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A bangin' guide to the best drafting chair with arms

A bangin’ guide to the best drafting chair with arms

Posted on January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by Aaron Barnett
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Last Updated on January 11, 2021 by builder Aaron Barnett

Author intro

It can be tiring to be a drafter or designer with the wrong body posture, often spending long hours hunched over, focused on your project. In instances like these, you can ask yourself ‘what can make work easier, relaxed, and more comfortable?

The answer doesn’t get any simpler than getting yourself a drafting chair. Tall and nimble, these seats will surely elevate your working mood and protect your spine.

Table Of Contents show
Best drafting chair [With arms]
Introduction
Reasons to buy a drafting chair
Drafting chair vs office chair
What adjustable height should you have?
Drafting stool vs drafting chair
What makes the best drafting chair for back pain?
Choosing the top drafting chairs
Drafting chairs with arms vs no arms
Why a comfortable chair is so important?
Other hacks you can use to make work comfortable
Comparing drafting chairs with armrests
Conclusion
Staples Hyken review

Best drafting chair [With arms]

#1 Best drafting chair with armrests

Staples Hyken 250 lbs, mesh seat, nylon adjustable arm, drafting chair

 

    • Staples hyken 250 lbs mesh seat nylon adjustable arm drafting chair
    • Features an adjustable armrest and breathable mesh-nylon padding.
    • Supports up to 250lbs.
    • Added comfort with headrest.
    • Armrests can use softer material.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#2 Best value drafting chair with armrests

Flash furniture BL-X-5M-D-GG 250 lbs, leather seat, padded flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

  • Flash furniture BL X 5M D GG 250 lbs leather seat padded flip up arm drafting chair
  • Features an adjustable foot ring.
  • Padded flip-up armrests.
  • Tilt lever motion lock
  • Cannot adjust armrests.
  • Some report that it gets squeaky fast.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#3 Best flip-up up arms mid-backrests

Flash furniture BL-LB-8801X-D-GG black mesh, 300 lbs, flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

  • Flash furniture black mesh 300 lbs flip up arm drafting chair
  • Contemporary and functional design supports up to 300lbs.
  • Features built-in lumbar support and tilt control mechanisms.
  • Footrest can easily fall and may require modification.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#4 Most ergonomic one-touch lift

Modway veer EEI-1423-GRY 300 lbs, mesh seat, padded flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

Modway veer EEI 1423 GRY 300 lbs mesh seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

  • Adjustable flip-up armrests.
  • Features one-touch pneumatic lift for quick height adjustments.
  • Seat might be a tad too narrow.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#5 Best ribbed high-back drafting chair

Flash Furniture BL-ZP-809D-BK-GG 250 lbs, mesh seat, padded adjustable arm, drafting chair

 

Flash furniture BL ZP 809D BK GG 250 lbs mesh seat padded adjustable arm drafting chair

  • Ribbed backrest with lumbar support. 
  • Tilt lever switches between position-lock and rocking motion.
  • Can be difficult to tighten the footrest.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#6 Best vegan leather drafting chair

Laura Davidson Soho 400 lbs, vegan leather seat, aluminum loop arm, drafting chair

 

Laura davidson soho 400 lbs vegan leather seat aluminum loop arm drafting chair

  • Classy vegan leather upholstery.
  • Removable aluminum loop-arms.
  • The sturdy frame can hold up to 400lbs.
  • Padding is not the most comfortable.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#7 Best breathable mesh backrest

Hylone 285 lbs, mesh seat, padded flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

Hylone 285 lbs mesh seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

  • Flip-up contoured padded armrests. 
  • Tilt and lock function allows for up to 120° rocking. 
  • Can be difficult to recline
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#8 Best systematic lumbar support

Modway thrive EEI-3040-BLK 331 lbs, mesh seat, nylon loop arm, drafting chair

 

Modway thrive 331 lbs tall adjustable standing drafting chair

  • Unique ergonomic design.
  • Can double as a studio or music chair.
  • Design limits its application as an actual drafting chair.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#9 Best vinyl seat

Modway EEI-1422-BLK 330 lbs, vinyl seat, padded flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

Modway EEI 1422 BLK 330 lbs vinyl seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

  • Special vinyl padded armrests and seat cushions.
  • Adjustable chair height is from 22.5” – 30”.
  • The seat tilts slightly forward.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#10 Best drafting chair casters

Smugchair 230 lbs, mesh seat, nylon loop arm, drafting chair

 

Smugchair 230 lbs mesh seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

  • Features nylon-loop armrests.
  • Good mobility with smooth-rolling non-damage casters.
  • Can feel a bit wobbly.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#11 Most affordable drafting chair with armrests

Best office OC-DF846 250 lbs, mesh seat, nylon loop arm, drafting chair

 

Best office OC DF846 250 lbs mesh seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

  • Heavy-duty nylon seat supports up to 250lbs.
  • Easy assembly.
  • The seat cushion is a bit hard.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#12 Best PU leather seat

Best office OC-H3127-Orange 250 lbs, PU leather seat, padded flip-up arm, drafting chair

 

Best office OC H3127 orange 250 lbs PU leather seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

  • Leather padded seat cushion and armrests.
  • Features adjustable lumbar support.
  • Has no tilt function
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#13 Highest weight capacity steel-framed drafting chair

Luckwind OF-C02 400 lbs, leather seat, steel loop arm, drafting chair

 

Luckwind OF C02 400 lbs leather seat steel loop arm drafting chair

  • Features quality leather upholstery. 
  • Jury-rigged steel frame and loop-arms.
  • Reaches a maximum height of 45” extension.
  • Wheels lock when seated, limiting mobility.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#14 Best nylon base support

Boss office B315-BK 275 lbs, tweed seat, nylon loop arm, drafting chair

 

Boss office B315 BK 275 lbs tweed seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

  • Wide 27” nylon base.
  • Comes with multiple arm options for versatility.
  • Limited back support.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 Introduction

Studies show that sitting can be compared to smoking numbers prove how prolonged sitting can potentially damage your heart and slow down blood flow  people with jobs requiring longer sitting time need to think about how to keep sitting comfortabley and at the same time, productive.

For this reason, drafting chairs are a thing.

The drafting chair is specialized as a tall desk chair that was made to reach taller workspaces. In appearance, they look similar to your average office chair, except that they sport an added feature or two, such as adjustable heights and ergonomic rests.

A drafting chair or drawing chair is specifically used in tandem with a drafting table, giving a drafter added comfort and access. For architects, drafters, chemists, engineers, and even designers, this seemingly simple piece of furniture is a trump-card. 

So have a seat and enjoy this guide on the best drafting chairs.

Flip up arm drafting chair for office

Features to consider when choosing a drafting chair

  • Height. You want to be able to easily reach high workspaces with these extended height office chairs. Drafting chairs are often taller than other chair types even when not yet adjusted.
  • Ergonomics. You’d want a drafting chair that allows you to work as fast and/or as comfortably as possible. Are you looking for a chair with armrests or perhaps one with a reclining backrest? Your chair should fit your work ethics, whether you’re keen on mobility or prefer to work on long and tedious projects
  • Material. Drafting chairs can come in padded, mesh, cushion, and even leather variants. They offer a range of functions from maximum comfort to premium aesthetics.

Reasons to buy a drafting chair

  1. Reach. These adjustable height chairs have superior reach as they are often tall enough to put you at an even level with either a drafting table or standing desk. Their apparent bulk is deceptive as these big and tall drafting chairs are still fairly light and mobile, allowing you to freely move about with little-to-no effort.
  2. Function & Style. A drafting chair can either be more a chair for comfort or one for stringent work. They come in a variety of looks; from thickly padded ones, akin to a light lazy-boy, to simplistic, oversized-looking office chairs. Regardless of appearance, they all work well enough to get you to needed heights and give a freer range of motion.

Drafting chair vs office chair

Appearance-wise, drafting chairs don’t really differ that much from office chairs, so there is sometimes confusion distinguishing between them. However, while not necessarily apparent from the start, drafting chairs are much taller when extended.

Since a drafting chair offers added height, they usually have elevated rings beneath them that function as a footrest so that your legs don’t just dangle and fatigue. Additionally, an industrial drafting chair can have a comfy headrest.

What adjustable height should you have?

Your average office chair extends only to about 22”. A standard drafting chair takes this up to about 30”. 30 inches is the recommended optimum extendable height for drafting chairs, though you can get smaller ones that go to only about 28 – 29” if you have an adjustable table.

The adjustable height plays a very important role in reaching office or work supplies and documents without needing to stand or get off from your chair. You can reach documents in a strategic spot and still be able to reach them without straining your back.

By the way, if you’re looking into secure storage for your documents, here’s a list of portable fire and waterproof safes .

Drafting stool vs drafting chair

The question of which is better between a drafting chair and a drafting stool is answered by which one better fits your needs. Drafting stools are seats that usually don’t have the back and armrests. They are lighter, and more economic, making them better for casual use. 

On the other hand, drafting chairs are less affordable, but more diverse, adding a greater range of comfort and adjustability. A drafting chair is a better option if you’re looking to invest.

Flash furniture leather and adjustable office drafting chair

What makes the best drafting chair for back pain?

 If you have back pains, it’s better to go with models that have thicker and/or softer back-padding. We recommend going with either highly cushioned models or those with mesh backs as these provide better relief if you need to rest.  

Besides the material, it’s also better if the model you choose has a reclining or adjustable backrest. Basically, you’d want as much ergonomic back-support as possible so that you can get relief quickly at any time.

You should also have work-rest cycles that allow for regular intervals for stretching.

And don’t just go with wood drafting chairs a wooden drafting chair might look great but isnt the best if you want to support your back and posture.

Choosing the top drafting chairs

Best drafting chair

We ranked the Staples Hyken as the best drafting chair. The padded mesh material is both comfortable and breathable, providing needed relief throughout even the most daunting of jobs. The chair is easily configured, allowing for quick and minute adjustments to perfectly suit your style and preferred position when working. 

The Hyken is all about fit and ergonomics; its easy tilt lock and tension control allow you to position it at an angle you’re happy with and the addition of a headrest it provides extra support for your neck and head. The adjustable armrests are a welcomed bonus for this already impressive, 250lbs-tolerant seat.

Staples hyken 250 lbs mesh seat nylon adjustable arm drafting chair

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best value drafting chair

If you want a chair that’s the best value, then you won’t go wrong with the Flash Furniture BL-X-5M-D-GG. It has flip-up padded armrests that provide extra comfort and can be retracted if you need more space and arm range. The tilt lever locking mechanism also allows you to easily adjust tilt angle and resistance.

With built-in lumbar support and an adjustable foot-ring, this chair is a good pick, more so if you prefer to work while being relaxed.

Flash furniture BL X 5M D GG 250 lbs leather seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Most affordable drafting chair

We highly recommend the Best Office OC-DF846 if you’re after affordability. It can actually function as a rather tall office chair as well, given its look – perfect if you work with a high-level table or standing desk. The chair has fixed armrests and a mesh back with lumbar support, not too bad given its low price tag.

Easy to assemble and with good height and depression levels, it’s a great choice for casual and all-around use.

Best office OC DF846 250 lbs mesh seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Drafting chairs with arms vs no arms

This is more of a case-to-case or preferential basis. Generally speaking, drafting chairs with arms are better suited for work, especially if you tend to work long hours daily. Armrests can provide you with relief if you need a break and also function as leverage or support if you need to work with your arms at a particular angle.

Armless chairs are usually lighter and more mobile. Armless models are better in smaller spaces or with those who are often moving around while working.

Why a comfortable chair is so important?

A comfortable chair matters because those that use it are going to be seated for the majority of the time that they’re working. Even though you are seated, the body can still tire and fatigue in maintaining certain positions.

A comfortable chair helps lessen the amount of fatigue you experience while seated while also providing additional support to let you rest – it takes away the tension from your arms, back, and neck to allow for better and longer productivity.

Flash furniture leather and adjustable office drafting chair

Other hacks you can use to make work comfortable

It can be tiring going back and forth to look at blueprints or plans, especially if you don’t have much desk space. One solution to make that situation easier is to actually make use of your TV better. A rolling TV stand can help make work more convenient, enjoyable, and comfortable for you, especially during your presentations.

If you’re looking for the ability to extend and tilt your screen in the right position for your eyes and back,  here’s our recommended best TV wall mount  that you can choose from. 

If your chair padding is not comfy enough, you can prop it up with either a small soft pillow or a nice towel/blanket. If your chair has no lumbar support and you need to rest your back, simply tilt the chair or recline the backrest while arching your back.

Staples adjustable drafting chair for office

Comparing drafting chairs with armrests

 Staples Hyken

Staples hyken 250 lbs mesh seat nylon adjustable arm drafting chair

Flash furniture BL-X-5M-D-GG

Flash furniture BL X 5M D GG 250 lbs leather seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

Flash furniture BL-LB-8801X-D-GG

Flash furniture black mesh 300 lbs flip up arm drafting chair

Modway veer EEI-1423-GRY

Modway veer EEI 1423 GRY 300 lbs mesh seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

Flash Furniture BL-ZP-809D-BK-GG

Flash furniture BL ZP 809D BK GG 250 lbs mesh seat padded adjustable arm drafting chair

Laura Davidson Soho

Laura davidson soho 400 lbs vegan leather seat aluminum loop arm drafting chair

Hylone

Hylone 285 lbs mesh seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

Modway thrive EEI-3040-BLK

Modway thrive 331 lbs tall adjustable standing drafting chair

Modway EEI-1422-BLK

Modway EEI 1422 BLK 330 lbs vinyl seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

Smugchair

Smugchair 230 lbs mesh seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

Best office OC-DF846

Best office OC DF846 250 lbs mesh seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

Best office OC-H3127

Best office OC H3127 orange 250 lbs PU leather seat padded flip up arm drafting chair

Luckwind OF-C02

Luckwind OF C02 400 lbs leather seat steel loop arm drafting chair

Boss office B315-BK

Boss office B315 BK 275 lbs tweed seat nylon loop arm drafting chair

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Verdict:Top drafting chairBest valueMost affordable
Max seat height:45.3 to 49.8 inches23 to 30 inchesup to 31 inches21.5 - 29.5 inches22.5 to 30 inches30 to 38.5 inches22. to 30.3 inchesUp to 43 inches22.5 to 30 inches25.79 to 34.25 inches20.7 to 28.5 inches21.3 to 30.5 inches39 to 47 inches26.5 to 31.5 inches
Weight capacity:250 lbs250 lbs300 lbs300 lbs250 lbs400 lbs285 lbs331 lbs330 lbs230 lbs250 lbs250 lbs400 lbs275 lbs
Back seat:Mesh/ high-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ high-backLeather/ mid-backMesh/ high-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ high-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ mid-backMesh/ high-backLeather/ mid-backTweed/ mid-back
Headrest:YesNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
Footrest:NoneYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Base:Alloy steelNylonPlasticNylonPlasticAluminumNylonNylonMetalNylonNylonNylonSteelNylon
Certification:ANSI/ BIFMAANSI/ BIFMAANSI/ BIFMAANSI/ BIFMA/ CAL 117SGSBIFMABIFMA/ SGSBIFMASGS-4/ BIFMAANSI/ BIFMA/ CAL 117

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a drafting chair that’s worthy of an investment, we recommend the Staples Hyken. It’s comfortable, highly functional, and fully adjustable in almost all aspects. A good alternative to the Hyken is the Flash Furniture BL-X-5M-D-GG. The lumbar support and flip-up arms make this chair a ‘freer’ option. The Best Office OC-DF846 is your best bet for a quick purchase; it’s easy to set up and the simple look is made up for an ergonomic backrest.

The best chairs with the best features for the best prices; that was our list! We hope you enjoyed this guide and if you did, check out how to be even more comfortable at work with heated socks – if you’re gonna use that footrest, best use it with style right? 

Staples Hyken review

Pros:

  • Basicly feel like the boss.
  • Improve work-time intimacy.
  • Expect a comfy headrest.
  • Takes up to 250lbs of verticle pressure.

Cons:

  • Just becasue you have all the tools it dosent mean you have all the skills.

 #1 Best drafting chair (with arms)

Staples hyken 250 lbs mesh seat nylon adjustable arm drafting chair

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

References:

  1. Sitting is the new smoking published on https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidsturt/2015/01/13/is-sitting-the-new-smoking/
  2. Dangers of sitting for too long obtained from https://theheartfoundation.org/2019/08/10/is-sitting-the-new-smoking/

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Aaron Barnett at BangingToolbox
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.

Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

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