The Best Drafting Chairs for 2022
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Drafting Chair
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These versatile chairs are a must-have for both students and professionals when using a drafting table or other high-top desks. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best drafting chairs currently available.
UPDATED: July 1, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Flash Furniture Mid-Back Drafting Chair because it features pneumatic height adjustment, lumbar support, flip-up arms, an adjustable foot ring, and is available in a wide range of colors.
The architecture profession has gone through drastic changes in recent times as technology has evolved. Drafting boards and drafting tables have been replaced with multiple computer monitors and drawing tablets. While things may have changed dramatically in terms of how architects conduct their day-to-day work, the simple chair will always be essential.
What is a drafting chair?
The main feature that differentiates a drafting chair from a standard office chair is the seat height. The typical seat height of an office chair is around 20 inches so it comfortably works with a standard desktop height of about 30 inches.
Since a typical drafting table has an average height of around 36 inches, this requires a higher seat. Most drafting chairs have a maximum height in the low 30-inch range. This high seating position also allows the user to reach the upper portions of an angled table surface, as is usually the case when drafting.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific chair:
Materials
Most of these chairs are constructed from a variety of materials that provide both the structure and the seating surfaces. The back of the chair is often made from mesh that allows airflow behind your back helps to keep you cool and makes it more comfortable when sitting for long periods.
The seats typically offer a padded construction for comfort since you are often spending hours sitting. The seat covering is often either vinyl or fabric. It comes down to a personal preference on what is best, however vinyl is generally easier to clean since it is not a porous surface. Fabrics can offer more breathability and a softer texture.
Seat Height Adjustment
Most models offer seat height adjustment which allows you to customize the configuration to your height and the elevation of the desk or table. The seat height is typically controlled via a lever under the seat that activates a pneumatic piston within the seat support.
The exact procedure will vary by model but most operate using a similar system. To raise the seat simply remove your weight from the chair and pull up on the lever. To lower the seat, stay seated and pull up on the lever to use your weight to lower the seat.
Some models offer a wide adjustment range that allows you to lower it enough to also use it as a standard desk chair. In addition, this added flexibility helps to regularly switch up the seat height and drawing position to help with reducing strain on the arms and lower back. Some models will even move up enough to allow for a standing position.
Tilt Control
Tilt control is something that is common with office chairs. As the name implies, it refers to the adjustable angle of the back of the chair. There are different variations, however, when the lever is engaged it will allow the back of the chair to tilt back up to a maximum angle. It will also offer the ability to lock the back into the upright position.
Another helpful feature is a tilt with variable tension, which allows you to control how hard you can lean back before hitting the max angle. This is usually adjusted with a knob to modify the tension.
Adjustable Foot Ring
In addition to the seat height, another defining feature of a drafting chair is the foot ring. This typically consists of a circular metal ring that is mounted to the chair support just above the legs. Since the high seat position means it is not possible to put your feet on the ground, this provides a place for you to rest your feet.
Most offer an adjustment system that moves the ring up and down on the support to customize the distance to your size and comfort needs.
Waterfall Seat Edge
A waterfall seat edge is a term you may see used for some chair options. It is simply a curved profile at the edge of the seat cushion that helps to reduce pressure points on the upper legs.
Lumbar Support
Some of the chair backs are equipped with a lumbar system that helps to support the natural inward curve of the lower back. This can help to improve posture and reduce back strain when sitting for long periods of time.
Flip-Up Arms
Sometimes the chair arms can get in the way, especially if they are at the same level as the edge of the desk. Therefore, some models offer flip-up arms that make for a more versatile seating option. When the arms are flipped down, they can be used for resting your elbows and providing support.
When they are flipped up, they create a larger seating area with more space for movement in addition to being able to move closer to the desk edge. This also makes it easier to get in and out of the chair since it doesn't require it to be pushed back away from the table to get around the arms.
Casters
The casters are attached to each of the five-star leg supports. These are typically dual-wheel casters that allow the chair to roll across the floor. This helps move it up to and away from the table when getting on and off the seat.
You can also choose to swap out the casters for other versions depending on your flooring type and rolling resistance preferences. I have included a set of these alternate wheels below.
Weight Limit
Most manufacturers will provide a maximum weight limit in the chair's product description. This is a rating that should not be exceeded for the safety of the user.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Modway, Office Star, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Drafting Chairs for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Flash Furniture Mid-Back Drafting Chair
The Flash Furniture Mid-Back Drafting Chair features a mesh back with curved lumbar support that allows for a comfortable and breathable design.
Offers pneumatic adjustment to quickly and easily adjust the seat height.
Equipped with a seat that swivels 360 degrees for a complete range of motion.
Features a waterfall seat edge that helps to reduce pressure points on the upper legs.
Includes flip-up arms to keep them out of the way when not desired or needed and for a more open seat layout.
Comes with a variable tension tilt control to adjust the back of the chair, along with a tilt lock to fit the back in place.
Equipped with a 360-degree foot ring with an adjustable height for a custom fit.
Available in a wide range of color options to suit your design aesthetic.
Runner-up: Office Star DC517V Drafting Chair
The Office Star DC517V Drafting Chair features an armless design for flexibility and a wider sitting area.
Equipped with pneumatic seat height adjustment for quick and easy changes.
Features a contoured back design for comfort while sitting.
Equipped with an adjustable height 360-degree foot ring for a range of sitting options.
Comes with a molded foam seat that is wrapped in vinyl for long-lasting durability.
Features and adjustable height vinyl backrest for a custom fit.
Includes dual-wheel casters for easy rolling on carpeted flooring.
Best Value: Hylone High-Back Drafting Chair
The Hylone High-Back Drafting Chair features a pneumatic seat height adjustment from 22.4 inches up to a maximum of 30.3 inches.
Equipped with flip-up arms that offer the flexibility to use the armrests or to create more space around the seat.
Features a breathable mesh back with curved lumbar support that makes for a comfortable design.
Includes a waterfall seat edge that helps to reduce pressure points on the upper legs.
Equipped with a 360-degree foot ring with an adjustable height for a custom fit.
Includes dual-wheel casters for easy rolling on carpet and wood flooring.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 285 pounds.
Must-have accessory:
For all drafting chairs, I recommend upgrading the included casters. These rollerblade-style wheels prevent flooring damage and offer a much smoother, quieter rolling experience.
Best Budget Option: Office Star Deluxe DC2990 Drafting Chair
The Office Star Deluxe DC2990 Drafting Chair features a two-layer fabric seat to keep cool while sitting for long periods.
Equipped with pneumatic seat height adjustment for quick and easy changes.
Features a contoured back design for comfort while sitting.
Equipped with an adjustable height 360-degree foot ring for a range of sitting options.
Features an adjustable height mesh backrest for a breathable custom fit.
Includes dual-wheel casters for rolling on a range of flooring materials.
Best Mesh Back: Modway Veer Drafting Chair
The Modway Veer Drafting Chair features a mesh backrest that allows airflow for a breathable surface that makes it more comfortable when sitting for long periods.
Features a quick and easy one-touch seat height adjustment that uses a pneumatic piston.
Equipped with a seat that swivels 360 degrees for a complete range of motion.
Includes adjustable height arms to customize the level to the user, task, or desk.
Comes with a variable tension control tilt control to adjust the back of the chair, along with a tilt lock to fit the back in place.
Equipped with a 360-degree foot ring with an adjustable height for a custom fit.
Includes a waterfall seat edge that helps to reduce pressure points on the upper legs.
Features hooded dual-wheel casters for easy rolling on carpeted surfaces.
Best Max Seat Height: Boss Office Products B16245-BK Drafting Chair
The Boss Office Products B16245-BK was originally intended for the medical industry but it also can function as a drafting chair.
Features a pneumatic seat height adjustment from 28 inches up to a maximum of 34 inches.
Equipped with a one-touch pneumatic adjustment lever to quickly and easily adjust the seat height.
Features a seat with a thick three-inch plush cushion for comfort when sitting for long periods.
Includes dual-wheel casters for rolling on a range of flooring materials.
Features a removable chrome foot ring for customization options.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 275 pounds.
Best Seat Height Adjustment: Safco Products Vue Drafting Chair
The Safco Products Vue Drafting Chair features a pneumatic seat height adjustment of ten inches from 23 inches up to a maximum of 33 inches.
Offers a variable tension tilt control for a maximum back angle of 17 degrees.
Equipped with an adjustable height foot ring from 8-1/4 inches up to 16-3/4 inches when measured from the floor.
Features a breathable mesh back with curved lumbar support that makes for a comfortable seating position.
Equipped with a waterfall edge seat that swivels 360 degrees for a complete range of motion.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.
Best Modern Design: Office Factor Drafting Chair
The Office Factor Drafting Chair features a tilt control system that allows adjustment that can lock in four different positions.
Features a mesh back that allows airflow to keep the user cool while sitting for long periods.
Equipped with gas lift for fast and easy seat height adjustments.
Features hooded dual-wheel casters for easy rolling on carpeted surfaces.
Available in a wide range of color and material options to suit your design preferences.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.
Best Flip-Up Arms: Hylone Mid-Back Drafting Chair
The Hylone Mid-Back Drafting Chair features flip-up arms that offer the flexibility to use the armrests or to sit closer to the desk.
Features mesh back that allows airflow behind the back for a breathable surface that makes it more comfortable when sitting for long periods.
Equipped with a 360-degree foot ring with an adjustable height for a custom fit.
Features a pneumatic seat height adjustment that ranges from 21.7 inches up to a maximum of 29.7 inches.
Equipped with a seat that swivels 360 degrees for a complete range of motion.
Features hooded dual-wheel casters for easy rolling on carpeted surfaces.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 285 pounds.
Best Arm Adjustment: Lorell LLR86801 Drafting Chair
The Lorell LLR86801 Drafting Chair is equipped with adjustable arms that range in height from 32 inches up to 42-1/2 inches and in width from 24 inches to 26 inches.
Features mesh back that allows airflow to keep the user cool while sitting for long periods.
Offers a pneumatic seat height adjustment that ranges from 25 inches up to a maximum of 35 inches.
Equipped with a 360-degree foot ring with an adjustable height for a custom fit.
Features a wide 20-inch diameter seat for a range of users.
Includes a 360-degree swiveling seat for easy turning when sitting or standing.
Offers a maximum weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.
I hope this list has been helpful, if I left out a drafting chair you think is important, let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading, see also my posts on:
The 25 Best Architect Lamps
The Top 50 Most Essential Architect Supplies
Good luck!
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Have a suggestion for a future blog post? Please let me know in the comments below.
