Different Types of Office Chairs and their Ergonomics Explained

Reviewed by Betsy Sanchez
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Betsy Sanchez

Betsy Sanchez is a professional graphic designer with over 10 years of experience. She loves all things tech and that's why she started writing on different topics online now here, working with us to help the audience who are looking for perfect comfort.

different types of office chairs

Office Chairs were often an overlooked aspect of many workplaces in the past. But not anymore. Why? Because one’s productivity depends on it.

And in the long term, even their health.

Therefore, in pursuing an ideal office chair, the furniture industry has evolved and produced dozens of varieties. You are sure to find one that checks every box of your support and comfort needs.

Let’s look at the most common and popular options that are readily available and highly used.

There are 10 Different Types of Office Chairs

1. Long Hour or 24 Hour Chairs

Ideal for longer shifts, these chairs are suitable for people who spend a lot of their time on their computers or desks.

A 24-hour chair is adequately cushioned and provides good lower back support to keep you comfortably seated for longer periods.

It is also adjustable to reach variable heights and positions.

These chairs are pretty apt for people working from home. Or for professionals in the media industry who are video editors, animators, or even passionate gamers.

2. Ergonomic Office Chairs

Like the 24-hour chair, Ergonomic Office Chairs are also meant to keep you comfortable for longer periods. However, unlike its counterpart, these chairs are lighter in weight and swivel effortlessly.

The best part about them is that this design is available in many different material options. Mesh, leather, or fabric – you choose your preference.

The quality that stands out in this design is its durable and robust design without compromising lumbar support.

3. Executive Chairs

A big, plush, and softcore structure pops into the mind when you think of executive chairs. The kind every cabin seater imagines taking over. But that’s a talk for another day.

Executive Chairs are made of luxurious and heavy materials like top-quality wood and leather. And then adorned with lots of padding and cushioning for ultimate comfort.

Justly, they are also heavier in weight but well worth it.

4. Big and Tall Chairs

As the name suggests, these chairs are meant for people of larger height and weight. The furniture industry is inclusive like that!

What makes these chairs suitable for big and tall people is their large yet durable frame without compromising on comfort.

The extra padding, wide seat, tall backrest, and long armrests are the qualities of an ideal big and tall office chair.

5. Petite and Small Chairs

Did I mention that the furniture industry is inclusive? Yeah. Here is another example. A chair for the petite people.

These chairs have a small frame and a low body, making it convenient for physically petite people to rest their feet on the ground. They are also narrow and light in weight. They stand out by eliminating all elements that could cause discomfort to its seater.

6. Kneel Chairs

Kneeling Chairs are quite an interesting invention.

They provide a knee support attachment on which the seater is meant to kneel. This, in turn, takes the stress and tension away from the back and divides it onto the bottom and legs while also engaging your core.

These chairs are great for those with back medical conditions. However, these aren’t meant to be used for longer chunks of time because it can strain your legs. But for temporary back relief, a must-have item.

7. Conference Chairs

A chair that comes with its location…

Yes, conference chairs are meant only for the conference room. Okay, maybe not just that. Basically, for places and settings where one needs to sit for a limited time, maximum 3 – 4 hours per day.

Therefore, these chairs are cheaper and inferior in their qualities. They do not come with adjustment options, nor do they provide good back or bottom support, that is, for an extended period. These are perfect for giving comfort and focus to the attendee for the conference time mark. They even promote a slight lean for better engagement.

8. Leather Office Chairs

Here comes the OG chair.

Leather chairs are a mark of style, sophistication, and comfort. They are basic office chairs, just made of leather (good or bad, depending on their price).

They do their job well and might be worth the steep price tag if the quality of the leather is high quality and long-lasting.

9. Mesh Chairs

It can’t get any more comfortable than The Mesh office chair.

Mesh chairs are great due to their lightweight and extremely breathable nature. Making it the perfect choice for people who live in hot and humid climates or those who generally sweat a lot.

Mesh chairs have a natural bounce, making it quite fun to navigate through the day. They are an ideal variant with good lumbar support and easy swivel.

If chairs had awards for being calm and relaxed – The Mesh would be the winner.

10. Drafting Chairs

The drafting chair is a must-have for people whose professions demand intellectual and physical activeness, which is meant for artists, architects, and engineers.

These chairs are tall in build, making it easier to sit and stand without constantly stressing your muscles. Especially when working on a drafting table.

They also come with a foot ring to rest the legs when at height. But it’s not just limited to be used at height thanks to its adjustable nature, which can lower it down for work at a regular desk too.

A piece of art, I must say.

Final Thoughts

A good office chair is a necessity, not a luxury. Therefore, choose the most suitable one for your nature of work and schedule. Do not forget; health is the ultimate wealth.