Which height is right for me?
Two things are important for the Wave Stool to work:
Having most of your torso weight supported under your ‘seat bones’ at the bottom of the pelvis, rather than under the thighs. This helps you sit upright. If the seat is too high it will put more pressure under your thighs near the front of the seat (you won’t be able to put your heels firmly on the floor).
Having your thighs sloping down at slight angle of 5 to 10 degrees. This also makes it easier for most people to sit upright. If the seat is too low your thighs will not slope.
| Your Height | Stool Model | Stool Height | Desk Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5’2” | Low | 44cm | will probably need a lower desk |
| 5’2” to 5’9” | Medium | 48cm | suits a normal desk |
| 5’9” to 6’2” | Tall | 52cm | may benefit from a higher desk |
| Above 6’2” | Extra tall | 56cm | will need a higher desk |
(the stool is measured to the top of the upholstery at the front edge)
(Actually the length of your lower leg, including any heels your normally wear when sitting, determines your ideal seat height. This isn’t easy to measure accurately, but it is usually closely related to your height.)
This table works for people of average proportions wearing flattish shoes. (If you have long legs or usually wear heels and are 5’7” tall say, choose the tall stool. If you are 5’3” tall and have short legs, or often sit with bare feet, choose the low stool.)
If at all possible (and whatever type of seat you use) CHOOSE YOUR SEAT HEIGHT TO FIT YOU - NOT YOUR DESK. Your desk can be adapted (see below) or replaced if necessary, but you only have one spine and it is irreplaceable, so give it the best care you can.
(If you simply have to sit at a high surface, or share a stool, you could use a stool one size higher. By sitting towards the front of the seat you can tip it to a steeper angle, relieving the pressure on your thighs. You won’t be able to sit at the back of the seat.)
Booster Cushion
We make a booster cushion which is usefull if you share your stool with someone shorter or taller.
Buy a stool for the shorter person, putting the cushion on top will make it one size taller. You may find you need two different work heights eg. putting the keyboard on the desk for the taller person, and in a keyboard drawer below the desk for the shorter person.
Our cushion has same upholstery and firm fibreboard base as the stool (an ordinary cushion on the stool will be too soft and less supportive for your back). The underside is fabric covered so it doesn't slip. Delivery is free if you order a stool at the same time.
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Use a borrowed Wave Stool to find the right height for you
(The height of the stool is on the label under the seat)
To try a Wave Stool one size lower
Put both your feet on a stack of books 4cm high.
(Remember that any desk you sit at will seem 4cm higher when you actually are on the lower stool. Why not raise your keyboard on 4cm of books too, to get the feel of this?)
To try a Wave Stool one size taller
put a 4cm thick stack of large books (phone books, catalogues and magazines are ideal) under each of the stool’s rockers.
Sit near the back of the seat as in the pictures. Make sure you can put your heels firmly on the floor when you choose to. Try the stool for your normal work if you can. Which height is most comfortable - especially for your lower back?
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Use a chair to simulate a Wave Stool
You can simulate the height and angle of a Wave Stool using any chair with a flatish seat. (This will not be accurate with deeply upholstered seats.)
Simulate the angle
Tilt the seat forwards about 10 degrees by putting old books or phone books under the back legs. (If you use a 5 star castor base put one castor at the back with the books under it)
An easy way to measure 10 degrees
Take a piece of A4 paper. Measure 20mm down from one top corner and 53mm down from the other. Fold along the line between these points.
Now hold the paper vertical and tilt the chair till the top of the seat looks the same angle as the folded top of the paper.
Simulate the height
Put something flat like a hardback book, clipboard, or ruler on the seat and measure to where the underside of this meets the front edge of the seat.
If the seat is adjustable, adjust it to 44, 48, 52,or 56cm high depending which Wave Stool you want to simulate.
If it is not adjustable raise it to this height with old books, magazines etc (remember to add the same thickness under the back legs to maintain the 10 degree slope).
Make sure you can put your heels firmly on the floor when you choose to. Try the chair for your normal work if you can. Which height is most comfortable - especially for your lower back?
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Optimising your workplace
If you spend more than an hour or two a day sitting you won’t regret time spent getting your workplace just right. If you suffer from back pain you have even more to gain.
Desk height
If possible, whatever seat you use, check your desk (or table) height AFTER YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE RIGHT HEIGHT SEAT. Aim to have your forearms roughly horizontal when your hands are on the keyboard.
(If you are buying a desk decide on the height beforehand. Why not make a mock up desk with a board across two stools, cardboard boxes etc, using books to adjust the height.)
When you think you have the right height, test it for several days if you can.
To make your desk lower
Some desks with wooden legs can be lowered by sawing a little off the legs. (Do this carefully in stages, or do the mock up test first. If you phone us we can tell you how to mark the legs so you get a level desk that doesn’t rock). If this is not possible screwing a keyboard drawer (and possibly wooden spacers) under the desktop will reduce the height of your keyboard and mouse. If you can’t lower your desk try propping your keyboard up at an angle (see laptop photo below) so you can use it with relaxed straight wrists.
To make your desk higher
For a quick trial you can raise your keyboard and mouse on magazines or books. For a longer test put the same thickness of books under the desk legs instead. Finally get a DIY friend or local woodworker to make you some wooden blocks to replace the books (or strips of wood if your desk has panelled ends). Even a valuable antique desk can be raised sensitively if you get a local joiner or cabinetmaker to make a stained plinth to match.
If none of these ideas is acceptable long term, but they have shown that you are more comfortable at a different height, perhaps you should consider a new or second hand desk. Even an old table bought cheap from a sale, and cut down to your height, may do perfectly well.
