How To Add A Headrest To An Office Chair? 2 Handy Ways

Do you spend most of your time sitting in your office chair?

Then you probably know why support is important.

Without it, you’ll have bad posture, body aches, and more serious conditions.

It’s no wonder ergonomic office chairs are the most recommended.

But, you might not have the luxury to decide what type of office chair you use.

And, unfortunately, many companies provide office chairs missing one key feature – a headrest.

Well, we have good news!

If your office chair doesn’t have a headrest, you can add one yourself!

This is easy to do!

Here, we’ll show you:

• Why headrests are important
• The 2 ways to add a headrest to your office chair

Plus, we’ll tell you about the different types of headrests.

Are you ready? Let’s get to it!

Why Are Headrests Important?

It’s common to lean back on office chairs for a short break, taking a phone call, or chatting with someone.

Now, imagine if the office chair didn’t have a headrest.

You’ll not only feel uncomfortable, but you’ll strain your neck as well.

A headrest will make those breaks comfortable and relaxing. Just don’t forget you still have work to do!

That’s not the only reason it’s important.

It also provides good posture while working at your desk.

When we work at our desks, we have this tendency to lean our heads forward.

But a headrest will always remind you to keep your head straight.

So headrests are important for better posture, comfort, and even productivity.

How to Add a Headrest to Your Office Chair – the 2 Ways to Do It Yourself

Don’t have a headrest?

No worries!

We have 2 simple ways for you to add one!

1. Buy a Headrest for Your Office Chair

Yes, there is such a thing as a headrest installation.

These headrests are legit, not the DIY type.

Also, this method is a lot easier than DIY-ing.

You might not know it, but a lot of office chairs that don’t come with headrests have the option to install one.

Make sure the headrest you get matches your office chair, though.

Check here for a few other headrest options online.

If it doesn’t match, then you won’t be able to install it (unless you’re able to work out something with your creativity).

Now, how do you install the headrest?

It’ll depend on the headrest you buy and the office chair you have. There are usually instructions on how to do it or you can watch videos online.

If you use a Steelcase Think V2 Office Chair, check out this video to see how to install a headrest:

2. DIY a Headrest With Pillows, Styrofoam, and Fabric

If you’d rather go DIY, we have a great project for you!

You’ll need 2 rectangular pillows the same width as your office chair’s backrest. A rectangular styrofoam block. And a long fabric.

The goal here is to build your very own headrest.

To do that, follow these steps:

1. Stack the Pillows

Place one pillow against the backrest (long side up) and the other one on top of that.

A quick tip: These pillows are now your backrest. Make sure it fits your needs and gives great back posture and support.

The pillow on top is going to be the cushion for your headrest.

Now, that won’t work since the top pillow will bend down at the edge of the chair’s backrest.

This is where the styrofoam comes in.

2. Install the Styrofoam

With the styrofoam, measure the height you want for your headrest.

Cut off any excess.

Then, cut a crevice at the bottom of the styrofoam. Make sure it’s wide enough to fit through the chair’s backrest.

To secure it together, get a rope (or anything of the sort) and tie the styrofoam to the backrest.

The styrofoam is the base of the headrest, supporting the upper pillow.

3. Cover It Up (And Add More Security) With the Fabric

To cover it all up, use the fabric.

The fabric is also going to secure both pillows together.

All you need to do is wrap it around the backrest and your new headrest and tie it at the back.

The final product should look something like this:

For sure, it’s not the prettiest looking, but it’ll provide the support your need for your head and neck.

The Different Types of Office Chair Headrests

Of course, it’s always best to get an office chair that already has a headrest.

If you have the luxury to get your office chair, know that there are 3 types of headrests – built-in, adjustable, and fully adjustable.

Built-in headrests have to perfectly fit your neck height and curve, as well as the angle.

You need to get this right because there’s no changing the headrest’s position.

An adjustable headrest is a better option.

With this, you’ll be able to adjust the height of the headrest.

No need to look for exact height measurements any more.

Still, you’ll need to make sure the curve and angle fit your head for optimal support and comfort.

Then there’s the fully adjustable headrest.

You can adjust both the height AND the angle.

This headrest caters to any head position you want while working, relaxing, or even taking a short nap.

The more adjustable parts an office chair has, the higher the cost.

Check out this video showing you the 3 types of headrests:

Conclusion

You don’t have to suffer the consequences of not having a headrest.

Try any of these 2 methods and you’re sure to reap the benefits…

Your work performance will increase. As well as good posture, more comfort, and fewer aches.

We hope this has been a great help!