Comfortable in an healthy way: the world of ergonomic furniture

Comfortable and healthy? Make it possible, with ergonomic furniture.

It is objective: we spend most of the time of our days sitting down. So can we make it be comfortable and healthy for us at the same time? Of course: we just need ergonomic furniture. It has been proven that maintaining the same position for many hours is not good for our posture and health. Therefore, it is not optional to make sure we can sit in a correct position, so that our back and our muscles do not suffer from sitting down for many consecutive hours. But how much do you know about ergonomic furniture? Here is a quick guide with all the answers you need, and a few tips on how to choose the designs that are more suitable for you and your lifestyle. Your health will thank you, later on.

Here an example of how ergonomics and elegance can coexist in one design. These classy chairs are a creation byGiorgetti.

What is ergonomics?

First things first: let us start from the basics. Do you know exactly what ergonomics is? From the very origin of the term, we can grasp the root of the concept: the word ergonomics derives from the combination of the Greek word “ergo”, which means work, and ”nomos”, which stands for rule. We could therefore say that ergonomics is the discipline that deals with how to design an object to work in the right way. The definition provided by IEA (International Ergonomics Association) is maybe more practical: ergonomics is the science that deals with the interaction between the elements of a system and the function for which they are designed,  which in our case is between individuals and technologies.

How do you like these colorful chairs by Profin?

How do you apply ergonomics to interior design?

The concept of ergonomics translates into design through the creation of furniture elements capable of effectively responding to the needs of well-being of the body, to the physiological needs linked to a correct posture, to the possibility of keeping the body moving even when is mentally concentrated in an activity, even to sleep using supports designed to respond to habits, preferences, physical needs of each individual.

Are you curious to discover more ergonomic furniture by Baxter?

Active sitting

One of the pioneers of ergonomics combined with interior design is the Peter Opsvik, forefather of a tradition and a design method that is now renowned all over the world. This Norwegian designer theorized the concept of Active Sitting, changing the way people sit by passing them from passive to active. The seats designed by Opsvik, in fact, allow you to take many different positions following the idea that "the best position is always the next one", that is, what the body reaches if it is free to do so. The transition from a static position to a dynamic, both in the workplace and in the years of study, both in the kitchen and in the living space, allows the muscles to remain active and less tense, strengthening them and also improving blood circulation. A true revolution in the very concept of comfort.

This peculiar chair by Varier Furniture is one of the first models that put the concept of active sitting into practice.

Risks and advantages

In the absence of a correct ergonomic design for a chair or other pieces of furniture, the risks for our health are numerous, especially in the workplace, but also at home, while we sit in front of the computer or television. To avoid our back and muscles to ache and get contracted, it is important that we choose a furniture design with a certain flexibility, so that our body can still move, even though we are still sitting. Another fundamental aspect is the distance between ourselves and the computer monitor or the TV screen, since being too close or too far from it could cause us to sit in an unhealthy position.

This armchair by Saporini looks absolutely comfortable, with its sinuous ergonomic shapes.

The seats

The symbol of ergonomics in design are the seats, both for work environments and for residential interiors. Many of us spend most of the day sitting: at the table for breakfast, driving to work, at the desk in the office, in our free time on the couch, at the cinema, at the bar with friends. We can’t do much about this, but the consequences are are back pain, tension in the neck and shoulders, headaches. We have showed you the famous Varier chair, perfect for sitting at a desk, but what about leisure time? Here is a famous armchair designed by Poltrona  Frau, that will make your relax hours will be as comfortable as healthy.

Poltrona Frau is a leader brand in the design and production of comfortable armchairs.

The tables

It is a more recent evolution but it applies the same concept of flexibility and movement: these are Sit-Stand tables and desks, that make us able to raise or lower them, according to our needs. After having spent some time sitting at a desk, having the possibility to change position and stand up without interrupting our work is an advanced solution, not only to allow the body to fight the excessive static and consequent disturbances, but also to improve the oxygenation of the blood and therefore the ability to concentrate. The technological systems to allow the tables to be adjustable in height go from mechanical, electrical or through specific gas pumps; all of them are relatively easy mechanism, that will significantly increase or well-being and comfort while at work.

IVM is  brand constantly searching for ways to improve people's well-being in their workplace.

The beds

The importance of sleeping with an adequate supports for our back should not be underestimated. Ecological materials, natural textile fibers, creation of a correct indoor microclimate, in which the natural ventilation has been assured and the absence of mites and other harmful elements, should always be a priority, when organizing and furnishing a bedroom. Not less important is the ergonomic shape of the bed: certain mechanisms can make it flexible and adapt it to the varying needs of the state of health, especially in old age. Mechanical or electrical bed frames are a handy solution to make us comfortable and healthy, even while we sleep.

Let Simam cuddle you with their comfy beds with electrical frames.