Most office chairs are meant for users about 250 pounds on average. If you’re larger than this weight capacity, you’ll need a bigger and sturdier option to provide the comfort needed at work. While you can get an office chair specific to your current weight, other aspects of the chair also matter.
Consider the weight and size capacities of the chair up to 400 pounds (or even more). Also, aspects such as support for the lumbar, back and the thighs besides the number of adjustments and level of padding are also paramount. Considering all that, the Boss B991-CP Office Products Heavy Duty Double Plush leather is the best.
We present the top 7 office chairs from our expert reviews having considered what heavy and/or tall guys will look for in a chair. Each chair under review was given rigorous testing while underlining the areas it excelled in, and those in which it didn’t do so well.
7 Best Office Chairs for Big Guys
Consider yourself a big guy if you weigh anything above 200 pounds (90.7 kg) and are more than 5 feet 9 inches (175.4 cm/69.1 inches) tall. Having only one of the two attributes also places you in this category.
For this group of people, the best office chairs are as follows:
1. Boss B991-CP Heavy Duty Chair
No matter what we threw at this chair, it always came out with impressive results. After the review, we ended up with a chair that ticks all the right boxes for big guys. To say the least, this is the chair every large person should get.
For a start, the chair supports up to 350 pounds of weight and does so while providing a lot of comfort. Covered in high-quality bonded Boss LeatherPlus, the chair is highly cushioned with high density padding for the bottom, back and armrests.
While normal chairs have a single layer of padding, the B991-CP has two high density layers for the back and bottom for extra comfort. The padding is also added to the curved armrests as a singe layer. The chair is available in gray, classic black and bomber brown colors.
The B991-CP also has back support in various categories one of which is lumbar support. This supports the lower back making it easy to sit for long hours without getting fatigued. It also has curved contours and adjustable back support settings for the perfect sitting position. You get infinite rocking mechanisms to find the perfect angle for your workstation.
To care for the tall user, the chair has a gas lift height adjustment mechanism that allows for sitting height change through a range of 6 inches up and down. On average, the chair ranges between 18⅞ inches to 21⅝ inches which is what most big people need. All this is possible with the easily-recheable lever below the seat.
The Boss B991-CP also features a 27-inch 5-star base with 3-inch dual wheel casters to provide the best support for whatever angle of sitting you opt for. Keep in mind that the 27-inch base is a whole 2 inches larger than the standard office chair base. The swivel allows for smooth turning through 360 degrees in either direction.
To cap it all off, this chair has a waterfall design for the front edge of the seat with the result that there’s little pressure on the lower legs. This ensures proper blood circulation in your legs.
Pros
- Tough and sturdy with a 350-pound weight rating.
- High-quality bonded leather finish to withstand daily use.
- Double padding for the back and seat. Single padding for the arms for extra comfort.
- Back support provided through the in-built lumbar support and adjustable tilt mechanisms.
- Adjustable height with the gas lift mechanism.
- Smooth swivel mechanism to reach other areas without strain.
Cons
- The armrests aren’t adjustable.
Even with this negative, the Boss B199-CP is a solid buy if you want the best.
2. OFM Avenger Series Big and Tall Leather Executive Chair
The OFM Avenger could easily have been our number one as it was only slightly edged by the Boss B991-CP. This chair too ticks all the right boxes from comfort to size to quality and even stability.
The quality of the chair is evident right from the fact that it supports up to 400 pounds of weight. This is made possible by the 28-inch wide 5-star base which has a dual wheel system for each foot for the best stability.
Besides the wide base, it has a bottom width of 24 inches and a height of 22.5 inches to provide the needed support and space for comfort. In our reviews, large people didn’t feel at all squeezed in like in a standard office chair.
The padding on the back and bottom is an impressive 5 inches of thick cushion with an inch of the same quality padding on the armrests. While the armrests aren’t adjustable, they still provide a great experience as they don’t get into the way and are in the right position.
The OFM Avenger comes in a brown leather finish and is packed with various adjustments including the 360-degree swivel, the gas lift height adjustment mechanism, and the seat and back tilt options. As such, you can adjust it in various ways until you have just the right position for your work.
Pros
- Support for up to 400 pounds.
- Sturdy and durable parts for longevity.
- Thick and high-quality padding with 5 inches on the back and bottom and 1 inch on the armrests.
- Wide bottom and high back to accommodate large guys.
- Wide base 28 inches wide with 5-star double-wheeled feet for stability.
- Wide array of adjustments for the back and other parts.
Cons
- Doesn’t use genuine leather. Uses bonded leather instead.
The OFM remains a great option for plus size guys as the negative stated above isn’t a dealbreaker at all.
3. Steelcase Leap Ergonomic Office Chair with Flexible Back
The Steelcase Leap takes the cues of a performance car in that it’s trimmed down yet very powerful. While seemingly smaller than the first two chairs, it has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. Also, this chair focuses on a minimalist yet highly thought-out design.
The chair has the unique LiveBack technology that enables the back to adjust and support the whole back of the user. From our use of this technology, it get it right most of the time and a great addition to your workstation.
This technology is complemented by the lower back firmness control and the upper back force control both of which allow you set the right amount of firmness and force for the lower and upper backs respectively.
It also has breathable material on the back and seat for thermal control. You also get a height adjustment mechanism that will keep you in the right sitting position no matter your body height.
There’s a flexible seat edge which adjusts to your sitting position by pulling in or pushing out as you adjust your position on the chair. It also has adjustable armrests which can pivot and also move up and down, back and forth, and in and out.
On top of all these features, it has a Natural Glide System in which the chair glides forwards to allow you maintain your vision and reach even when reclining at your desk. Height adjustment is also provided besides the 360-degree swivel.
Pros
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds.
- Many different automated adjustments for the back, the seat edge and even the reclining mechanism.
- Minimalist design with breathable material for thermal control.
- Adjustable armrests.
- Lumbar and general back support with easy adjustment.
- Height adjustment (15.5 to 20.5 inches) with a flexible seat edge to keep the legs fresh.
Cons
- Doesn’t have the width and height for very large guys.
While having slightly limited height and width, our largest tester for this office chair was still comfortable. With a capacity of 500 pounds, it’s a great deal.
4. AmazonBasics Big & Tall Executive Chair
AmazonBasics products have gained popularity owing their great quality and bargain prices. The AmazonBasics Big & Tall Executive chair is evidence of this strategy given the 350-pound weight capacity with other premium features and at a bargain.
The chair has an executive look with a high back and thick cushions for the perfect comfort. The upholstery is made with a high-quality bonded leather that comes in black and brown colors.
For the comfort and adjustments, the chair has an adjustable lumbar mechanism to provide lower back support, tilt with infinite looking mechanisms and adjustable height mechanisms. The 360-degree swivel machanism is very smooth and so are the wheel casters. While the chair only has four feet on its base, they’re evenly spread out and made of high quality material that ensures you’re safe always.
This chair is 27.25 by 29.5 by 47 inches for the width, depth and height respectively. It can be adjusted from 18.75 to 22.25 inches off the ground.
Pros
- Weight capacity of 350 pounds.
- Thick padding for the seat, back and armrests for comfort.
- Height can be adjusted from 18.75 inches to 22.25 inches.
- Various adjustments for the back, height, angle of reclining and swivel.
- Strong materials to support the designated weight whether reclined or in a straight sitting position.
Cons
- Armrests aren’t adjustable.
This is one of the best chairs to get as a big guy given its many great features.
5. La-Z-Boy Delano Big & Tall Executive Office Chair
It wouldn’t be complete list without the La-Z-Boy brand on it given the level of command the brand has on the furniture category. This one comes with all the unique packs that make it a great choice for the plus size guys who want as executive a chair as it gets.
Uniquely enough, the chair has 5 feet made from premium wood to provide enough stability and support for a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. The feet have double wheels each enable easy movement within the given space.
The height can be adjusted from 45 to 48 inches off the ground with the seat having a width of 21¾ inches which is great for big people. The parts used to make the La-Z-Boy Delano are of a high quality with the frame made of strengthened wood and metal parts.
It comes with the ComfortCore Plus cushioning technology with a layer of memory foam for the best padding experience. In total, the La-Z-Boy Delano features five layers of cushioning for the most comfortable of sitting experiences. Coupled with the ergonomically designed contours, you have a great chair all day long. The armrests are also padded and made of the same high-grade mahogany-stained wood the feat are made of.
The edge of the chair features a waterfall design that helps promote circulation in the feat. The look is completed with a bonded leather finish in chestnut brown color. The chair is meant to be versatile and will work and look great whether it’s in your office, home or gaming area.
Pros
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds.
- Five layers of cushioning with memory foam for comfort.
- Height adjustments from 45 to 48 inches off the ground.
- Back support with adjustable reclining and tilting angles.
- Unique wood finish for an executive look.
Cons
- Armrests not adjustable.
- Uses bonded leather instead of real leather.
Not having adjustable arms and using bonded leather shouldn’t dissuade you from getting this great chair. It’s a great fit especially for the corner office.
6. Herman Miller Embody Chair
The Herman Miller Embody office chair is created with your health in mind. That means that it’s one of the most comfortable chairs. Looking at it from a distance, you’ll easily dismiss it since it’s highly minimalistic and packs only the needed features. In our reviews, it proved to be a very healthy solution for everyone up to 300 pounds and within 21 inches for the seat width.
It has a moving lumbar support which follows your back whether you’re reclining backwards or leaning forward. The whole back of the chair adjusts to the natural shape of your back for support and comfort.
The Herman Miller chair is clearly the most adjustable chair for the office as almost any part can be adjusted to your liking. That’s from the lumbar support, back support, height, armrests, angle of reclining and may other parts. Of note is the fact that the back is made with a series of ribs to adapt to the shape of your back. It also comes with a wide 5-star base with double wheels on each foot for stability.
The breathable material on the back and seat with the six ergonomic functions ensures that the blood flow when seated is always as natural and effective as possible. The chair comes in various colors such as berry blue balance, berry blue rhythm, black rhythm, blue moon balance, carbon balance, charcoal rhythm, green apple balance, green apple rhythm, iris balance, iris rhythm, mink rhythm, molasses rhythm, mulberry rhythm, peacock rhythm, and twilight rhythm.
Pros
- 300 pound weight capacity.
- Highly adjustable parts for height (16.5” to 22”), armrests, back support and others for comfort.
- Breathable material for the back and seat providing good thermal balance.
- 12 year warranty.
Cons
- Not suitable for very tall users.
This chair was meant to appeal to the majority of people who fall out of the 250 pound bracket and want something minimalist in design and with a lot of features for their health. If you already have back pain from using a bad chair, this one is enough to correct that.
7. Serta Bonded Leather Big & Tall Executive Chair
The Serta executive chair has a weight capacity of 350 pounds and packs all the features that make it a commanding chair at the office. Like the La-Z-Boy Delano, it features high-quality wooden parts namely the arms and feet.
It has a high-back design suited to tall people as it offers support for the whole back and supports the head as well. On its base is a 5-star design with each foot made of wood and with a double-wheel design for the best stability. You can lean back and swivel knowing you’re safe and secure.
The height and angle of reclining are adjustable through levers below the chair. The tilt mechanism has an infinite locking mechanism for when you need a new position at your workstation. Even the lumbar support is adjustable for the best sitting experience.
While the seat and back are heavily padded with layer of cushioning, the armrests and headrest have just the right level of padding to complete the comfort features.
Pros
- Support for 350 pounds.
- High-quality wooden feet and armrests.
- High-back design to support the head and neck as well.
- Bonded leather finish in chestnut brown, black, brown, gray and ivory finishes.
- Seat width of 30.5 inches to accommodate large users.
Cons
- Armrests not adjustable.
- Uses bonded leather and not real leather.
The Serta chair is easily one of the chairs to get whether you’re a big guy or an average one owing to its great price and features.
What to Look for When Selecting an Office Chair
Getting a chair when you’re beyond a given class of height and weight can be quite challenging as most chairs simply won’t cut it. As such, you should consider the flowing before making the purchase:
1. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the chair is the most important thing as it determines all other aspects. Ensure that, when getting a chair, you’re at least 50 pounds below its weight capacity. If you weigh 300 pounds, the minimum chair weight capacity should be 350 pounds.
2. Seat Height
If you’re taller than the average guy, you’ll need a bigger chair which accommodates your height when adjusted. As such, go for a chair not only with adjustable height, but with enough height to keep you comfortable.
3. Chair Width
It’ll be nothing having a chair that carries your weight yet it squeezes you from the sides. The chair width is thus an important consideration for your office chair. We detail how to measure the width and other attributes of the chair in the section below.
4. Lumbar Support
Lumbar or lower back support is very important in preventing back pain and keeping you healthy by ensuring proper blood circulation. Some good chairs will have a self-adjusting lumbar support which is a great feature to have.
5. Back Support
Besides support for the lower back, you need the proper support for the whole back up to the head especially if you stay for long hours at your desk. Having a chair that adapts to the correct shape of your back is a great choice. Also, go for those with support for the head to help rest the neck when working.
6. Armrests
While it’s not a must having armrests on your chair, you have more resting options for your arms with the right armrests. They should be properly padded and adjustable as well. If not adjustable, ensure make sure they’re well-positioned and stay out of the way as you work.
7. Finish
Most office chairs are either brown or black. However, other colors are welcome as long as they don’t make the office look ridiculous. The finish for the chair should be of a high quality as it’ll be such a waste having a strong chair with a finish that easily comes off. Materials such as leather, bonded leather and breathable mesh are of a good quality.
Always choose a chair that ticks the most boxes on this list and has the right price.
How to Find Your Chair Measurements
Given that size and height are varied even among people weighing the same, it’s important to consider the aspects of the chair that you should buy before you spend money on it. Some purchases such as those from online stores may not give you the chance to test the chair before buying. The good news is, they have the dimensions of the chair.
To determine what fits you, take a tape measure then follow these steps:
- Measure the depth of your ideal chair by sitting in a chair then measuring the distance from the back of your knees to your tailbone (lower back) then subtract 2 inches. This should be done when your feet are flat on the floor and the thighs are parallel to the ground.
- Measure the width of the chair by opening your legs as far as naturally possible, measure the distance between the knees then add 2 inches for the perfect chair.
- Measure the height of the chair by sitting with your lower leg perpendicular to the ground then measuring the distance from the ground to the area behind your knees. Add tow inches to that distance. That way, the chair you get will not be too shot for your height.
These measures ensures that your chair isn’t too big or too small as either extreme only leads to discomfort.
