Best Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Best Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Do you work in an industry where you’re required to draft or review plans? If so, you’re likely going to need access to a drafting table; and along with that drafting table, you’re also going to need a drafting chair. This will allow you to get a better view of your work without straining your back, neck, or even your eyes.

If you’re tired of contorting your body and craning your neck over plans for hours on end, it’s time to toss that office chair of yours and replace it with a high-quality drafting chair. Not only will this make you more productive at work but it will also put less stress on your body.

Fortunately, our team has already taken to the web in search of the best ergonomic drafting chair. After reviewing dozens and dozens of potential options, we shortlisted items based on various factors, such as height range, materials, stability, maximum load, finish, and durability.

The final iteration of our list features 12 of the best ergonomic drafting chairs on the market. If you find yourself in the middle of a hunt for your next drafting chair, we encourage you to check out our top recommendations.

Continue reading to learn more!

OUR #1 OVERALL BEST CHOICE

Chairman Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh Adjustable Drafting Chair

Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh Adjustable Drafting Chair with Foot Ring, Standing-Desk Matched Tall Swivel Computer Office Stool, Black

  • Pneumatic controls
  • Leather & polyurethane upholstery
  • Chrome base & dual-wheel casters
  • 8 style options available
  • 3 colors available

GREAT VALUE

Boss Office Products Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Boss Office Products Ergonomic Works Drafting Chair without Arms in Black

  • Pneumatic seat adjustment
  • Contoured backrest & seat
  • Nylon base & dual-wheel casters
  • 6-step assembly
  • 4 colors available

Can I Use an Office Chair Instead of a Drafting Chair?

At first glance, a drafting chair might resemble your average office chair. While the two types share many of the same dimensions and features, there are specific areas where the two differ because of their applications.

  • Office chair: While some office chairs feature an adjustable height function, it is likely to only cover the range of regular work desks. If you happen to be drafting or viewing plans at a normal desk or table, however, then you may be able to get away with a normal office chair.
  •  Drafting chair: Generally speaking, drafting chairs are more elevated than the average office chair, and for that reason, often resemble stools. They often feature footrests and are designed to give the user a more comfortable view of a drafting table.

If you’re working at a regular table, you can use an office chair. If you’re working at a drafting table, however, you’re most likely going to need a drafting chair.

View Our 12 Picks for Best Ergonomic Drafting Chair Below

If your current chair isn’t getting the job done at work, it’s time to upgrade to an ergonomic drafting chair — one that allows you to get a full view of your drafting table or other elevated surface. Keep reading to find the perfect chair for you!

 #1

Chairman Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh Adjustable Drafting Chair

Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh Adjustable Drafting Chair with Foot Ring, Standing-Desk Matched Tall Swivel Computer Office Stool, Black

With its Chairman brings you a high-quality ergonomic product with all of the comfort and practicality you could want or need in a drafting chair.

The chair’s contoured, ribbed back uses a combination of leather and faux leather to provide durability, while the cushion’s foam filling offers a sense of comfort. With a swiveling seat and pneumatic controls, you’ll be able to manipulate both the height and the tension of your chair for perfect positioning.

Complete with a sturdy chrome foot ring and a five-leg base with dual-wheel casters, this chair is easy to pivot and move around your home or office space as needed.

Bottom Line

For a product of this quality, a larger-than-average price tag should be expected. With that said, there are also a few products on our list that are more expensive than this chair from Chairman.

The contemporary edition of this chair features a medium-sized back and chrome arms, but there are also other styles available: classic armless, contemporary armless, panel high back, panel mid back, ribbed high back, ribbed mid back, and classic mid back. As for color options, you can get your chair in black, red, or white.

Key Features

  • Pneumatic controls
  • Leather & polyurethane upholstery
  • Chrome base & dual-wheel casters
  • 8 style options available
  • 3 colors available

Our Rating

 #2

Boss Office Products Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Boss Office Products Ergonomic Works Drafting Chair without Arms in Black

If you’re looking for a drafting chair that’s going to provide you top-end quality without causing you to break the bank, check out this ergonomic chair from Boss Office Products.

This chair features a contoured back and seat with plenty of padding, as well as a gas lift lever that allows you to adjust the chair’s height with ease. A 20” diameter chrome foot ring offers stability, as does the unit’s large, 27” nylon base. Five dual-wheel casters allow you to maneuver your chair over most surfaces comfortably.

Plus, this chair is easy to assemble! With little more than five or ten minutes of your time, you’ll be able to follow six simple steps and have your chair fully assembled.

Bottom Line

As one of the more affordable options on our list, the Boss Office Products drafting chair boasts quality that is comparable to many of the top-end options on the market, but at a discounted price.

This chair does not come with arms; but if you need arms, there are editions that include loop arms and adjustable arms. The Boss Office Products drafting chair comes in an all-black finish, but there are also blue, burgundy, and gray options available.

Key Features

  • Pneumatic seat adjustment
  • Contoured backrest & seat
  • Nylon base & dual-wheel casters
  • 6-step assembly
  • 4 colors available

Our Rating

 #3

Modway Edge Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Modway Edge Drafting Chair - Reception Desk Chair - Flip-Up Arm Drafting Chair in Gray

Need a chair that not only looks the part but also delivers comfort and relief for your back? The Modway Edge ergonomic drafting chair might be the perfect solution for you.

This chair uses a breathable mesh back and offers full lumbar support. Its vinyl-covered seat possesses a foam fill for comfort, while its two-tone base supports the unit and five smooth-rolling casters. Thanks to the chair’s swivel mechanism, it is able to rotate a full 360 degrees.

With its gas lift lever, the chair’s height can be tweaked as needed; and with its tilt tension control, you can customize the angle of the chair’s backrest. This chair also uses padded armrests that are able to rotate 90 degrees!

Bottom Line

It’s worth noting that this is one of the more costly options on our list. As long as money isn’t a deal-breaker, however, you’ll be getting an exceptional product that is as reliable as it is gorgeous.

You can purchase your new Modway Edge chair in standard black, or you can get it in brown or gray.

Key Features

  • Breathable mesh backrest
  • Lumbar support
  • Vinyl-covered foam seat
  • Two-tone base
  • 3 colors available

Our Rating

 #4

Superjare Drafting Chair with Back

Superjare Drafting Chair with Back, Adjustable Foot Rest Swivel Stool, Multi-Purpose Office Desk Chair, Thick Seat Cushion for Home Bar Kitchen Shop - Black

If you prefer the look of a simple stool design to a more complicated setup, check out this multi-purpose adjustable drafting chair from Superjare. This product makes a fantastic drafting chair; but thanks to its simple design, it works equally well as a stool or simple work chair.

The chair’s arched backrest and round seat use beautiful bonded leather upholstery, and connect to a sturdy chrome base that is complete with a footrest. Its base uses heavy-duty dual-wheel casters and allows the unit to support up to 250 pounds!

If you’d rather not have a footrest interfering with your setup, you can get a model without one; and if you want to eliminate the backrest as well, get Superjare’s drafting stool model!

Bottom Line

This adjustable drafting chair from Superjare works out to be one of the most affordable options on our list. The chair comes in timeless black with chrome features, but it’s also available in beige.

It also comes with a one-year limited warranty; so if you sense that your chair has any manufacturing issues or defects, you can easily have it returned for either a replacement product or a refund.

Key Features

  • Bonded leather upholstery
  • Adjustable height
  • Chrome footrest included
  • Dual-wheel casters
  • 1-year limited warranty

Our Rating

 #5

Smugchair Drafting Chair Tall Office Chair

Drafting Chair Tall Office Chair for Standing Desk Drafting Mesh Table Chair with Foot Ring (Dark Black)

If you want a reliable desk that is likely to last for years to come, check out this heavy-duty drafting chair from popular office furniture brand, Smugchair.

The chair’s breathable mesh backrest provides ample airflow and features built-in lumbar support, while its seat supports the natural curvature of the spine with a three-degree curved design. With this chair, you can adjust not only the seat’s height but also its footrest and armrests!

Its nylon base features a five-leg design and is able to support up to 300 pounds. Smooth and soft rolling casters allow you to navigate the chair across a variety of surfaces without scratching or catching on materials!

Bottom Line

This particular chair is roughly around the average price you might expect to spend on a drafting chair. While there are certainly more affordable options out there, many options are more expensive as well.

Not to mention, this Smugchair product is the number one best-selling office drafting chair on Amazon!

Key Features

  • Breathable mesh backrest
  • Lumbar support
  • Adjustable seat, footrest, & armrests
  • Heavy-duty nylon base
  • Smooth, soft rolling casters

Our Rating

 #6

XUER Ergonomics Office Chair

XUER Ergonomics Office Chair Mesh Computer Desk Chair,Adjustable Headrests Chair Backrest and Armrest's Mesh Chair (Black)

If money is no object and you’re looking to splash the cash on a top-of-the-line drafting chair, take a good look at the Evolve ergonomic chair from XUER. All it takes is one look at this unit to know that it oozes quality.

To start, it features an angled backrest that is complete with breathable mesh and built-in lumbar support. Its angled seat also uses breathable mesh and is supported by a heavy-duty base that is capable of supporting up to 325 pounds!

With the XUER chair, you’ll be able to adjust the chair’s height and tilt position as needed. You’ll also have the option of using the chair’s armrests or folding them up and out of your way.

Bottom Line

With what is by far the most expensive option to make our list, the XUER Ergonomics Office Chair has a price tag that may scare away some.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the market for such a chair, however, you’ll love the comfort and support that it provides, as well as the many features that come with it.

Key Features

  • Breathable mesh backrest & seat
  • Lumbar support
  • Flip-up armrests
  • Heavy-duty base
  • Gunmetal gray finish

Our Rating

 #7

Office Factor Stool Clerk Teller Drafting Chair

Office Factor Stool Clerk Teller Drafting Chair Reception Black Mesh Flip up Armrest Molded Seat with a Single Handle Mechanism (Stool Black MESH Fabric)

If you’re on the hunt for a larger, heavy-duty chair, the Stool Clerk Teller Drafting Chair from Office Factor is a fantastic option.

This chair uses a high back that not only accommodates longer and larger torsos but also offers more support overall. Perhaps what makes this chair most unique is its adjustable height lumbar support, which you can tweak to match the curvature of your lower back.

Thanks to carpet casters, you’ll never have to worry about wheel’s catching on threads. Don’t be fooled by some of the chair’s finer features — this unit possesses an adjustable chrome footrest and a heavy-duty steel base, capable of supporting up to a whopping 400 pounds!

Bottom Line

This chair trends towards the more expensive end of the spectrum, but for good reason. This is a heavy-duty unit with sturdier and larger materials than many of the chairs on the market.

The Office Factor chair comes in a classy black finish, and you can order it in one of two styles: with arms, and without arms.

Key Features

  • Pneumatic controls
  • High back design
  • Adjustable height lumbar support
  • Adjustable chrome footrest
  • Heavy-duty steel base

Our Rating

 #8

BestOffice Drafting Chair

Drafting Chair Tall Office Chair Desk Chair Mesh Computer Chair Adjustable Height with Lumbar Support Flip Up Arms Swivel Rolling Executive Chair for Standing Desk

Looking for a no-frills drafting chair that’s easy to adjust on the fly? Be sure to check out this BestOffice product. With a breathable mesh backrest and built-in lumbar support, it offers both the circulation and the support you need for a long shift at the drafting table.

This simple chair allows you to make a handful of adjustments, including the overall height of the seat, the height of the chrome footrest, and the angle of the flip-up armrests. It also features 360-degree swiveling, so you can easy pivot from facing one direction to the next.

The chair’s sturdy, five-leg base is able to support up to 250 pounds, and uses dual-wheel casters for seamless movement across most home or office surfaces.

Bottom Line

With its version of the drafting chair, BestOffice offers a high quality product at an extremely affordable price.

The unit is also extremely easy to assemble. By following the instructions provided, you’ll be able to fully set up your chair and start using it within roughly 10 – 15 minutes!

Key Features

  • Pneumatic controls
  • Breathable mesh backrest
  • Built-in lumbar support
  • Flip-up armrests
  • Adjustable chrome footrest

Our Rating

 #9

Office Star Adjustable Drafting Chair

Office Star Sculptured Vinyl Seat and Back Pneumatic Drafting Chair with Adjustable Chrome Foot ring, Black

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need all of the bells and whistles that some other options provide, check out yet another simple and practical option in Office Star’s adjustable drafting chair.

With no armrests or extended backrest, you’re getting only what you need with the upper portion of this chair — a durable vinyl seat and backrest. The height of your seat can be controlled using the unit’s lone gas spring lever, and the height of the backrest can be adjusted by means of the wheel on the backside of the chair’s stem.

The chair’s chrome footrest can also be adjusted, and attaches to a heavy-duty nylon base. As this drafting chair also uses dual-wheel casters that will allow you to maneuver your chair in spaces both large and small.

Bottom Line

With what is officially the most affordable option to make our list, the Office Star is a fantastic option for the office that is looking to purchase multiple drafting chairs at once.

Worried that you might be sacrificing quality due to the chair’s attractive price tag? Fear not — this is a highly trustworthy product that boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating across roughly 200 Amazon reviews.

Key Features

  • Pneumatic controls
  • Durable nylon seat
  • Adjustable chrome footrest
  • Heavy-duty nylon base
  • Dual-wheel casters

Our Rating

 #10

Grace & Grace Adjustable Drafting Chair

Grace & Grace Professional Office Series Height Adjustable with Ergonomic Tilting Backrest for Drafting,Computer,Studio,Workshop,Classroom, Lab, Counter (Classic, Royal Blue)

Mesh and breathable materials are great for circulation, but some people may experience itches or discomfort as a result. If you prefer a leather finish to a mesh material, the Grace & Grace adjustable drafting chair is an option to consider.

The chair’s seat and backrest sponges are covered by soft PVC leather, and both the seat’s height and tension control can be adjusted using the unit’s pneumatic controls.

The seat connects to a large, heavy-duty aluminum base, allowing the chair to support loads up to 400 pounds. With five hooded rolling casters, you’ll be able to move your chair as needed without leaving marks on surfaces.

Bottom Line

From a price perspective, this chair is a middle-of-the-road option and even trends toward some of the more inexpensive options. Grace & Grace offers three different style options — classic, stylish, and super comfortable — and the chair is available in royal blue or black.

The Grace & Grace adjustable drafting chair even comes with a one-year warranty that protects your purchase against manufacturing defects. If you have any issues with your chair, simply return it for a replacement product!

Key Features

  • Soft PVC leather
  • Heavy-duty aluminum base
  • 3 style options available
  • 2 colors available
  • 1-year warranty

Our Rating

 #11

Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Chair

Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool, Black

Similar to many of the options on our list, the Apollo uses a padded, fabric seat with a three-degree curved design. Its breathable mesh backrest features a generous angle, designed to accommodate the natural curvature of the average human spine. It also boasts built-in lumbar support for extra comfort and relief.

What makes this particular chair most unique, however, is its armrests, which are not only height-adjustable but also width-adjustable. This allows larger users or those who prefer a little more wiggle room to achieve a greater width.

Finally, its heavy-duty nylon base features a chrome footrest and hosts four smooth-rolling casters.

Bottom Line

This high-quality drafting chair isn’t a cheap purchase; in fact, it is among our most costly picks. With that said, the saying “you get what you pay for” often rings true, and certainly does here.

Your Apollo drafting chair comes in an all-black finish, with the exception of some of its chrome features.

Key Features

  • Breathable mesh backrest
  • Built-in lumbar support
  • Height & width adjustable armrests
  • Chrome footrest
  • Heavy-duty nylon base

Our Rating

 #12

Laura Davidson SOHO Ribbed Drafting Chair

SOHO Ribbed Drafting Chair - Ergonomically Designed and Commercial Grade Draft Height for Standing Desks (Tan)

If you’re after a classy, modern chair that will have your coworkers envying you for days, we’ve got the perfect solution — the Tremaine drafting chair from Laura Davidson.

This drafting chair features vegan leather upholstery for its ribbed seat and backrest. Using the chair’s height, tilt, and tension control levers, you’ll be able to fully customize the chair’s position to your personal preferences.

With fixed but padded armrests, you’ll get stability with extra comfort. The unit also features a footrest with a beautiful chrome-plated and black powder-coated finish. Its metal base uses a five-leg design and smooth rolling casters, combining sturdiness with mobility.

Bottom Line

The Laura Davidson falls right around the average price range for an ergonomic drafting chair, but boasts quality that could easily justify a larger price tag.

You can purchase your SOHO Ribbed Drafting Chair in any of twenty color options.

Key Features

  • Ribbed seat & backrest
  • Vegan leather upholstery
  • Fixed, padded armrests
  • Chrome-plated, powder-coated footrest
  • 5 color options available

Our Rating


Do Your Back a Big Favor

As is also the case with any piece of furniture, using a chair in the wrong context is a recipe for back pains or other long-term health concerns. While you may not experience or fear any immediate repercussions of poor posture, you may very well experience them down the road.

So, if you frequently work with plans and find yourself leaning over a drafting table, we highly recommend investing in one of our picks for best ergonomic drafting chair. There are plenty of options here, from budget-friendly stools to top-end ergonomic designs!