What Is The Common Problem with an Armless Desk Chair?

Working for long hours in an office is exhausting as is. Pair it with sitting all day in an armless desk chair – and you’ve got yourself a terrible backache for the rest of the day. The problem with most office chairs is that they aren’t built for comfort.

As a result, customers are left with chronic back and shoulder pain, as well as bad posture. On the other hand, office chairs with armrests can be a solution to such issues. However, too many brands are available on the market, so picking out the best can take time and effort.  

Upgrading to an office chair with adjustable armrest at some point is crucial since most armless alternatives can put a lot of strain on your body and productivity.  

Common Problems of Armless Desk Chairs in an Office

Office chairs without arms not only influence bad posture but can also hinder your performance and productivity. This is because you’re more likely to feel uncomfortable and bothered when sitting on them. Here are a few more cons to an armless desk chair: 

Armless desk chairs offer simplicity and versatility, but they also come with their fair share of drawbacks and common problems that can affect comfort and productivity in an office setting:

1. Lack of Upper Body Support

One of the primary issues with armless desk chairs is the absence of support for the upper body, particularly the arms and shoulders. Without armrests, users may experience strain and discomfort in these areas, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and typing.

2. Limited Ergonomic Features

Armless chairs often lack the ergonomic features found in chairs with armrests, such as adjustable lumbar support, seat depth adjustment, and tilt mechanisms. This can lead to poor posture and increased risk of musculoskeletal issues over time.

3. Reduced Comfort for Extended Use

While armless chairs may initially feel comfortable for short durations, they can become uncomfortable during long hours of desk work. Without armrests to provide resting points for the arms, users may experience fatigue and tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

4. Mobility and Stability Concerns

Armless desk chairs may lack stability, especially when users lean or shift their weight while seated. This can increase the risk of accidents and falls, particularly if the chair lacks a sturdy base or proper casters.

5. Limited Versatility for Varied Tasks

Armless chairs may not be suitable for all types of office tasks. Activities that require arm support, such as writing, reading, or using a computer mouse, can be challenging and uncomfortable without armrests.

6. Potential Space Constraints

While armless chairs save space and can be tucked neatly under desks, they may not be suitable for all body types or preferences. Some users may prefer the added stability and support provided by chairs with armrests, even if they require more floor space.

While armless desk chairs offer simplicity and flexibility, they also come with inherent limitations and challenges that may affect user comfort and well-being in an office environment. It's essential for employers and individuals to consider these factors when selecting office furniture to promote a healthy and ergonomic workspace.

Why It’s Recommended to Use Office Chairs with Armrests?

An office chair with no arms can decrease your productivity levels while increasing physical fatigue simply because of how uncomfortable sitting can be in such chairs.  

However, using office chairs with armrests can give you a place to rest your arms, with added benefits. For example, newer brands are introducing models that come with armrests and a range of other ergonomic features. You can also find ergonomic computer chairs with incredible attributes.

>>Read more:

• 9 Parts of a Computer Chair for Replacement
• Guide on Using Office Chair Armrest Extender
• Ergonomic Office Chairs with Flip-up Arms

How to Choose the Best Office Chair with Armrests

Working long hours can be stressful for most of us. In these times, having an armless desk chair doesn’t seem like the most valuable piece of furniture.  

A modern office chair with armrests can offer users much-needed comfort and an efficient working experience.  

Here are a few pointers that can help you decide between the features offered by different branded chairs: 

• Material: The most common construction material for office chairs is mesh. A good chair will have a breathable mesh back and PU seats. Such designs allow optimal air circulation and prevent moisture from building on the product.  
• Body Support: An ergonomic chair should be able to support your back, shoulders, arms, and feet so that sitting for long hours isn’t physically painful. Look for models that offer lumbar support, adjustable recline, a reasonable degree of tilt, and height adjustment. 
• Soft Cushioning: As an office goer, it’s normal to be sitting in your chair throughout the day. Having a seat with proper cushioning can make a difference in how you feel at the end of it. An ideal office chair will come with durable PU seats and a good amount of bounce. 
• Additional Features: It’s always nice to find a chair that has a range of extra features you can enjoy. Footrests, 3D armrests, and cup holders are a few additional attributes you can look out for in a product.  

Best Ergonomic Office Chairs with Arms

It’s challenging to go for only one brand, especially if you’ve never shopped for an office chair. But don’t worry; we’ll list the 15 best alternatives to an armless desk chair in the section below. 

1. ErgoChair Pro

Available in six bright shades, this adjustable and supportive chair is the first model we’ve chosen as a fantastic alternative to armless office chairs.  

The product comes with five lockable recline positions and lumbar support to ensure you’re sitting in good posture with your spine straight.  

No need to worry about the seat collecting sweat, as the mesh back ensures optimal ventilation all day long. Armrests are padded – making the chair comfortable for users suffering from joint pain.  

The chair has a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs and a seat height of up to 20”. In addition, you can tilt your seat backward to 22°.  

Pros 

• Five recline angles
• Soft PU fabric padded armrests
• Mesh backing ensures proper air circulation
• Moderate seat height adjustability 

Cons 

• Only available in six shades

2. ErgoChair Ultra

This dynamic office chair has a frameless design that ensures unhindered performance. The chair has adaptive lumbar support and breathable mesh backing too. It can hold up to 300lbs, and you can extend the height up to 21”. Recline up to 25° and work in any position you want. 

Pros 

• The unique frameless design is aesthetically pleasing
• Good weight capacity
• Moderate recline capability 

Cons 

• The colors available are not too exciting

3. ErgoChair Recline

If you want a light-framed reclining ergonomic chair for a change, consider this ErgoChair Recline.  

The chair has a weight capacity of 250lbs and comfortable lumbar support. The mesh back and soft PU seat are breathable and prevent unwanted moisture absorption. Extend the seat height to 21”, and enjoy a tilt range of 18°.

Pros 

• Eco-friendly construction
• Breathable PU seats
• Mesh backing allows all-around air circulation
• Moderate weight capacity 

Cons 

• Tilt range of only 18°

4. KERDOM Ergonomic Chair: Advanced Contoured Seat

Another impressive alternative to armless office chairs is this KERDOM chair with patented back and neck support. The highly engineered lumbar support ensures your back stays straight, preventing pressure from building on your spine. Additionally, the chair can hold up to 350lbs and tilt to 135°!  

Pros 

• Impressive neck and back support
• The adaptive lumbar support on the bottom
• Excellent weight capacity
• Highly adjustable recline 

Cons 

• Limited colors offered

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5. Techni Mobili Modern Medium Back Office Chair

If you’re into big and tall office chairs, give this Techni Mobili model a chance. The modern chair has a stitched back that can accommodate up to 220lbs. In addition, padded armrests and a ribbed appearance make this product a perfect alternative to an armless desk chair. Tilt the seat with the control knob and adjust the seat height with the lever underneath it.  

Pros 

• The sleek design makes it perfect for meeting rooms
• Soft padded armrests
• The ribbed appearance is aesthetically pleasing 
• A convenient lever to adjust seat height 

Cons 

• The product can’t recline too much

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6. Logicfox Ergonomic Office Chair: Saddle-shaped Mesh Seat

Take a look at this reclining ergonomic chair, complete with 3D armrests and a high-tensile elastic mesh seat. A desk chair with no arms could never compete with this beauty simply because of its impressive features. With a seat tilt of 130°, this high-quality chair can hold up to 300 lbs. Adjust the seat height to 20” and enjoy working in any position you want!  

Pros 

• 3D armrests are adjustable 
• Durable mesh seat and back 
• High tensile tilt control 
• Head and lumbar support ensure user comfort 

Cons 

• Only available in shades of white and black

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7. KERDOM Ergonomic Chair: Double Lumbar Support

Supporting up to 300lbs., this multi-functional computer ergonomic chair comes with a breathable mesh cushion and back that ensures proper air circulation throughout the day. In addition, the head and lumbar support prevent shoulder and lower-back aches. Adjust the recline to 130° and put your feet on the footrest for a quick nap.  

Pros 

• Moderate weight capacity
• Reclines up to 130° 
• Adequate lumbar and head support
• Convenient footrest included 

Cons 

• You can find this product in only two colors – black and white

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8. Techni Mobili High Back Executive Office Chair

Look at this alternative to an office chair without arms if you want an ergonomic chair for a wooden floor. This light-brown executive design has a contoured racer seat with PU foam padded armrests. You can lock the tilt on this product with a tension knob and adjust the height to 22” with a pneumatic lever. 

Pros 

• The unique light-brown shade blends in well with professional spaces
• The contoured racer seat is comfortable 
• PU padded 3D armrests
• The high tensile knob adjusts tilt and height 

Cons 

• The product might be too large for smaller spaces

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9. Finercrafts The Office Chair: Headrest & Legrest

An impressive substitute for an armless desk unit, FinerCrafts introduced this black office chair with arms while keeping its customers’ comfort in mind. With a weight capacity of 280lbs, this ergonomic product is equipped with three lockable tilt adjustments. In addition, the pneumatic height adjustability lets you find the best position to work in.  

Pros 

• Moderate weight capacity
• Three tilt adjustments 
• Adjustability recline 
• Convenient footrest for maximum comfort 

Cons 

• Limited height adjustability 

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10. Techni Mobili Deco LUX Office Chair, White

Get rid of your armless office chairs, and buy this ergonomic chair by Techni Mobili. This compact product is available in a taupe shade and has a tilt lock, as well as 23” pneumatic height adjustability. In addition, the 3D armrests are padded with durable foam, while the back is made from breathable mesh.  

Pros 

• Comfortable mesh back and seat
• Adjustable 3D armrests
• Pneumatic seat height knob 
• High tensile recline 

Cons 

• Not ideal for really tall people

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11. Duramont Reclining Leather Office Chair: Ergonomic Adjustable Seat

Forget about an office chair with no arms – and look at this impressive substitute! Complete with its waterfall edge foam seat, the chair can easily recline up to 155°, giving you the perfect angle to nap in.  

The bonded leather material is breathable and soft on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about moisture build-up. On top of that, the chair can withstand up to 250lbs., thanks to the solid metal base.  

Pros 

• Soft and breathable bond leather covering
• Waterfall edge seat supports thighs
• A durable metal base keeps the chair sturdy 

Cons 

• For such a heavy office chair, the weight capacity isn’t enough

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12. Skyline Decor Mid-Back Swivel Office Chair: Adjustable Arms

A breathable mesh sponge chair can be a great alternative to an armless desk chair. Available in 10 unique shades, this compact model is perfect for tiny offices, although being able to accommodate up to 250lbs. The padded armrests and adaptive lumbar reinforcement ensure optimal comfort. Adjust the seat up to 24” to work in your preferred position 

Pros 

• Breathable mesh back and comfortable cushioned seat
• The compact design makes it ideal for small spaces
• Padded 3D armrests are adjustable 
• You can find the product in 10 fun shades
• Lumbar support ensures user comfort 

Cons  

• The seat doesn’t recline too much.

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13. Techni Mobili Home & Office Chair

Our final substitute for armless office chairs is this gorgeous black and white Techni Mobili racer seat model. The product can hold up to 200lbs. and is covered with breathable PU fabric. You can extend the seat height to 22” and recline the back smoothly with the pneumatic lever underneath.  

Pros  

• Aesthetically pleasing racer seat design 
• Breathable PU fabric covering 
• Moderate extendable seat height
• The smooth pneumatic lever allows you to recline the seat comfortably  

Cons 

• It can only support up to 200lbs, which isn’t enough for such an oversized office chair​​​​​​​

Conclusion

An armless desk chair can negatively impact your health and productivity at work, so why not look for alternatives with armrests? An ergonomic design will provide optimal comfort, back support, and multiple impressive features.  

Purchase an ergonomic office chair that lets you perform tasks while seated comfortably for hours. Your body will thank you for upgrading to such a product!