What is the EN 1335 standard and to which types of furniture does it apply?

The modern office is a place where we spend a significant part of our day. It is no longer just a space for work, but also an environment that has a huge impact on our health, well-being and productivity. That is precisely why choosing the right office chair is so crucial. All too often, we ignore the fact that an ill-fitting chair can lead to serious health problems, such as back, neck or wrist pain. The right office chair is an investment in comfort and health, which translates into better concentration and higher productivity.

With so many products available, certificates and standards serve as a guide to help you make an informed decision. One of the most important, though often underestimated, is EN 1335 standard. In this article, we’ll explain what this standard is and which office chairs it applies to. We’ll show you why it’s so important and what it means for you as a user. It’s time to take a closer look at the standards that ensure your comfort and safety at work.

What is the EN 1335 standard and why is it so important?

Standard EN 1335 It is a key, though often unseen, component of any professional office chair. In essence, it is This is a European standard which sets out precise technical and functional requirements for swivel chairs intended for long-term use in offices. Its main aim is to ensure that this furniture is not only durable and safe, but above all ergonomic.

The main idea behind the EN 1335 standard is simple: office chairs They should support a natural posture, minimise the risk of injury and the discomfort associated with prolonged sitting. Rather than being merely a seat, a certified office chair becomes a work tool that actively looks after the user’s health. The standard therefore guarantees that a given product meets rigorous quality criteria and has been tested against a range of parameters. This gives you the assurance that you are making an informed choice that will bring benefits for years to come.

What are the differences between the parts of the EN 1335-1, EN 1335-2 and EN 1335-3 standards?

The EN 1335 standard is not a single, monolithic document, but consists of three separate parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the office chair. Their interconnection ensures a comprehensive approach to quality and functionality.

EN 1335-1 – dimensions

The first part of the standard concerns key parameters that directly affect ergonomics. It specifies the exact dimensions of an office chair, such as seat height (420–530 mm), depth (400–480 mm), as well as the dimensions and adjustments of the backrest and armrests. Furthermore, it categorises chairs into classes, which allows manufacturers to design models optimised for different user groups, depending on their height and build. Compliance with this part of the standard means that an office chair has the correct proportions to provide proper support for the body.

EN 1335-2 – technical requirements

This section of the standard focuses on safety and durability. It is here that we find information on wear resistance and the stresses to which office chairs are subjected during everyday use. The standard specifies, amongst other things, the strength of the base, the stability of the seat (to prevent it from tipping over) and the durability of the castors. Compliance with EN 1335-2 ensures that the product is robust and will not fail even after intensive, long-term use.

EN 1335-3 – test methods

The final part of the standard serves as a guide for laboratories and manufacturers. It sets out the detailed test methods that must be carried out to verify whether a given product meets the requirements of EN 1335-2. It is thanks to these rigorous tests (e.g. backrest strength tests, stability tests) that manufacturers can obtain the relevant certification and guarantee their customers the highest quality office chairs.

What are the technical requirements for office chairs under the EN 1335 standard?

The EN 1335 standard is not just a set of dimensions, but above all a set of stringent technical requirements for office chairs, which guarantee their safety and durability. Resistance to heavy loads and intensive use are key features that set certified products apart.

For an office chair to comply with the EN 1335 standard, it must undergo a series of specific tests to verify its key parameters:

• Strength of the base and mechanismsandnbsp;- Resistance to dynamic loads (e.g. impacts) is tested to ensure that the chair’s base, adjustment mechanisms and gas spring are capable of withstanding many years of intensive use.
• Stabilityandnbsp;- The office chair is tested for the risk of tipping over – forwards, backwards and to the sides – to ensure it is safe to use.
• Durability of the wheelsandnbsp;- The castors on office chairs and their mountings are subjected to abrasion and rotation cycle tests (roll-over tests) to ensure that they do not become damaged, even after extensive use.
• Strength of the backrest and armrestsandnbsp;- these components are tested for resistance to bending and load, which prevents them from cracking.

All these technical requirements have a single aim – to ensure that the product is not only functional but, above all, safe. Meeting these criteria demonstrates that the manufacturer prioritises quality and durability, which in turn protects the customer’s investment and ensures they can work with peace of mind and in comfort.

What ergonomic benefits does a chair that complies with EN 1335 offer the user?

Compliance with the EN 1335 standard is about much more than just dry technical specifications. Above all, it offers a range of tangible benefits that directly impact the health and comfort of the person using the chair. The guarantee of ergonomics is the most important aspect that distinguishes a professional office chair from an ordinary, decorative piece of furniture.

This certified office chair is designed to support the natural curvature of the spine and encourage dynamic sitting. Thanks to precise adjustments, the user can adjust the seat height, as well as the position of the backrest and armrests, which helps maintain correct posture. This reduces muscle tension and minimises the risk of pain, which is so common amongst people who spend many hours sitting down. It is precisely these ergonomic benefits that make work more comfortable and delay the onset of fatigue. Investing in office chairs that comply with the standard is an investment in productivity and well-being for years to come.

Are there any alternative standards for office chairs apart from EN 1335?

The EN 1335 standard is key in Europe, but there are also other recognised standards in force on the global market. It is worth being aware of them, as many furniture manufacturers – particularly those operating internationally – strive to comply with multiple standards simultaneously, which only serves to confirm the quality of their products.

One of the best-known alternative standards is ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 (R2022). This is an American standard developed by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association. As with EN 1335, the ANSI/BIFMA standard focuses on the safety, durability and stability of office chairs. It specifies a series of tests designed to verify the strength of components such as castors, bases and adjustment mechanisms. This demonstrates that the office furniture market is standardised worldwide, and that certifications, regardless of their origin, are a guarantee of quality. It is worth remembering that both the EN 1335 standard and ANSI/BIFMA confirm that the office chairs in question have been designed and manufactured with the user and their safety in mind.

Investing in comfort – why choose furniture certified to EN 1335?

Choosing the perfect office chair is a decision that affects your health and productivity every working day. The EN 1335 standard is not just a set of technical requirements, but above all a guarantee that a given product has been designed with ergonomics, safety and durability in mind. Understanding how the standard is divided into parts EN 1335-1, EN 1335-2 and EN 1335-3 helps you realise that every aspect of an office chair, from its dimensions to its strength, has been carefully considered and tested.

By choosing office chairs from a manufacturer that subjects its products to rigorous testing and certification, you are investing in your own comfort. This is a conscious choice that translates into a lower risk of pain, greater concentration and higher productivity. If you’re looking for furniture that will look after your comfort and health, take a look at our range office chairs certified to EN 1335. Remember that at work, it’s not just what you do that counts, but also how you do it!