Furniture Buying Guides, Tips & Advice

Drafting Chairs and Drafting Stools: A Buyer’s Guide

If your work puts you above and beyond standard desk height, you’ll need a chair that can get you there.  A drafting stool or chair may be the perfect solution.

 

 

 

 

 

Drafting chairs and drafting stools offer more height than standard chairs.  They extend your reach for use with work surfaces like counters and laboratory tables.  Drafting chairs and stools are particularly suited for use with the large width and depth of angled drafting table surfaces.

 

When shopping, it should be noted that the terms ‘drafting stool’ and ‘drafting chair’ are used almost interchangeably.  Drafting chairs tend to offer more cushioning and look more like elevated standard chairs than do drafting stools, but this is not always the case. Both have great features like adjustable backrests, armrests, seats, and footrests.  But how do you know which features you should look for? 

 

Start by thinking about your workspace. 

 

 

 

 

 

What height is your primary work surface?  If you work at a drafting table, find the lowest edge.  Your drafting stool should put the lowest edge of the work surface at about elbow height, and the seat height should be adjustable enough to raise you to work comfortably on any other part of the surface.  If the chair will be shared by more than one person, look for a drafting stool with a large height adjustment range. 

 

 

 

 

 

Most drafting chairs offer a swivel feature.  This keeps you from having to twist your upper body out of alignment to turn your attention in another direction, and is a must for anyone working on a split surface.  If your chair comes with a swivel function, ensure that it has an adjustable footrest or foot ring to go along with it.  A foot ring is a circular footrest positioned above the base of the chair.  The circular design will support your feet no matter which way you swivel.  Adjustable foot rings can be raised or lowered to suit differing heights and preferences, and are a better option than fixed footrests for shared drafting chairs. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you spend long periods of time in your drafting chair, a comfortable seat and back are necessities.  Look for drafting chair seats with ample cushioning and ergonomically curved designs.  Chair backs should be adjustable and able to provide lower back support for a variety of seating postures.  Backless drafting stools are not recommended for prolonged use; the lack of support can lead to slumping and back pain.  Armrests provide extra support, but some users may find that they hamper movement.  Removable, adjustable armrests are the most versatile choice. 

 

 

 

 

 

How mobile do you need to be?  Drafting chairs and stools are most commonly available with rolling casters, but many designs offer glides.  If you work on multiple surfaces and need to move between them, casters are likely the best choice.  Remember that rolling while seated in a drafting chair is possible, but much more difficult because your feet don’t touch the floor.  Because of their increased height, drafting chairs and drafting stools have a higher center of gravity.  On a slick floor, rolling casters can make getting in and out of the drafting chair awkward.  Glides may be a safer alternative on these kinds of floors, and won’t allow you to accidentally roll away from work surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

What tasks will you perform while sitting on your drafting stool?  Fabric and leather upholsteries may not stand up well to accidental spills.  Industrial grade, durable vinyl, and plastic drafting stools are the best choices for tasks that involve paints, solvents, or other chemicals. 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter whether you’re an artist, architect, drafter, or engineer, a good drafting chair can make a comfortable, productive difference in your day.  Keep in mind the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to finding your perfect drafting chair.