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, 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.
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.
Certification. Look for certifications such as ANSI/ BIFMA or CAL 117. These certifications mean that it is compliant with American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) [3] and tested and certified by the Business and Industrial Furniture Manufacturing Association ( BIFMA ) [4]. Furniture with CAL 117 rating has passed flammability tests as well.
Reasons to buy a drafting chair
Reach.
These adjustable heightchairs have superior reach as they are often tall enough to putyou 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.
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 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.
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 isn’t the best if you want to support your back and posture.
Choosing the top drafting chairs
#1 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 provides extra support for your neck and head.
The adjustable armrests are a welcomed bonus for this already impressive, 250lbs-tolerant seat.
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.
Other hacks you can use to make work comfortable
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 standcan 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.
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