What type of chair should a student use?

It might not feel like an issue now while you’re excited about all the new experiences you’ll be having and #AllTheThings you’ll be learning. But it’s good to consider…

And this might mean you spend A LOT more hours in front of a computer than you’re used to.

Whether you’re moving across town, across the country or simply down into your parents’ basement, lots of changes are happening in your life.

Writing your first university paper (and then rewriting it the way the prof wanted it)

Meeting your first friend who doesn’t know everyone you do (maybe I’m the only one from a small town?)

Renting your first apartment (and cleaning the bathroom after your first get-together!)

Some of them may include:

Now that you’ve made the major life decisions (deciding what to study and where), you have more “firsts” on the way.

Starting university, college, or any kind of post-secondary education is an exciting time of your life. Are you ready to welcome it?

Longer hours at your desk can cause headaches, back and neck pain if you don’t have the correct desk setup.

A little preparation now can go a long way to mitigating issues down the road.

So what’s considered a good studying setup?

• A desk set at the proper height for using your keyboard

• An external, ergonomic keyboard

• A mouse that fits your hand

• A monitor at a comfortable height, within arm’s reach

• Good lighting so you don’t strain your eyes

• A comfortable chair that supports your spine

What style of chair do you need to prevent pain? 

Ergonomic chairs are designed to encourage a neutral spinal posture and provide enough support while sitting for long periods. Though they often cost a bit more than other chairs, you save more in the long run. And by this we mean they prevent issues like headaches, back pain, poor posture and blood circulation, and in more severe cases, cervical spondylosis.

Like 97% (we’re totally making up that number) of other college students, you probably haven’t given much thought to ergonomics. But terms like “lumbar support” and “seat pan” CAN make a big difference in your comfort level.

When researching the purchase of a chair to study in, think about what will keep you focused and productive. Most quality desk chairs are designed with ergonomic options, like a supportive cushioned seat that moves forward and back (depending on if you’re big and tall or petite) and an adjustable lumbar to give you the best back support exactly where you need it.

However, each person has a specific way of sitting to study that’s comfortable for them, which will affect the kind of chair they need.

• Do you like to lean back periodically to think or read? 

• Do you give yourself a break from typing and need armrests for support? 

• Will you be flipping through several books simultaneously, so a swivel function is important? 

• What size is the space where your desk and chair will be located?

In addition, there are different types of chairs. Some of your options are:

Mesh-back 

Mesh office chairs are trendy because they are lightweight, highly breathable, and easy to clean. The backrest has a supportive, tight-weave fabric for better durability. They are a good choice for the budget-minded student.

Mid-back

Mid-back chairs have a (reasonably self-explanatory) lower backrest, typically without a headrest. They generally are a good fit for small workplaces (i.e. dorm rooms or small apartments). This design offers the needed support to the back and spine.

Task Chairs

This chair style provides a simple, cushioned seat with added benefits such as adjustable lumbar support and headrest. If you’re not looking to sit for more than an hour or two, then a task chair could be your best (most affordable) bet.

Executive Chairs

Generally of premium quality, executive chairs often have a high back and many ergonomic options available. A built-in headrest, adjustable lumbar support, height-adjusted cushioned seat to reduce pressure on your bones and joints and adjustable padded armrests are just a few of the your choices.

Common Features To Look For

•     Adjustable Lumbar support

•     Adjustable headrest, armrests, and seat height

•     Easy swiveling for frequent movement

•     Supportive cushioned seat and back

•     Sliding seat pan (seat can be moved forward or back, depending on your size)

•     Adjustable tilt tension and lock

•     Nylon casters (wheels are designed for specific kinds of flooring)

Price

If a higher quality (which usually translates into a heftier price tag) chair isn’t in your budget, go back to the basics – cushions with good posture support. Before you buy that cheaper, less comfortable chair at a big chain store, think outside of (a smaller shipping) box for sitting options.

Support Cushions

Support cushions are an affordable alternative to a more expensive ergonomic chair. With these lightweight, portable cushions, you can change almost any seat into a supportive option. If you’re driving home for Thanksgiving, checking out the school football game or watching a concert in the park. You’ll always be comfortable, no matter where you are.

When you’re comfortable, you’re more productive. When you can focus on studying – not on dealing with the pain in your body – you can accomplish anything. 

You’ve got this. We’ve got your back. 

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Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours on end can wreak all sorts of havoc on your body. Over time, you may realize you’ve frequently got a sore neck or a twinge in your back that never seems to go away. For spine health, creating a comfortable and ergonomic work and study station is vital – and that starts with your seat.

If you’re tired of neck or back pain, the best chairs for studying can help. In this article, we look at the different types available and recommend some of our favorite comfy chairs for studying. Let’s get right to it!

Featured Comfortable Chairs for Studying [Editor’s Picks]

What Types of Chairs Are Used for Studying?

There are plenty of study chairs to choose from, and some types overlap. For example, an ergonomic computer chair might also be a high- or mid-back chair type.

1. Ergonomic Computer Chairs

The best study chairs tend to make the best office chairs. These ergonomic computer chairs are specifically designed for comfort and support and have key components that you can adjust:

• Lumbar support to help align the spine
• Armrests for extra bracing and support
• Reclining backrest
• Some offer additional adjustment points, such as seat depth or “3D” armrests.

Ergonomic computer chairs are either high-back or mid-back, with the key difference being the height of the backrest.

2. High-back Chairs

High-back chairs have taller backrests, offering greater support for your neck, shoulders, and back. These chairs may also have adjustable or fixed headrests to help support your head. These are often some of the best student desk chairs for long study sessions, especially at home.

3. Mid-back Chairs

Mid-back chairs have shorter backrests (often shorter than a user’s shoulders) and don’t feature any headrests. These chairs are typically designed to offer lower-back and lumbar support – good options for mid-to-long study sessions.

4. Forward-Tilting Chairs

As the name might suggest, forward-tilting chairs allow you to adjust the seat’s angle, letting you tilt your seat forward or backward. They can help reduce pressure on the back and neck (especially if you’re frequently hunched over your laptop or a book) and may help improve your blood flow while seated.

Thanks to the forward tilting function, if you’re frequently looking down, these are great seats for short-to-long sessions.

5. Active Sitting Chairs

You typically engage at least some of your muscles when sitting actively. Active or dynamic sitting requires you to engage your core, back, or legs to help support yourself while seated, making these great for restless sitters. Some types of active sitting chairs even encourage movement while seated (which can burn more calories than static sitting).

6. Kneeling Chairs

Kneeling chairs have been gaining some notoriety recently, but they’ve been around for quite some time. This type of unique seat is designed with a seat that slopes 20º downward. You sit in the sloped seat while your knees are supported on the built-in knee cushions.

When you sit in a kneeling chair, your hips rest in an open-angled 110º position, relieving pressure on your spine. This position helps to align your back, neck, and shoulders while encouraging you to engage your core more.

Best Chairs for Studying in 2023

Ergonomic Computer Chairs

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Adjustments: Height, armrest, tilt recline
• Dimensions: 25.43″ x 25.43″ x 37.4″
• Maximum Weight: 250 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Nylon mesh seat and nylon base

The WorkPro Quantum 9000 is a fantastic mid-back, ergonomic option. This chair is pricey, but the build quality makes it easy to see why. Offering four adjustment options and a five-point base with casters, it allows free movement in a room. Our only gripe: While the Quantum 9000 offers lumbar support, it isn’t adjustable.

Pros

• Integrated lumbar support, not the most common on a mid-back chair
• Fully adjustable gel padded armrests
• Flexible mesh back for those who prefer more flexibility
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• ‘Soft’ mesh may not provide enough support
• Fixed lumbar support

Key Information:

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Adjustments: Flip-up arms, height, tilt recline, headrest
• Dimensions: 22″ x 25.2″ x 45.3″
• Maximum Weight: 280 Lbs
• Base: 5 point with casters
• Material: Steel, mesh, nylon

The GABRYLLY is certainly a contender for the best desk chair for college students, especially thanks to its ergonomic and sleek design. The armrests flip up to allow more space if necessary, and the adjustable headrest offers greater comfort and support. Overall, this is an excellent chair for those who enjoy breathable mesh seating.

Pros

• Breathable mesh ensures optimal cooling airflow
• Flip-up armrests to save space
• Wide range of support – lumbar, neck, hands, head, hips
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Only recommended for those above 5’5”
• Fixed lumbar support

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Adjustments: Armrest, headrest, height, lumbar support, tilt recline
• Dimensions: 26.4″ x 26.4″ x 45.9″
• Maximum Weight: 300 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Nylon and steel alloy frame, mesh seat, and back

Designed for people between 5’8 and 6’3, the SUNNOW is a superb chair for taller people. There are five adjustment options, including double lumbar supports to help reduce back strain further. The chair does look a bit bulky, but if you can get over the aesthetic, it makes for a great choice.

Pros

• Double lumbar support (upper and lower back)
• Many adjustment options
• Supports height ranges from 5’8” to 6’3”
• Allows you to ‘lock’ the chair and preferred settings

Cons

• Bulky look may not be suitable for all
• Not recommended for those below 5’8”

High-Back Chairs

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Dimensions: 19.3″ x 22″ x 51.2″
• Adjustments: Recline and multi-tilt, 4-way adjustable lumbar support, 4-way adjustable armrest
• Maximum Weight:
  • Small – 200 Lbs
  • Regular – 220 Lbs
  • X-Large – 395 Lbs

• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Textile upholstered seats, aluminum base

If you don’t mind the gaming aesthetic, the Secretlab Titan Evo is a chair to consider. It offers a few adjustment options, but what stands out the most is its 4-way adjustable lumbar support. It also features a removable magnetic memory foam head pillow for head support.

This chair comes in three sizes to suit any user. Secretlab recommends a small size for users under 5’6”, a regular size for users between 5’7” and 6’2”, and an extra-large option for users between 5’11” and 6’9”.

Pros

• Removable magnetic head pillow
• Only chair with 4-way lumbar support
• Swappable armrests
• Comes in 3 sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Gaming aesthetic may not appeal to all

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: Height, headrest, footrest, reclining
• Dimensions: 26.5″ x 26″ x 50.75″
• Maximum Weight: 275 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Metal frame, nylon mesh, and sponge foam

The AFO Ergonomic Office Chair is a great high-back option with an adjustable headrest and a retractable footrest for reclining. The mesh back helps to keep users cool during prolonged study sessions, and the padded armrests allow for more comfortable leaning and support.

Pros

• Retractable footrest allows for a fuller recline
• Suitable for tall people with height adjustable headrest
• Rocking seat back function provides greater flexibility
• Removable, washable lumbar cushion

Cons

• No adjustable lumbar support or armrests
• Footrest poor choice for taller users

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: Height, tilt recline
• Dimensions: 27.55″ x 28.74″ x 46.85″
• Maximum Weight: 250 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Suede upholstered seat, stainless steel frame

Looking for a more classic look that also lends heaps of class to a workspace? The Ovios Krellack is a chair to consider. With its sleek and modern design – and suede upholstery – what it lacks in adjustability, it makes up for in style!

Pros

• Suede fabric offers a classy touch
• Durable, especially with good care
• Extra padded cushion ensures comfort and support

Cons

• No adjustable lumbar support
• Armrests are not adjustable

Mid-Back Chairs

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: 360° seat swivel
• Dimensions: 23.23″ x 21.26″ x 29.72”
• Maximum Weight: 265 Lbs
• Base: 4 legs, no wheels/casters
• Material: Engineered wood (polar)

When it comes to our list, the Art Leon is one of the few chairs that doesn’t feature a typical 5-point chair base. While it looks like a typical modern chair, its seat offers a 360° swivel. If you’re looking for a certain aesthetic, this chair is one to consider. However, you may sacrifice a bit of comfort in the long run.

Pros

• Stylish aesthetic
• Sturdy, solid frame
• Medium open back allows for wide back and arm support
• The bottom of legs have plastic foot pads to protect floors
• Swivel base allows movement while seated

Cons

• Lacks adjustment options
• Limited color/frame options

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: Height, tilt recline
• Dimensions: 24.2″ x 24″ x 34.8″
• Maximum Weight: 275 Lbs
• Base: 5 paint with casters
• Material: Faux leather upholstery, nylon/plastic base

The Amazon Basics Padded Office Desk Chair is a mid-back seat that offers a no-frills sitting experience. It features a faux leather upholstered seat and a reclining functionality (without much else in terms of adjustments). The chair is durable, meets BIFMA standards, and many reviews say it’s comfy enough. However, you might need additional accessories if you find the lumbar support lacking.

Pros

• Affordable
• Durable and sustainable according to BIFMA standards
• Classy faux leather look

Cons

• Lacks lumbar support
• Non-adjustable armrests

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Adjustments: Height, tilt recline
• Dimensions: 19.5″ x 25.2″ x 35.8″
• Maximum Weight: 300 Lbs
• Base: 4-point, cross-shaped without casters
• Material: Polyurethane frame, fabric upholstered seat

The LEMBERI Fabric Padded Chair is a great mid-back option for people who prefer a wider seat and sitting with their legs crossed beneath them. The chair doesn’t feature caster wheels, so it won’t budge or move around. However, it offers the ability to recline if you need a break. The fabric upholstered seat also looks great and offers a clean aesthetic.

Pros

• Stylish aesthetic
• Base has non-slip natural rubber foot pads to prevent scratching and slipping
• Wide enough to sit with crisscrossed legs
• Soft padded seat

Cons

• Lacks support options (neck, lumbar, arm)
• Fabric upholstery not as breathable as mesh options

Forward Tilting Chairs

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: Seat angle, tilt recline, tension control, lumbar and sacral support, arms
• Dimensions: 16.75″ x 27″ x 41″
• Maximum Weight: 300 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Uses recycled materials for earth-friendliness, aluminum, faux leather, and proprietary 8Z Pellicle textile.

Herman Miller is one of the most popular ergonomic seating brands, with many naming the Aeron as their dream chair. Many top-level companies provide Herman Miller chairs for their employees, as they’re some of the best on the market.

The Aeron design has been around for a couple of decades. It features several adjustment options and comes in different sizes to suit users of any height. It’s also one of the only chairs to offer forward tilting, allowing greater comfort during certain activities.

Pros

• Adjustable sacral/lumbar support integrated into the chair frame
• Forward tilt allows for better focus
• Herman Miller is known for being one of the best ergonomic chair brands
• Uses recycled materials to help the planet
• Different sizes available

Cons

• Very expensive

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: Seat depth, forward tilting, tilt and tension, lumbar, armrest, headrest
• Dimensions: 28.9″ x 28.9″ x 45.8″
• Maximum Weight: 250 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Mesh seat with a plastic, aluminum, and steel frame

If you want forward tilting without the Aeron price tag, the SIDIZ T50 is a more affordable option. The T50 also features many adjustments, including seat depth to personalize your sitting experience further. Unlike the Herman Miller Aeron, this chair doesn’t have size options (so it might not be a good fit for shorter people).

Pros

• Specialized forward tilting function with 5 tilt angles
• Layered seating (PU foam and memory foam)
• Plenty of adjustment options
• Offers 30-day trial with money back guarantee

Cons

• No size options

Active Sitting Chairs

Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: Height, omni-direction lean and tilt up to 20 degrees
• Dimensions: 13.75″ x 17″ x 23″
• Maximum Weight: 250 Lbs
• Base: Flat rectangular base
• Material: Polypropylene frame and foam upholstered seat

The Vari Active Seat looks more like a barstool than chair for work or study. However, it’s certainly a top contender for the best chair for studying, especially for people requiring a more active sitting experience. This seat is height adjustable, letting you use it at a sitting or standing desk. It leans and tilts to 20 degrees, promoting movement and muscle engagement. There are also tilt guards to prevent any toppling accidents.

Pros

• Suitable for both sitting or standing desks
• Encourages good posture
• Tilt guard prevents chair toppling over
• Light enough to be portable (23.8 pounds)

Cons

• No wheels
• No armrests

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: None
• Dimensions: 22” x 21” x 7.25”
• Maximum Weight: 300 Lbs
• Base: 4-point with casters
• Material: ‎Polyvinyl chloride

The Gaiam Classic is essentially a gym ball on a base. Gym balls have long been suggested for active sitting, as they encourage core muscle activation and promote movement while seated. The Gaiam’s base features lockable caster wheels for mobility (so you won’t need to carry or roll a ball around your study or office).

Pros

• Encourages core muscle activation
• Comes with air pump
• Lockable caster wheels for mobility
• Easy to deflate and store

Cons

• Only recommended for users up to 5’11”
• Yoga ball requires inflation over 2 days

Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: None
• Dimensions: 12.05” x 10.91” x 6.73”
• Maximum Weight: 600 Lbs
• Base: 4-point, no casters
• Material: CFS Steel frame, gym grade yoga ball

Much like the Gaiam Classic, the Enovi Starfish features a machine-washable fabric slipcover that provides a more modern aesthetic. It’s relatively affordable and looks great in a study or office (though it doesn’t have any wheels for portability).

Pros

• Explosion-proof inflatable ball
• Relatively inexpensive
• Machine-washable fabric slipcover
• Encourages core activation
• Assortment of cover colors

Cons

• May cause fatigue if used for long periods
• Yoga ball requires inflation over 2 days

Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: Height
• Dimensions: 16″ x 17″ x 32″
• Maximum Weight: 400 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with rollerblade casters
• Material: Faux leather upholstered seat, aluminum frame

Saddle stools may not immediately come to mind when you think about comfort, but saddle seating can actually promote movement and muscle engagement. They also help to get your spine into a neutral alignment, potentially strengthening your spine and reducing discomfort over time. Although getting used to saddle seats may take some time, they offer an excellent active sitting experience that can take pressure off your back.

The TASALON stool features a padded seat and a durable aluminum frame. The rollerblade casters allow quiet rolling while reducing snagging on carpets and rugs and eliminating scuffing on wood flooring.

Pros

• Ergonomically-designed saddle stool promotes natural spine alignment
• Soft cushion for maximum support
• Rollerblade casters ensure quiet scratch-proof rolling
• Able to support up to 400 Lbs

Cons

• Saddle type seat takes some getting used to
• No backrest

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Adjustments: Height
• Dimensions: 21″ x 21″ x 34″
• Maximum Weight: 350 Lbs
• Base: 5-point with casters
• Material: Plastic and metal frame, vinyl upholstered seat

The Kaleurrier Saddle Stool is a great option for those looking for an active sitting experience without compromising back support. Although saddle seats are more beneficial when used without a backrest, having the option is great – especially if you need to lean back occasionally.

This chair offers height adjustments and caster wheels. You can also purchase rollerblade casters separately if you want to switch the casters out.

Pros

• Ample posterior support
• (Optional) backrest offers more support
• Easy assembly
• Water- and oil-proof
• Abrasion resistant

Cons

• Saddle type seat takes some getting used to

Kneeling Chairs

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Key Information:

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Adjustments: None
• Dimensions: 14″ x 14″ x 28″
• Maximum Weight: 240 Lbs
• Base: Curved wooden runners (rockers)
• Material: Beech wood frame, fabric upholstered seat

Kneeling chairs aren’t the most popular option on our list, but they do offer some solid benefits. The Varier Variable Balans is one of the few well-reviewed kneeling chairs around. Featuring a rocking base, a tilted seat, and padded knee supports, it quickly encourages proper posture.

Although kneeling chairs also take some getting used to, they can help reduce pressure on your hips and back, allowing for more comfortable study sessions. We suggest alternating kneeling chairs with other more traditional seating options to relieve pressure on your knees. We also suggest learning the proper sitting position to ensure optimal benefits.

Pros

• Small form is space efficient
• Iconic design
• Tilts pelvis forward, encouraging natural upright posture
• Assortment of seats and base colors

Cons

• Finicky positioning
• Takes some getting used to

How to Choose the Best Chair for Studying Long Hours

Naturally, one of the first things to consider is whether your chair will be comfortable for long hours of use. That said, comfort is subjective: What suits someone else may not suit you.

That said, there are some factors you can consider to help you select a good chair for studying, such as:

Ergonomics

An ergonomic chair allows you to build a more solid work/study setup. In turn, this can help reduce pain and strain on your back.

Adjustability

If you want the ability to alter your seating, choose a chair that offers adjustment options. Look at options that offer the desired adjustment types before making a purchase.

Height

Chairs aren’t universal. When buying, always consider options suitable to your height. A chair that’s the wrong size for your frame will cause plenty of discomfort.

Width

Some chairs are wider than others, so be sure your option allows you to sit comfortably. If you enjoy sitting with your legs crossed, look at chairs with wider seats.

Style/Type

Choose a chair type that best suits your needs. For example, if you’re restless and move around, think about an active sitting chair or ergonomic computer chair.

Support Level

Some chair types are designed to provide more support than others. Choose a chair that offers the support you need to be comfortable during long sessions.

Durability

Selecting a more durable option will ensure that your chair will last you through the years, saving you money in the long run.

Cost

Although a great study chair is an investment that will (hopefully) last you years, try to set – and stay within – a budget in order to avoid financial strain.

Why Trust The GradCafe?

Here at GradCafe, our primary aim is to help our readers find success in academics and beyond. To achieve this goal, we do our best to enable readers like you, whether by offering our product and tool recommendations or by publishing informative articles to help you during various stages of your education.

Our goal is to help you succeed, so we do our best to ensure that every piece of information is as accurate as possible. We research every recommendation we make, testing products and tools whenever possible.

Related: Looking for some help with staying organized? Consider the Top 7 Best Academic Planners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a Good Chair Help Studying?

Absolutely. While many prefer studying in bed or on the couch, most people work at a table or study desk. When you’re sitting down, having a comfortable chair for studying is vital for long sessions. With a good chair, you’ll reduce your neck and back pain – giving you one less thing to worry about.

2. How Can I Sit and Study for Long Hours without Back Pain?

The key to avoiding back pain during long study sessions is ensuring an ergonomic setup that suits your specific needs. Choose a table that’s just the perfect height (consider using a desk with height adjustments), then select the right type of chair to provide the appropriate level of support and help maintain a neutral spine alignment. If you need help choosing, our recommended chairs include some of the best desk chairs for students.

Bottom Line

The best chairs for studying can make long study sessions far more bearable. However, there is no “one size fits all,” and finding the perfect chair is a personal experience involving a fair bit of research, trial, and error). Once you have a great chair, you can add accessories (such as a stand for your grad school laptop)!

If someone you care about has completed grad school, be sure to give them a perfect Ph.D. graduation gift!

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