10 Best Drafting Chairs and Stools

As other forms of desks become popular such as standing desks, drafting tables, and sit-stand desks, it’s no longer feasible to just have an office chair. Drafting Chairs and stools add a new dimension to your work environment allowing you to adjust your height to fit many types of tables. 

Contrary to popular belief, drafting chairs aren’t just reserved for artists, engineers, and architects. Maybe you’d like to work on your kitchen counter or switch to a standing desk because it helps prevent back pain. Drafting Chairs and stools can be used for all types of situations, such as drafting tables, conventional desks, and any type of elevated workspace. 

Drafting chairs should have proper back support and leg rest to support your full body. We’ve compiled our top 10 drafting chairs and stools, along with a buyer’s guide to help you find the best one for your work environment. 

The Best Drafting Chairs and Stools

• Harwik Evolve – Editor’s Choice
• Boss Office Products B16245-BK – Budget Pick
• NOUHAUS ErgoDraft – Best Value
• Herman Miller Aeron Stool – Premium Pick 
• HYLONE Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Best for Standing Desks
• Steelcase Leap Drafting Stool – Best for Back Pain
• Flash Furniture Mid-Back – Best for Short People
• Chairman Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Best for Big and Tall People
• Bieffe Drafting Chair – Best for Artists
• Modway Veer Drafting Chair – Best With Arms

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Harwik Evolve – Editor’s Choice

The Harwick Evolve is a heavy-duty chair that is ergonomically designed and has a high weight limit. It supports up to 325 pounds, which appeals to many big and tall users. Whether you have a drafting table, office table, or standing desk, the Harwick Evolve has plenty of adjustable features to adapt to each scenario. Nearly every aspect of the seat is adjustable, from its seat height to the armrests. 

If you’re an artist, you may need more space while working. The Harwick Evolve has flip-up armrests, so you can freely move your hands and arms to perform your drafting. Or, if you prefer to move closer to your desk, having your armrests tucked away can help as well. In addition, since the seat height can be adjusted from 24 inches to 31 inches, you can easily use this chair to match your desk height. Even the footrest is height adjustable so that you can take the pressure off your legs. 

We also like how this chair uses mesh upholstery to allow ventilation and prevent heat from building up. Drafting chairs that use leather tend to trap heat and can lead to sweating in your seat.

Pros: 

• Full mesh back keeps users cool throughout the day 
• Built-in lumbar support to alleviate back pain 
• Flip-up armrests let you move close to your desk 
• Quite high weight capacity 
• The seat height is adjustable to accommodate people of different sizes 

Cons:

• The seat doesn’t have a cushion 

Boss Office Products B16245-BK – Best Cheap Drafting Chair

The Boss Office drafting stool is designed for work environments with tight spaces or where individuals need more mobility. For example, people who work in the medical field, such as dentist or doctor’s offices, may need to easily move between their computer and their patient. 

In environments where you need to freely move your arms and hands, having an armrest can be restrictive. That’s why the Boss Office drafting chair has an incredibly minimalistic design to it. This chair doesn’t have any armrests or high-backrest. Instead, it features a slim mid-backrest and a densely padded seat cushion. Since many people who use drafting chairs are prone to leaning too far forward, the backrest helps prevent slouching and encourages a healthy posture. 

This drafting chair has an adjustable 6-inch vertical height range to match any desk height that you have. Whether you choose to work on a standing desk, an office desk, or everything in between, this chair will work. We like how the upholstery is made of a caressoft vinyl material giving the chair a smooth texture similar to leather. It’s easy to maintain because the material is abrasion and water-resistant. Furthermore, there’s a foot ring for users to rest their feet on, which gives them stability when sitting at an elevated height. 

Pros: 

• Very affordable draft chair 
• Highly dense and thick padding on the seat cushion and backrest 
• Caressoft vinyl is a smooth and durable upholstery 
• The seat can be adjusted 6 inches to fit the height of your desk 
• Easy and quick assembly 

Cons:

• No armrests 

NOUHAUS ErgoDraft – Best Value Drafting Chair

The Neuhaus ErgoDraft chair is one of the best value drafting chairs in the market. It has many ergonomic and adjustable features that allow users to get into a comfortable position. For example, it includes a 2D mesh headrest that can be adjusted up and down and forward and backward. This means you can optimize your head position for maximum comfort. 

In addition, the Neuhaus ErgoDraft has a unique 2:1 Syncro reclining backrest that enables users to adjust the backrest angle and the seat angle at the same time. Reclining the seat backward encourages movement while sitting, and it also reduces some of the strain on your spine and associated ligaments. 

The backrest of the chair uses an ElastoMesh material that is both flexible and breathable. Mesh materials are great for ventilation, allowing air to pass through. Chairs with leather or pleather materials are prone to trapping heat and keeping users sweaty. This chair also comes with a built-in bag or coat hanger so that you can store possessions nearby and away from the floor. 

Pros: 

• The headrest can be adjusted to support your head and neck 
• Backrest able to recline 135 degrees 
• It comes with a bag/coat hanger in the back of the chair 
• ElastoMesh backrest is soft and breathable 
• Casters have a wheel lock to prevent rolling 

Cons:

• No lumbar support 

Herman Miller Aeron Stool – Best Premium Drafting Chair

If you’re looking for a durable, sleek, and high-end stool, you can’t go wrong with the Herman Miller Aeron Stool. Unlike other chairs that may cut corners by using plastic components that are manufactured in another country, the Herman Miller Stool is manufactured in the U.S. They also guarantee a 12-year warranty, meaning they have confidence in backing the build quality of their products. 

Another aspect we like about the chair is how it supports up to 350 pounds meaning big and tall people can also use the Herman Miller Stool. When the stool arrives, it comes fully assembled, so there won’t be any complicated assembly needed to set up your new t chair. 

With a tilt mechanism, you’re able to recline into different angles without changing your posture or arm position smoothly. The Posture SL fit is a unique backrest that supports the lumbar area. It comes with a knob where you can adjust the height and the depth of the lumbar support. 

The Herman Miller Stool uses an 8Z pellicle mesh material that is flexible enough to mimic and adapt to your movements. However, it’s also soft enough, with some give for enhanced comfort. 

Pros: 

• It comes with a height-adjustable footrest 
• Pellicle mesh material prevent uncomfortable heat buildup 
• Armrests are height-adjustable and can pivot in any direction
• PostureFit SL is provides customized lumbar support to relieve back pain 
• Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty 

Cons:

• Quite expensive compared to other draft chairs 
• No neck and head support 

HYLONE Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Best Drafting Chair for Standing Desks

Even if you’re using a standing desk, it’s good to switch to a seated position every now and to give your legs a break. The Hylone ergonomic drafting chair lets you adjust the seat height by 20 cm, so you’ll be able to use it for all types of elevated workstations. However, we find the Hylone chair to be more comfortable than most. The seat cushion has a deep and highly dense seat cushion that contours to your body’s shape and helps to relieve pressure in your hips. 

The armrests are also well-padded, designed to alleviate some of the stress on your shoulders and neck. If you prefer moving close to the hour desk or don’t like your arms to feel restricted, you can flip-up the armrests as well. When sitting in an elevated position, it helps to have a footrest so that your leg doesn’t dangle on the floor. The Hylone drafting chair has an adjustable foot ring, so you can take the pressure off the back of your legs. Having a foot ring also encourages you to move your feet to increase circulation. 

One aspect we like about the Hylone is the backrest recline and tilt lock. With the backrest recline, users can recline up to 120 degrees, and it has a rocking feature as well. The tilt tension lets you adjust the amount of pressure needed to adjust the backrest angle. This ensures you feel under control whenever you switch positions. 

Pros: 

• PU coated padded armrests help to relieve pressure from your shoulders and neck
• The height-adjustable footrest is ideal for all types of desks 
• Breathable mesh back keeps you cool and comfortable
• Waterfall seat edge design improves circulation in your legs
• Fairly thick-padded cushion for enhanced comfort

Cons:

• No lumbar support 

Steelcase Leap Drafting Stool – Best Drafting Chair for Back Pain

Stools are generally less ergonomic and comfortable than office chairs. This can distract you from performing the task at hand, and even work leaves you with back pain and other body aches. The Steelcase Leap drafting stool lets you get the precise settings that match your body and preferences. Users can adjust the seat depth, height, the correct height for the lumbar support, and even the upper and lower back firmness. 

Many stools don’t have an adjustable armrest, which can place a huge burden on your neck and shoulder to hold your arms up. The Steelcase Leap has fully adjustable arms so that you adjust the height, pivot the angle, and slide the armrest forward and backward. 

The hallmark of an excellent ergonomic chair is encouraging users to move even while sitting. Steelcase Leap has their signature live-back technology feature that moves and adapts to the changing shape of your spine as your shift positions throughout the day. This ensures your back and lumbar are fully supported even as you move and prevent slouching. 

Pros: 

• Available in 14 color options 
• Footring is height adjustable 
• Draft chair ships fully assembled, so no assembly required
• Supports up to 300 lbs 
• Unique live back technology mimics micromovements to support the spine 

Cons:

• Quite expensive 

Flash Furniture Mid-Back – Best Drafting Chair for Short People

Unfortunately, when it comes to short people, adjustability should be at the forefront of your mind when selecting a chair. For example, if the chair’s seat pan is positioned too deep, it’ll cause circulation issues since your legs will be dangling, which applies undue pressure towards the soft underside of your thighs. 

The Flash Furniture Mid-Back drafting has a convenient pneumatic adjustment level that enables users to adjust the seat height and seat depth. Users can also adjust the chrome footrest to ensure their feet are firmly planted. This provides your body with stability while sitting and also increases circulation in your legs. 

Personally, I like how the Flash Furniture chair uses different types of materials for the chair. Typically using only one type of upholstery has its pros and cons. This chair uses a black leather seat with a highly dense foam padding to relieve the pressure in your hips and buttocks. Sometimes mesh upholstery used on your seat can feel wirey and uncomfortable. The seat cushion is also designed with curvature and a waterfall seat edge to increase circulation under your thighs. In contrast, it has an open mesh upholstery on its backrest to allow ventilation and cool air to flow through. 

Pros: 

• Footrest helps to relieve pressure and increase circulation in the legs 
• Tilt tension customizes the amount of resistance when leaning back 
• Flip-up arms let you move closer to the desk to increase productivity 
• Mesh back has lumbar support to relieve lower back pain 
• Height adjustable seat and foot ring for people of different sizes 

Cons:

• No headrest option

Chairman Ergonomic Drafting Chair – Best Drafting Chair for Big and Tall People

For big and tall people, there are several factors that you need to consider before buying a drafting chair. The weight capacity, the durability of its components, and the adjustability of the chair are all things you should be aware of. The Chairman ergonomic drafting chair has purposefully designed its chair to fit users of all sizes. 

It has a weight capacity of 295 pounds and uses some of the strongest and most durable materials. This chair uses a large 27.5-inch sturdy nylon and steel base that ensures it’ll be able to last a long time. Big individuals have more weight to carry around, so they can be more prone to back pain, especially if they are sitting with poor posture all day long. The Chairman’s drafting chair uses a highly dense foam with fabric upholstery to limit the pressure when sitting down. We find the seat cushion to be supportive yet also very soft. 

Big people tend to sweat more because they have a larger body mass, meaning they generate more heat. This is why leather seats aren’t ideal for big and tall people. However, the Chairman drafting chair has a full-mesh back chair allowing air to pass through and keep you cool all day. The mesh material feels flexible, so you can easily move around. In addition, it’s skin-friendly and comfortable to lean back on. 

Pros: 

• Height-adjustable chair to pair with standing or drafting tables 
• The seat cushion is foam padded and waterfall edge for comfort 
• Fast and easy to assemble
• Mesh material is breathable and skin-friendly 
• Supports up to 295 lbs 

Cons:

• It only comes with a 1-year warranty 

Bieffe Drafting Chair – Best Drafting Chair for Artists

If you’re an artist, there are a few things that you’re probably looking for in a chair. Although the Bieffe drafting chair looks very minimalistic, it’s quite suitable for artists. This chair intentionally doesn’t include armrests so that users can freely move their arms. Artists typically like to work on a wide desk meaning their arms can’t be restricted. The lack of armrests also lets you move closer to your set, and its thin design doesn’t take up much space in your art studio. 

Another aspect that artists should look for is the chair’s care and maintenance. When working with paint colors, you don’t want upholstery that easily stains. Fabric upholstery will easily absorb paints, ink colorings, and even food spills. The Bieffe drafting chair uses birch wood and a chrome-plated base, which is resistant to stains. You can easily wipe away stains, and it’s very durable, so the wood doesn’t chip away. 

In addition, the seat has a convenient lever that allows you to adjust the height of the chair between 21 and 31 inches. This means you can easily work on any type of desk or an elevated surface for your artwork. 

Pros: 

• Birchwood material looks very high-end 
• Very durable wood and quality craftsmanship 
• The seat is height-adjustable from 21 to 31 inches 
• Affordable pricing 

Cons:

• No cushion on the chair
• No lumbar or headrest support 

Modway Veer Drafting Chair – Best Drafting Chair With Arms

The Modway Veer drafting chair is an excellent all-around chair for comfort, ergonomics, and productivity. This chair has a tall glass cylinder allowing you to adjust its height. It can be used in many scenarios such as reception areas, office desks, and studios. It features a padded waterfall mesh seat and form-fitted breathable mesh back you are sitting with great posture. 

We like how users can adjust the height of the armrest to the perfect position. The armrest helps prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and alleviate the tension placed on your shoulder and neck from having to hold your arms up. You can also flip the armrests up 90 degrees to allow you to draft, paint and draw with ease. The armrest also has a nice soft mesh padding for additional comfort. Even the seats have very dense padding to retain shape and reduce the pressure and pain from sitting for long periods. 

Pros: 

• Sleek design to fit any office space 
• Breathable mesh back allows air to pass through 
• Armrests can rotate up to allow you to paint, draft and draw 
• Supports up to 331 lbs 
• Waterfall seat edge design helps to improve circulation in legs 

Cons:

• Not able to recline the backrest 

Drafting Chair Vs. Office Chair

Drafting chairs and stools have a higher seat range for elevated work surfaces such as a bar or counter. These chairs usually include a foot ring positioned around the cylinder so that users can rest their feet while sitting. Some drafting chairs don’t include armrests, or the armrests can flip upwards, allowing users to freely move their arms. On the other hand, office chairs are typically only designed for a standard working desk. 

Choosing the Best Ergonomic Drafting Chair

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Build Quality

The durability of your drafting chair usually depends on the build quality of the chair. This includes all components within the chair, such as the base, gas cylinder, armrest, seat cushion padding, and upholstery. When looking for a quality base, we suggest a chair with a heavy-duty 5-star nylon base, steel base, or aluminum base. Your drafting chair should also have a durable metal cylinder with a hydraulic lift to easily adjust your seat height. 

For wheel casters, we like soft casters made of a pliable material such as rubber or polyurethane. That’s because it’s less likely to crack, and it won’t scratch or scuff up your hardwood floors. Plastic materials used in wheels tend to break easily and can damage your floors. 

Height Adjustment

One of the biggest advantages of drafting chairs is adjusting the seat higher than office chairs can. Always measure the height of your table to ensure that the drafting chair can accommodate your desk. The seat height range should be around 8 to 12 inches lower than your desk height. For instance, if your desk height is 40 inches, you’ll want a chair with a height range of 28 to 32 inches.  

If you’re using a standing desk, drafting chairs can be used to take a break from standing. In this situation, the stool needs to be high enough where you can sit down and get up comfortably. In addition, the drafting chair should have a foot ring to allow users to rest their feet. This reduces fatigue, which can occur when a person’s legs don’t touch the ground. These footings are usually height adjustable to accommodate people of all sizes. 

Back Support

When it comes to back support, personalization is essential. We believe all chairs should have lumbar support since most people are prone to lower back problems when sitting. The spine is shaped in an S shape, meaning; there needs to be a cushion that protrudes outward to support the lumbar area. The most ergonomic chairs allow you to adjust the height and depth of the lumbar support. This ensures you are sitting in a healthy posture at all times. 

Another element of back support is its adaptability. Some chairs, such as the Aeron or Harwick Evolve, adjust their support based on your spinal movements to ensure you’re always getting full backrest support. Also, we recommend finding a chair with a backrest recline or a rocking feature. Sitting in a reclined position reduces the amount of load placed on the spine and its supportive musculature. A reclined position also makes it easier to maintain a neutral spine. 

Armrests Vs. No Armrests 

Some stools include armrests, while others don’t. This depends on the type of tasks you’ll be performing. For example, an artist or an architect tend to work on wide drafting tables where they need to freely move their arms from side to side. In this situation, having an armrest would only inhibit your movement. 

However, if you are working at an office desk, then having an armrest will act as strong support to alleviate the tension in your shoulders and neck. They help to guide your hands and arms in a relaxed position, which eases muscle tension. Without the armrest, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy posture while working on a desk. 

Seat Comfort

Seat comfort is a big factor to consider if you plan on sitting down for long hours. The seat cushion should have enough padding to support your body weight. Most paddings contain high-density foam that helps to maintain its shape and also relieve pressure in your hips and buttocks while sitting.

If you can feel the chair’s frame when sitting, it means you’ll likely feel uncomfortable. Without a proper cushion, too much pressure on your tailbone can lead to spine and joint issues over time. The cushion helps to redistribute the overall compressive force and safeguard your body from the normal wear and tear from sitting. 

Weight Capacity

Since stools typically have a slimmer design, they may not always have the weight capacity for big and tall people. It’s important to check the weight capacity to ensure it can accommodate your weight. 

Drafting chairs that hold 300 pounds or more typically have more durable components such as steel or aluminum base. They have larger-sized wheels and a wider seat as well. 

Price

Before making an investment, you should consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on a drafting chair. Drafting chairs are generally less expensive than office chairs. However, they vary drastically in price depending on their ergonomic features, build quality, and brand. 

You’ll find inexpensive stools such as the Boss Office drafting stool on the low-end of the spectrum. It has a minimalistic design with very few features. This chair doesn’t have any armrests, very few ergonomic features, and no lumbar support. 

If you want something more comfortable without breaking the bank, the Neuhaus ErgoDraft or Harwick Evolve chairs are great options. They have a mesh back, reclining back, and adjustable armrests. Lastly, premium chairs can shock you when you see it’s the price tag. However, the price is justified. For example, Herman Miller puts a whopping 12-year warranty on their chairs. Their stool also uses a premium mesh material that customizes its support based on your movement and specific spinal alignment. 

Recap of the Best Drafting Chairs and Stools

Drafting Chair	Award
Harwik Evolve	Editor’s Choice
Boss Office Products B16245-BK	Budget Pick
NOUHAUS ErgoDraft	Best Value
Herman Miller Aeron Stool	Premium Pick
HYLONE Ergonomic Drafting Chair	Best for Standing Desks
Steelcase Leap Drafting Stool	Best for Back Pain
Flash Furniture Mid-Back	Best for Short People
Chairman Ergonomic Drafting Chair	Best for Big and Tall People
Bieffe Drafting Chair	Best for Artists
Modway Veer Drafting Chair	Best With Arms

FAQs

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