10 Office Chair Superstitions from Around the World

Office Chair Superstitions from Around the World

Most people think of office chairs as purely practical: something to keep your backside comfortable while you bash out emails and survive yet another “quick” meeting that drags into the lunch hour. But across cultures and centuries, chairs — yes, even humble office chairs — have picked up more than a few superstitions.

From lucky swivels to cursed squeaks, here are 10 curious office chair superstitions from around the world.

1. The “First Spin” Luck Ritual – USA

In some American offices, new starters are told to spin once in their chair on the first day. It’s said to bring good luck and ensure you’ll “rise through the ranks” quickly. If you’re in a chair like the Herman Miller Aeron Size B, you’ll look stylish while you spin.

2. Never Leave a Chair Empty at Night – Japan

Japanese superstition warns against leaving chairs facing your desk overnight. It’s believed to invite restless spirits to “sit” and drain your energy. That Steelcase Gesture suddenly facing backwards in the morning? Don’t ask questions.

3. The Knocking Armrest – UK

An old British office tale says that if your chair arm knocks against the desk three times without cause, it’s a warning to check your emails — something important is waiting. A solid build like the Steelcase Leap V2 makes this less likely… unless you believe in fate.

4. The “Boss’s Chair” Curse – Italy

Italian folklore claims that sitting in your boss’s chair before being promoted brings bad luck — you’ll never advance. Better admire the Humanscale Freedom Headrest from afar unless you want a long stay in middle management.

5. Spinning to Ward Off Bad Energy – Philippines

In some Filipino offices, colleagues will do a quick swivel in their chair when someone says something negative — like shaking off bad vibes. The Haworth Zody is ideal for a smooth spin-and-smile manoeuvre.

6. Don’t Rock on a Meeting Chair – Russia

Russian superstition warns against rocking your chair back in a meeting. It’s seen as tempting fate (and bad for posture). The sturdy Vitra Eames EA219 keeps you upright and professional — no wobbling into misfortune.

7. The Lucky Chair Swap – India

In some Indian workplaces, swapping chairs with a colleague is believed to pass on fortune and fresh opportunities. If your mate nabs your RH Logic 400, don’t fret — you might just gain some luck in return.

8. A Squeaky Chair Brings Visitors – Mexico

According to Mexican superstition, if your chair squeaks loudly, expect visitors or surprise calls soon. A quiet, refurbished Herman Miller EA337 avoids both squeaks and uninvited drama.

9. The “Don’t Turn Your Back” Rule – China

Chinese superstition suggests it’s unlucky to sit with your back directly to the office door, as it leaves you vulnerable to bad luck (and gossip). A tall-backed Knoll Generation Chair helps shield you — both energetically and literally.

10. Chairs as Fortune Magnets – Global Feng Shui

Across many cultures, chairs are tied to personal energy flow. Feng Shui experts stress that your office chair should have a supportive back to symbolise strong support in your career. The Humanscale Liberty fits the bill, combining ergonomic science with mystical reassurance.

Why We Love Chair Superstitions

Superstitions may seem silly, but they highlight how everyday objects get tangled up with meaning. Much like a lucky tie or a ritual coffee mug, the chair you sit in becomes more than furniture.

For a deeper look at how workplaces shape rituals, check out BBC Culture’s feature on office myths and traditions. You’ll see we’re not alone in giving our furniture a little too much power.

Final Thoughts

Whether you believe in chair superstitions or not, they add colour (and maybe a dash of caution) to our working lives. After all, if spinning your chair keeps the bad energy away or stopping a squeak brings a visitor, what’s the harm in indulging the myth?

At the very least, it’ll make office small talk far more entertaining than discussing the weather — and in Britain, that’s saying something.