Ergonomic office chair beside an adjustable desk

Footrest under desk for proper leg position

Desk & Chair Ergonomics

Your chair and desk height set the tone for the whole workday. Use this guide to measure in a logical order and avoid common mismatches.

height Seat Height and Thigh Support

Stand next to the chair and raise or lower the seat until the highest point of the cushion sits roughly 2–3 cm below your kneecap. When you sit, your thighs should be parallel to the floor or angled slightly downward toward the knees. Pressure on the back of the thighs means the seat is too high or too deep without support.

If your feet do not rest flat, use a footrest rather than lowering the chair so much that your arms must reach upward to type. Dutch employers sometimes provide footrests after a workplace survey; at home, a stable box with a non-slip surface can work temporarily—ensure it does not slide on laminate or rug.

Adjust seat height with empty pockets and flat shoes you actually wear at the desk.
Sit back against the backrest before judging thigh pressure.
Re-check after lunch or when switching from heels to flats.

Person adjusting office chair seat height lever

Two-finger gap behind knee at chair seat edge

airline_seat_recline_normal Seat Depth and Lumbar Contact

Seat depth is the distance from the front edge to the backrest. Sit fully back: you should fit two to three fingers between the front of the seat and the back of your calf. Too deep, and you slide forward to relieve pressure, losing back support. Too shallow, and thighs lack support.

Lumbar support should fill the inward curve of the lower back, not push the whole spine forward. Many chairs offer height-adjustable lumbar pads—align the bulge with your belt line. If the chair has a mesh back, tighten tension until you feel gentle contact without being pushed off the seat pan.

Armrests: At elbow height when shoulders are relaxed; they should not block you from pulling the chair under the desk.
Desk clearance: Knees and thighs free under the surface; drawers or cable trays should not bruise shins.

table_restaurant Desk Height, Keyboard, and Mouse Zone

With shoulders down and elbows near 90 degrees, the keyboard should sit so wrists stay straight—not bent up or down. A negative tilt keyboard tray can help if the desk is fixed high. Place the mouse beside the keyboard at the same level; reaching sideways all day loads the shoulder.

Keep the “primary zone” within a forearm’s reach: keyboard, mouse, notepad, and one drink. Push printers, archives, and spare monitors to a secondary zone so you stand to fetch them—a built-in movement cue. Cable management is safety as well as aesthetics: route cords so they do not snag feet or chair casters.

If only one upgrade is possible this month, prioritise chair fit over a decorative desk accessory. A neutral spine saves more energy than LED desk toys.

help_outline FAQs — Desk & Chair

My chair has no lumbar adjustment—what now?

Try a small firm cushion at belt height, or a rolled towel tested for 20 minutes. If discomfort persists, consider a chair with adjustable lumbar or an employer assessment. Avoid oversized pillows that push you forward off the seat.

Is a kneeling chair a full replacement?

Kneeling chairs change load through knees and shins; some people like them for short tasks. They are rarely a full-day solution for everyone. Alternate with a conventional chair if you experiment.

Shared hot-desking: how do I adapt quickly?

Memorise three numbers: seat height setting, screen height fix (stand or books), and footrest yes/no. Spend 90 seconds adjusting before opening email—cheaper than hours of subtle strain.

arrow_forward Next Steps

After chair and desk fit, align your screens on Monitor Setup and plan breaks on Movement & Recovery. Run the full checklist on Workspace Assessment.

checklist Self-assessment

event Related event

12 Jun 2026 — Desk & chair measurements lab (Amsterdam). Request a spot.