12 Types of Office Chairs

a lot of task chairs in a room

The right chair can transform your workday, whether you’re setting up a home office or refreshing your workspace. With so many types of office chairs to choose from, like ergonomic and drafting chairs, it’s worth exploring which style best suits your needs.

In this article, I’ve included some of my personal insights and experiences to help you make an informed choice. Let’s take a look at these different types, so you can choose the best one for you:

1. Executive Chairs

an office interior with a chair and table
Photo Credit: FotoArtist / Adobe Stock Free / License

Executive chairs are designed with both comfort and status in mind, often seen in the offices of higher-ups within a company. These chairs typically feature high backs, thick cushioning, and are often upholstered in leather, giving them a distinguished look. Beyond style, they provide support and comfort during long work hours.

2. Task Chairs

Task chairs are the most common choice in office (and home office) environments. They support everyday desk work across a range of settings. While they come in both ergonomic and standard models, task chairs are usually crafted with comfort and functionality in mind, usually at a lower price point than executive chairs.

A word of advice: Avoid all-plastic task chairs, like those that mimic the Eames molded plastic chair or tulip chairs. I’ve had them, and while they look great in a dining or living room, they won’t give you the proper support needed for long hours of desk work, even if they swivel and have wheels.

If you begin to notice sounds or noises from your everyday office chair, read our guide: “How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair.”

3. Ergonomic Chairs

an ergonomic chair in a home office
Photo Credit: jnyemb / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

If you spend long hours sitting or deal with back pain, ergonomic chairs are your best option. Designed to support a healthy posture, these chairs offer multiple adjustable features, such as lumbar support height and seat height, allowing you to tailor the chair to your body’s needs. 

My Tip: As a work-from-home writer, I personally rely on an ergonomic chair to stay comfortable during long stretches at my desk.

Learn More: We have a helpful guide on how to choose an office chair.

4. Mesh Chairs

mesh chair in a modern office with headset on table
Photo Credit: photobuay / Adobe Stock Free / License

Mesh chairs usually use a mesh back to allow airflow, which helps prevent overheating — a huge plus if you live in a warmer climate or don’t have AC in your office.

As someone living in a hotter area, I can’t recommend these chairs enough. I used to have a faux leather chair, and I was constantly sweating and uncomfortable in it during long workdays. Switching to a mesh chair made all the difference, keeping me cool and comfortable.

These chairs also come in various types, from task and executive to ergonomic models, so you can enjoy the cooling benefits without sacrificing the specific features you need.

5. Leather Chairs

an empty leather office chair
Photo Credit: phonlamaiphoto / Adobe Stock Free / License

Real leather chairs bring a touch of sophistication to any office setting. Leather is a durable material, built to withstand wear, tear, and the test of time, making it a smart investment for those seeking comfort and longevity. However, these chairs often come in a higher price tag. Faux leather options offer a similar look at a lower price but tend to wear out faster.

6. Conference Chairs

conference chairs in a meeting room with sunlight coming through window
Photo Credit: Who is Danny / Adobe Stock Free / License

As the name suggests, conference chairs are designed primarily for meeting and conference rooms. They’re built for shorter sitting sessions and are typically lightweight and simple in design, so they’re easier to move around and arrange as needed. While they don’t usually offer the same level of comfort as an ergonomic or executive chair, they’re practical and available both individually and in sets.

7. Drafting Chairs

photo from drafting chair from four angles
Photo Credit: cisc1970 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Drafting chairs are a staple for architects, designers, and other professionals who work at drafting tables or standing desks. These chairs are taller than standard office chairs, with adjustable gas cylinders and integrated footrests, allowing users to customize the height easily.

8. Gaming Chairs

front view of orange and black gaming chair with and without cushions
Photo Credit: Ayman Alakhras / Adobe Stock Free / License

Gaming chairs are designed with long gaming sessions in mind, providing support for those who spend extended hours in front of a screen. They typically feature a high backrest, built-in lumbar support, and bold and bright colors. Most gaming chair models come with swivel functionality, and some even recline fully, allowing gamers to relax between sessions.

However, not all gaming chairs are created equal. Some companies focus more on flashy designs than on ergonomics, making these chairs less suitable for long hours of sitting. My husband has had a couple of gamer chairs that he used for work, but they weren’t comfortable and only lasted about a year. So, make sure you choose carefully.

If your gaming chair has ever felt wobbly, take a look at our guide: “How to Fix a Wobbly Office Chair.”

9. Kneeling Chairs

a person sitting on a kneeling chair
Photo Credit: amixstudio / Adobe Stock Free / License

Kneeling chairs position the body in a kneeling stance, which helps reduce pressure on the back and hips by aligning the spine and encouraging a forward-tilted pelvis. This posture engages the core and reduces the strain on the lower back. However, these chairs do take some getting used to and may not be the most comfortable option for long working hours.

10. 24-Hour Chairs

a lot of 24-Hour Chairs in a working space
Photo Credit: WavebreakMediaMicro / Adobe Stock Free / License

24-hour or 24/7 chairs are heavy-duty seating solutions designed to provide ergonomic support through intense, extended work hours, as the name implies. They’re built to withstand constant use, multiple shifts, and they’re often found in call centers and other round-the-clock shifts. To earn the classification of a 24/7 chair, they must undergo rigorous testing.

11. Big and Tall Chairs

three tall chairs in an office with a window in the background
Photo Credit: Libreshot

Big and tall chairs offer high backrests, wider seats, and a higher seat height adjustment to accommodate those over 6 feet tall or weighing more than 250 pounds. They’re built with reinforced materials and are usually more durable than standard executive chairs, providing both comfort and stability for those needing extra room.

12. Petite Chairs

On the other side of the spectrum from big and tall chairs, petite chairs are designed specifically for petite users. These chairs feature a more compact seat, a lower height to allow shorter individuals to rest their feet comfortably on the floor, and adjustable armrests that can be positioned to fit closer to the body. They have ergonomic adjustments tailored to petite frames.

Complete Your Office Setup

Office chairs come in a wide variety of styles, each tailored to different tasks and needs. Understanding the options available can help you find the one that fits seamlessly into your routine, making all the difference in your workspace.

If you’re redesigning your workspace, Home Gnome connects you to the best local interior designers to help create the perfect office setup. From selecting the right chair to optimizing your layout, the pros can make your vision a reality.

Read More:

Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with interior designers in your area.

Main Image Credit: Mumemories / Adobe Stock Free / License

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a creative writer and Ph.D. candidate in social psychology with a keen interest in home repairs and remodeling. While she's more comfortable with a pen than a power tool, Maria enjoys exploring the ways small renovations can make a big impact on a home's aesthetics.