ergonomic day trading chair for a great price, it’s difficult to go past the ‘Ergonomic chair’ by Branch.
This chair offers a huge range of ergonomic support and adjustment features. Designed for people of a range of shapes and sizes.
The Branch Ergonomic chair offers 8 points of adjustment. These include:
- 3D Arm rests
- Height
- Tilt
- Tilt tension
- Seat depth
- removable lumbar rest
The chair is currently available in 5 colors Black, Light Blue, Pebble (Light grey), Graphite and Sand. All color options come with an anodized aluminum base.
There is also the ad-on option of an adjustable mesh headrest.
The chair is sized for people 5’2″-6’2″ (1.52-1.82m) and max weight 275lbs (124.7 kgs)
| Pros |
- Extremely comfortable ergonomic design
- Double layer mesh breathable back rest
- Available in a range of colors
- Excellent of adjustability – 8 Points of adjustment
- Designed in Italy
- Very Affordable price
| Cons |
- Not as elegant as the Branch Verve
HON Ignition 2.0
The HON Ignition 2.0 is a budget-friendly option for those that want one of the best day trading chairs but don’t want to blow a hole in their bank account to get one.
On the design front, the HON Ignition 2.0 has a simple understated design. So, it’s ideal for those that want a more low-key design option. The real ‘magic’ of this chair is in the features rather than the design.
The breathable mesh padding at the back of the chair provides nice amount of back support. It can shape to the contours of your body for a really comfortable feel. The lumbar support is also adjustable if required.
Arm rests are adjustable vertically only. The seat cushion also adjusts forward and back. The adjustments in general are limited in comparison to more expensive options:
- Seat depth adjustment of 16.25″ to 19.25″
- Seat height adjustment of 17.12″ to 21.5″
The construction material is a combination of plastic-style mesh, two layers of foam padding with textile material seat, and metal frame construction. For the price point this chair has a really nice built quality. HON also provide a lifetime warranty on their chairs.
The only time that we can see you having issues with the HON Ignition 2.0 is for smaller people. Smaller people (both in height and weight) may find this chair is a touch too big to get properly comfortable. If you are of an average height and weight then you should be fine.
For a full review of the HON ignition chair check out my detailed product review at the link.
| Pros |
- Excellent budget friendly option
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Comfortable backrest and seat
- Simple understated design
| Cons |
- Limited adjustability options
How do you ergonomically sit at a desk?
There are several key features of a desk chair that can assist to provide a more ergonomic seating position. This can assist to take strain of your neck, spine, lower back and prevent poor posture.
What is the best angle for the back of a chair?
The angle of your chair can make a huge difference to your overall comfort and posture.
A perfectly upright position might look and feel to begin the best ergonomic position. But over a long period of time a straight upright posture puts a lot of unnecessary strain on your spine and neck as your body holds itself up.
A better option is to adjust and lock your chair to a recline position to help support some of your body weight. Slightly tilting your chair position can make a huge difference to your comfort over a long period of time.
The angle you choose is mostly a personal choose. But a good recline angle is 15 degrees. Also adjust your seat base to angle down towards the seat back at about 5 degrees.
What is the best chair height?
The height of your chair should depend on the height of your keyboard and mouse. This is typically a fixed height and will dictate your seat height.
To adjust your seat to the correct height. Adjust your seat so that your forearms and wrists align to reach the keys without bending.
To low and your wrists will pinch on the edge of your desk. Positioned to high and wrists will need to bend up to reach the keyboard and mouse.
Should your feet be flat when sitting?
Ideally your feet want to be sitting flat on the floor when seated at your desk. However often this isn’t possible with fixed height desks. Remember the best chair height is positioned for your keyboard and mouse.
If you desk isn’t adjustable. Either consider upgrading your desk or place a small stool or foot rest to support your feet.
At what angle should you place your elbows while sitting and working on your desk?
Your elbow angle will be determined by the angle of your back rest.
Adjusting your seat height to match your keyboard and mouse. Your forearms and wrists should be horizontal to the surface of your desk.
A good recline angle for your back rest is 15 degrees. Your elbows should be at the same angle to the vertical.
Is it better to sit on a hard or soft surface?
Sitting on a firm surface is much better than sitting on a soft seat over a prolonged time.
Your bones are designed to support your body weight. The malleable nature of soft seats offers no support for your spine. A lack of support distributes weight to your muscles that aren’t designed to be loaded for long periods of time.
Firm surfaces help your spine support your body weight. This helps reduce and prevent back pain and strain from bad posture.
Summary
Investing in a high quality day trading chair is a must for all serious traders.
There are huge comfort, health and posture benefits for having a well supported body whilst sitting at your desk. Investing in a high quality chair you can expect to get between 5-10 years good use. It makes sense to invest in a high quality piece of equipment.
If your budget allows. The Herman Miller Embody is fantastic option for a day trading chair. Considering it has a 12 year warranty and the ergonomic and design features. Its worth the price tag. In my opinion it is the best chair for day trading. If your looking for something more affordable. Then consider the Branch Ergonomic Chair or HON Ignition 2.0.
