10 Best Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

It may sound quite counterintuitive, but standing desks aren’t designed for people to stand for long periods at a time. Just like prolonged sitting, standing for a long time can cause lower back pain, varicose veins, and even cardiovascular issues. 

If you’re an avid user of a standing desk, you’ll need a tall office chair or stool to pair with it.This allows you to take frequent breaks from standing. These chairs provide an ergonomic workstation to keep your body engaged and comfortable throughout the day, which helps to boost your productivity. 

In this article, we’ll share ten of the best tall office chairs for standing desks in the market, along with a buyer’s guide on the features that you need to look out for! 

The Best Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

• Herman Miller Aeron Stool – Overall Best Drafting Chair
• Steelcase Leap Fabric Stool – Most Comfortable
• Fully Hag Capisco – Most Ergonomic
• Steelcase Series 1 Office stool – Best Under $500
• Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool – Best Under $300
• NOUHAUS ErgoDraft – Best Budget Drafting Chair
• Vari Active Seat – Best for Active Sitting
• SONGMICS Standing Desk Chair – Best Value
• Learniture Active Learning Stool – Best Budget Wobble Stool
• Seville Classics Airlift 360 – Best Range of Motion

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Herman Miller Aeron Stool – Overall Best Drafting Chair for Standing Desks

The Herman Miller Aeron is often considered the gold standard for office chairs due to its superior construction, innovative ergonomics, and ultimate comfort. With the Aeron stool, you receive all of the benefits of an Aeron, except you receive a higher seat height adjustment and a footing to rest your feet. 

By far, its most prominent feature is its unique 8Z pellicle mesh which uses elastomeric suspension. This mesh has varying levels of tension where it’s more forgiving around the center and less forgiving on the edges to help relieve the tension and reduce compression in your hips, spine, and tailbone. Also, this flexible suspension increases circulation and supports your body as you move. 

Their backrest features the PostureFit SL, which are lumbar pads that can be adjusted individually. This ensures that you get the most optimal fit to support your lower back and prevent back pain. 

Unlike most stools, the Aeron stools come in various sizes to accommodate your height and weight. The A size is designed for smaller individuals, the B size for average-sized people, and C for larger and heavier people. We also like that the stool has a wider foot ring, which helps you open your hips and improve posture. 

Pros: 

• Elastomeric suspension eliminates pressure points throughout your buttocks and tailbone region for comfortable sitting
• Pellicle mesh fabric allows air, water vapor, and body heat to pass through, keeping you cool all-day
• PostureFit SL has individually adjustable lumbar pads to maintain good posture and prevent back pain 
• The foot ring is three times wider than regular footings for large and comfortable support for your feet 
• Herman Miller Aeron provides a 12-year warranty 

Cons: 

• The price tag may be too high for some people 

Steelcase Leap Fabric Stool – Most Comfortable Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

When it comes to comfort, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better than the Steelcase Leap Fabric Stool. Its signature feature is its patented LiveBack technology, which mimics and adapts to micromovements in your body and spine. As your spine moves, it supports it to ensure you’re always in a healthy posture. 

Users can choose between the fabric and 3D knit upholstery options. The 3D knit upholstery is a three-layer fabric that combines comfort with breathability. Its top layer is similar to a mesh textile fabric to allow air to flow through. Then it’s followed by solid fabric for support and a bottom under-layer of polyester cushioning for enhanced comfort and pressure relief. 

The chair also had plenty of adjustabilities, such as seat depth and lumbar. Adjusting the seat depth ensures you always have full back support, even when moving the seat pan forward. And the lumbar adjustment helps to keep the lumbar support directly within the curve of your spine. As a result, keeping an upright posture is effortless. 

Pros: 

• Offers their signature LiveBack technology, which conforms to your body and supports your spine as it moves 
• The natural glide system keeps your posture aligned when reclining and prevents the neck, eyes, and arm from straining
• The chair ships fully assembled and can support up to 300 lbs 
• The height-adjustable foot ring ensures your feet are rested and prevents them from dangling
• Available in many colors 

Cons: 

• Quite expensive compared to other stools or drafting chairs 

Fully Hag Capisco – Most Ergonomic Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

Saddle chairs are considered among the most ergonomic office chairs in the market, which is why plenty of medical and health professionals use them for daily sitting. The Fully Hag Capisco offers plenty of ergonomic features to keep you in a healthy posture at all times. It has a wider hip-to-knee angle than a standard office chair, improving leg circulation and creating a more natural sitting posture.

The chair provides plenty of sitting positions where users can sit forward, backward, or sideways. By switching positions, it keeps blood flow moving and provides a more active sitting experience. Reduced blood flow and excessive pressure in one area is a common cause for muscle pain while sitting. 

In addition, the Capisco offers various adjustable features, such as being able to slide the seat forward or backward and tilting the backrest. By sliding the seat pan forward, you can move closer to your desk and focus better while still receiving back support. 

Pros: 

• Seat height and back height are adjustable to ensure you’re sitting in an optimal position
• Able to turn the backrest for backward, sideways, or forward sitting, allowing you to switch positions easily
• Backrest encourages healthy posture and keeps the back supported
• The backrest follows the natural curve of the spine to prevent back pain
• Casters can be used for hardwood and soft carpet floors 

Cons: 

• Isn’t the most comfortable chair 

Steelcase Series 1 Office stool – Best Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks Under $500

Steelcase has always been a premium office chair brand that offers innovative ergonomic technology in its products. The Steelcase Series 1 comes with a modest price tag that allows the average office worker to get access to a high-end chair. 

When it comes to comfort, the Steelcase Series 1 offers plenty of advanced ergonomic features. They use their proprietary seat cushion with built-in air pockets that adapt to your body and seating position. This alleviates most of the pain and pressure built up from prolonged sitting. Their backrest utilizes a unique LiveBack flexor system that conforms to your unique body shape and adapts to your movements to ensure your spine retains a natural S shape curve. 

The Series 1 also offers impressive specifications with a seat height of 41.25 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, more than most other tall office chairs. With nine different color options along with multiple frame and fabric material options to choose from, it’s undoubtedly going to be a great addition to any office space.

Pros: 

• Offers their patented LiveBack flexor technology, which conforms to your body and supports your spine as it moves 
• Mesh back keeps you cool throughout the day
• Plenty of adjustments such as seat height, seat depth, lumbar recline tension, etc
• Steelcase offers a 12-year warranty
• Edge of seat bends which provide pressure-relieving points

Cons: 

• Requires some assembly 

Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool – Best Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks Under $300

Are you looking for an affordable and comfortable drafting stool? The Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool is a great all-around seating option with plenty of adjustment and basic ergonomic features to keep you comfortable. To ensure you sit in an optimal position for your drafting or standing desk, it uses a pneumatic seat height adjustment. The armrests are height and width adjustable, so you can keep your arms supported. In addition, armrests help to relieve tension in your shoulders and neck. 

In addition, the seat features a thick fabric cushion to maximize comfort while sitting and alleviate the pressure in your tailbone. In addition, a dense foam cushion helps to lessen the compression on your spine, tailbone, and hips. 

The Eurotech stool has a highly flexible mesh material allowing air to pass through. Body heat can easily build-up, which is why a mesh backrest helps to prevent sweat and keep you cool. 

Pros: 

• Armrests are height and width adjustable to keep your arms supported 
• Waterfall seat edge design improves circulation under your thighs
• A thick cushioned seat helps to support good posture and keep you comfortable 
• Mesh backrest allows ventilation to prevent sweating 
• The foot ring supports your feet when using standing desks

Cons: 

• Lacks a quality lumbar support 

NOUHAUS ErgoDraft – Best Budget Drafting Chair for Standing Desks

Drafting chairs can be quite expensive; however, the ErgoDraft drafting chair is relatively affordable without sacrificing quality. Their unique ElastoMesh upholstery is superior to stand mesh material because it feels much more smooth and flexible. It has enough suspension to relieve the pressure throughout your body and is flexible enough to support you when you’re moving. In addition, the mesh material prevents excessive sweating and keeps you cool throughout the day.

Another unique aspect of the ErgoDraft is its 2:1 synchro-tilt function. For every two degrees that the backrest reclines, the seat pan tilts back only 1 degree. This helps to keep your feet planted on the ground, and your eyes remain straight ahead. Also, your chest stays open to keep your posture upright without applying excessive pressure on your thighs. 

Neck pain is also a common issue among those who sit for prolonged periods. The ErgoDraft features a 2D headrest where users can adjust the height and angle of the headrest. This ensures your head stays leveled and your neck is in alignment with your spine.

Pros: 

• Includes a 2D headrest where you can adjust its height and angle 
• It offers a 2:1 synchro-tilt where the seat raises simultaneously as the backrest reclines to ensure you maintain a healthy posture
• Adjustable foot ring to rest your feet 
• The anti caster wheel locks keep you from moving around when working
• ErgoDraft uses an ElastoMesh backrest to keep you cool 

Cons: 

• Lumbar support isn’t adjustable 

Vari Active Seat – Best Tall Office Chair for Active Sitting

For those who enjoy sit-stand desks, the Vari Active Seat is a great option. This seat looks similar to a stool except with a short rise at the back. Designed to engage your cores, legs, and back muscles, the Vari Active Seat gives you the flexibility to move around throughout the day and lets you stay active by sitting or leaning. 

The base is wide and made of heavy rubber to prevent it from sliding around the floors while sitting. In addition, this pedestal base allows users to tilt up to 20 degrees forward or side-to-side to keep your lower body engaged. In addition, the Vari Active Seat features a tilt guard to prevent it from leaning further than 20 degrees and will rebound back to the center position. 

With the airlift piston, users can adjust the seat height anywhere between 23 inches to 32.75 inches. This allows you to find a comfortable position to sit on when you take breaks from standing. 

Pros: 

• The rocking motion feature helps to engage your core, back, and leg muscles
• Able to tilt up to 20 degrees in any direction
• The chair comes fully assembled 
• Easily adjustable seat height 
• The seat comes with a wide cushioned seat to ensure comfort and support

Cons: 

• Higher price range compared to other stools 

SONGMICS Standing Desk Chair – Best Value Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

The Songmics standing desk chair offers a sleek and modern design and has an auto-return feature so that you can enjoy the benefits of active sitting. Unlike other stools, the Songmics include two handles on the side that allow you to move the chair easily or use it as an armrest. 

This stool features an ergonomic seat design that tilts up slightly on the backend of the seat. This helps to prevent you from falling forward and also supports your tailbone to ensure good posture. The seat also provides a generous 3.1 inches of thick-padded foam to make sitting much more comfortable and relaxing. 

Users can tilt the Songmics stool up to 8 degrees and swivel up to 360 degrees. Considering its ability to tilt forward and its backless design, it encourages good posture. Sitting forward also helps users to concentrate on the task at hand better. 

Pros: 

• The chair can swivel and tilt in any direction to promote active sitting 
• Easy-access button to raise or lower seat height 
• The seat cushion is 3.1 inches thick to enhance comfort and relieve tension
• Two handles on the side to easily move the chair 
• Very affordable desk chair 

Cons: 

• Not ideal for short people 

Learniture Active Learning Stool – Best Budget Wobble Stool for Standing Desks

Sitting for long periods can cause many health problems such as back, hips, and neck pain. However, active sitting with a wobble stool helps to engage your muscles by strengthening various muscle groups in your legs, core, and hips. Although it may sound counterintuitive, a backless design provides more freedom of movement and promotes good posture. 

With the Learniture Active Learning Stool, you can tilt forward, backward, sideways, or in any direction to increase blood circulation. The rounded base provides the ability to wobble and stabilizes the chair to prevent you from falling over. 

Its seat is measured at 13 inches in diameter and contains extra padding to support you while sitting fully. With a single push of a button, you can adjust the height from 23 inches up to 33 inches. For those looking for a low-cost active sitting chair, we recommend the Learniture Active Learning Stool.

Pros: 

• Backless design strengthens core muscles and improves posture
• The seat is height adjustable 
• Available in three colors 
• Vinyl upholstered seat and thick plush cushion alleviates pressure for comfortable sitting 
• Very affordable stool

Cons: 

• The stool is lacking a foot ring 
• No wheels

Seville Classics Airlift 360 – Best Range of Motion

Range of motion is important to keep your joints and muscles healthy. When sitting for long periods, muscles can become stiff, which leads to pain. The Seville Classics Airlift 360 can tilt in any direction up to 10 degrees and swivel 360 degrees. This range of motion is ideal for rocking, leaning, stretching, and swiveling. Active balancing encourages users to move around freely while also strengthening core and leg muscles. 

Seat height adjustments are a must-have for standing desks. This chair has a pneumatic lift to adjust the seat height from 20 to 28 inches to support users up to 6 feet tall. 

In addition, the cushioned seats keep you comfortable while sitting and help to decrease the tension in your tailbone region. The base is non-slip, and the chair supports up to 250 pounds. Overall, its modern design makes it a nice addition to any office space. 

Pros: 

• Able to lean 10 degrees any direction and can swivel 360 degrees for active sitting
• Seat height is adjustable from 20″ – 28″
• The seat has a breathable mesh fabric to keep you cool
• The circular base is non-slip 
• The seat has a half-dome support cushion to relieve tension in the buttocks and tailbone area

Cons: 

• Some assembly required 

Choosing the Best Tall Office Chair for Standing Desks

Standing desks provide many health benefits, such as reducing risks of high blood pressure and obesity, boosting energy levels, and reducing back pain. However, standing all day can be very uncomfortable. That’s why tall office chairs like balance stools and draft chairs are used. There are many factors you’ll want to consider when choosing one for your office space. 

Drafting Chair vs. Balance Stool

When it comes to standing desks, the two most popular options are drafting chairs and balance stools. A drafting chair is an ergonomic chair that offers extended height and a foot ring. The cylinder and base stretch so that the seat is higher than usual. Typically, the seat height reaches over 30 inches. Most standard office chairs max out at about 20 inches. 

Since you’ll be sitting at a much higher height, you won’t be able to plant your feet on the ground. As a result, drafting chairs have a foot ring to rest your feet and keep them planted on a surface to prevent your legs from dangling. 

In contrast, a balance stool is a chair with a minimal design. It features a non-slip base with a circular seat pan. Stools don’t have any armrest or backrest, allowing you to engage your back, leg, and core muscles. These balance stools also have an adjustable seat height which is ideal for standing desks. The stool can tilt forward or sideways, allowing you to learn while working. Leaning forward slightly takes the pressure off your spine and lower back, which prevents back pain. 

Seat Height

The seat height is the most prominent feature that differentiates regular office chairs from drafting chairs or stools. It should have a minimum height adjustment of up to 30 inches or higher. The Steelcase Series 1 chair can reach as high as 41.24 inches. Also, the lever should be fairly convenient to get access to. Some chairs will use a lever or button to adjust seat height. 

Build Quality

The better the build quality of the chair, the longer it will likely last. Office chairs should have a steel or aluminum base since they are the strongest and can support the most weight. Nylon or plastic-based holds less weight and can wear down faster. 

An office chair should use dual PU wheel casters or rubber ones. Wheel casters may have PU covers to prevent wear and tear from rolling. 

Another factor in build quality is the upholstery used. Consider choosing upholstery options such as vinyl, knitted, mesh, and other woven material. For example, Steelcase chairs offer their 3D knitted fabric, which provides three layers of fabric, making it hard to tear. If you’re getting a leather chair, we recommend choosing bonded or authentic leather instead of faux leather. Faux or PU leather may be prone to tears or scratches over time. 

Back Support

The backrest is a big component of any office chair. Stools do not have a backrest; therefore, they require your core and back muscles to keep your posture upright. However, drafting and tall office chairs do have a backrest.

Any backrest should have lumbar support. The lower back tends to take on the most pressure and is the most vulnerable to pain. The lumbar support should be height and depth adjustable. Adjusting the height ensures that the built-in support fits the natural curve of your spine. And the depth allows users to personalize the amount of support received. 

In addition, many office chairs have a backrest recline function. Users can recline their backrest to allow users to take a break. By reclining backward, takes the pressure off your spine and lower back. Some chairs offer a synchro-tilt which raises the seat pan to ensure that users maintain a healthy posture even in a recline position. 

Adjustability

Besides seat height, there are plenty of other adjustments that tall office chairs can provide. Drafting chairs, in particular, may have adjustable armrest, recline backrest, seat depth, backrest, lumbar support, and headrest. 

Some chairs may have adjustable seat depth, which lets you move the seat pan forward or backward. This helps maintain back support and prevents people with longer legs from having circulation cut off from the edge of the seat. 

Adjustable armrests ensure that your armrest and elbows are fully supported. By boosting your armrests, it can prevent uncomfortable neck and shoulder pain. The armrests should be parallel to the desk height so that your wrists won’t have to bend awkwardly and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Seat Comfort

Seat comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a chair. Most chairs either use foam padding for their seat cushion or a flexible mesh seat. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A foam padding helps to reduce pressure and compression in your buttocks, hips, and spine. In essence, it takes some of the load off and allows you to relax in your seat. The thicker the cushion, the more pressure it’ll remove. 

In contrast, mesh seats won’t have the same cushion. Therefore rigid mesh materials can sometimes feel comfortable. However, the flexible mesh should be forgiving and should bend slightly when sitting. Mesh materials allow air to pass through, which keeps your seat cool throughout the day. 

Weight Capacity

For heavy people, you’ll want to check the weight capacity of the office chair. Most standard stools and drafting chairs can support up to 250 lbs. However, some higher-end chairs have a higher weight capacity. For example, the Steelcase Series 1 office stool can support up to 400 lbs, and the Herman Miller Aeron stool can support up to 350 lbs. 

Price

Office chairs can vary in price range depending on the quality and ergonomic features. Luckily, we’ve listed drafting chairs and stools in all price ranges. For budget-conscious individuals, we recommend stools such as Learniture Active Learning Stool and Seville Classic Airlift 360. These stools provide all of the basics, such as seat height adjustability and a tilt function. If you want drafting chairs, we suggest the Nouhaus ErgoDraft or the Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool. These chairs have a high mesh backrest and plenty of adjustable features. 

If price isn’t a concern, we recommend the Herman Miller Aeron Stool. They are built to encourage a healthy posture and prevent pain or other effects from prolonged sitting. 

Recap of the Best Tall Office Chairs for Standing Desks

Best Tall Office Chairs for Standing Desks	Award
Herman Miller Aeron Stool	Overall Best Drafting Chair
Steelcase Leap Fabric Stool	Most Comfortable
Fully Hag Capisco	Most Ergonomic
Steelcase Series 1 Office stool	Best Under $500
Eurotech Seating Apollo Drafting Stool	Best Under $300
NOUHAUS ErgoDraft	Best Budget Drafting Chair
Vari Active Seat	Best for Active Sitting
SONGMICS Standing Desk Chair	Best Value
Learniture Active Learning Stool	Best Budget Wobble Stool
Seville Classics Airlift 360	Best Range of Motion

Conclusion

Combining standing desks and tall office chairs can negate many of the bad effects of sitting all day. Many stools have tilting capabilities that allow you to lean forward, placing less pressure on your spine and lower back. In addition, these chairs tend to promote active sitting to increase blood flow and reduce pain. We’ve hoped you found our guide helpful in your process of finding a high-quality chair that suits your office needs.