Drafting Chair vs Office Chair: Which One to Choose?

A proper and comfortable office chair can make all the difference between a long day and an eternity. However, choosing one among plenty of options out there isn’t a piece of cake. You really need to look into a chair’s features, size, maximum weight capacity, and many other factors.

In office chairs, there’s a lot of discussion around drafting chair vs office chair. Although both are used for office work, there are differences that dictate the choice between both. If you’re also confused between both these chairs, we’re here to your help.

This article will discuss everything related to drafting and an office chair including their features, pros, and cons. So, read to the end and choose the right chair for you.

Drafting Chair Vs Office Chair

Let’s first understand what are the key features that differentiate the drafting chair from the office chair:

Drafting Chairs

A drafting chair is a type of office chair that’s used for working at a drafting table. Therefore, these chairs are normally taller than traditional office chairs. The extra height and adjustable armrests, breathable mesh back, and ergonomic design make drafting chairs ideal for people working on a drafting table or standing desk.

Features of Drafting Chairs

Drafting chairs are known for their height adjustability and suitability with drafting desks and standing desks. There are several features that collectively make a drafting chair fit the needs of users working for long periods. These include:

• Adjustable armrests 
• Removable seat padding 
• Adjustable footrest
• Adjustable seat height and depth

Office Chairs

In contrast, office chairs are designed for use in an office environment. They are designed to help promote good posture and health. Office chairs come in different styles and features, so you must decide what is crucial for you.

Features of Office Chair

Office chairs are also adjustable but not as adjustable as drafting chairs because they are made for users working on a fixed workstation. Unlike drafting chair users, people using office chairs don’t experience a lot of standing, which is why office chair features are aligned with the seating posture of users. This is why the following features shape the basic design criteria of office chairs:

• Adjustable lumbar support
• Recline mechanism
• Comfortable seat padding
• Backrest adjustability
• Adjustable seat height, depth, angle, and width

Drafting Chair Vs Office Chair: Similarities and Differences

There are many differences and similarities between drafting chairs and office chairs. The main differences and similarities are listed below.

Lumbar Support

It is important to note that drafting and office chairs differ significantly regarding lumbar support. To maintain good posture and health, office chairs are designed. Typically, they have adjustable lumbar support.

On the other hand, a drafting chair usually doesn’t come with adjustable lumbar support. If you plan on using it for long hours, investing in good quality comfort back support can be very helpful.

Seat Height Adjustability

Office chairs are typically adjustable in height and can be adjusted to an average of 16-21 inches. On the other hand, a drafting chair’s seat is generally taller than the seats of office chairs. Drafting chairs typically can be adjusted between 25-35 inches. Also, if you’re going to use it regularly, investing in an office chair with adjustable seat cushions can be a good choice.

Adjustment Options

While comparing drafting chairs to office chairs, we’ve found that drafting chairs are more adjustable than office chairs. The drafting chair can adjust to your height and size, while an office chair cannot. Drafting chairs have shorter seats that can not support a relaxed position when sitting for long hours. But they are a perfect pick for those using standing desks at the office.

In general, both chairs offer adjustable heights and armrests to cater to the needs of different users. It’s important to know what features you prefer in your workplace chair before making the purchase.

Footrest Option

All office chairs don’t have footrests. If you are looking for a chair with a footrest, drafting chairs are the best option. It is important to note that drafting and office chairs differ significantly in footrests. 

The best drafting chair offers a footrest or footing for the average-height person that can be used with any seating position.

Also, it should be noted that the drafting chair is supposed to have a mid-level or high-level footrest. This feature can be handy if you spend many hours sitting on your chair. At the same time, all office chairs do not offer footrests.

As mentioned earlier, both chairs offer adjustable footrests but differ significantly in style and design.

Armrest Adjustability

Office chairs usually come with comfortable armrests, whereas drafting chairs don’t come with armrests always. Armrests are essential for proper posture and comfort, but if you don’t need them, then investing in an office chair without armrests can be a good choice.

However, it is essential to note that drafting chairs come with adjustable armrests, making your work experience more comfortable and convenient. So you can choose the best drafting chair with arms fitting one depending on your needs.

Appearance and Style

Ergonomic office chairs usually come in highly customizable styles, whereas drafting chairs are generally more basic. If you want to choose a stylish chair, you’ll have to choose a traditional office chair.

It is easy to find a stunning color office chair that suits your needs, as they are available in various styles and colors. On the other hand, drafting chairs don’t come in different styles or colors because they’re mainly used in offices or commercial places with little personalization.

Cost

In general, the cost of both chairs can be the same. It will depend on the material and brand. However, drafting chairs are usually more expensive than office chairs. This is because drafting chairs can be used for long hours and are made from sturdy materials.

Are Drafting Chairs Comfortable?

In general, drafting chair is more comfortable than office chairs. The drafting chair is made primarily for low back and neck support so you would be better off with a drafting chair.

There are also many variations in the design of the same chair from different brands. This makes it difficult to determine which type of chair will be most comfortable for you, but all top brands offer comfortable chairs.

Do Both Chairs Come with Mesh Back?

Mesh back is a common feature in most office chairs. However, if you are looking for a chair that offers a mesh back, drafting chairs can offer this.

However, the mesh is helpful in hot weather or the summer season. It allows air to circulate through the chair and prevents it from getting too hot, which can be very uncomfortable for users who spend many hours sitting on their office chairs.

Drafting Chair vs Office Chair: Which One is the Best?

One should know that expensive office chairs don’t mean they are The answer Generally, a drafting chair is more comfortable than an office chair. However, it is essential to note that an office chair with an adjustable lumbar cushion can be a great addition to your office.

On the other hand, it’s also important to know what features you are looking for in your workplace chair before making the purchase. If you are looking for a more stylish and professional workstation option, a drafting chair is better than an office chair.

Bottom Line!

Here, we have compared some of the significant features of both drafting and office chairs. Both chairs are meant for different uses and are not similar in terms of functionality.

It is important to note that each chair type is best for different purposes. However, drafting chairs tend to be suitable for long hours of seating and can be adjusted to fit an average-height person. Keeping these things in mind, you can make your decision.