The Best Drafting Chairs for Your Home Office
Choosing a suitable drafting chair is crucial for your health. A chair determines & maintains your posture. And for working long shifts without risking back pains and fatigue, you must maintain a healthy posture.
A drafting chair is also good for working at desks of different heights. Whether it’s a high standing desk or a regular office desk, adjusting your seating height will add to your comfort. It’s also important for a good posture.
Drafting chairs come in different variations. A lot of the models these days feature meshed seat and back. They are comfortable and maintain great ventilation. And as a result, they reduce sweat build up significantly as well. They are also good at reducing odor.
Some other models have padded seats and backs (add a massage pad for even more comfort). These contoured designs hug your body and let you sit and work much more comfortably. However, they don’t have proper ventilation.
Most of the drafting chairs allow pneumatic height adjustment. Some have waterfall seat fronts alongside chrome foot rings for improved blood circulation to your legs.
A lot of the chairs also come with casters to allow you to move freely.
So let’s check out the top 10 WFH recommendations and find the best drafting chair for you.
As an affiliate partner, I may earn qualifying purchases made on products.
The Mid-Back Black Mesh Ergonomic Drafting Chair with LeatherSoft Seat, Adjustable Foot Ring, and Flip-Up Arms will keep you comfortable at your home office or professional office desk all day long. At a wide variety of sit-to-stand desks, standing desks, bar height tables, and drafting tables, this tall task chair is perfect.
Let’s talk first about what most people want in a drafting chair. My father is an architect and we have spent many hours discussing this topic so I am excited to share my learnings with you. At a high level, people want drafting chairs that are height adjustable (because drafting tables come in at different heights), have full swivel for flexibility, seat and height adjustments for enhanced physical comfort, and padded armrests so that one can lean forward and work in comfort. If a single chair had all of these features that would be a big win for drafter. Guess what?
This chair does have all of those features! The padded armrests in particular are a nice touch as they make drafting, designing, drawing, sketching, painting, and typing even more comfortable on the forearms.
This chair has a 5-star design: it has a nylon base and dual-wheel casters, a mesh middle with a contemporary design, and built in lumbar support. It is very reasonably priced for its value and comes in different colors that can match your design preferences.
With this drafting chair, you can add a touch of industrial style to your office. This chair is encased in breathable mesh fabric and has a full back with lumbar support, flip-up sides, and a 2.4″-thick padded seat with a waterfall edge, as well as a swivel mechanism that allows you to easily move from task to task. A built-in hoop footrest and five curved legs on hooded double caster wheels are included in the metal base.
With a weight capacity of 331 pounds, this chair is made with nearly everyone in mind. The armrests are padded, the chair has a 5 wheel base, and is made of sustainability sourced materials. At 33 pounds, this chair is durable and easy to move. The 2.5 inch seat cushion is thick enough for all day lower back support and comfort.
Assembly is required but the plastic frame with mesh fabric are easy to put together. In fact, no tools are required for assembly which is a really nice feature. The chair is also very easy to clean: simply apply a dry cloth and you can remove dust or spills easily.
Next up on our list is the popular Herman Miller Aeron stool. It’s an ergonomic work stool that’s perfect for high work stations. And here in WFH, we recommend it as our premium choice.
What’s so good about this product anyway?
First of all, it allows a body-positive seating position. Lets you sit comfortably for long work shifts. With a scientifically designed seating and support, you won’t be experiencing any back pain or other discomfort. Keeps your lower back straight and lets your upper back move freely.
Moreover, the seat and back are made of high-quality mesh. The mesh allows comfortable seating while maintaining sufficient ventilation. So you won’t have to face any sweat build-ups. Comfortably work for as long as you want.
This height-adjustable stool is also great for another reason. It’s environment friendly. It’s mostly made of recycled materials and the finalized components are also recyclable as well.
However, a lot of people don’t like mesh materials. They rather prefer leather or foam or other filling materials. So if you’re one of them, look elsewhere.
The Dickens Office mesh drafting chair is yet another ergonomic mesh back drafting chair on our list. It has pneumatically adjustable features that suit work tables of almost any height.
The back of the chair and seat are covered with a breathable screen mesh. So there’ll be sufficient ventilation and reduced sweat. Perfect for long work sessions. Also, you won’t have to face discomfort due to sweat build-ups.
Besides, you can pneumatically adjust the height between 24.25 inches to 33.75 inches. The swift adjustment makes it ideal for work desks of any height. Also, you can adjust the foot resting ring for the best experience.
The back of the chair is also adjustable. Simply match it up with your seating posture. To work without any inconvenience, try to maintain a healthy posture. Keep your lower back straight for the most part. It’ll keep pain and other sources of discomfort away.
Furthermore, the chair has a nylon base with dual-wheel casters. So you can easily reposition the chair. Also, it allows a generous amount of swivel.
Next on our list is the Flash Furniture drafting chair. It has a very cool and corporate design. height adjustable so you can use it with standing desks and work desks of any height.
The chair is specially designed for artists, engineers, lab operators, and creative workers. It provides reinforced back support to boost productivity. It’s also equipped with extra paddings for added comfort. And with the pneumatic adjustment lever, you can easily adjust the height of your chair for most work setups.
Moreover, the chrome foot ring around the base lets you rest your feet and a waterfall seat front reduces pressure against your lower legs. Also, you can flip up the padded armrests to quickly switch between tasks with improved flexibility.
Also, the breathable mesh material will keep you cool and control sweat build up. The attractive Melrose Gold frame generates a sleek aesthetic. Blends in really well with your work environment.
Furthermore, it can carry up to 300 lbs. And with the heavy-duty casters, you can roll it across the floor to assign it to a new station.
The Ratchet Mesh Drafting Chair also has an ergonomic working design. It ensures a good seat position for you. Also, you can adjust the seat height, foot ring and hand rests to match with your work environment.
Like many others, this comfortable drafting chair features a mesh back for air circulation. Allows you to sit comfortably for long hours. Also, the built-in lumbar support prevents back strain and reduces muscle fatigue.
Moreover, this chair can swivel a full 360°. You can easily reach and move between your surrounding areas. Also, the chair allows you to sit comfortably in a suitable posture to improve your health while working. The durable, heavy-duty nylon base ensures full-day safety as well.
Furthermore, the chair comes with multi-direction casters that let you move around with zero effort. These soft PU material casters also protect your floor, carpets, and mats while ensuring smooth and quiet mobility.
The chair can also carry up to 300 pounds. Doesn’t require any additional assembly tools. Also, you’ll get a 12 months warranty with the product.
This drafting chair stands out from the crowd because of its simple and economic design. While maintaining a low profile, this chair is highly adjustable and durable.
The seat and back of this chair are made of highly comfortable materials. Perfect for sitting for long work shifts. The seat is very cozy, contoured, and adjustable. And the back maintains a healthy posture for you. So your back won’t hurt as often as it did before.
Although the seat and back aren’t made of mesh materials, they still allow a good amount of ventilation. Reduces sweat build-up and lets air in.
Additionally, the chair comes with looped arm supports for maintaining a comfortable posture. Also, you can adjust the height to match desks of any type. As the pneumatic gas-lift cylinders offer swift transformation.
The chair can carry up to 275 lbs. Initially, it comes with hooded double-wheel casters for smooth rolling. But you can choose glides instead of casters as well. This chair is also available in different fabric color variants.
This Office Star sculpted vinyl seat and back chair is suitable for different types of drafting jobs. It also has pneumatically adjustable features like the earlier mesh design and can reach work tables of almost any height.
Unlike the mesh design, the back of the chair and seat are sculpted out of soft vinyl materials. So while it may be more comfortable to sit on, it won’t have enough breathability. Unless you have an air conditioning system installed, you’re likely to sweat.
You can pneumatically adjust the height between 23 inches to 33 inches. Swiftly adjust to reach work desks of any height. Also, you can adjust the chrome foot ring for added comfort.
The back of the chair is also adjustable. You can adjust it with your seating posture. Also remember, to work without any inconvenience, a healthy posture is necessary. Keep your lower back straight. It’ll keep pain and other sources of discomfort away.
Furthermore, the chair has a nylon base with dual-wheel casters. Easily reposition the chair to your needs. Also, it allows for 360-degree swivel.
The Modway Veer drafting chair has a similar ergonomic design. It a contoured breathable mesh back & a waterfall mesh seat padded with soft materials to keep your back and thighs in perfect postures.
You can snugly fit your back in place with the contoured seat & comfortable tilt. Also, it has a tension control knob that adjusts the chair to fit your body weight. You can easily adjust the height of this chair’s arms as well to match your height and seating position.
The breathable mesh back ensures much better air circulation. Prevents sweat build up and odor.
Moreover, with the one-touch pneumatic lift, you can adjust the seat of this chair. Reach any height you want with this fully customizable versatile chair. Besides, with the hooded dual-wheel casters, you can effortlessly glide through carpeted office floors.
Additionally, the chair comes with a complete foot ring for easy leg placement. Combined with the waterfall seat front, it’ll allow much better air circulation through your legs. Perfect for the office, school, work, & home-usage.
AAs for our final product, we have the Elecwish drafting chair. The chair is pretty similar to the Modway Veer chair. Except with the shade mesh 100% polyester back, it ha an upholstered foam cushioned seating.
The back matches your body curve. It has a slight flex to it to give you gentle support. With the T-shaped skeleton, it can easily hold your back in a healthy manner and maintain a good and workable posture. The 20″ x 20″ padded seat can carry up to 275lbs as well. So get ready for soft and comfortable working experience.
Moreover, this office drafting chair features a waterfall edge design that relieves pressure and maintains healthy blood flow to your legs. Also, the padded armrests reduce pressure from your shoulders and neck.
The base and frame with armrests can rotate up to 0-75 degrees as well. It also offers 360 degrees swivel for more dynamic functions. Besides, by using the pneumatic seat height adjustment lever, you can raise and lower the seat as well. You can also adjust the chrome foot ring.
The company offers a 1-year warranty for the product.
Our best recommendation is this MultiGeneration Drafting chair by Knoll. This is a simple, small-scale & high task chair that comes with an interactive and open design.
The chair allows and assists natural movement. So that you can focus, relax, & work with an improved posture. Great for higher desks, drafting tables as well as height-adjustable work tables.
Additionally, the chair features a fully curved back that allows your upper body to move freely while keeping the lower body straight. The chair also allows you to maintain interactive postures and easily shift them. It has a contoured seat, rounded corners, and cantilever arms.
Moreover, the perforated back makes the chair breathable and allows ventilation. Significantly reduces sweat build-up compared to typical shell chairs. Also, you may find the rolled top edge convenient for comfortable side sitting.
The back of the chair features a flexible shell that adjusts with your posture. You can rotate the chair by 270 degrees as well.
And also, the chair is compatible with different work environments. Perfect for working from the home, office, and industries.
WFH recommends this backless drafting chair as a budget buy. This cost-effective, plain drafting tool is about 25 to 30″ in height. The pneumatic seat allows you to adjust the height as well.
First of all, the seat is made of vinyl materials for maximum comfort. Since you have to sit for long shifts in front of the table, comfort is a key feature that you should look for. Also, the ca117 fire retardant foam adds to the comfort.
Additionally, the seat features pneumatic height adjustment that offers smooth transition between different height levels. So you can swiftly adjust the height according to the size of your table. Also the height adjustable chrome foot ring assists in adjustment.
Moreover, the sturdy nylon base ensures higher stability and comfort. With the dual wheel casters, you get to move it around according to your needs as well.
Overall, this adjustable seat is made of chrome materials for enhanced lifetime and performance. And judging by its high usefulness in a relatively low cost, it could be the perfect addition to your home and office.
What Is a Drafting Chair?
A drafting chair is specially designed for drafting tables that are elevated beyond the usual height of the office desk. Drafting chairs are available for standard drafting or any elevated work areas with several different styles, colors, and different height adjustments.
Initially, drafting chairs were designed for architects who need elevated surfaces to draw up sketches and plans. But due to its practicality, more and more people started resorting to drafting chairs and stools. Now, anyone sitting to work for extended periods of time would prefer drafting tables and chairs. Engineers, writers, and data entry specialists are examples of professions that make use of these kinds of office setups.
How to Choose the Perfect Drafting Chair?
With ergonomics in mind, good drafting chairs aim to maximize productivity at work. It also helps decreases work-related injuries including neck and back pains and eye fatigue. That’s why while choosing your next drafting chair, there are a few things to look out for that will ensure you get the most benefit out of your purchase.
1. Comfort Above All
Your next drafting chair should be as comfortable as possible since you will be spending so much time on it. The risk of suffering from work-related injuries is reduced if the body rests comfortably on the chair. The chair should provide the muscles of the back, arms, and legs with enough support without disturbing your natural blood circulation.
In order to support the knees and back, great drafting chairs often have comfortable cushioning. It protects the muscles of the lumbar from getting sore due to sitting down for too long.
2. Consider Dimensions
It is good to identify the height of your drafting table or elevated working surface before you settle on your pick. The common standard drafting height is around 37″H which is about 7 degrees higher than regular office height. Your drafting table could be adjustable to different heights and so should your drafting chair. But be sure to get one with height options that match your table so you can adjust them both to your comfort level freely.
The drafting chair you purchase should also provide enough space for the body to be as relaxed as possible. That means you need to account for your body’s girth or width and how it can fit without pinching at the hips. Otherwise, getting the wrong size could mean cutting off your blood circulation and causing discomfort and pain.
3. Stay Safe With Adjustable Features
Adjustability is one of the most important features of any chair. The best drafting chair should be customized to accommodate the leg length and the height of the arms. Foot rings are also essential to keep the feet flat while seated. This is intended to keep the body’s blood flow unobstructed. In addition, to stop the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome, the limbs should always be parallel to the ground.
4. Smoothness of its Material
You should always look out for the kind of material or fabric you are purchasing with your drafting chair. Cotton, leather, and vinyl are amongst the standard materials which you’ll see often in stores.
Leather can be quite stylish but it does have its drawbacks including being on the slightly pricier side. Also, leather and poor ventilation or air conditioning are a bad combo. However, cotton can be way more comfortable in poorly air-conditioned environments. Its drawbacks can also turn some people off since it could sometimes tear or stain.
These days, many of the designs incorporate a meshed seat and back. These offer great ventilation so they significantly decrease the build-up of sweat and odor.
Ultimately, the best kind of material for you depends on your setting and the kind of conditions your office space faces.
5. Extra Features in Your Drafting Chair
Seat pan angling is another thing to consider while you are choosing your next drafting chair. Recline and tilt are also important if your would like to change up your setting every once and a while to match the angle of your monitor stand.
So put on your noise-canceling earbuds and browse for your favorite color, design, and features. Don’t forget to check out reviews and ratings as well as return policies prior to purchasing. Now you are ready to buy your next drafting chair.
Fred splits his corporate time between the office and his WFH office. He believes that a few days of working remotely is a great way to boost productivity and employee happiness. Fred started WFH Adviser in order to share insights and products with people who are beginning their WFH journey.
