Buying checklists

Chair

• Easily adjustable; sturdy five-leg base with casters that roll easily; swivels 360 degrees.
• Seat height adjusts roughly 15 to 22 inches; seat pan length about 15 to 17 inches and at least as wide as your thighs (about 18 inches minimum).
• Adjustable seat depth. OSHA warns about chairs where the back only tilts forward and back.
• Backrest adjustable with lumbar support that matches the curve of your lower back; recline of at least 15 degrees that locks.
• Armrests adjustable in height (about 7 to 10.5 inches above the seat) and width, padded, at least 16 inches apart.
• Try it for a long time before you buy if you can. Most chairs are designed for under 275 pounds, so check the rated weight.

Source: OSHA eTool: Computer Workstations, Purchasing Guide (checked Oct 17, 2026)

Community example, not a recommendation: one r/OfficeChairs commenter reported buying a refurbished Steelcase chair from a local refurbisher for just over $200 and adding a seat cushion. Prices and availability vary; verify condition and return policy yourself. Source: Reddit r/OfficeChairs: Need a good budget WFH chair (checked Oct 17, 2026)

Desk and sit-stand

• Deep enough to hold the monitor at least 20 inches from your eyes; matte finish, avoid glass tops; rounded front edge.
• Keyboard height adjustable about 22 to 30 inches for seated work and 36 to 46.5 inches standing, at about elbow height. A fixed-height desk may need a keyboard tray.
• Under-desk clearance: at least 17.6 inches deep for knees and 24 inches for feet; at least 20.8 inches wide.
• Height-adjustable surfaces let you change posture; tabletop sit-stand units must fit your equipment and lock securely.

Source: OSHA eTool: Computer Workstations, Purchasing Guide (checked Oct 17, 2026)

Monitor and laptop setup

• Angle, tilt and height should be easily adjustable. With several monitors, the one you use most goes directly in front of you.
• OSHA says to use an external keyboard and mouse with a laptop (laptop keyboards are not suited to prolonged typing) and suggests a docking station so the monitor can be placed well.

Source: OSHA eTool: Computer Workstations, Purchasing Guide; OSHA eTool: Monitors (checked Oct 17, 2026)

Keyboard and mouse

• At least six feet of cord if wired; consider a keyboard without a number pad so the mouse sits closer; split designs may help keep wrists neutral.
• Mouse should fit your hand; a cordless mouse gives more freedom of placement. Keep it as close to the keyboard as possible.
• Wrist rests: at least 1.5 inches deep, soft but firm, and meant for resting rather than while actively typing.

Source: OSHA eTool: Computer Workstations, Purchasing Guide (checked Oct 17, 2026)

Lighting and phone/headset

• Task light that is fully adjustable in position, angle and brightness, with a large stable base.
• If you type or write while on calls, OSHA suggests a hands-free headset or speaker with volume adjustment and limits.

Source: OSHA eTool: Computer Workstations, Purchasing Guide (checked Oct 17, 2026)

We do not yet have a sourced, tested pick list for microphones and webcams, so we list none rather than guess.