The Best Drafting Chairs for Your Office
Here Are the Best Drafting Chairs Worth Considering in 2022
Hylone Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Best Overall
The first drafting chair we are going to discuss is by Hylone. This high-back drafting chair has a breathable mesh back to allow complete airflow and is a well-rounded chair for most people because of the amount of adjustability available. The chair’s height is adjustable by ~8 inches, which works nicely with a standing desk or bar table.
The footrest is adjustable to match the seat height, which reduces the pressure on your legs, while the armrests are breathable and padded with sponges to provide more comfort. They also flip up to let you move closer to the desk, ensuring a good posture while working. The cushioned waterfall edge seat also promotes blood flow to your legs. All of these features combined make this drafting chair very comfortable and the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Completely adjustable to your preference
- High backrest to support your back
- Waterfall seat design promotes blood flow
Cons
- No reclining lock so it stays upright
Modway Veer Drafting Chair – Most Sturdy Construction
Modway offers a sturdy and durable drafting chair ideal for office desks, receptions, and studios. The backrest features a complete breathable mesh back with lumbar support. The padded armrests and generously padded mesh seat let you sit relaxed for long durations.
This drafting chair has various adjustment options such as height, tilt tension, and a lock system. The tall gas cylinder on this drafting chair also makes it ideal for standing desks. The five dual-wheeled casters can help glide around any flooring, and the chrome-plated foot ring adds a professional and modern look to the chair. The armrests fold up by 90 degrees to save space and help you easily draw, paint and draft. The overall design of the drafting chair is sleek and can refresh your work or home space.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- The nylon base is very sturdy
- Large mesh back support
Cons
- Arms are not adjustable to seat height
Office Star Mesh Drafting Chair – For Stand-Up Desk
The Office Star Delux Drafting Chair is our pick for the leading tall drafting chairs available. With a height range of 24.25” to 33.75”, it is one of the tallest drafting chairs you’ll find. You can choose between fabric and vinyl upholstery: The first one is great for office environments, and the fabric matches the mesh back. In contrast, vinyl upholstery is easier to clean and is preferred in healthcare departments.
The height of this chair makes it perfect for stand-up desks and bar tables. The chair has a small footprint and may struggle to accommodate people with larger frames.
Pros
- Short assembly time
- Heavy-duty nylon base
- Low-arched adjustable back
Cons
- No armrests included
Boss Office Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Most Minimalistic Design
If you are looking for a drafting chair where you have a choice to include or omit armrests, this is the one to consider. With a well-padded fabric upholstery and back, the chair proves to be highly comfortable for prolonged sitting. With high side pads, your back remains supported, and the waterfall seat design reduces stress on your legs by increasing blood circulation.
The chair has a 20-inch chrome foot ring that provides ample leg support but is not adjustable. Coming in four beautiful color options, including black, blue, burgundy, and gray, you can choose based on your room’s interior or preference.
Pros
- Armrests are optional
- Large wheel casters for easy gliding
- Four different color options
Cons
- May be too short for tall people
Flash Furniture Drafting Chair – Highest Color Variety
Tired of the usual black and brown office chairs? Flash Furniture brings you a mid-back drafting chair offered in 17 different colors so you can define your space and express yourself. The mesh back allows you to sit comfortably even in hot weather conditions, while the lumbar support reduces strain on your lower back when working long hours. It also includes padded arms that help alleviate pressure on the shoulders and elbows.
You get multiple adjustment options with this drafting chair, including the seat’s back angle, height, and tilt angle using the three paddle mechanisms under the seat. The adjustable chrome foot ring keeps your legs supported and comfortable by adjusting according to the seat height. The seat height can be adjusted between 23 and 31.5 inches, which can be inconvenient in the long run for short people.
Pros
- 17 different color choices
- Offers lumbar support
- Comfortable regardless of climate
Cons
- Too tall for people shorter than 5’4”
Buying Guide for Choosing a High-Quality Drafting Chair
What Are Drafting Chairs?
Drafting chairs are also known as drafting stools. They are designed to work with drafting tables, which are large and tall. The slanted portion of the table makes it perfect for use while standing, but it is always nice to take a break by sitting and still work, which a drafting chair allows. Over time the chairs have evolved and become much more comfortable than they were.
You have to consider many factors when looking for the perfect drafting chair. With the number of different drafting chairs available, choosing the one that suits your needs and provides comfort on long work days can be challenging. Here is a buying guide designed to help you with the process.
Uses of Drafting Chairs
Drafting chairs are designed specifically for drafting tables used by engineers, artists, and drafters and are designed to be robust and durable. They are not limited to their specific use, though, and can provide comfort in any office setting since they also provide ergonomic benefits and comfortable sitting posture. They allow people to perch instead of sit, which can have long-term benefits for your health. Drafting chairs can elevate between 20 to 35 inches, which works well with standing desks and bar tables.
Benefits of Drafting Chairs
Adjustable seat height
Drafting chairs offer significant seat height adjustment, typically around 8 inches. Adjusting the height makes it easier for your body to adjust to the position you are in and be more comfortable in the long run. This lowers the risk of aches and pains by reducing stress on your body.
Sufficient seat depth
Drafting chairs are ergonomically designed to provide comfort and a more natural seating position. This can prove beneficial for people working at a standing desk all day. The seat depth and width can support your sitting posture without restricting blood flow.
Armrest options
There are all kinds of options available for armrests. You can get drafting chairs with large fixed armrests, adjustable ones, or no armrest at all. While armrests do relieve pressure on your shoulder and neck, they can also limit how close you can get to your desk. Standard office chairs may have fixed armrests that can affect your posture because you cannot move closer to the desk. There are also drafting chairs available that have flip-up armrests.
Good sitting posture
Posture is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. A chair with great posture support can prevent back pain and other related issues. Drafting chairs have good lumbar support and waterfall edge seats which keep you upright and promote blood flow.
Comfortable on long days
With proper posture and multi-functional controls, you can continue working for prolonged periods. The foot ring that’s typically provided minimizes fatigue that can occur when one’s legs do not adequately reach the ground.
Factors to Consider
Seat height
One of the main highlights of drafting chairs is their seat height range, which is vital to consider when in the market. You should measure your table height to ensure the chair you are planning to purchase is 8-12” lower than the table. You should also take your size into account when buying a drafting chair. The main concern should be checking if the stool goes low enough to sit on and get off comfortably.
Armrest
Armrests are optional on drafting chairs and may or may not be included. If you are used to a chair with armrests, you should consider going for a chair that has them, as armrests relieve pressure from your shoulders and neck. You can opt for a drafting chair without armrests if you don’t feel comfortable with them. There are also drafting chairs available that feature removable or flip-up armrests, so they are out of the way when not needed.
Footrest
The most common footrest in a drafting chair is the foot ring. Because the chairs are so tall, they need a footrest to prevent your legs from hanging.
The three different types of footrests include ring, teardrop, or platform. You can choose which footrest to opt for based on your preference.
Seat
Many options are available in the market, including wooden, steel, and foam seats. Foam seats are by far the most comfortable to sit on for long durations, while wooden and steel seats give you a much more upright and rigid posture which can boost productivity.
Upholstery
The seat's upholstery is also important as different upholsteries are suited for different work environments. Mesh and fabric are ideal for homes and offices, while vinyl and urethanes are great for industrial and laboratory use because they are easy to clean. On the other hand, leather is not as durable but provides a luxurious look and can be attractive for homes or executive offices.
Headrest
Drafting chairs do not include headrests. Full or mid-back drafting chairs available provide ample support to your posture. Since drafting chairs are designed to allow people to lean forward, they do not require headrests.
