What Are Drafting Chairs? Understanding the Features and Benefits

Office workspace featuring a drafting chair with mesh back support, illustrating the practical design of drafting chairs for professional environments.

Let’s be honest—your office chair plays a big role in your daily productivity. A good chair doesn’t just make you comfortable; it helps you stay focused, reduces fatigue, and even improves your posture. Research shows that choosing the right seating can boost efficiency and reduce health issues like back pain. In this article, we’ll explore why drafting chairs are a smart investment, how they differ from standard office chairs, and what to look for when selecting one.

What Are Drafting Chairs?

A drafting chair is specifically designed for use at elevated workstations such as drafting tables, design desks, or sit-stand setups. These chairs are built to accommodate higher surfaces, offering greater flexibility and comfort than regular office chairs. Originally, they had only basic features like adjustable height and footrests, but today, they come with advanced ergonomic elements like lumbar support, breathable mesh backs, and swivel bases.

Drafting chairs are ergonomic seating solutions tailored for raised workstations, offering enhanced mobility and posture support.

They’re ideal for professionals who spend long hours working at a desk or table, especially in fields like architecture, engineering, graphic design, and more.

Why Use a Drafting Chair?

Drafting chairs are essential for anyone working at an elevated desk or table. Standard office chairs aren’t built for high workstations, which can lead to poor posture, discomfort, and even chronic pain over time. With their extended height range and supportive design, drafting chairs allow users to maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the back, neck, and legs.

Woman reviewing architectural plans at a desk, demonstrating the ergonomic support and height advantage provided by drafting chairs in design-focused jobs.

Whether you're an architect, artist, or engineer, a well-designed drafting chair can make a huge difference in both your comfort and performance.

Why Every Creative Professional Needs a Drafting Chair

If you work in a creative field, a drafting chair isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. These chairs are designed to support long hours at a high workstation, ensuring that you can focus on your work without physical discomfort. High-quality models offer excellent lumbar support, adjustable height, and breathable materials that keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. As more companies prioritize employee wellness, investing in a drafting chair is becoming a common practice. It's not just about comfort—it's about creating a workspace that supports your health and productivity.

Architect sitting on a stool while reviewing blueprints, showcasing the height and flexibility of drafting stools for design work.

Drafting Chair vs. Office Chair: What’s the Difference?

While both types of chairs are designed for comfort, there are some key differences:

Height Adjustability

Drafting chairs typically offer a much wider range of height adjustments—often between 640mm and 890mm—compared to standard office chairs, which usually range from 470mm to 610mm. This makes them perfect for high workstations.

Ergonomic Support

Drafting chairs often include more ergonomic features, such as footrests, adjustable seat depths, and better lumbar support. They’re built with the needs of elevated workstations in mind.

Design for Specific Tasks

Unlike regular office chairs, drafting chairs are tailored for use at raised desks or sit-stand stations. They provide the flexibility and support needed for tasks that require precise movements and frequent position changes.

Security professionals working in a control room, using drafting chairs to maintain comfort and posture while monitoring security feeds across multiple screens.

Key Features of Drafting Chairs

Here are some of the most important features to look for in a drafting chair:
  • Adjustable Height: Allows you to match your chair’s height to your workstation for optimal posture.
  • Ergonomic Design: Includes lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and breathable upholstery for all-day comfort.
  • Swivel Base & Casters: Provides smooth movement and easy access to different areas of your workspace.
  • Footrest: Helps relieve pressure on your legs and improves circulation during long sessions.

Gas lift adjustment handle on a chair, showcasing how office chair gas lifts allow for easy height adjustments.

Benefits of Using a Drafting Chair

Using a drafting chair offers several advantages:
  • Enhanced Comfort: The extra height and ergonomic features help reduce strain on your body, especially during long work sessions.
  • Better Posture: Designed to support natural sitting positions, these chairs promote healthier spinal alignment.
  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industries, including design, engineering, and more.

Office worker holding her lower back in pain, demonstrating the importance of using ergonomic seating to enhance comfort during long working hours.

Key Features of Drafting Stools

Drafting stools are similar to drafting chairs but often have a more minimal design. Here are some key features:
  • Backrest Options: Some models include a small backrest for added support, though many are backless for greater mobility.
  • Armless Design: This allows for more freedom of movement, making them ideal for dynamic workspaces.
  • Smooth-Caster Wheels: Enable easy movement around the office or studio.
  • Space-Saving: Their compact design makes them perfect for small or multi-functional spaces.

Drafting stool with a cushioned seat in a doctor's office, highlighting the ergonomic features and versatility of drafting chairs.

Benefits of Using a Drafting Stool

Drafting stools are ideal for environments that require quick movement and flexibility. They’re lightweight, easy to move, and perfect for short-term use. Whether you're sketching, coding, or reviewing documents, a drafting stool can provide the support and mobility you need.

How to Choose the Right Drafting Chair

Selecting the right drafting chair depends on your specific needs. Consider the following tips:

Assess Your Work Environment

Think about the height of your desk and whether you need mobility features like casters. If you work in a fast-paced environment, a swivel base and smooth wheels could be essential.

Look for Ergonomic Features

Prioritize chairs with lumbar support, adjustable backrests, and breathable materials. These features ensure long-term comfort and prevent strain.

Check Material and Build Quality

Choose a chair made from durable materials like mesh, leather, or foam. Each has its own benefits—mesh is breathable, leather is stylish and durable, and foam offers softness and comfort.

Consider Your Budget

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a quality drafting chair is a long-term investment. Spending a little more now can save you from discomfort and costly replacements later.

Woman relaxing at a modern office desk.

Maintenance Tips for Drafting Chairs

To keep your drafting chair in top condition, follow these simple maintenance tips:
  • Dust regularly to prevent dirt buildup and extend the life of the fabric or leather.
  • Clean spills immediately with a dry cloth to avoid staining.
  • Use appropriate cleaning products based on the material—leather requires a specific cleaner, while foam or gel may need a soft brush.

Customise Your Workspace with Arteil’s Office Chairs

Finding the right drafting chair is crucial for both comfort and productivity. At Arteil, we offer a wide range of high-quality office furniture designed to meet the needs of professionals in various industries. Whether you prefer a ready-made solution or want to custom-build your ideal chair, we have options to suit every space and preference. Explore our collection of top-tier office chairs, or take advantage of our custom-build service to create the perfect chair for your workspace. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or visit our O’Connor showroom to see how we can help you upgrade your office experience today.

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