Traditionally, engineers and architects used drafting chairs to access drafting tables when making sketches and plans as they needed to sit for several hours. However, the use of drafting chairs has changed over the years to cater to other people who need to sit for prolonged hours when working such as writers, secretaries, designers, data-entry clerks, etc.
The best drafting chairs are ergonomic or human-engineered through biotechnology to support use in the workplace for minimal injuries and improved productivity. Just like
office and executive chairs and drafting stools, drafting chairs are a type of office chair. Ranging from traditional to contemporary styles, drafting office chairs support work from various angles and tilt up or down.
Art and craft projects and any other kind of task involving sketching, drawing, or reading make use of high tables, hence the need for drafting chairs. Drafting chairs are designed with adjustable heights to support various users working on high drafting tables,
standing desks, etc. They come with arm and back rests for support, and are padded for comfort.
Drafting chairs are also used with high counters and workbenches, or any office that requires receptionists or cashiers to sit at the same eye level as standing customers. Drafting chairs, just like
kneeling chairs, support good sitting posture, hence preventing back and neck pain and stress injuries.
Drafting chairs are available in different models, stylish designs, bright and neutral colors, and are made of varying quality materials. Choose a chair that suits your taste, personality, and style. It should elevate the look of your work space and complement your design style, whether it’s traditional, modern, classic, contemporary, or rustic-themed. This guide will help you choose the right drafting chair for your workspace.
Price
Whether you’re buying a drafting chair for your personal use, home office, or for your employees to use in the office, they’re supposed to last. This means that buying drafting chairs is more of an investment. Therefore, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on poor-quality chairs; you’ll be back on the market looking for a new chair once the cheap drafting chair you bought gets damaged beyond repair.
High-quality drafting chairs will definitely come at a price that’s worth all your pennies. With a consideration of the features discussed in this guide, you’ll find premium office chairs that’ll stand years and years of use. Opt for chairs with high weight capacities to ensure that even the heaviest employee in your company can comfortably use his/her chair for many years.
The price of a drafting chair of good quality ranges from $100 to $1500. However, you’ll budget drafting chairs for as low as $50. High-end drafting chairs for executive use can cost as much as $2000 or more. Buy a drafting chair that you can afford within a reasonable budget.
Features
Drafting chairs come with various features to support use at high heights. Whether you’re working on a high desk, drafting table, or a high craft table, you need the right chair for comfortable seating, improved productivity, and minimal injuries. When shopping for a drafting chair, whether you’re a new or return buyer, there are features you need to consider for the best office chair.
Here are important features to look out for in your drafting chair:
- Ergonomic design for versatile application
- Adjustable lumbar support for a straight posture
- Adjustable headrest for neck and back support
- Fully adjustable arms for suitable arm support
- Forward tilt to relax body joints such as ankles and waist
- Tilt limiter to set the maximum angle your body can comfortably tilt
- Seat slider for moving around or adjusting into a smaller working space
- Adjustable seat angle for comfort
- Foot rings for feet or leg support
- Wheels or castors for easy movement
- Swivel seat for easy access to your working table without twists or stretches
- Color to match or contrast your interior color theme
With adjustability, cushioning, and the right seating capacity of your ergonomic drafting chair, you’re guaranteed maximum comfort for your specific body type.
Construction and Design
When shopping for a drafting chair, look for the following features in its construction and design:
Ergonomic design – although a drafting chair might be tagged ‘ergonomic’, it doesn’t necessarily mean it meets ergonomic standards. Therefore, thoroughly examine the chair you intend to buy for conformity to ergonomic standards. Ergonomic drafting chairs have various features to support versatile use.
Adjustable Lumbar Support – ensure that your drafting chair features lumbar support for proper, straight, and healthy sitting posture. This feature needs to be adjustable so you can align your shoulders, ears, and hips for a natural lower spine inward curvature.
Adjustable Headrest – this feature aligns your spine, hence minimizing injuries by supporting your neck and head. Adjust it backwards to take some rest or forward to find a suitable working position.
Adjustable Armrests – raise or lower your armrest to a comfortable height for your body size. Go for a drafting chair with fully adjustable arms for a perfect fit by fine-tuning your arm support, adjusting its width, sliding it back and forth or side to side, and tilting it as you deem fit.
Tilt Limiters & Forward Tilt – set a maximum recline position using the tilt limiter to an angle you find comfortable. Make sure your drafting chair supports forward tilt to relax your knees, waist, and ankles as it supports your spine when your body leans forward.
Adjustable Seat Height – choose a drafting chair with an adjustable seat height to accommodate your body size and the height of your working table. This ensures you can sit comfortably and work for prolonged durations.
Seat Slider – if you’ll be working in a smaller space or there’ll be need to move away or towards your desk while seated, ensure your drafting chair features a seat slider.
Adjustable Seat Angle – this feature supports adjusting your seat angle to a comfortable position.
Castors/Wheels – if there’ll be need to move your chair from one office to another or you’ll need to move around your working space, ensure your chair has wheels or castors for easy movement.
Swivel Seats – this feature supports easy and convenient access of your working table or desk without twisting or stretching.
Padding/Cushioning – soft and firm padding or cushioning offers extra support and comfort.
Seating Capacity – choose a drafting chair that supports your body weight. Drafting chairs are designed to support a maximum seating capacity; pick one that’s more than your body weight.
Foot Rings - foot rings or rests come in handy as you work at raised heights to support your feet, hence improve blood circulation and comfort.
Performance and Ease of Use
Drafting chairs are designed for comfort, flexibility, and ergonomic use. All the features of these chairs are designed for comfort to minimize pain and injuries. Since you’re able to work for long hours, the chairs maximize productivity. They support leg, back, and arm muscles, hence improving blood circulation.
Generally, the drafting chair needs to be adjustable to accommodate your body size. Adjustable armrests prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome. Foot rings support your feet as you work at raised heights. The backs and seats of drafting chairs are cushioned for comfort; they prevent sore muscles on your butt and back that might result from prolonged sitting.
The back of the knees is also cushioned on this kind of office chair to prevent pinching and hampered blood circulation. The seat angle, recline, tilt, and adjustable armrest, headrest, seat height, and lumbar support are all geared towards comfortable seating. Choose durable materials that are easy to clean.
Above all, choose a drafting chair in a color that matches your personality and easily blends into your existing interior décor for an attractive look and feel.
Choose a drafting chair designed for minimal joint, back, and muscle pain, as well as work-related injuries. The best drafting chairs are adjustable, mobile, durable, and support the right seating capacity within your body weight. Find out if one of our recommended drafting chairs is what you need.
Whichever type of high table you work on, there’s need for an office chair with adjustable height to meet your seating needs. We hope that with our review of five of the top drafting chairs, you’ll be in a position to pick the right chair. In case you need something different, check out our other office chair review.
