What do you SIT in?

[Oldskool454]

I have sat in a Laz Z Boy recliner with a painting table and a little "crane light" over me to paint for years. I cannot do it anymore, the soft squishiness of the chair kills my neck and back, basically they put us in a "fetal" position. I sit at a desk all day for a living so I can't sit at a desk/table to paint because after 8-10 hours of that position I need to do something else. After 15yrs of this I have developed the dreaded "computer neck" and I can't "slump" over a desk or table to paint. I usually paint while I relax and watch TV or movies.

I am wondering what others use for seating while they paint. There doesn't seem to be allot of options for something ergonomic at HOME. I can find all kinds of back support office chairs, but for home it's all overstuffed chairs with little or no actual back/neck support. So I was just wondering if anyone else has come up with creative ideas, or found little known products or manufacturers of chairs or recliners that might be better for my back.

 

[alextheartist]

I managed to get a free nearlly brand new office chair when my the company my dad worked for refurbished their offices. Tbh there isnt anything better than a proper office chair.

 

[Talion]

a wooden chair with just my arse cheeks for comfort.

 

[freakinacage]

Office chair in the hobby room but often sculpt in front of the tv so 4 seater leather recliner

 

[Dragonsreach]

Formerly it was a dining table, dog chewed at one corner (Red Setter pup 30+ years ago) with associated dining room chairs.
Now it's my painting table and sole remaining chair.
However the chair is in need of some refurbishment, new sponge and cover might be in order.

 

[QuietiManes]

I used to sit in a proper office chair for my arts and crafts, but since I moved from the house to the apartment, space is at a premium and so I lost my craft/computer room. Now I just sit on the couch in front of the TV. My posture is going to crap though, I miss my old set up.

You can get great office chairs, with proper support, you just need to find the places that supply businesses with their furniture. If you do a search for something like cubicles and file cabinets you should find something local. There's also usually second hand shops, that buy up all the big business and government furniture to resell, you can also find those businesses selling on craigslist or ebay or in the local classifieds sometimes too, although usually it's a huge bulk load of chairs and cubicles. These would save lots of money. Of course if you put the word out with all the people you know that work in an office or anywhere for a big business or government, you can probably get a decent chair for free that way, if you don't mind waiting.

 

[Tommie Soule]

cheapo office chair in the studio.
And a comfy ikea office chair for home.

 

[me_in_japan]

comfy office chair type thing. I got it in the section of the furniture store where they sell desks for kids' bedrooms and suchlike (although the chair isn't kid sized, I might add.) I used to sculpt/paint sitting on the floor (japanese tables are very short in the leg. theyre designed to be sat at whilst on the floor) but it really, really started to do my back in. I'd strongly advise against it

 

[uglybug]

Just a thought but since you have issues sitting what if you made a high work bench that you could stand and lean into a little. Just put a rubber mat on the ground to help your feet.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Been talking to a former boss, in Office estate management ie all the kit in a office Desks, Chairs cabinets etc..
She's just pointed out something I'd forgotten, office chairs only have an expected 5 year lifespan without refurbishment.
So if you've picked up an office chair from a second hand store has the valve been reconditioned?
Plus if you are over 16 stone (256 pounds) you'll need to ensure that your chair meets the strength requirements....most office chairs Don't.

She made me recall that back in the late 80's early 90's there was a problem with Gas cylinder chairs where several had broken and the cylinder exploded or erupted through the seat. Can't recall any fatalities but do recall some "Minor" injuries.

 

[StillLifeMiniatures]

I picked up an office chair, fairly comfy, at Staples. It wasn't cheap, but it comes with a seven or ten (can't remember) year warranty in case I need it replaced for any reason.... even if it's my fault. My desk is a formica counter top that was being thrown away. It sets about chest high on milk crates. The combination of the office chair and high desk keeps my back from being constantly curled.

 

[flashmanfe]

Made a table/desk from 2 kitchen cabinet bases less than $200.00 for both with a hollow core door for the top. Bought a really comfortable office chair from staples and changed out the gas cylinder for a longer one because the one that came with the chair was too short. It's perfect at full height as my computer desk and at it's lowest height it's perfect for me to paint. I made a pull out sub table for painting so the desktop doesn't get paint on it. My wife gives me a generous allowance.

 

[montka]

I paid out over £200 for an ergonomic office chair at Ikea; couldn't recommend it highly enough, it has seen off my back pains 100% in combination with a decent matress. Also it is a joy to sit down in after 1 year of ownership, the novelty has not worn off!

(Yes I know £200 is a lot of money for a chair, but that is what manic spending sprees are all about )

 

[Conium Maculatum]

I have my father's old office chair. It was a relatively expensive one when I got it for him but I got it for a discount because it was A) the last one they had and thereofre the display model and B) a rather fetching shade of lime green. Before that, I used a normal office wheelie chair found at my local tip in perfect condition!

I also agree with montka. It's worth shelling out for a decent chair so you don't screw your back up!! £200 is a lot, but a knacker back is irreplaceable!

 

[Torn blue sky]

High back office style chair. Reeeeal executive, like. Excellent for taking a break and reclining in, keeps your back right.

 

[kathrynloch]

Have you given any thought to a drafting table style of set up? The desk and chair are taller so you're not hunched over everything and the higher stool allows you to stretch your legs out. I've got a bad back and I also had problems in the past with a blood clot in my leg so sitting at a desk is the worst thing for it. I'm still stuck at ye old kitchen table. I originally used the matching chair but that got to the point I couldn't stand it any longer. I bought a cheapie office chair at wal-mart and added back support. It works for now. But eventually I would like to try the drafting board set-up.

Lazi-boy is an excellent brand of chair but if you really need to recline while painting maybe go to the store and try some different brands. I had a heck of a time finding a good one and Lazi-boy is so expensive. But I lucked into a fantastic recliner at a local department store where we bought our big screen tv. I can't believe how comfortable it is and many times my back will hurt so bad it wakes me up out of a sound sleep. I crash in the recliner and sleep like a baby. lol!

 

[turkishproverb]

Hey. I know I'm new here, but I used to use a stool. It broke not long ago, so I've been using an adjustable office chair. It might be a good mid-point between the extremes.

 

[airhead]

I sit IN the bathtub. I sit ON a chair.

In this economy, a good adjustable office chair should be available second-hand at very reasonable prices. I know that when the tech bubble burst, my firm got some very nice chairs for a song. I got the one I was using at the time. Still very nice.

 

[wiccanpony]

Jazzy 600 ....... and it's hard as a rock

 

[Einion]

Office chair for me too, had to have armrests since its predecessor had them so I'm accustomed to resting one or both elbows when I sculpt or paint.

Weird as it seems a padded seat isn't necessarily more comfortable than something unyielding, for me at least - when I'm sculpting at my GF's at the weekend I sit on her oak trestle stool, which obviously has the ergonomics of a brick, and I find it surprisingly comfortable... maybe even more comfortable than the office chair back at mine which has an 'ergonomically' shaped seat but I find the raised front of it tends to cut off circulation unless you sit bolt upright like an automaton -_-

Einion