WebstaurantStore / Food Service Resources / Facility Layout & Design / Types of Office Chairs

Types of Office Chairs

Last updated on Jul 25, 2024

If you're looking for an office chair with maximum comfort and optimal style, there are a few things you should think about before making a purchase. First, consider the frequency and environment in which the chair will be used. Will you be moving around a lot? Are you concerned about back support? Once you know the basics you can begin to examine the types of designs and materials that work best for you. Use this buying guide as a resource and find comfort in your workday!

Office Chair Parts

Different types of desk chairs and office chairs have features that have continued to increase over the years to meet the demand for a more comfortable user experience. Below are some of those features and the benefits they are designed to provide:

Glossary identifying the different parts of a chair
Diagram showing proper ergonomic workplace seating

Many work environments lean towards the classic office chair. This is because it offers stability and comfort throughout your workday, while still being perfectly suited for a collaborative setting. Our wide selection of mid and high-back chairs provide proper seating for various settings whether it be an office cubicle or large conference room.

Restaurant Equipment

Mid-Back Office Chairs

  • Ideal for the average 8-hour work day
  • Casters included
  • Arm rests, lumbar support, padded seats, and coat racks optional
Restaurant Equipment

High-Back Office Chairs

  • Sturdy to provide comfort and support for long work days
  • Casters and arm rests included
  • Lumbar support, padded seats, and coat racks optional

Ideal for a variety of office environments, the task chair comes in both small-back and mid-back styles. This chair provides ample back support while still maintaining a simple design. Whether you're working from home or your restaurant's office, this convenient chair type will be sure to suit your needs.

Restaurant Equipment

Small-Back Task Chairs

  • Compact structure and maneuverable casters
  • Able to fit in tight areas
  • Arm rests and padded seats optional
Restaurant Equipment

Mid-Back Task Chairs

  • Available in many styles and colors for best structure and style
  • Ideal for home offices
  • Arm rests, lumbar support, and padded seats optional
Restaurant Equipment

We believe proper seating for guests is just as important in the office as it is in the home. That's why our selection of mid-back side chairs is fit for all body types and comfort levels to help you provide the best possible seating for your guests, clients, and staff.  The mid-back side chair provides support and comfort for your guests and clients with its sleek yet durable design. Arm rests, lumbar support, and padded seats are optional.

Restaurant Equipment

Do you need a more mobile office chair? Stools are prime seating in terms of high mobility and short-term use – ideal for doctor and dentist offices, as well as other fast-paced environments like restaurants and cafes where you frequently have to switch between sitting and standing. Often used for medical and dentistry offices, the stool is a less cumbersome option than a traditional office chair. As the most mobile option, the stool is perfect for moving easily across floors and in small spaces. Back rests, casters, and foot rests are optional.

Restaurant Equipment

If you’re looking for a unique chair to help with posture and circulation then look no further than our kneeling chairs! The kneeling chair is a great addition to an office setting because it is ergonomically friendly and helps keep you alert throughout the day.  Kneeling chairs provide relief for back pain while maintaining proper posture. The lack of back requires core muscles to keep you upright and increases blood flow to help keep you alert during your workday.  Lumbar support, casters, and foot rests are included. Padded seats and back rests are optional.

Frame Material Types

Choosing your chair frame will determine the level of physical support provided and will be responsible for the impression you give to clients and coworkers. It's important to note the benefits and limitations of each popular material provided.

Closeup of aluminum material
Closeup of aluminum material
Aluminum
Pros
  • Polished appearance
  • Provides corrosion resistance
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Easy to scratch
  • Weaker material
Closeup of chrome material
Closeup of chrome material
Chrome
Pros
  • Polished appearance
  • Provides corrosion resistance
  • Heavy-duty material
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • More expensive option
Closeup of metal material
Closeup of metal material
Metal
Pros
  • Durable
  • Can be powder-coated for a smooth appearance
Cons
  • Easily rusts without care
Closeup of nylon material
Closeup of nylon material
Nylon
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
Cons
  • Less environmentally-friendly than other options
Closeup of steel material
Closeup of steel material
Steel
Pros
  • Low maintenance
  • Provides corrosion resistance
  • Can be powder-coated for a smooth appearance
Cons
  • Higher initial cost
Closeup of wood material
Closeup of wood material
Wood
Pros
  • Natural
  • Durable
  • Sustainable
Cons
  • Higher initial cost
  • Heavier material

Seat Material Types

Choosing the seat material for your office chair will determine its comfortability and durability as a high contact area. Picking the right material demands careful consideration. Below are the benefits and limitations of each unique material.

Closeup of bonded leather material
Closeup of bonded leather material
Bonded Leather
Pros
  • Less expensive alternative to genuine leather
  • Sophisticated look
Cons
  • Poor breathability
  • Frequent maintenance
Closeup of fabric material
Closeup of fabric material
Fabric
Pros
  • Minimal upkeep
  • Generally well-padded
Cons
  • Can be damaged easier than other materials
  • Wears thin with consistent use
Closeup of leather material
Closeup of leather material
Leather
Pros
  • Sophisticated appearance
  • Matches most decor
  • Generally well-padded
  • Long-lasting
  • Naturally resistant to stains, spills, and smells
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Needs occasional conditioning
  • Sensitive to extreme cold or heat
Closeup of mesh material
Closeup of mesh material
Mesh
Pros
  • Modern, sleek appearance
  • Low-maintenance
  • Well-ventilated
Cons
  • Not ideal for long periods of use
Closeup of microfiber material
Closeup of microfiber material
Microfiber
Pros
  • Stain resistant
  • Durable
  • Resistant to sun fade
Cons
  • Attracts dust and hair
  • Less environmentally-friendly than other options
Closeup of plastic material
Closeup of plastic material
Plastic
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Budget friendly
  • Resistant to stains, spills, and smells
Cons
  • Lacks built-in padding
  • Lacks built-in padding
  • Lacks longevity
Closeup of polymer material
Closeup of polymer material
Polymer
Pros
  • High-density
  • Durable
Cons
  • Lacks built-in padding
Closeup of vinyl material
Closeup of vinyl material
Vinyl
Pros
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Can be damaged easier than other materials
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

Related Resources

December 2024 WebstaurantStore Coupon Code

The holiday season is in full swing, and all December long you can celebrate with amazing deals! This month, you'll find incredible prices on flavoring sauces and syrups, holiday decorative accents, catering equipment, and much more! Take a look at our selection of sale items below and don't forget to enter the code WINTER24 at checkout to enjoy savings of up to 20%! We're also excited to introduce the new Webstaurant Rewards® Visa Business Card ! Sign up for a new card today and start earning rewards on every WebstaurantStore purchase. Discover the latest discounts on consumable food and beverage items with December's monthly coupon code. From peppermint and gingerbread flavorings to latte mixes, find great deals on essential consumables f

Guide to Stackable Seating

When you want to maximize your space without sacrificing comfort for your guests, stackable chairs are the perfect solution! Our selection of stackable chairs caters to the needs of every venue. Whether you're looking for some replacement chairs or this is your first time buying, we can help you find the best stacking chairs and accessories for your establishment. Shop All Stackable Chairs

Types of Table Tops and Bases

When it comes to furnishing your commercial space, choosing the right table tops and bases is essential. Not only do these components contribute to the overall aesthetics of your establishment, but they also play a crucial role in ensuring the durability and functionality of your tables. Discover the wide variety of table top and base options available, allowing you to make an informed decision when designing your commercial space. Shop All Table Tops Use the following links to Iearn the different types of table tops and bases: Table Top Materials Table Top Shapes Seating Capacity Guide Table Base Heights Table Base Components Table Base Types Table Base Space Considerations Special Features for Table Bases Table Tops and Bases Compatibilit

Join Our Mailing List

Receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox.

Recipe converter
WebstaurantStore blog
Videos of demonstrations, how-tos and more