Let’s Make YOU the Chairperson

Office manager overwhelmed by questions while making a decision.

Are you the “chair person” for your department or organization? Have you been tasked with upgrading workstations, redecorating the lobby, or outfitting the conference room with new seating? Or are you shopping for one or two colleagues who need a new office chair? Do you feel overwhelmed with the abundance of chair types, styles, and designs? If so, you are not alone.
Selecting the best office chairs for colleagues, clients, and other guests can seem daunting when you start shopping for office seating. You may feel there is much to learn about the different types and styles. In addition, you will also likely notice that the options for customization are abundant. So how do you choose amongst the variety of quality chairs available on the market? 
Below, we highlight the differences between the most popular types of office seating to help you feel more confident about making selections for your team's workstations, reception or waiting areas, and meeting rooms. 

Most Popular Types of Chairs

As you shop for office seating, you will come across the most popular types of chairs, including:

The above chair types serve different purposes and offer users varying customization features. For example, some require a high degree of ergonomic office chair adjustment options, while other types prioritize style or simplicity. Read more below to learn about the pros and cons of each popular type of office chair.

Mesh Chairs

Mesh chairs are office chairs that consist of a mesh fabric backrest. The mesh feature is most commonly incorporated into ergonomic and task chairs. However, you may also find mesh-backed features in some executive, guest, and conference room chairs.
The primary goal of a mesh backrest is to fit the form of the user’s body. Mesh also offers breathability that is ideal for employees or guests who will be sitting for long periods. The style often incorporates sufficient lumbar support, though there may not always be options to adjust it significantly.
The mesh chair style can be a great addition to conference rooms as well, particularly if the room tends to be warm or you will have colleagues or guests sitting for more than an hour. In addition, their sleek design can work well in smaller rooms or areas where you do not want your office chairs to detract from other interior design features.

Executive Chairs

Executive office chairs are premium office seating typically selected for the highest-ranking members of your company. The style often incorporates a tall back, extra cushioning, and high-quality textiles or leather into the design. Executive-style chairs make a statement and convey authority, so they are often purchased in lower quantities.
However, they may be suitable for an executive lounge or in a meeting room where you want to create a feeling of elegance and prestige.
Executive office seating prioritizes comfort for busy professionals while providing adequate support for the upper back. In addition, executive-style chairs often include ergonomic features and can be particularly suitable for users who are tall or like wider office chairs.

Guest Chairs

Guest chairs are office seating used in lobby spaces, presentation rooms, conference areas, or private offices. They provide a comfortable spot for visitors to sit for short periods. Unlike task chairs, guest chairs often remain primarily stationary, so there is little need for them to have casters. They also typically do not require ergonomic features as users will not be in the chair for very long.
Since guest chairs are part of making a positive first impression and contributing to the look and feel of the office space, appearance tends to be the primary consideration for this chair type. Therefore, you will likely find that you have many options for guest office chair styles, textile materials, and colours.

Drafting Chairs

Drafting chairs can be very similar to ergonomic and task chairs, but one significant difference is the height adjustability. While standard office chairs rise to heights around 30 inches, drafting chairs can range from 37 to 55 inches.
Drafting chairs are becoming more popular for people who work at a standing desk, but they have long been utilized by professionals who work at drafting tables or raised working areas. They feature a very sturdy base to keep the user balanced and often include many customization features. The goal of the style is typically productivity and comfort.

Conference Room Chairs

Conference room chairs. Board rooms or meeting rooms are often a location in the office where you want to make a positive impression and keep everyone comfortable. You also want your conference room to look neat, tidy, and elegant. Therefore, conference room chairs must offer some customization options, be enjoyable to sit in for extended periods, suit the size and layout of the room, and complement your existing interior décor.
While conference room chairs may not need to be fully ergonomic, at minimum, users should be able to adjust the height of their chairs and move the armrests to a comfortable position.
Conference room chairs also do not need to have wheels. Of course, casters are always handy to include, but they are not necessary if you have limited space or value a simple or minimalistic style.
You may also opt to have a combination of different chairs in your board room. For example, you may opt for executive chairs at the head of the table, task chairs around the table, and guest chairs along the sides of the meeting room. The combination of styles or designs you choose is entirely up to you.

Conclusion

Serving as the office "chair person" and shopping for new office seating can be a fun role, but it can also be overwhelming. First and foremost, you are responsible for ensuring your team has the tools they need to be comfortable and productive. In addition, you will need to consider how the styles you select will impact the look, feel, and functionality of private or shared workstations as well as common areas and meeting spaces. There are also so many options to choose from when it comes to different types and styles of office chairs.
Before shopping for office seating, you should understand the differences between mesh chairs, executive chairs, guest chairs, drafting chairs, ergonomic chairs, and conference room chairs. Each type offers different functions, features, and benefits. Understanding the intricacies will help you find the ideal seating solutions for your team, department, or organization.

If you are still unsure which options to choose, consider chatting with an office chair expert who delivers to your area.

Shop Office Seating in Canada

At Office Seating, we offer a large selection of high-quality office chairs in various styles, including mesh, executive, guest, drafting, and conference room chairs. Regardless of which popular type of office chair you are seeking, we likely have an ideal style for you. Choose to stick with one consistent chair option or mix and match to achieve the look you desire in your office spaces. 
Browse our collection or reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you find stylish, high-quality office seating for your workstations, reception areas, and meeting rooms.