What Is a Drafting Chair?
Not your standard office chair.
When shopping for an office chair, make sure to consider a drafting chair model! These chairs take ergonomic comfort and flexible seating to the next level. Keep reading to learn more about drafting chairs and if one is right for you.
What Is a Drafting Chair?
(Shop this image: drafting chairs with arms, drafting tables, craft and sewing tables, and easels.)
A drafting chair is a type of office chair that traditionally pairs with drafting tables or elevated desks. Their ergonomic designs, footrests, and adjustable height seats help you sit comfortably for long periods of time – ideal for completing a range of tasks including painting, drawing up blueprints, or doing everyday computer work. Thanks to their adjustable height seats, you can also use them with standard desks.
Drafting Chair Benefits:
Here are the main advantages of using a drafting chair over other office chair types:
- Ergonomic Design to Lessen Strain: Drafting chairs are designed with lumbar-supportive backrests, comfortable seat depths, and footrests that work together to reduce strain on your back, hips, and joints. This allows you to work in a seated position longer without compromising your health or posture.
- Flexible Seat Options for Every Work Environment: If working at an elevated desk, you can rest a foot on the foot ring and sit on the edge of the seat or sit fully on the chair with both feet on the foot ring. Working at a slanted drafting table? You can sit toward the edge of the seat and use the foot rings to achieve a perched position – perfect to sketch or paint from. Need to adjust the seat to fit with a specific desk? You can easily adjust the chair height to your liking.
- Wraparound Footrings: Most drafting chairs come with a round-shaped metal footrest that wraps around the chair frame just above the wheeled base. This way, you can swivel your chair while still keeping your feet supported on the footrest. Even drafting chairs with standard footrests on one side help you sit more comfortably in an elevated position because they keep your feet and legs from hanging down.
- Wide Range Adjustable-Height Feature: You can easily change up the seat height of a drafting chair to accommodate your preferences and desk height. Most drafting chairs have a seat height range of 22" – 32".
So, how do drafting chairs compare to standard office chairs? Here are the key similarities and differences to consider:
Seat Height Range
- Drafting Chair: 22" – 32"
- Standard Chair: 16" – 21"
Desk Height Compatibility
- Drafting Chair: Compatible with drafting tables that are 30" – 36" tall or height-adjustable standing desks.
- Standard Chair: Compatible with 28" – 30" tall desks.
Footrests
- Drafting Chair: Either a standard footrest or wraparound footring.
- Standard Chair: Usually don't come with footrests since feet aren't elevated off the ground.
Ergonomic Features
Both types of chairs can offer lumbar support and contoured seats to reduce strain and improve posture.
Types of Drafting Chairs
Drafting chairs are available in three different designs. Explore each option below:
Drafting Chairs With Arms
(Shop this image: faux leather drafting chairs, tall white desks, geometric curtains, and gray abstract rugs.)
Drafting chairs with armrests offer the best ergonomic support as you work. You can rest your elbows on the armrests whether sketching at a drafting table or working at an elevated computer desk. These drafting chairs are the closest to standard office chairs in design. Choose from adjustable armrests, padded armrests, and fixed armrest designs.
(Shop this image: armless drafting chairs, adjustable-height standing desks, and white bookcases.)
Armless drafting chairs give you more flexibility with how you sit and make it easier to use the chair beside a standard-height or elevated desk.
(Shop this image: armless drafting chairs and tall white desks.)
Drafting stools can come with or without backrests and footrests depending on their designs. They're considered the classic option to pair with drafting tables because they allow for flexibility and they take up less space.
(Shop this image: mesh drafting chairs and trestle desks.)
Here are some tips to consider when shopping for a drafting chair:
1. Choose One That's Compatible With Your Desk
As mentioned above, you want to make sure you have a compatible desk height to go with a drafting chair. Most drafting tables and elevated standing desks are adjustable, making them easy to adapt to the height range of a drafting chair (22" – 32"). If you want to use a drafting chair like a standard chair, you'll likely need a desk that's 30" tall or taller.
2. Select a Style That Suits Your Space
Drafting chairs are available in a wide range of styles, from styles with functional mesh backrests to faux leather executive-style seats and sleek metal frames. There are also a variety of color options to choose from to ensure you can work in style!
3. Consider Must-Have Features
Here are some questions to consider to help you choose a drafting chair that checks off all your boxes:
- Do you want armrests? If so, do you want them to be adjustable, extra padded, or fixed?
- Do you prefer a foot ring or a standard footrest?
- Do you want to be able to adjust the height of the backrest to achieve better lumbar support?
- Could you benefit from a seat with extra padding?
Tip!
Still comparing your options? Review our guide on Desk Chair Types: How to Pick the Right Type of Desk Chair.
