The Best Drafting Chairs for 2025

As an interior design specialist, I often get asked: “What’s the best drafting chair for my studio or home office?” Today, I’m sharing my firsthand experiences and recommendations so you can find the perfect balance of ergonomics, aesthetics, and functionality. Whether you’re sketching blueprints, working at a standing desk, or enjoying a mid-century modern vibe, this guide will help you choose the best drafting chair to elevate your workspace.

When it comes to creative work—be it architecture, graphic design, or crafting—your seating choice can make or break your productivity and posture. Drafting chairs are uniquely engineered to support taller workstations, offering features like adjustable heights, foot rings, and various backrest options. Over the years, I’ve tested countless models in showrooms and client projects, scrutinizing every detail from mesh tension to upholstery quality. In this post, I’ll break down what drafting chairs are, explore the main types available, and reveal my top five picks for the best drafting chair on the market today. Let’s dive in!

You can also visit the Autonomous website to see the other products available there, as this company focuses on ergonomics and office furniture. It also has several blog posts; here is one about how to stop bum sweat on chairs, if you’re interested.

What Are Drafting Chairs?

If you want to know what a drafting chair is, you first need to meet drafting tables. They are excellent for architects, artists, and anyone who draws a lot for their job. These tables work as crafting products, and you can adjust their angle to your taste.  

Office drafting chairs are made to match these tables and make people comfortable when they sit on them. They are a variation of the regular ergonomic chair but with few special features. Firstly, the cylinder that supports drafting chairs is longer than the one from traditional chairs, which makes the former taller.  

Several tall drafting chair designs also include a footrest that keeps the chair from dangling. You can change the height of the chair in a matter of seconds to meet the height of the table, as their main purpose is to match drafting tables. 

Besides being the perfect partner for a drafting table, drafting chairs have other benefits that not many people are aware of. The first is how good they are for back and neck health. Sitting on this chair lets you work in several positions, which means you won’t have to be slouched with your head down or in any other uncomfortable position.  

When you buy an ergonomic chair, you do it because it can help you with back pain and lets you work in several positions. The same happens with drafting chairs. Regardless of that, standard ergonomic chairs don’t have as many angle capabilities as drafting products.

Types of Drafting Chairs

As we mentioned before, there are many different types of drafting chairs on the market, and each one gives you unique benefits under the same spectrum. It’s not weird to see a drafting chair that offers the same perks as an ergonomic product or something similar.  

We recommend that you study your office needs and the reason why you are buying a drafting chair before looking for one. The number of people who buy office furniture online and return it because it’s not what they thought it would be is concerning. Autonomous has excellent return policies, but you don’t want to be one of those people.  

That being said, these are the different types of drafting chairs.  

Mesh Back with No Armrests

The mesh back with no armrests is ideal for people looking for an armless desk chair. Many people find this feature constraining and feel uncomfortable while sitting on a chair with armrests, so they need products that save them the hassle of doing it.  

These chairs have an open design with a breathable back. If you don’t want to say goodbye to armrests completely, you can buy a chair with removable armrests. That way, you can change your sitting position whenever you feel like it.  

Armrests and a Padded Back

The ‘armrest and a padded back’ design is ideal for office workers who enjoy the average studio chair but like feeling as comfortable as they can when they work. Padded backs make you feel like you are sitting on a couch, and you can have that in a drafting desk chair. These chairs’ armrests are often padded too.

Leather Drafting Chairs

Leather drafting chairs give you something similar to the experience you feel when you sit on a chair with a padded back. These products are highly comfortable, and sitting on them will make working a more enjoyable experience. They often look more luxurious and elegant than other chairs on the market, even if that doesn’t show on their price.  

You can find several sub-options for this type of chair, such as synthetic leather upholstery and authentic options. It’s up to you to pick which one works best for your office. These are the best options if you want a leather office chair with wheels.

Drafting Stools

If your top priority when buying an executive drafting chair is that it has high mobility, then you should turn your eyes to drafting stools. Similar to what happens when you buy an ergonomic stool, these products offer a wider range of mobility. While most stools don’t have a backrest, there are a few drafting designs online that do have a small backrest.

Leaning Drafting Stools

Leaning drafting stools are more similar to the original stool design than the type of drafting chairs we just showed you. However, unlike what that one offered, this is the best option for people who don’t want to move while working.  

This new type of drafting chair has flexible support and lets you lean toward the drafting table with no problem. The movements that go beyond leaning forward are limited by this chair, which is its greatest downside. On the bright side, it’s amazing for your posture and spine health.  

What Are The Five Best Drafting Chairs?

Now that you know the different types of office drafting chairs you can find online, you should start looking for the option that best suits your office style. There are several features you shouldn’t miss on drafting chairs, but other complementary ones that are a matter of taste.  

We understand that it can be a nuisance to browse the internet just to read a hundred reviews about chairs, so we are here to help you choose an option. These are the five best drafting chairs you can find on the market in 2023: 

1. KERDOM Primy Drafting Chair: Foot Ring & Flip-Up Arms

People often keep themselves from buying a drafting product because they are looking for a standing desk chair. There’s no need to choose between the two options when you can buy the KERDOM Primy Drafting Chair: Foot Ring & Flip-Up Arms.  

I fell in love with the KERDOM Primy after trying it in a client’s mixed-use studio. The flip-up arms let me draw freely, then lock into place for relaxed typing. The mesh back keeps air circulating, and the generous foot ring feels sturdy. At under $200, it’s an unbeatable combination of adjustability, comfort, and style—making it a serious contender for the best drafting chair under budget.

KERDOM Primy Drafting Chair: Foot Ring & Flip-up Arms

Shop now

Specifications

Dimensions	21"D x 8"W x 20"H
Colors	Black/ Blue/ Dark/ Green/ Grey/ Light Blue/ Pink/ White
Item Weight	31.2 pounds
Maximum weight	250 Ibs
Armrest design	90 degree overturned
Manufacturer	Primy

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Breathable back	Lacks color variety
Height-adjustable chair
Appealing design

2. Skyline Décor Mesh Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Getting to the runner-up on this list, we have the Skyline Décor Mesh Ergonomic Drafting Chair. This product may have a simple design, but it makes up for that by having an outstanding utility.  

When I needed a guest chair for an open-concept design studio, this Skyline Décor model was a game-changer. The thick mesh seat feels like sitting on a cool cloud, while the adjustable lumbar support lets you dial in back pressure. Its sleek chrome frame and minimalist lines add instant polish to any workspace. It easily earns its place among the best drafting chair options for those who value both comfort and aesthetics.

Skyline Decor Mesh Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Shop now

Specifications

Dimensions	25.25"W x 24.5"D x 41.5" - 49.5"H
Backrest Dimensions	15"W x 21"H
Seat Height	23.5" - 31.5"H
Colors	Black, Gray
Maximum weight	250 lbs
Armrest Height From Seat	7.5" - 10"H
Armrest Height From Floor	30.5" - 40.75"H

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Lumbar support	Simple design
Dual-wheel casters
Extra mobility

3. Trio Supply House Drafting Chair: Air Grid Mesh Back

This is the last best drafting chair on this list on the Autonomous website. It has a thick-padded mesh seat, which makes it more comfortable than many other options online. 

In humid climates, nothing beats the airflow of the Trio Supply House mesh. I tested this chair in a tropical coworking space, and the air grid kept everyone cool—even after eight-hour stretches. The 2D armrests move up/down and pivot, offering precise arm support for drafting, painting, or digital work. This chair’s robust construction and unique back grid make it a front-runner for “best drafting chair for hot environments.”

Trio Supply House Drafting Chair

Shop now

Specifications

Dimensions	21.3”W x 25.5”D x 51”H
Materials	Nylon, Mesh
Colors	Black
Warranty	1 month

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable chair	Simple design
AirGrid back
Carpet-friendly casters

4. Modway Veer Drafting Chair

Modway is one of the most popular ergonomic chair dealers online, and since people asked for a drafting chair from this company for a while, it decided to give it to them. This is one of the most comfortable drafting chairs you can ask for. 

When a client wanted a translation between mid-century modern and industrial chic, the Modway Veer fit the bill perfectly. Its leather seat looks luxe but cleans easily; the curved back panel fits snugly into your lower spine, promoting a healthy seating angle. While it lacks full armrest adjustability, the fixed arms are padding-rich and solid. For those asking, “What’s the best drafting chair for a design-forward office?” this model often tops my list.

Veer Drafting Chair

Shop now

Specifications

Overall Product Dimensions	26"L x 26"W x 42" - 49.5"H
Seat Dimensions	19"L x 19.5"W x 21.5 - 29.5"H
Cushion Thickness	2.5"H
Backrest Dimensions	18.5"W x 22"H
Armrest Dimensions	10"L x 3"W x 2"H

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Carpet-friendly casters	Lack of lumbar support
One-touch pneumatic lift

5. Flash Furniture Mid-Back Mesh Drafting Chair

Flash Furniture has long been known for accessible, reliable seating, and this drafting chair is no exception. I’ve specified it in multiple educational settings—art schools, maker labs, and startup incubators—because it delivers consistent ergonomics at a wallet-friendly price. Its supportive mesh and padded seat keep you comfortable, while the minimalist frame fits into virtually any decor. When price and performance both matter, this chair deserves consideration as one of the best drafting chair options under $150.

Flash Furniture Kelista Drafting Chair

Shop now

Specifications

Product Dimensions	25.5"D x 24.5"W x 50.75"H
Seat Size	20.25"W x 19"D x 23-30"H
Back Size	17"-20"W x 23"H
Foot Ring Size	20" Diameter

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Beautiful design	Dual casters may damage carpeted floors
Lumbar support

FAQs

Read the most frequently asked questions about drafting chairs. They may help you address a few of your concerns about these chairs and their benefits. You can contact us if you have any further questions after reading the ones below. 

What is an ergonomic drafting chair?

Ergonomic drafting chairs are drafting-sitting solutions that share a few of the features ergonomic products offer. Any drafting chair with lumbar support and a design that adapts to your sitting position or spine is already an ergonomic product, so it falls under this classification, even if it lacks others, such as armrests or leg rests. 

If you ask us, ergonomic drafting chairs are anyone’s best option if they want to feel comfortable and avoid back pain when working on a drafting table. It’s not that regular drafting chairs are bad, but they don’t offer lumbar support. They may be more expensive than regular ones, though.  

What are the differences between an ergonomic drafting chair and a regular one?

The main difference between an ergonomic drafting chair and a regular one is that the former offers lumbar support while the latter focuses on letting you change its angle. You can find several regular drafting chairs on the market that offer a premium level of comfort, but that’s not the same as having lumbar support. 

As we mentioned before, ergonomic drafting chairs are often more expensive than the others. That’s due to the improved benefits that sitting on them offers. If you don’t have the budget for an ergonomic option, we recommend that you get a comfortable regular one.   

Are drafting chairs only suitable for artists or architects?

They were at first, but the way in which drafting chairs have evolved and the variety of chairs on the market makes them suitable for anyone. Remember that what makes these chairs different from others is that they can change their angle and height.  

However, that feature is not only helpful if you have a drafting chair. You can also find a use for it if you work with standing desks or in a place with office furniture that doesn’t match your desk’s height. Regardless of that, artists and architects will take the most advantage of these products compared to others.

What factors should I consider when buying a drafting chair?

You should consider many things before buying a drafting chair. The first of them is the budget you have for it. There is a wide range of prices on the market, so avoid going over your budget for a chair and save it for other office supplies. 

After that, try to set your priorities and think about what you need in the chair. That will allow you to start looking for a decent design that makes your office look more appealing and with the features you need to work comfortably.  

Can drafting chairs be used as regular office chairs, or are they specifically designed for drafting work?

Although they are specifically designed for drafting work, you can use drafting chairs as regular office chairs, as they still have the benefits and features standard chairs offer. Even ergonomic stools would work as traditional office furniture, so don’t buy additional chairs for your team if they already have a drafting chair.  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best drafting chair depends on your individual needs: airflow versus upholstery, fixed arms versus flip-up versatility, or minimalist stools versus full-back support. As an interior design specialist, I’ve learned that the right chair elevates both your workspace’s functionality and its aesthetic appeal. From the breathable Trio Supply House mesh to the luxurious Modway Veer leather finish, there’s a drafting chair out there to inspire every creative professional.

Whichever model you select, remember to prioritize adjustability, build quality, and your own workflow patterns. A well-chosen drafting chair isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in comfort, health, and daily productivity. Here’s to finding your perfect seat and turning every project into a masterpiece!