You can buy office chairs from furniture stores, online retailers, or secondhand shops. If you need one today, go to a local store like Staples or IKEA; if you want more choices and lower prices, order online.
Places that sell office chairs
You can get office chairs from three main types of sellers. Big office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot carry stock on the floor so you can sit down before buying. Furniture chains like IKEA offer cheaper options that work well for short daily use. Online shops like Amazon give you hundreds of models delivered to your door.
- Local office supply stores let you test the seat height and back support in person before paying.
- IKEA sells budget-friendly desk chairs that are inexpensive relative to the alternative, but they lack advanced lumbar adjustments.
- Amazon carries thousands of models with fast shipping, though you can’t try them first.
- Secondhand shops and Facebook Marketplace list used chairs for half price, often from closed offices.
- Direct brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase sell premium ergonomic chairs through their own websites.
- Look for a BIFMA certification mark or check the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm the chair meets industry testing standards before you buy.
Why the place changes the chair
The seller decides what you actually get for your money. A local shop charges more because it pays rent and keeps inventory ready for you to test. That extra cost buys you the chance to feel the foam density and check the armrest range yourself. You don’t have to guess if the seat pan is too deep for your legs.
The trade-off is real: you can’t sit in the chair before it arrives. If the lumbar support hits your spine at the wrong spot, you’ll spend time boxing it up and printing a return label.
This path isn’t for anyone who needs a chair today or has chronic back pain requiring exact fit. Buying unseen only works when the retailer offers free returns. Always read the return policy’s fine print about restocking fees before clicking buy.
When standard stores won’t work
Your body size, budget, or timeline might rule out the usual retail options. Here is how different situations change where you should look.
| Situation | What changes | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Need it today | Shipping takes days | Visit a local Staples or IKEA |
| Budget under $100 | New ergonomic chairs cost more | Buy used from a liquidation warehouse |
| Over 300 pounds | Standard cylinders fail faster | Order a heavy-duty rated chair online |
| Want luxury brand | Retailers rarely stock them | Buy direct from Herman Miller or Steelcase |
| Buying for 10+ desks | Retail prices are too high | Contact a commercial furniture dealer |
Steps to buy the right chair
- Measure your desk height from the floor; your chair’s seat height range must allow you to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arms level with the work surface.
- Set a firm budget before looking—spend an amount that’s inexpensive relative to the alternative for daily use, or more for 8-hour shifts.
- If you weigh over 250 pounds, filter searches for a 350-pound weight capacity and a steel base.
- Sit in the chair for 5 minutes at the store, checking that your feet stay flat on the floor.
- Adjust the lumbar support until it fills the curve of your lower back without pushing you forward.
- Read the return policy carefully; ensure you have at least 14 days to send it back for free.
- Keep the original box for two weeks in case the mesh sags or the cylinder sinks during your trial.
Mistakes that ruin the purchase
- Buying a chair just because it looks good in photos, then discovering the seat foam goes flat after three weeks of sitting.
- Ignoring the weight limit printed on the box, which causes the gas cylinder to sink slowly every time you lean back.
- Skipping the return policy check, leaving you stuck paying a 20% restocking fee when the armrests don’t fit under your desk.
- Choosing a cheap model without adjustable seat depth, forcing your knees against the edge and cutting off circulation.
- Ordering a fabric chair for a humid room where mesh would breathe better, leading to trapped heat and sweat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy an office chair at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart stocks basic desk chairs both in-store and online. They’re inexpensive relative to the alternative. These work for light use, but they don’t have the adjustable lumbar support you’d find at an office supply store.
How much should I spend on a desk chair?
Spend an amount appropriate for a chair you’ll use 4 hours a day. For 8-hour shifts, expect to pay more.
Is it safe to buy a used office chair?
Yes, as long as the gas cylinder holds your weight without sinking. Test the height adjustment lever five times before paying. Used chairs from closed offices often sell for half price while keeping their original build quality.
Why does my new chair hurt my back?
The seat depth is probably too long for your legs. There should be 2 to 3 inches of space between the seat edge and your knees.
How long does shipping take for chairs ordered online?
Standard delivery takes 3 to 7 business days within the US. Heavy ergonomic chairs ship via freight and may need 7 to 14 days. Check the product page for the exact estimate based on your zip code before ordering.
Does it matter if the chair has wheels?
Yes, wheels protect hard floors. Use soft polyurethane casters for hardwood or tile. Hard plastic wheels will scratch wood surfaces quickly, so swap them out if the chair comes with them.
What happens if the chair breaks during the warranty period?
The manufacturer will replace the broken part or the whole chair. Most warranties cover the gas cylinder and frame for 5 to 12 years depending on the brand.
Can I return an office chair after building it?
Most online retailers accept returns within 14 to 30 days. You’ll need the original box to ship it back safely. Some stores charge a restocking fee, so read the policy before opening the packaging.
Conclusion
The best place to buy depends entirely on how fast you need the chair and how many hours you’ll spend in it. Walk into a local store if you need to feel the cushion today, or order online if you want better specs for the same price. Your back will tell you within a week if you picked the right one.