9 Types of Office Chairs Used By Professionals

The nine types of office chairs professionals use are task, executive, ergonomic, mesh, conference, drafting, leather, armless and gaming chairs. For long days at a computer, an ergonomic chair with adjustable lumbar support, seat height and armrests is the best all-round choice. Mesh chairs suit warm rooms, drafting chairs and stools suit standing desks, and executive chairs suit people who want a high back and a premium feel.

effydesk makes chairs in several of these categories, from the Grin Ergonomic Chair at $330 to the Celini Ergonomic Chair at $900, each with a 2-year warranty and a 100-day trial. This guide explains what each type does well, who it suits, and how to choose. For back-specific advice, see our guide to the best office chair for back pain.

What Is a Task Chair?

A task chair is a compact, adjustable desk chair with seat height and lumbar adjustments, built for everyday computer work in a home or office.

Task chairs suit remote workers who want comfort and freedom to move without the bulk of an executive chair. Most have an adjustable seat height, a cushioned or mesh seat, and lumbar support you can set to the curve of your lower back.

A task chair is the simplest way to get proper support through a full workday. If you sit for most of the day, choose one that also adjusts seat depth and armrest height.

What Is an Executive Chair?

An executive chair is a high-back office chair with thick padding or premium mesh, padded armrests and recline, made for long days and a polished look.

Executive chairs make a statement in a workspace. Most add a taller backrest, a deeper seat and adjustable seat depth, which help taller users and people who lean back during calls.

The Celini Ergonomic Chair ($900), listed as the Executive Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair in our ergonomic mesh chair collection, takes the executive format into breathable mesh. It has a seat height range of 19.9" to 23.6" and supports up to 297 lbs, so you stay cool and supported through presentations and long meetings.

What Is an Ergonomic Chair?

An ergonomic chair is an office chair built around adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, seat height and armrests so it fits your body during long workdays.

Ergonomic office chairs support the small shifts and stretches your body makes through the day. Comfort here comes from fit and adjustability more than from extra cushioning.

The Kai Ergonomic Chair ($350) is a good example. It adds an adjustable headrest to the usual ergonomic adjustments, with a seat height of 18.3" to 21.6" and a 310 lb capacity. At a lower price, the Grin Ergonomic Chair ($330) supports up to 350 lbs and skips the headrest.

What Is a Mesh Office Chair?

A mesh office chair uses a breathable mesh backrest to keep air moving, so heat does not build up during long sitting sessions.

Mesh office chairs stay cooler than foam or leather because air passes through the back. The mesh also flexes with your movements while giving steady lumbar and back support.

The Aery Ergonomic Chair ($450) is a fully featured mesh chair, with a headrest, 4D armrests, an 18" to 21" seat height and a 350 lb capacity. It suits people who change position often, from sitting cross-legged during creative work to keeping feet flat for focused tasks.

What Is a Conference Chair?

A conference chair is a comfortable, lower-adjustment chair for meeting rooms, designed for sessions of an hour or two rather than a full workday.

Conference chairs keep a meeting room looking consistent. Most have a cushioned seat, a supportive back and simple height adjustment, with fewer controls than a task chair.

They suit collaborative spaces and longer team sessions where everyone needs to stay comfortable enough to contribute. For eight hours of solo desk work, a task or ergonomic chair is the better fit.

What Is a Drafting Chair?

A drafting chair is a tall office chair with an extended height range and a foot ring, built for counter-height surfaces and raised standing desks.

Drafting chairs pair well with standing desks. They let you perch at a raised desk height between full sitting and full standing, while the foot ring takes pressure off your legs.

For remote workers who switch between sitting and standing, a drafting chair gives a stable seat at heights a standard office chair cannot reach.

What Is a Leather Office Chair?

A leather office chair uses a leather or faux-leather cover over a foam seat and back, giving a warm, classic look that wears in over time.

Leather chairs feel soft and look sophisticated in a home office. Quality leather softens with use, and a good foam seat keeps its shape for years.

The trade-off is heat: leather breathes less than mesh, so it suits cooler rooms. Choose a model with adjustable height and lumbar support so style does not cost you posture. Our comparison of leather vs mesh office chairs covers the pros and cons in detail.

What Is an Armless Office Chair?

An armless office chair drops the armrests so you can move, pivot and pull close to the desk freely, which suits small spaces and active sitting.

Armless chairs take up less space and do not bump into the desk edge. They suit people who switch tasks often or slide over to share a screen during meetings.

The Bohdi Ergonomic Stool ($200) takes the armless idea further. It is an active-sitting stool that adjusts from 19" to 26" and supports up to 397 lbs, so you keep moving while you work. effydesk also makes armless versions of the Kai ($350) and Aery ($450) chairs.

What Is a Gaming Chair?

A gaming chair is a racing-inspired chair with a bucket seat, high back and head support, now used by remote workers for long desk sessions.

Gaming chairs have moved well beyond gaming. The bucket seat holds you in place, and the high back with head support helps you stay focused during long sessions.

Their racing-chair shape gives firm support where you need it, whether you're coding, creating or on calls. If you want that support with more office-style adjustment, compare a gaming chair with an ergonomic chair before you buy.

How Do the Office Chair Types Compare?

Ergonomic and mesh chairs suit full workdays, drafting chairs and stools suit standing desks, and conference and reception chairs suit shorter sessions.

Chair Type	Best For	Key Feature	effydesk Example
Task	Everyday desk work	Seat height and lumbar adjustment	Grin Ergonomic Chair ($330)
Executive	Long days, polished look	High back, padded arms, recline	Celini Ergonomic Chair ($900)
Ergonomic	Full workdays	Lumbar, seat depth and armrest adjustment	Kai Ergonomic Chair ($350)
Mesh	Warm rooms	Breathable mesh back	Aery Ergonomic Chair ($450)
Conference	Meetings	Simple controls, cushioned seat	N/A
Drafting	Counter-height and raised desks	Tall cylinder, foot ring	N/A
Leather	Cooler rooms, classic style	Leather over foam	N/A
Armless	Small spaces, active sitting	No armrests	Bohdi Ergonomic Stool ($200), Kai and Aery armless chairs
Gaming	Long screen sessions	Bucket seat, head support	Ergonomic gaming chairs collection

What Other Office Chair Types Are There?

Other office chair types include big and tall, kneeling, saddle, reception and heavy-duty chairs, each built for a specific body type, posture or setting.

Big and Tall Chairs: Comfort for Every Body

Big and tall chairs have a higher weight capacity, a wider seat and reinforced parts. They give larger and taller users a proper fit without giving up adjustability.

Check the rated capacity before you buy. effydesk's Grin and Aery chairs are rated to 350 lbs, and the Bohdi stool to 397 lbs.

Kneeling Chairs: Rethink Your Workday

Kneeling chairs tilt your pelvis forward and move some of your weight onto your shins. The design aims to keep your spine in a more upright, natural position and gently engages your core.

Most people use a kneeling chair alongside a standard office chair rather than all day. It works well as a change of pace when you want to add movement to your routine.

Saddle Chairs: Active Sitting Made Simple

Saddle chairs are shaped like a horse saddle and put you in a higher, half-standing position. The open hip angle is designed to encourage an upright posture while letting you move.

They suit people at taller desks who like to stay active, and they pair well with a standing desk set just below standing height.

Reception Chairs: Welcome Comfort

Reception chairs are built for short visits, not full workdays. They combine a professional look with enough comfort for waiting areas or client meetings.

In a home office that hosts visitors, one or two reception chairs make the space feel professional and inviting.

Heavy-Duty Chairs: Built for Endurance

Heavy-duty chairs use reinforced bases, stronger cylinders and wear-resistant materials for intensive use. Most also carry a higher weight capacity than standard chairs.

The better heavy-duty chairs keep ergonomic adjustments such as lumbar support and seat depth, so durability does not come at the cost of comfort.

How Do You Choose the Right Office Chair?

Choose an office chair by matching it to your sitting hours, body size, desk height and room temperature, then check lumbar, seat and armrest adjustments.

• Movement Style: How do you like to work? Some chairs feature adjustable lumbar support for traditional sitting, while others support more active movement

• Comfort Features: Look for adjustable seat height, seat depth, and adjustable armrests that match your work style

• Space and Setting: Consider your office setting and available space, since some chairs work better in compact spaces

• Support Needs: Choose based on how long you spend sitting and what type of back support you need

• Material Preferences: From breathable mesh fabric to cushioned seats, pick materials that keep you comfortable all day

• Trial and Warranty: effydesk chairs come with a 100-day trial and a 2-year warranty, so you can test the fit at home

Types of Office Chair FAQs

What is the difference between an office chair and a desk chair?

The main difference between an office chair and a desk chair is functionality. Office chairs are designed for extended use with features like lumbar support and adjustable settings, while desk chairs are simpler and often lack advanced ergonomics, which suits shorter sessions.

What type of chair should you use when on a computer?

When using a computer, choose an ergonomic chair with lumbar support, adjustable height, and armrests. These features help maintain proper posture, reduce back strain, and support long hours of computer use comfortably.

How do I choose a chair for my desk?

Choose a desk chair by ensuring it offers adjustable height, lumbar support, and a comfortable seat cushion. Test for stability and durability, and match the chair’s size to your desk height and workspace. Prioritize ergonomic designs for better posture.

Which chair is best for long working hours?

The best chair for long working hours is an ergonomic chair with lumbar support, a padded seat, adjustable armrests, and recline functionality. Features like breathable fabric and a headrest add comfort during extended periods.

What is most important in an office chair?

The most important features in an office chair are lumbar support, adjustability, and comfort. A good office chair should encourage proper posture, reduce back and neck strain, and provide stability. Durability and material quality also matter.

Making Your Choice

The best office chair is the one that fits your body and your workday. For most desk workers, that means an ergonomic or mesh chair. For standing desk users, a drafting chair or an active stool like the Bohdi adds movement between sitting and standing.

Ready to find the chair that makes your workday better? Browse our collection of ergonomic chairs to compare the Grin, Kai, Aery and Celini side by side. Every effydesk chair comes with a 100-day trial, so you can test the fit in your own workspace.