I remember the moment I knew my old, hand-me-down office chair had to go. It was three hours into a marathon session of a new strategy game, a tense, nail-biting match that demanded my full concentration. But I wasn’t focused on the screen. My attention was split between my in-game tactics and the persistent, nagging ache growing in my lower back. The chair, with its non-existent lumbar support and permanently slouched posture, was actively working against me. Every time I shifted, trying to find a comfortable position, it creaked in protest. That night, I didn’t just lose the match; I lost a good night’s sleep to back pain. It’s a story many of us know too well. We invest hundreds, even thousands, in our gaming rigs but perch ourselves on a seat that’s an ergonomic afterthought. A proper gaming chair isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of equipment that impacts not just our in-game performance, but our long-term physical health. The search for a chair that offers support, adjustability, and style without a premium price tag is what leads many of us to options like the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue.
- Sold as 1 Each.
- Black and blue gaming chair.
What to Consider Before Buying a Computer Gaming Chair
A Computer Gaming Chair is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for comfort and ergonomic support during long periods of seated activity. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a remote worker, or a student burning the midnight oil, these chairs are engineered to combat the physical strain of sitting. Their main benefits lie in a high degree of adjustability—from recline angle and seat height to armrest positioning—and targeted support systems like lumbar and neck pillows. This customizability helps maintain proper posture, reducing the risk of back pain, neck strain, and fatigue. Unlike standard office chairs, gaming chairs often feature a high-back, racing-style design that cradles the entire upper body, providing shoulder and head support that is crucial for maintaining focus and comfort over many hours.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing long hours at a desk who needs a significant upgrade from a basic office or dining chair. This includes dedicated gamers, streamers, and anyone working from home who values postural health. It’s a perfect entry-point for those who want specialized ergonomic features without investing in a top-tier, thousand-dollar model. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize ultra-premium materials like genuine leather, require a weight capacity exceeding 300 lbs, or need advanced 4D armrests that move in every direction. For users in a shared living space, a less conspicuous ergonomic office chair might be a better aesthetic fit, while console gamers might prefer a dedicated gaming recliner without wheels.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your desk height and the available space in your room. The STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue has an overall height of 49.9″ to 53.8″, so ensure it can slide comfortably under your desk at its lowest setting. Consider the 29.2″ width as well to guarantee it won’t feel cramped in your setup.
- Capacity/Performance: Always check the weight limit. This chair supports up to 124.74 kg (approximately 275 lbs), making it suitable for a wide range of adults. Key performance features to look for include the recline angle (the Vartan offers a generous 135 degrees), the quality of the tilt-lock mechanism, and the range of height and armrest adjustments.
- Materials & Durability: The Vartan uses bonded and faux leather. This material is excellent for easy cleaning and provides a sleek, modern look. However, it is less breathable than fabric and can feel warm during long sessions. A chair with a solid metal frame, like this one, is a strong indicator of long-term durability compared to those with plastic or wood bases.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the assembly process. Most gaming chairs require self-assembly, so clear instructions and well-labeled hardware are a must. For maintenance, faux leather is low-effort; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the finish over time.
Keeping these factors in mind, the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue stands out in several areas, especially for its price point. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.
While the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Racing Style for Long Sessions - High-back gaming chair with ergonomic racing design, ideal for long hours at your gaming desk or home...
- Thicker Cushion & Flip-up Armrests - The seat cushion of the computer chair filled with high-density shaping foam is thicker for...
- Most Comfortable And Relaxing: Equipped with headrest and lumbar pillow. When your neck feels sore from gaming or working with head...
Unboxing the Vartan: First Impressions and Assembly
The STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue arrived in a large, but manageable, cardboard box. Pulling the components out, we were immediately struck by the vibrant blue accents against the deep black faux leather. The color is striking without being garish, a nice aesthetic touch that livens up a gaming setup. Each piece was individually wrapped in plastic to prevent scuffs and scratches during transit, and the hardware was neatly organized in a blister pack, a small detail we always appreciate. The instructions were clear and primarily visual, making the assembly process feel less like a chore and more like building a new piece of gear.
We timed the assembly, and working at a steady pace, it took us approximately 25 minutes from unboxing to the final tightening of the bolts. It’s a one-person job, though having a second pair of hands to hold the backrest while attaching it to the seat base can speed things up. The components felt substantial; the metal base has a reassuring heft, and the casters glide smoothly. The initial feel of the faux leather is smooth and supple, and the foam padding in the seat and back felt firm and supportive right out of the box. Compared to other budget-friendly chairs we’ve assembled, the Vartan went together with no frustrating misaligned holes or confusing steps, a testament to decent manufacturing quality control.
What We Like
- Extensive adjustability including height, tilt, and recline up to 135 degrees.
- Comes with removable and adjustable headrest and lumbar support pillows.
- Solid metal frame and base offer a stable and durable foundation.
- Striking black and blue design provides a classic “gamer” aesthetic.
Limitations
- Faux leather upholstery is not very breathable for hot climates or long sessions.
- Armrests are height-adjustable only, lacking side-to-side or pivot functions.
Putting the STAPLES Vartan Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Review
A gaming chair’s true worth is only revealed after hours of use. We put the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue through a rigorous testing period that included multi-hour gaming sessions, a full workday of writing and editing, and some relaxed media consumption. We focused our evaluation on three core pillars: its ergonomic adjustability, the long-term comfort of its materials, and the overall stability of its build.
Ergonomics and Adjustability: Finding the Sweet Spot for a Long Session
The heart of any good gaming chair is its ability to adapt to your body, and in this regard, the Vartan delivers impressive functionality for its class. The seat height adjustment, handled by a smooth gas lift, offered a range from 49.9″ to 53.8″ (total chair height), which was more than enough to achieve the ideal ninety-degree knee angle with our feet flat on the floor for testers between 5’7″ and 6’1″. This is the foundational first step to proper posture.
The standout feature, however, is the 135-degree recline. A lever on the right side of the seat allows the backrest to detach from the base’s tilt, letting you lean back to a deeply relaxed position. The mechanism felt secure, locking firmly into place at various angles without any unnerving slipping or give. While some premium chairs go to 180 degrees, we find 135 degrees to be the functional sweet spot—perfect for kicking back to watch a movie or relax between matches without feeling like you’re about to tip over. The separate tilt lock allows for a gentle rocking motion when upright or can be locked to provide a static, stable posture for intense gaming.
The included lumbar and headrest pillows are crucial components of the ergonomic package. They are not mere afterthoughts; the lumbar pillow is firm and provides excellent support for the natural curve of the spine, alleviating the lower back pressure we felt in our old chair. Both pillows are attached via adjustable elastic straps, allowing us to position them precisely where needed. The armrests adjust vertically, which is a key feature for aligning your arms with your desk to prevent shoulder strain. While they lack the 3D or 4D adjustments (swivel, forward/backward) of pricier models, the height adjustability is the most critical function, and it works well here.
Comfort and Material Quality: Hours in the Hot Seat
Comfort is subjective, but it’s often tied directly to material choice and padding. The Vartan is upholstered in bonded and faux leather, which gives it a premium look that’s easy to maintain. During our testing, a minor coffee spill was wiped away effortlessly with a damp cloth, leaving no stain—a huge plus for anyone who eats or drinks at their desk. The feel is smooth and cool to the touch initially.
The foam padding is on the firmer side of the spectrum. We view this as a positive for long-term support. Overly soft chairs can feel luxurious at first but often lead to poor posture as you sink into them. The Vartan’s firm foam, combined with the 17.8-inch seat depth, encourages an upright, engaged posture while still providing enough cushion for comfort over a four-hour gaming session. The high, solid back and 19.4-inch backrest width provided excellent shoulder support, cradling the upper body effectively.
The primary trade-off with faux leather, and one we definitely experienced, is breathability. In a warmer room, after about two hours of continuous sitting, we did notice some heat buildup on the seat and back. This is a common characteristic of the material and something to be aware of if you run hot or live in a warm climate. For us, a short break every couple of hours was enough to mitigate this. For those who prioritize a cleanable surface and sleek aesthetic over maximum airflow, the Vartan’s material choice is a very practical compromise.
Build Quality and Stability: A Foundation for Victory
A chair can have all the features in the world, but they mean nothing if it feels wobbly or unsafe. The foundation of the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue is its metal frame and five-star base, and this is where it truly inspires confidence. Throughout our testing—reclining, swiveling, and rolling across the room—the chair remained perfectly stable. There were no unnerving creaks or groans from the frame, even when leaning back or shifting our weight suddenly.
The chair is rated for up to 275 pounds, and it felt more than capable of handling that. The base provides a wide, stable footprint, preventing any sensation of tipping, even at maximum recline. The casters are designed for hard floors and performed admirably on our hardwood test surface, gliding smoothly and quietly without leaving any marks. On a medium-pile carpet, they required a bit more effort to move, which is typical for standard casters. If your setup is primarily on thick carpet, you might consider an aftermarket set of “rollerblade” style wheels, but for hard floors or chair mats, the included set is perfectly adequate. The overall impression is one of durability and solid engineering that feels like it will easily withstand the rigors of daily use.
What Other Users Are Saying
While we conduct our own exhaustive hands-on tests, we also analyze user feedback to get a broader perspective. The sentiment surrounding chairs in this category, like the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue, is generally very positive, especially from those upgrading from a standard office chair for the first time. Many users praise the straightforward assembly process, often noting they could build it alone in under 30 minutes. The significant improvement in back support is a frequently mentioned highlight, with many attributing the adjustable lumbar pillow to a noticeable reduction in pain during long work or gaming sessions.
On the constructive side, some of the feedback echoes our own findings. A few users have commented on the limited breathability of the faux leather, advising that it can get warm after several hours of continuous contact. Another common point is related to the armrests; while the height adjustment is appreciated, some more discerning users wish for the added customization of side-to-side rotation available on more expensive competitors. Overall, the consensus is that it offers excellent value, providing core ergonomic features and a sturdy build that outperform its budget-friendly price tag.
How Does the Vartan Compare? Top Alternatives Explored
The STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue is a strong contender, but it exists in a crowded market. To help you make the most informed decision, we’ve compared it to three other popular alternatives, each with its own unique strengths.
1. Devoko Ergonomic Gaming Chair with Lumbar Support
- Devoko high back ergonomic gaming chair covered by premium breathable leather and freely adjustable lumbar support & headrest pillow...
- 360 degree swivel rotation with top quality mute rolling Wheels avoid scratching on floor board and freely move in your space
The Devoko Ergonomic Gaming Chair is a direct competitor to the Vartan, offering a very similar racing-style design and feature set. It also includes lumbar and headrest pillows and utilizes PU leather. The primary difference often comes down to slight variations in styling and foam density. The Devoko is an excellent choice for buyers who are heavily price-driven and want to compare the latest online deals. If you prefer its specific aesthetic or find it at a slightly lower price, it provides a comparable entry-level gaming experience to the Vartan. However, we found the Vartan’s overall fit and finish to feel slightly more refined during our assembly and initial testing.
2. BestOffice Ergonomic PU Leather Gaming Chair
- ❤Easy to install - Gaming chair is super easy to be put together. It may take about 10-15minutes, this office chair comes with all...
- ❤Comfortable lumbar support - Office chair is designed with human-oriented ergonomic construction for providing comfort sitting...
The BestOffice Gaming Chair carves out its niche by adding a small, but notable, feature: a vibrating massage function built into the lumbar pillow. This is powered via USB and provides a gentle buzz to help alleviate lower back fatigue. While not a deep-tissue massage, it’s a pleasant addition for those seeking extra comfort. This model, particularly in its white colorway, also appeals to users looking for a brighter aesthetic to match a specific setup. If the idea of a massage feature is highly appealing to you, or if you prefer a white chair, the BestOffice model is a compelling alternative. Otherwise, the core ergonomic functions are very similar to the Vartan.
3. BOSSIN Big and Tall Gaming Recliner Chair
- Gaming Recliner Chair Material: Covered by high-quality PU leather with thick padding provide better comfort and it's easy to clean up,...
- Ergonomic Lounge Design: Recliner Seating Sofa with a 90-180 degree adjustable backrest, adjustable to meet your back comfort, equipped...
The BOSSIN Gaming Recliner represents a different category of gaming furniture altogether. This is not a chair for a desk, but a stationary recliner designed for a living room or home theater setup. Its key advantages are a much higher weight capacity (400 lbs) and a plush, sofa-like comfort level perfect for console gaming. It features a retractable footrest and deep cushioning. You sacrifice the mobility of a wheeled office-style chair for superior lounging comfort. For PC gamers who need to be at a desk, the Vartan is the clear choice. For console gamers who want a dedicated media-watching and gaming throne, the BOSSIN is a fantastic alternative.
The Final Verdict: Is the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue is an exceptional value proposition. It successfully bridges the gap between basic, unsupportive office chairs and high-end, prohibitively expensive gaming models. It delivers on the core promises of a modern gaming chair: robust ergonomic support, a high degree of adjustability, and a stable, durable build that feels ready for years of use. The inclusion of well-designed lumbar and headrest pillows, combined with a generous 135-degree recline, provides a level of customization that can genuinely improve comfort and posture.
The primary trade-offs—the non-breathable faux leather and basic height-only adjustable armrests—are reasonable compromises at this price point. We recommend this chair to any budget-conscious gamer, student, or remote worker who is ready to invest in their physical well-being. It’s for the person who understands that a good chair is not just about comfort, but about creating a better environment for work and play. It is a massive, tangible upgrade that you will feel in your back, neck, and shoulders after the very first long session.
If you’ve decided the STAPLES Vartan Gaming Chair Blue is the right fit for your setup, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API