Selkänojat

Selkänojat are backrests attached to seats that provide support for the upper and middle back. In Finnish, the word selkänoja refers to a backrest, and selkänojat denotes multiple backrests. They are designed to improve comfort and posture during sitting, reduce muscle fatigue, and contribute to proper spinal alignment. In addition to furniture, backrests appear in vehicle seats, airplane seats, and stadium or theater seating, where their shape and support affect endurance and perceived comfort.

Backrests vary by application. Office chairs often feature adjustable backrests with height, tilt, and sometimes built-in lumbar support to fit the user’s spine’s curvature. Dining chairs and sofas typically have fixed or minimally adjustable backs, focusing on aesthetics and overall seating comfort. Vehicle backrests are shaped to support the lower back and thoracic region and may include adjustable lumbar support, recline, and, in some cases, integrated headrests.

Materials range from wood or metal frames with padding and upholstery to ventilated mesh designs that improve airflow. The backrest curvature is commonly designed to mirror the natural S-shaped curve of the spine in the lumbar and thoracic regions. Ergonomics guidance emphasizes adequate height to reach behind the shoulders and an angle that allows a relaxed seated posture; too rigid or too reclined backrests may cause discomfort.

Historically, backrests have been a standard feature of seating for centuries, evolving with furniture design and ergonomic research to accommodate longer periods of sitting.