Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Learning how to adjust a Branch ergonomic chair takes about five minutes and makes a real difference to how your back, shoulders and wrists feel after a full day at the desk. By the end of this guide, you will have set the seat height, lumbar support, armrests, backrest and tilt so your body is supported in a neutral posture. Exact control names vary a little by model, so check your manual if a lever looks different from the one described here.

Before You Start: Sit Correctly First

Adjust the chair while you are actually seated, wearing the shoes you normally work in. Sit all the way back in the seat so your spine meets the backrest. Keep your feet flat on the floor, or on a footrest if you need one.

Shopping for one? See our guide: How to Adjust Ergonomic Chair (2026): Which Setup Method Is Better for You?.

How to Adjust the Seat Height and Depth

Seat height is the first setting to change. Stand beside the chair, pull the height lever under the front-right of the seat, and sit down. Set the height so your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor and your knees sit slightly lower than your hips. Your forearms should rest on the desk with elbows at about 90 degrees.

If your model has seat depth adjustment, slide the seat forward or back until there is about two to three finger-widths between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This keeps your thighs supported without pressing on the backs of your legs.

How to Set Lumbar Support, Armrests and Backrest

Lumbar support

Adjust the lumbar support so it fills the natural inward curve of your lower back. Raise or lower the lumbar knob or slider until the pressure feels even and supportive, not pushy. Many Branch chairs allow both height and depth changes on lumbar support, so try each setting briefly.

Armrests

Raise the armrests until your shoulders feel relaxed and your elbows rest lightly on the pads with your upper arms hanging naturally. If your model offers width or pivot adjustment, bring the arms in close so you are not reaching sideways to type. Keep the armrests low enough that they do not lift your shoulders.

Backrest tension and tilt

Use the tilt-tension knob under the seat to match your body weight. A lighter setting lets the backrest move easily, while a firmer one holds you in place. Adjust the tilt lock so you can recline comfortably without the chair pitching you forward. Set the backrest so it supports your upper back as you lean back slightly.

Quick Checklist

  1. Sit fully back in the seat with feet flat.
  2. Set seat height so thighs are roughly level and elbows are near 90 degrees at the desk.
  3. Adjust seat depth to leave two to three finger-widths behind your knees.
  4. Position lumbar support in the curve of your lower back.
  5. Raise or lower armrests so shoulders stay relaxed.
  6. Set tilt tension and lock to suit your weight and how you recline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Setting the seat too high, which pushes your knees above your hips and strains your lower back.
  • Leaving armrests too high, which lifts your shoulders all day.
  • Pushing the lumbar support too far in, which can cause discomfort rather than relief.
  • Sitting on the front edge of the seat instead of against the backrest.
  • Skipping the tilt tension setting, leaving the chair too loose or too stiff for your weight.

A footrest helps when your feet do not reach the floor comfortably after you lower the seat. View on Amazon

A lumbar cushion can add support if the built-in lumbar pad does not fit the curve of your back. View on Amazon

FAQ

Where is the seat height lever on a Branch ergonomic chair?

On most models the seat height lever sits under the front-right edge of the seat. Pull it up while standing, then sit down and press your weight into the seat to raise or lower it.

How do I know if my chair is adjusted correctly?

You should be able to sit with your back against the backrest, feet flat, knees slightly lower than hips, and forearms resting on the desk without lifting your shoulders. If any of these feel off, adjust the matching setting.

Should I adjust the chair every time someone else uses it?

Yes. Seat height, lumbar position and armrest height are personal settings, so reset them whenever the chair changes users. Note your settings so you can restore them quickly.

Conclusion

Adjusting a Branch ergonomic chair comes down to setting seat height, depth, lumbar support, armrests and tilt in that order. Work through the checklist once, then recheck after a few days of use. If pain persists, a physical therapist or doctor can give advice specific to your body.

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Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our fitness at work guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.