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Five Best Chairs for Studying (+ How to Sit for High Productivity)

The best chairs for studying encourage good posture – because research shows that sitting up straight can improve productivity. Here's the official list for 2021 plus our tips for high efficiency.

1. The High Back Chairs

Studying for hours at a time, it can be easy to slump over, hunch the shoulders and morph the spine into a “C” shape – without even realizing it. While a solid wood high back chair isn’t a quick-fix cure-all for every postural issue you’ve ever had, its supportive, no-nonsense backrest can be a refreshing change for those used to sinking into a chair that yields to your every movement.

Best features: High back - Casters
Size: 25"W x 21.3"D x 41.8"H
Verified customer review: "Rolls great, very comfortable, great height and adjustable." - KimmieB
Best feature: Modern 
Size: 21.88"W x 27.25"D x 39.5"H
Verified customer review: "Chair is sturdy and rolls nice with the casters. Looks great as a desk chair." - Staci T

2. The Dining Chairs

When it comes to keeping posture, a good dining chair can be hard to find. Often overtufted with decorative framework and designed more for looks than feel, they can wreak havoc on your back, especially when poring over textbooks for long periods of time.
Best features: Contemporary - Faux leather
Size: 21"W x 16"D x 38"H
Verified customer review: "This chair is both stylish and comfortable. The color matches most table designs. Highly recommend this chair!" - SAV2024
Best features: Fabric - Traditional
Size:  22.44"W x 25.98"D x 39.76"H
Verified customer review: "Just received these chairs and assembling the legs was a breeze. They look great and seem to be very good quality." - B Miller
So, when you do come across a dining chair that’s as ergonomic as it is comfy, grab it if you can – and pair it with your favorite study desk!

3. The Rolling Chairs

Best for those working in an enclosed space like a home office or college students in a library room, a rolling chair lets you roll with the punches, quite literally. Reach for a stack of papers here, a filing cabinet there or a wastebasket there – all in efficient time and without ever leaving your seat. Multitasking never felt so effortless!

Best features: Velvet
Size: 23.25"W x 23.25"D x 30.75"H
Verified customer review: "Saw this in store and immediately fell in love. I ordered this for my new home office set-up, and I love it!" - Diana M
Best features: Arms - Casters
Size:  21.25"W x 24.25"D x 34.75"H
Verified customer review: "It's small, rolls easily, comfortable, fits well under the desk. Great economical chair!" - jeaniex

4. The Leather Upholstered Chairs

There’s nothing classier or comfier than leathery upholstery. The ultra-smooth, buttery-soft feel of hide adds instant luxury – and only gets smoother and softer with age.
Best feature: Faux leather
Size: 21.25"W x 25"D x 41.75"H
Verified customer review: "Good color for the home office to accompany desk and other furniture for that room. Comfortable and great style." - Mark
Best feature: Faux leather
Size: 25"W x 21.25"D x 41.75"H
Verified customer review: "Love the chair for my room very minimal very comfortable" - Anonymous

5. The Adjustable Armchairs

If ergonomics is your main priority, your best bet for study comfort is adjustability.
Gas pumps and side levers let you change the height of the seat and positioning of the backrest, so you can sit back and relax – even with finals around the corner! – without worrying about spinal strain.
Best features: Padded
Size: 27"W x 28.5"D x 44"H
Verified customer review: "Love the chair. Great support. Makes the work day more comfortable." - Sams mom
Best features: Modern - Black
Size: 27.01"W x 25.04"D x 38"H
Verified customer review: "Comfortable chair. Looks great in our little corner office.Great value for the price." - weasel
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552974/
**http://www.asianefficiency.com/productivity/10-ways-posture-affects-productivity-improve/

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.