A bangin’ guide to the best drafting chair with arm rests

 About drafting chairs and what makes them better

Studies show that sitting can be compared to smoking  [1] numbers prove how prolonged sitting can potentially damage your heart and slow down blood flow [2].

People with jobs requiring longer sitting time need to think about how to keep sitting comfortably and at the same time, be 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.

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. With smooth-moving caster wheels, it can’t possibly leave traces on a laminated floor.

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 you a freer range of motion.

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 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.

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 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.

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 better if the model you choose is one with 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.

Additionally, you must have work-rest cycles that facilitates regular intervals for stretching.

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

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 provides extra support for your neck and head.

The adjustable armrests are a welcomed bonus for this already impressive, 250lbs-tolerant seat.

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 offers 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 lets you adjust tilt angle and resistance easily.

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

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 features 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.

A comfortable chair matters because those who 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 and 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.

It can be tiring going back and forth to look at blueprints, plans, or a tiny house design, 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 does not offer lumbar support and you need to rest your back, simply tilt the chair or recline the backrest while arching your back.

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 phenomenal 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.