After a lot of thought, you finally decided on the perfect standing desk that fits your preferences and needs. However, as you set everything up, another issue pops up. Standing too long can be just as bad for your body as sitting all day, so you need a chair. What are the best types of chairs for standing desks?
If you have a sit-and-stand desk, you can pull up just about any chair to sit on once you lower your desk. But ideally, a desk and chair should complement each other — especially if you only have a standing desk! Some chairs do not pair well with a standing desk, and can become difficult to move out of the way or too cumbersome to place somewhere else while you stand. When you put effort into finding the right type of chair for standing, work can become more comfortable and productive.
What are the best types of chairs for standing desks?
The best types of chairs for standing desks are:
- Perch Stools
- Active Sitting Stools
- Leaning Stools
- Drafting Chairs
- Kneeling Chairs
- Stability Balls
Learn more about different chairs for your standing desk with this graphic:
How to choose the right chair for your standing desk
The first step to finding the right seating should be how well it goes with your desk. Beyond color and material, if you invest in a standing desk, you should get a high chair that lets you easily switch between sitting and standing. This will encourage you to transition from sitting and standing more often and more comfortably, and not standing for too long at a time.
The second step is to match your chair type to your desk type. What type of standing desk are you using? Whether you are using a sit to stand converter desk or a full standing desk will determine the type of chair you decide.
Here is a break down of each chair type, and how they compare for different types of standing desks.
6 Types of Chairs for Standing Desks
Perch Stools
A perch stool is a small, lightweight seat or stool designed with a slender frame and a round, padded seat. The back of the perch stool is typically quite short, providing just enough support for you to sit upright. The seat is usually made from a comfortable fabric, and you can find a variety of colors and styles to match any decor. They are great for use with standing desks as well as in a home office, kitchen, or any other area where you need a chair that takes up minimal space.
Active Sitting Stools
An active sitting stool is a type of chair designed to encourage movement while sitting. It typically features a saddle-like seat and a base that allows the user to rock, swivel, or tilt in any direction. The stool is designed to promote posture and balance, and to reduce pressure on the lower back. It can easily be slid under your desk when you transition to standing, or placed out of the way ubiquitously.
Leaning Stools
A leaning stool is a type of stool or chair designed for leaning against for support rather than sitting on. It typically has a curved back and a flat, slightly sloping seat. It may also have armrests. Leaning stools are often used in workplaces and classrooms, and can be found in a variety of materials including wood, metal, and plastic. Instead of acting as a chair, the leaning stool is a way to take a bit of pressure off while you are standing, and transitioning from leaning and standing. This can help you stand longer as you get more comfortable with your standing desk. As always, do not forget to sit down in a chair from time to time. Standing for too long will result in injury over time.
Drafting Chairs
A drafting chair is a chair specially designed for those who need to work in a seated position at higher heights or transition to standing often. It is typically higher than a standard office chair and features a range of adjustable features to ensure comfortable and ergonomic seating. The height of the seat and backrest can be adjusted as well as the tilt of the seat and the lumbar support. It often comes with adjustable armrests and footrests, as well as a swivel base to allow for easy movement in the work environment. It is usually upholstered in a durable fabric that is easy to clean and maintain. The chair is typically on castors for easy mobility.
Kneeling Chairs
A kneeling chair is a type of chair that encourages an upright posture and provides support for the lower back and thighs. It typically has a padded seat and a knee rest, which helps to reduce pressure on the lower back while sitting. Kneeling chairs are ideal for people who experience back pain or fatigue while sitting for extended periods of time. They also help promote good posture and can help improve focus and productivity.
Stability Ball
A stability ball, also known as a Swiss ball, is a large, inflatable exercise ball used for balance training, core strengthening, and stretching. It can be used as part of an exercise routine or as a seat when performing various exercises. Using a stability ball offers a variety of benefits. It increases core strength and muscle tone, improves posture, and boosts balance and coordination. It also helps to improve flexibility and range of motion, and can be used to add resistance to a variety of exercises. Stability balls also help to engage the deep stabilizing muscles, which can help to reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, stability balls are an affordable and versatile piece of equipment that can be used in any exercise routine. If a stability ball is too big for your office, a Bosu Ball is a great accessory to augment standing at your desk.
How to choose the best type of chair for a standing desk
When choosing what type of chair is best for your standing desk, keep in mind the characteristics and benefits of chairs that work best for you:
Standing Chair Characteristics:
- Comfort: A good chair should be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
- Ergonomics: An ergonomically designed chair takes into account the user’s posture and helps to support the body in a comfortable and healthy position.
- Adjustability: Chairs should be adjustable for height, armrests, back support, and lumbar support.
- Durability: A good chair should be made of sturdy materials that will last for years.
- Style: Chairs come in a variety of styles to fit any décor.
Standing Chair Benefits:
- Improved posture: Sitting in a properly designed chair can help to improve posture and reduce back pain.
- Increased productivity: Sitting in a comfortable chair can help to increase focus and productivity.
- Better circulation: Proper seating can help to improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
- Reduced risk of injury: Sitting in a properly designed chair can help to reduce the risk of injury and strain.
- Improved morale: Sitting in a comfortable chair can help to improve morale and overall wellbeing.
If you are using a standing desk, choosing the best type of chair for standing will make your experience more convenient and enjoyable. Having the wrong chair for your sit to stand set up can be frustrating and potentially unhealthy. There are many different types of chairs and stools that go well with your standing desk and hopefully this was helpful for you. Best of like finding the best type of chair for standing desks in your own office set up!
