A good office chair is arguably one of the most important parts of a functioning office. But, despite just how important they are, it’s very easy to overlook them! When it comes to building the perfect office space, many of us simply settle for bog standard office chairs, and call it a day! But simply settling for an unsatisfying office chair can be totally detrimental not only to your health but also to your productivity!
To keep you comfortable at your desk, you should make sure to choose an office chair that suits your needs. Luckily, there are all kinds of different types of office chairs, so you can choose one that suits you perfectly. But, making sense of all of these different types can be enough to cause a headache!
To help you navigate the surprisingly complex world of office chairs, we had our Reliant tech experts put together this handy guide. To take you through all of the major office chair types!
What Are The Different Types Of Office Chairs?
- Task Chairs – Simple and iconic office chairs. Comfortable and affordable.
- Operator Chairs – Taller, upright office chairs that are perfect for typing on a keyboard.
- Draughtsman Chairs – Raised office chairs for taller desks. Often come with footrests.
- Executive Chairs – The ultimate in luxury. Designed to add sophistication to an office.
- Manager Chairs – Comfortable office chairs with smooth wheels, for effortless rolling.
- Lumbar Support Chairs – Focused on supporting the lumbar region to prevent back pain.
- Ergonomic Chairs – Designed to support the unique structure of the spine, often Posturepedic.
- Mesh Chairs – Breathable chairs that are perfect for those hot summer months.
- Mid Back Chairs – Shorter backrests that reach just below the shoulders.
- High Back Chairs – Much taller backrests that reach well above the shoulders.
- 24 Hour Chairs – Designed for intensive use, within offices that operate 24 hours a day.
- Conference / Meeting Room Chairs – Lightweight and easy to store. Perfect for hosting meetings.
- Banquet Chairs – Often seen at weddings or formal gatherings.
- Cantilever Chairs – Provide a gentle rocking motion for extra relaxation.
- Folding Chairs – Can be folded away between uses. Out of sight, and out of mind!
- Reception Chairs – Create the perfect first impression for clients with comfortable reception chairs.
- Bariatric Office Chairs – Designed to support slightly heavier users. Discreet and comfortable.
- Kneeling Chairs – Divides the weight between buttocks and knees. Prevents tiredness.
- Gaming Chairs – Extra padded, and highly customisable. Perfect for gaming.
Task Chairs
Of all the different types of office chairs, task chairs are easily the most recognisable. If you were to picture a standard office chair, it would most likely look like a task chair. These all-rounder chairs are designed to provide general support to users of all kinds. They feature comfortable and upright backrests, plush seats, and adjustable heights. Task chairs are also incredibly affordable and durable!
Task chairs are the most basic version of the desk chair. They feature all of the iconic details you would expect of a good office chair. However, they are not recommended for prolonged use.
However, unlike some more specialised or advanced chair types, task chairs are not for heavy use. Generally, the use of task chairs should be limited to around 4 hours at a time. This is because they do not provide specialised support for the posture.
If your job requires you to sit at your desk for long hours, we would instead recommend going for a more specialised office chair!
Pros
- Simple and elegant design allows task chairs to suit any space.
- Incredibly affordable. Perfect for buying in bulk.
- Boast great ergonomic features to keep you comfortable.
Cons
- Not quite as ergonomic as more expensive chairs.
- Less durable.
Operator Chairs
Operator chairs are commonly confused with task chairs. On the most fundamental level, they are largely identical. However, operator chairs are specifically designed for those engaged in operational jobs. If you spend hours typing away at your keyboard, then operator chairs are a perfect fit.
Operator chairs are designed to have rigid upright backrests. These help to promote an upright posture. This in turn allows your arms to take on the optimal positioning for quick and effective typing.
Pros
- Perfect for writing jobs.
- Promote an upright posture
Cons
- Not as ergonomic as executive chairs.
Draughtsman Chairs
Draughtsman chairs, as their name suggests, were actually originally designed to help support the unique work of draughtsmen. Draughtsmen, who spend their time creating technical drawings, typically for architecture, will usually find themselves working on taller desks, hunched over their work.
Draughtsman chairs, as a result, are designed to have a great height, to suit those taller desks. They’re also ergonomically designed to support a better posture, even while hunched over their work!
To account for the greater height, a draughtsman chair should have some kind of footrest. This helps to promote good circulation, and keeps the legs from going numb!
Pros
- Suitable for taller desks.
- The inclusion of a footrest helps to keep your whole body relaxed and comfortable.
Cons
- The extra height might make these chairs unsuitable for smaller office spaces.
Executive Chairs
Executive chairs are effectively souped-up versions of task chairs. Designed not only to provide extra comfort and support but also to look simply amazing.
Executive office chairs usually have more ergonomic back designs, with extra padding, and more support for the spine.
Executive chairs have an incredibly classy and elegant look. This makes them perfect for manager’s offices, or for anyone in a senior position. They’re also incredibly plush and comfortable for hours of use!
Part of what makes executive office chairs so special is their use of high-quality materials, such as leather. While you might have to pay a little more for an executive chair, it’s worth it for their added comfort and extra durability.
Pros
- Add a look of sophistication to an office space.
- Make use of higher-quality materials for added comfort and durability.
Cons
- They’re often very expensive!
Manager Chairs
It’s easy to confuse manager chairs with executive chairs. However, there are a few key differences. Not least of which is the price. Manager chairs tend to be much more affordable than executive chairs. As such, this also means that they lack some of the same fancy features.
But this is not to downplay the value of manager chairs. Manager chairs are actually designed to be a little more mobile than executive chairs. This means it’s easy to roll around between desks, or to the printer. As such, manager chairs are perfect for working with, and managing a larger team!
Pros
- Designed for smooth and easy rolling. Perfect for navigating an office space.
- Much more affordable than executive chairs.
Cons
- Less adjustable than executive chairs..
Lumbar Support Chairs
It’s important to make sure your office chair is providing ample support to key parts of the body. Maintaining an optimal posture is key not only to staving off backache but also to improving your productivity and focus.
If you’re focused on improving your posture, then you’ll want to pay special attention to the lumbar region. The lumbar region is found in the lower back and is the inward-curved part of the lower spine. To keep back pain at bay, you should make sure the lumbar region is able to maintain this inward curve. Lumbar support chairs are designed to do just that!
To provide lumbar support, these chairs include an extra padded section found toward the very bottom of the backrest. This section protrudes slightly. This means that when you sit back in the chair, your lower back will be pushed forward.
Pros
- Lumbar support chairs help to prevent back pain.
- Improved lumbar health is great for improving your mood. A greater mood leads to better productivity!
- Help to prevent slouching. Beneficial for your entire posture.
Cons
- Some models do not allow you to adjust the lumbar support position and height.
- They often have higher price tags!
Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic office chairs are a little harder to identify. This is because just about any office chair could be considered “Ergonomic”! For instance, an executive office chair with a tall S-shaped backrest would be considered ergonomic. Because it is designed to support the posture.
“Ergonomic” is a term often used to sell a specific office chair. To make it a more enticing option!
However, in order to be considered ergonomic, a good office chair should at least support optimal posture! If you’re looking to improve your posture at work, then it might be worth keeping your eye out for office chairs with the ergonomic label!
Pros
- Ergonomic chairs will support your posture for longer sessions.
- Come in a range of styles and types!
Cons
- Some chairs are more ergonomic than others. So, you may have to consider a few options.
Mesh Chairs
Mesh office chairs are designed using a special net-like material, which is prized for its breathability. Mesh is incredibly thin, so office chairs made of the material are great for keeping cool. With a mesh office chair, you won’t find yourself sweaty and uncomfortable at your desk.
Mesh office chairs are perfect for modern office work. The material is incredibly lightweight and very flexible. This means it keeps you cool, while also conforming to your unique posture!
Despite being such a thin and lightweight material, mesh is incredibly durable. Mesh stretches and bends to suit the unique build of the user. So, when you lean back into a mesh chair, it cradles your figure. This makes it great for improving your posture! And once you step up from the chair, the mesh will spring back to its original position. This means that mesh office chairs are built to last!
Pros
- Mesh material is incredibly breathable. Perfect for desk working during the hotter summer months!
- The flexibility of mesh allows these chairs to comfortably conform to your posture.
- Incredibly durable material that can withstand frequent use.
Cons
- Not quite as plush as upholstered chairs with padding.
Mid Back Chairs
Chairs can differ quite a bit in terms of their overall height. For instance, a medium-back office chair has a backrest that ends around the shoulders. Most office chairs can be classified as medium-back.
These chairs are great because they are slightly more compact and lightweight. Perfect for smaller office spaces.
Pros
- Incredibly compact. Perfect for smaller offices.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Does not provide support for the neck.
High Back Chairs
High-back office chairs, unlike medium-back office chairs, are much taller. The backrests of these chairs are designed to reach up to around the neck, or just above the head. Due to their taller shape, high-back office chairs allow you to rest your neck as you work.
High-back office chairs have taller backrests. This provides a comfortable surface for you to rest your back and neck. They’re fantastic for those looking to improve their posture at work!
Pros
- Able to support the entire back and neck. Great for added comfort.
- Allow you to relax your shoulders throughout the working day.
Cons
- Take up considerably more space thanks to their extra height.
- Often much more expensive.
24 Hour Chairs
24-hour chairs are designed for the most hardcore office work. Specifically, these office chairs are designed for premises that are open 24 hours a day. In order to facilitate near-constant use, these office chairs are built with a focus on durability and support.
For one, these office chairs use only the most premium materials. Materials that will last through any amount of continuous use.
Secondly, these office chairs are also designed to be incredibly ergonomic. This is to keep the users safe and comfortable during prolonged hours of sitting.
Pros
- Incredibly durable. Perfect for near-endless use!
- Built to provide unparalleled support. Great for long shifts.
Cons
- May take up extra room, thanks to their extra plush padding.
Conference And Meeting Room Chairs
Meeting chairs, very often referred to as “Conference chairs” are totally distinct from standard office chairs. These chairs are incredibly light, and easy to store when out of use. In fact, many come with stacking designs. So you can keep them stored together vertically, so they don’t use up all of your floorspace.
Meeting chairs are generally designed with short-term use in mind, as they are used for quick meetings. They’re easy to grab and pull up to a table, so everyone can find somewhere to sit. Because of their short-term use, they lack some of the ergonomic features of other office chairs!
Pros
- Simple and easy to move around. Allowing anyone to pull up a chair and join in on a meeting.
- Very easy to store away between uses.
Cons
- Designed only for short-term use. Do not provide ergonomic support for long-term use.
Cantilever Chairs
Cantilever chairs are incredibly unique. When you think of the most ordinary chair possible, it’s likely you imagine one propped up on 4 legs. Cantilever chairs instead are held up by only one or two legs which curve all the way to the floor and back around to the seat!
Cantilever chairs are popular because they are lightweight and incredibly stylish. The modern “Floating” design helps to add a stylishness to any office space. They are also notably very comfortable. The lack of rear legs on cantilever chairs allows users to rock slightly while seated. This ensures there’s always some slight motion throughout the day!
Pros
- A unique and modern design to create a stylish office space.
- The gentle rocking of the chair helps to promote movement during the day. This improves blood flow!
Cons
- Often have very low weight capacities.
Folding Chairs
If you’re keen to save on space within your office, then folding chairs are a great option. Being able to fold the chairs away between uses ensures they don’t take up any space when they’re not needed!
Folding chairs can easily be stored away when not in use. This makes them perfect for smaller office spaces where floor space is at a premium. They’re also available with all kinds of ergonomic features!
Folding office chairs also come in a number of unique forms. So you can still make sure it provides adequate posture support for long days at your desk!
Pros
- Folding chairs can be stowed away between uses. They don’t take up unnecessary space.
- Many folding office chairs come with unique ergonomic features to ensure maximum comfort and support.
Cons
- May not be quite as comfortable or stable as more premium options.
Reception Chairs
Many offices also have reception and waiting rooms. So, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of seating for your guests! Ordinarily, these office chairs will be totally stationary, lacking the wheels of other office chairs.
Reception and waiting room chairs come in all kinds of forms. So you can choose a style or size that suits the business and the waiting room space. A good waiting room chair can make a fantastic first impression for guests!
Pros
- Built for stability and longevity.
- Allow you to make a great first impression for clients or guests.
Cons
- Often expensive.
Bariatric Office Chairs
Ordinary office chairs are designed to be comfortable for all users. But unfortunately, the average office chair tends to have a weight limit of around 18 stone. If you are on the heavier end of the spectrum, then you might need a more specialised seat.
Bariatric office chairs are specially designed for heavy-set users. They’re typically slightly wider and have much higher weight capacities.
Pros
- Designed to support heavier users, and to provide extra comfort..
- Incredibly discreet designs, to prevent shame.
Cons
- Can take up a lot of floor space.
- May cost more than a pretty penny!
Kneeling Chairs
Kneeling chairs are incredibly unique from standard office chairs. But, it’s their unconventional shape that helps to make kneeling chairs so great for prolonged work. Kneeling chairs are designed to sit you at an angle. With your thighs pointed down to around 60 degrees from a vertical position. When sitting on a kneeling chair, your weight is distributed between your bottom and your knees. Hence the name!
By dividing the weight between two parts of the body, it helps to lessen the strain on both. This allows you to sit for longer without finding yourself tired. The kneeling position also discourages slouching and encourages an upright posture.
Pros
- Dividing the weight across your body keeps you from tiring.
- Promotes a healthier upright posture!
Cons
- Difficult to stand up from a seated position.
- Restricted leg movement.
Gaming Chairs
Gaming chairs are built for true long-term use. To allow gamers to while away countless hours travelling through digital realms and conquering online leaderboards.
Typically, gaming chairs will have tall backrests, with plenty of extra padding and ergonomic features. This allows users to relax and recline as they play.
Gaming chairs are also often very customisable. So you can personalise them to suit your tastes.
Pros
- Designed for prolonged sitting.
- Tall and plush backrests allow you to relax and recline.
- Very customisable.
Cons
- Generally some of the most expensive chairs on the market.
- May not be suited to certain types of work.
Which Type Of Office Chair Should You Go For?
As you can see, there truly is a vast array of office chair types across the market! But before we wrap up, let’s address that final question that’s likely on your mind: How do you possibly choose which one is right for you?
Ultimately, it will come down to a few things. First, it will depend on the amount of space the office environment has. If you have plenty of space available, then there’s no reason not to opt for a larger office chair! If not, then you might want to consider a more compact option.
You’ll also need to consider the type of work you’ll be doing in the chair. As we explored, certain chairs are best for certain types of work. Depending on what your work demands of you, and how long you’ll need to be sitting down you might need a different experience from your chair.
You should pick an office chair that perfectly suits your unique needs. Think about the type of work you do, the amount of space you have for the chair, and your existing budget!
Make sure to also consider how many people might be using the chairs, and what your budget is. If you need to buy multiple chairs to fill a larger office, then you might want to invest in some simpler task chairs. They are more affordable and easier to buy in bulk.
Ultimately, it comes down to your own unique needs and the type of work you do. Choose a chair that will support you well, and that will occupy the space perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Different Types Of Office Chairs?
Office chairs can vary massively. They tend to differ in terms of their overall size, and the various features that they boast. Some office chairs are much larger and have all kinds of added features for extra comfort. Some are much smaller, but cost less, and are easier to store. To choose the right one, you’ll have to consider the type of work you do, and how much space you have!
