Omnidesk Loft Ergonomic Chair – Review

A good chair is always a worthy investment, especially when seven or more hours in a day are spent at the desk. The difference between choice picks and run-of-the-mill models is, after all, similar to the tiered experience on a long-haul flight, as one leaves stiffness and sore muscles in its wake, while the other, with a proper support system, provides a first-class upgrade to what’s generally out there.

With a myriad of options, however, finding the perfect fit can be a chair-llenge. Comfort is key, but the lack of a universal, one-size-fits-all mould brings other factors into the equation, as no two body structures are identical. To that end, the Omnidesk Loft ergonomic chair ticks off the major checkboxes of ergonomics and aesthetics, serving up a fitting sitting companion to its mix of table offerings. 

Like its table counterpart, the company’s latest features an elegant design that blends nicely into any room or office space. Rather than head the route of gaming chairs with PU-covered seats, the Loft is a more traditional chair, decked out with a breathable mesh material that has become the standard with home or office chairs of its kind, ensuring a cooler sitting experience for users living in hotter climates. This minimalist touch extends to its colour options as well, of Charcoal (Black), Lunar (White), and Sage (Green), with the review unit coming in Sage. 

Assembling the Loft is a straightforward process. Weighing in at 21kg and supporting up to 136kg, it is relatively easy to put together, and comes in 8 parts, excluding the optional headrest. It took two people approximately 20 minutes to assemble the chair using the carefully laid out instructions, so don’t feel daunted by the prospect of piecing one with a friend, or even on your own. Priced at S$899, the chair embodies a blend of modern design and functionality and if you’re seeking additional comfort, an optional headrest can be added for S$59.

The Loft’s backrest boasts a geometric pattern crafted from 3D knit fabric, which offers great breathability and adapts to the body’s natural contours. The chair’s intuitive controls, located at the base of the seat, feature the subtle BOCK German mechanism, allowing for up-and-down adjustments to ensure optimal comfort. It is easy to reach and fuss-free to navigate the controls.

The chair is cosy and fits snugly for extended periods, particularly for petite users. However, the experience falls short for larger individuals due to the limited armrest space, the lack of functionality to swivel, and a seat that lacks sufficient room, making it feel cramped and restrictive.

The adjustable lumbar support, located at the rear of the chair enhances overall comfort by providing tailored back support, with a design that allows for perfect contouring to the natural curve of one’s spine, promoting better posture and reducing strain. While the chair supports a recline range of 105 to 125 degrees, the locking mechanism is not as intuitive as others. Unlike chairs where you simply pull the lever while adjusting the recline and it locks when you let go, this chair requires more effort. You have to use your body weight to push the backrest against its resistance, then pull the lever to lock it. Even then, the mechanism only locks at certain angles, making it less user-friendly. If left unlocked, the backrest immediately springs back to its original upright position, which can catch users off-guard. 

Armrest functionality, too, also lacks finesse. Upward adjustments are done without buttons, but lowering them requires users to go all the way up, then down, and finally to the desired height. It’s a cumbersome process, with the somewhat flimsy build casting doubt on their overall stability. 

As for seat height adjustments, the Loft ensures a smooth and gradual affair – a great change from abrupt movements seen with other chairs. This allows for precise height adjustments without sudden shifts, and this seamless touch extends to its five wheels, facilitating easy movement. The same goes for adjusting the seat’s depth, which is effortlessly done via a lever on the left side. 

The standout feature here, though, is the soft material. Not only does the 3D knit fabric offer breathability, it feels comfortable to the touch, is never prickly, and strikes a fine balance between cushioning and firm support. The comfort is especially welcome for prolonged periods, but it brings up some humidity-related concerns.

For users in Singapore or similar warm climates, increased perspiration is inevitable without air conditioning and can seep into the mesh fabric, making it prone to developing an unpleasant smell over time. Our tests revealed that while the mesh fabric does a good job of repelling water, it still absorbs some moisture. As such, users may want to steer clear of the chair post-exercise to prevent potential sweat and odour absorption or avoid spillage in large quantities. 

The backrest’s triangular design – combined with its mesh fabric that has holes and an intricate knit with additional openings – also poses a maintenance challenge, as dirt, dust and other forms of debris can easily accumulate in the crevices.

When compared to other ergonomic options like the Ergotune Vesby and Hinomi X1, retailing for S$899 and S$799 respectively, the Omnidesk Loft is positioned at a higher price point. There are features to love, such as a sleek design, comfortable material, and effective lumbar support, marrying aesthetics with functionality. Still, the various shortcomings raise doubt about its overall value, making it difficult to justify the premium cost.