9 best office chairs, hand-picked by an interiors expert

There’s a definite retro utilitarian vibe to this office chair – think factory floor meets living-room corner – and it works better than you might expect. It arrived in manageable bits and the assembly was straightforward and quick, so you’re not faffing around for hours.

The boucle fabric gives it texture and warmth, while the metal frame ensures it sits with solid purpose. What surprised me was how the seat and backrest deliver a proper sink-in comfort, with plushness and support exactly where you need it.

Even though it doesn’t scream “luxury lounge”, it holds up over a full working day. If your home-office space needs character as much as functional support, this one delivers both.

This mid-backed chair turned out to be more compact than expected, which makes it a good fit for smaller home offices. It feels neat and balanced rather than bulky, yet still gives you that classic executive shape.

The cushioning is noticeably firmer than the photos suggest, but that actually works in its favour – it keeps your posture in check and offers proper support through longer stints at the desk.

Those who prefer a softer sit might want to add a cushion for a bit of give, but overall it’s a solid, supportive seat with a smooth swivel and a simple, well-finished frame. A practical choice if you want structure without the heavy footprint.

Lakeland’s spark office chair brings a relaxed, vintage-industrial vibe to a home workspace – with faux leather upholstery in warm brown tones and a high back that gives it presence without going full executive. The build feels robust from day one: the chrome base, the wheel casters, the gas-lift all worked smoothly.

Assembly was straightforward and quick, no fiddly bits or head-scratching moments. Once sat, you notice how the seat and backrest offer a soft ‘give’ that stops you stiffening up by hour three, yet the curved lumbar support remains firm enough that you’re not slumping.

This is a solid pick if you want style and ongoing comfort in your office chair, rather than just one or the other.

There’s an elegant veering on glam vibe going on with this office chair – the gold frame and velvet upholstery give it real presence. Assembly was pretty straightforward and once in place it really elevated my desk set-up.

Comfort-wise it ticks the basics: the seat is softly padded and the arms help you stay supported during work sprints. But heads-up: the light velvet finish means it’s not the best fit if you’ve got kids, pets or a high-traffic household as it’ll show marks more readily.

All told, it’s a chic choice for a single-person home workspace where design matters almost as much as functionality.

The Harriet from Dusk has a decidedly low-sitting profile that makes it feel more lounge than workstation appropriate, but in the best possible way. From the moment I slid into it, I appreciated its enveloping design – friendly, welcoming and supportive, like you’re getting a warm hug while you begrudgingly tackle a spreadsheet.

The boucle upholstery adds texture and softness, the swivel base keeps mobility smooth, and the depth of the seat invites you to really settle in.

If you’re working from home and want your chair to feel like part of your living room rather than a piece of office equipment, this one hits the sweet spot.

I tested the pink version of this chair, and it immediately stood out for its build quality. It’s not the cheapest option, but everything about it feels well made — from the smooth swivel and sturdy base, to the plush velvet upholstery that catches the light just so.

The gas lift moves cleanly, with no jerks or creaks, and the padding hits that nice balance between firm and yielding.

Assembly was refreshingly quick, and once in place, it looks properly polished — more boutique hotel than home office. It’s a design that earns its keep, bringing a touch of grown-up glamour to the working day.

I tested the Darcy swivel chair in the velvet grey with brass legs and found it stands out for its versatility, rather than full ergonomic features. It doesn’t have roll on castors – which means less mobility if you’re zooming between desks – but the 360-degree swivel is exactly what makes it useful, taking it from a dining chair to a nifty office seat.

The velvet upholstery and brass legs strike a chic design balance, and the build feels reliably solid. While this one’s more of a style hire than a task-chair marathon option, it provides comfortable support for moderate desk use.

If your WFH space is shared with your dinner-table setup, this chair could hit that dual-purpose sweet-spot.

This faux leather swivel chair punches well above its £85 price tag, offering a convincing designer dupe of a Danish mid-century classic without feeling like a cheap imitation. The black and walnut colourway gives it a retro edge, while the quilted seat adds substance and polish.

Sure, the smaller details, such as stitching and metal joins, give away its more affordable build on close inspection, but for the money, it’s impressive.

Assembly was easy and the action is smooth, with a stable swivel and responsive height adjustment. The seat padding is firmer than it looks but still comfortable for a working day. A smart, budget-friendly option that brings style and function together with ease.

This versatile swivel chair is another dining-room crossover that earns its keep in a home-office setup. The velvet upholstery and curved back give it a polished, design-led feel, while the 180-degree swivel base brings in the flexibility you need for desk work.

Assembly was a touch fiddly – the strong spring on the rotating plate took some careful alignment – but once it was together, it felt reliably sturdy and well balanced.

The seat itself is generously cushioned without being overly soft, offering steady comfort for shorter stints at the laptop. A refined, space-saving option that bridges work and home life perfectly.