Best Office Chairs Under €100 That Won't Give You Back Pain

It's time to invest in an office chair...

Life is slowly starting to feel 'normal' again. We're finally allowed to see our loved ones again (in groups no larger than four and from two metres away), Penneys has re-opened it's doors and come July 1, we can finally start eating out again.

But one pretty large aspect of our lives that isn't back to normal just yet? Going back to work. Unless you're working on the frontline or for a company re-opening under phase two, most corporations haven’t asked remote workers to return to the office just yet.

When the coronavirus closed offices across Ireland in March, many thought it was a temporary measure—and their hastily crafted soft office (read: the sofa or bed) were too. But as reports emerge that some corporate buildings won't reopen until late 2020 - if ever- it looks like WFH is the new normal for those of us lucky to do so. Which means it might finally be time to stop lounging on your couch and order a smarter seat.

So to help us win the battle against eventually throwing our backs out while WFH, we went on a virtual quest for the top-rated desk chairs stamped with reviewer-comfort seals of approval. We found everything from the no-frills options that will make you feel like you're back in-office again (seems almost nice at this point, no?) to the fancier styles that will fit right in with your minimalist decor.

Oh, and better yet – they're all under €100.

best for...small spaces

Is your space on the small side? If 'compact' is a generous way to describe it, this mustard seat from Argos is a great space-saving option.

Not only is mustard yellow an uplifting, on-trend shade, but the mesh-covered padded seat and backrest also adds the comfort factor. Easily stored away, it's a versatile, height-adjustable chair that will make a bold and beautiful addition to your workspace.

Argos Home Plastic Office Chair, €40, Argos

best for...decor

There’s nothing more frightening than having to sit in a chair that looks stylish but feels uncomfortable. But acrylic 'ghost' chairs have an understated elegance that’s not only timeless treat but comfortable too. These chairs can easily blend into any space, from a kitchen or dining area to a living room, study or office. They can be the focal point or subtly blended in, or even camouflage themselves, depending on the way they’re styled.

Ghost Armchair, €90, ZinZan

best for...overall support

Here we present to you the office chair you're used to: black, sturdy and built with ergonomics in mind. With a well-equipped stylish seat and a contoured wrap-around backrest, it effectively encourages better posture while improving spinal support and preventing back and neck injuries. Sure it might not fit in with the rest of your decor but your back doesn't care and neither should you.

Realspace Ergonomic Office Chair Austin Mesh, €49.99, Viking Direct

Best For...support and decor

Office chairs aren't the most attractive pieces of furniture, or at least the most supportive ones aren't. But this grey chair from JYSK makes comfort look good. Not only will it fit in perfectly with your minimalist decor but the high back, arms and nylon padding will back pain a thing of the past.

Office chair RAVNING, €100, JYSK

best for...tight budgets

Comfort and back support needn't cost a lot and this low-back white swivel chair proves it. You sit comfortably since the chair is adjustable in height. The safety castors have a pressure-sensitive brake mechanism that keeps the chair in place when you stand up and releases automatically when you sit down.

LOBERGET / BLYSKÄR Swivel chair, €25, IKEA

BEST FOR...bum support

If you're looking for bum support, but still concerned with style, this Nordic style office chair is a smooth-curved sophisticated swivel padded seat. The contrasting dark-stained wooden legs are super-chic and the orange seat pad adds a pop of colour and a little hygge to your home office. Also available in grey and white.

Thelma Office Chair, €99, Made

best for....Anti-Wheelers

Not all desk chairs come tricked out with wheels. If you're looking for a stationary piece that will blend from office to living room, then this incognito swivel style is here to support you. Easy on the eye, it boasts a subtle and understated femininity that will make crunching the numbers or typing up that report so much more pleasurable. The swivel chair boasts a little Art Deco feel, which means it’s on-trend yet totally timeless. A great investment.

Nori Fabric Office Chair, €100, Argos

best for...spine alignment

For firmer support that comes tattoo-artist approved, this stool-style wheely chair is your WFH saviour — its upright design mimics the natural shape of your spine for increased comfort.