Steelcase
Sleekform Ergonomic
Martin Universal Design
There are a number of key differences between a typical chair and one made specifically for artists, which will ensure your comfort during long hours of work.
To accommodate a wide variety of body types and sizes, artist chairs typically offer a wider range of adjustments than standard office chairs. This makes it possible for the artist to adjust the chair to their unique body size and shape, ensuring a healthy and productive working posture, which is especially important since most artists remain seated for long stretches of time.
Chairs intended for artists typically provide extra back, arm, and neck support because of the potential for long periods of sitting, as to reduce weariness and distress. Artists may need to move about or switch postures frequently depending on the style of art being done, so mobile chairs or those with adjustable characteristics like swivel bases are more suitable for their needs.
Durable and simple to maintain materials like leather or vinyl are common for artists’ chairs, in order to prevent stains, spills, and general wear and strain on the chair.
In general, chairs intended for use by artists tend to be more comfortable, supportive, and practical than regular chairs because they are made with the individual artist in mind. Artists who spend lengthy periods of time sitting in one posture while creating their work may be harmed by an uncomfortable chair. Neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and slouched posture are just some of the issues that can develop from hours spent sitting in an unsupportive chair.
Another factor that can hinder an artist’s output and inspiration is a chair that provides inadequate back support. Pain and other forms of discomfort can be a major distraction for creative people, making it hard for them to concentrate on their job and give it their all.
Artists should, therefore, be mindful when selecting a chair, as it should satisfy all three criteria: comfort, support, and ergonomics. This can lessen the likelihood that they’ll experience health issues and boost their general happiness, letting them devote more energy to their craft and produce higher-quality results.
However, the specifics of the options available may not be known to everyone. Our guide below focuses on finding a chair where an artist can sit comfortably, which includes adjustability options for seat height, arm rests, adjustable lumbar support, depth of the chair, and the type of material it is made out of.
Selection Criteria for the Best Artist Chairs 2023—Buying Guide
Entire Chair Adjustability
The artist’s chair should have a height adjustment so you can find a comfortable working position. Your neck, shoulders, and back will thank you for this. If the type of art you create allows it, armrests should also be height and width adjustable as well.
Chairs with swivel bases make it easier for artists to move about and access all parts of a work table without requiring the artist to twist or strain in any way.
An ergonomically sound and comfortable working position can be achieved with the use of an adjustable chair. Because of this, you may experience less discomfort and pain, more productivity and creativity, and an overall improvement in health.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar or lower spine appears to be the most vulnerable location for artists. There are a shockingly high number of people dealing with mild to severe cases of low back pain. You might be experiencing some of that back discomfort yourself, given the prevalence shown.
While many people share comparable anatomical structures—like a curved spine—not everyone’s body was built with the same precision. As a result, although one individual may find the curve of the static lumbar support to be just right for them, another may find it difficult to use.
As a result, it is important to keep an eye out for lumbar supports that can be adjusted in case the default settings are not adequate.
Seat Depth
When looking for an ergonomic and comfortable chair, artists should pay close attention to the depth of the seat. Finding the ideal seat depth in a chair might be challenging, as too much or too little depth in a seat can lead to pain and improper sitting posture.
Good posture is promoted by a seat depth that allows the user to lean back on the chair while keeping both feet flat on the floor. A seat that is too shallow can lead to forward slumping and hunching, whereas a seat that is too deep can induce slouching.
The task at hand should dictate the depth of the seat required. If the artist is using a large canvas or easel, for instance, they may want extra legroom and mobility afforded by a deeper seat.
A chair’s seat depth should be chosen based on the individual’s size, posture, the demands of the job, and the degree to which the individual want to alter the chair’s settings. To ensure the artist’s health and productivity, it’s important to provide them with a space where they feel safe, secure, and cared for while they work.
Material
There are a variety of materials available that can serve as a comfortable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option for an artist’s chair. Breathable mesh, cotton, and wool are all examples of permeable textiles that can be used to make chairs that are better suited to long periods of sitting without causing the user to overheat and perspire.
Leather is a popular choice for chairs because it is long-lasting, simple to care for, and can impart a timeless aesthetic. Contrary to popular belief, leather may not be as breathable as other materials.
Vinyl is another common chair material since it is long-lasting and simple to maintain. It’s cheaper than leather, yet it comes in a wider range of colors and patterns. Foam, designed with ergonomics in mind, can add a layer of comfort and support to the seat, back, and armrests of a chair. Chair frames made of metal or wood tend to be quite strong and last for many years. But, you should also check if the frame is ergonomic and easy to use.
Durability, comfort, airflow, and low maintenance are just few of the qualities to look for in an artist’s chair material. The correct material can make the chair cozy, stable, and low-maintenance, so the creator can give their whole attention to their craft.
Top Product Recommendations for the Best Chair for Artists 2023
- Best Overall Chairs for Artists: Steelcase Leap Chair
- Best Kneeling Chair for Artists: Sleekform Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
- Best Art Benches for Artists: Martin Universal Design Rolling Wooden Bench
- Best Stool for Artists: Boss Office Products Stool
- Best Artist Chair for Studio and Home Use: Flash Furrniture Drafting Chair
- Best Automated Artist Chair: Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair
1. Overall Best Chairs for Artists—Steelcase Leap Chair
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 10/10
- Lumbar Support – 10/10
- Task Chair depth – 9/10
- Artist Chair Material – Breathable mesh
About Steelcase Leap Chair
The Steelcase Leap Chair is an excellent example of an ergonomic office chair with features that make it easy to stay seated for long periods of time. While it may not be advertised as a chair for artists per se, it is a wonderful option for anyone who spends a lot of time seated at a desk or workstation. The seat can glide forward using Leap’s proprietary Natural Glide™ adjustability, allowing you to recline without moving out of the perfect spot for viewing and accessing your work.
The Steelcase Leap Chair’s adaptability is a major selling point. Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, armrests, and height allow it to be tailored to the specific requirements of each user. Artists, who often work for long periods of time, can benefit from the chair’s airy mesh backrest, which allows for ventilation and helps maintain a comfortable internal temperature.
This chair’s unique seat cushion construction incorporates air cells that mold to your shape and pliable borders that disperse pressure around the spine and thighs.
Although the Steelcase Leap Chair isn’t aimed squarely at artistic endeavors, anyone who spends a lot of time in a seated position can benefit from its high level of flexibility and ergonomic design.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable ergonomic chair
- Built in lumbar support
- Swivel and wheel base for carpets
- Modern style
- Adjustable arm support
Cons:
- Initially a desk chair
- High initial cost
2. Best Kneeling Chair for Artists—Sleekform Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 10/10
- Lumbar Support – N/A
- Task Chair depth – N/A
- Artist Chair Material – Recyclable foam
About Sleekform Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
The Sleekform kneel chair is a one-of-a-kind seating solution that promotes healthy spinal alignment and alleviates neck and back pain. It’s not going to be ideal for every artist, but it’s a viable possibility for those who prefer to sketch live models and need to be hold unobstructive view of their model.
The kneeling chair has the advantage of promoting a more healthy sitting posture by forcing the user to sit with their hips forward and their spine in a neutral position. Posture and comfort in the lower back can both benefit from this. This function is especially helpful for artists who have a tendency to slouch or stoop over their work.
These artist chairs are also height-adjustable, which means that they can be tailored to accommodate any user. This is especially useful for artists who benefit from a slightly elevated seat.
It’s important to remember that certain people feel uneasy or have trouble adjusting to kneeling chairs, and those with knee or back issues may not be able to benefit from kneeling for long periods of time.
Overall, if you are an artist who is searching for a chair that will improve posture and minimize strain on the back and neck, the Sleekform chair can be worth considering. But, remember that everyone has different requirements and tastes, so what works well for one person might not be the ideal option for another.
Pros:
- No arm rests, wide range of motion
- Highly adaptive
- Unobstructive view
- Ideal for drawing models
Cons:
- Not a comfortable position, until core muscles adapt to holding you up
3. Best Art Benches for Artists—Martin Universal Design Rolling Wooden Bench
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 9/10
- Lumbar Support – N/A
- Task Chair depth – 10/10
- Artist Chair Material – Elmwood
About Martin Universal Design Rolling Wooden Art Bench
Sawhorses, painting horses, or art horses are all terms for the same thing—a support for artists to set their canvases or drawing boards on as they work. An art horse is a piece of equipment used to prop up a painting or drawing surface so that you can sit or stand in a more natural and healthy position while creating their work. However, they are not like the other ergonomic chairs of our list, this one is more like a support wooden seat.
In order to accommodate artists working in a variety of mediums and styles, most art horses provide height and angle adjustments. This art horse’s height and adaptability make it ideal for artists working on huge canvases or drawing boards, giving them more space and precision in their movements.
Art horses are multipurpose since they act as storage spaces and provide a comfortable work surface. The easel mount and forward-facing shape of this chair make it ideal for painters who regularly work from models.
Using an art bench, such as the Martin rolling wooden bench, can help you improve the sense of scale and depth in your creations, as your gaze doesn’t have to wander far from the subject before it lands on the paper.
The lack of back support does make things a little trickier for those who want to work on their paintings for extended periods of time. But, this wooden bench is the ideal option if you plan to regularly sketch models and want to replicate the feel of an art school in your studio.
Last but not least, this art horse is perfect for artists who have a limited amount of floor space in their studio environment. So, in contrast to the other chairs and stools discussed here, it can be folded up and stored, while being held closed securely with magnets.
Pros:
- Great for art schools
- High weight capacity
Cons:
- Not one of the most comfortable chairs
- No arm rest
- No foot rest
4. Best Stool for Artists—Boss Office Products Stool
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 5/10
- Lumbar Support – N/A
- Task Chair depth – N/A
- Artist Chair Material – Foam
About Boss Office Products Stool
For sculptors, who need to be able to move around their art piece with some ease, a stool from Boss Office Products is a great choice.
This stool’s versatility as a backrest or non-backrest stool makes it ideal for those times when you need to get up and personal with your artwork in order to perfect the finest of details, or to view your sculpture from all angles. The stool’s five-star nylon base and dual-wheel casters make it easy to move around.
If you’re an artist working on a piece of art that will take long periods of time to complete, you may find that working with minimal back or arm support gives you the most freedom, but can also be tiring. However, artists who sit for lengthy periods of time creating their work may appreciate the molded seat and backrest of this stool.
This stool’s pneumatic gas lift allows the seat height to be adjusted, making it a convenient choice for those who work on a variety of surfaces and need to change their seating position regularly.
Artists who value ergonomics, customization, portability, and longevity may find the Boss Office Products stool to be an ideal chair. For musicians with certain seating needs or preferences, this may not be the ideal solution as the lack of backrest can make holding heavy instruments difficult.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Great swivel chair if you need to move around fast
Cons:
- No lumbar support may feel tiring for long periods of time
5. Best Artist Chair for Studio and Home Use—Flash Furrniture Drafting Chair
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 8/10
- Lumbar Support – 8/10
- Task Chair depth – 9/10
- Artist Chair Material – Foam
About Flash Furniture drafting chairs
Depending on the artist’s requirements, the Flash Furniture drafting chair may be an excellent choice. This modern take on the classic office chair is perfect for artists who require a little back support but otherwise value the freedom of movement that a stool provides.
The chair’s substantial padding and contoured seat and backrest make it a wonderful choice for artists who spend lengthy periods of time seated while concentrating on their work.
The chair’s height can be modified in a number of ways, so if you work on unconventional surfaces, you will find this feature rather useful, as you can get right up to eye level with your painting or drawing and concentrate on the finer details. Although a tilt feature is desirable, it is not essential, and artists who use this chair often forget the lack of it because they rarely use it when they paint or draw.
The chair can be easily moved about thanks to its five-star nylon base and dual-wheel wheels.
This chair’s commercial-grade vinyl and steel frame make it long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, which is something artists tend to value, as the materials in an art studio can be quite damaging to your furniture. Not to mention that the design of this chair is rather more stylish than your average chair.
The Flash Furniture Drafting Chair is an excellent option for artists who value chairs that are both functional and stylish. The chair’s many adjustment options are great for musicians and other artists who need to find the perfect fit for their bodies while sitting.
Pros:
- Modern design allows for full range of motion, much like a stool
- Affordable price
- Vinyl is easy to clean
Cons:
- No tilt
- Can’t personalize it too much
6. Best Automated Artist Chair—Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair
Selection Criteria
- Entire Chair Adjustability – 10/10
- Lumbar Support – 9/10
- Task Chair depth – 9/10
- Artist Chair Material – Breathable mesh
About Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair
When considering comfort, durability, and portability, the Humanscale Diffrient World Work Chair is a wonderful option for artists. This drafting chair is a bit of an investment, but it has all the features you’d expect from a high-quality office chair. Diffrient World’s chairs have a weight-sensitive recline that adjusts automatically, and armrests that are linked to the back of the chair, allowing them to move with the user for ergonomic comfort. The manual settings, on the other hand, allow you to simply modify both the seat depth and the seat height with the flip of a lever.
Artists who spend extended periods of time sitting at their desks will appreciate the chair’s mesh backrest and seat, which allow for more air circulation and comfort. Artists who need extra back support can take advantage of the chair’s adjustable lumbar support.
The chair is built to last with high-quality materials, including steel and mesh. In addition, it comes with a lengthy 15 year guarantee period, which helps ease the minds of artists who are worried about the chair breaking down on them.
Pros:
- The entire chair automatically adjusts to your body
- Wheels run smooth
Cons:
- High initial cost
Conclusion—The Best Chairs for Artists 2023
If you are looking for a chair that will help you achieve even more comfort, and long hours creating your art, then we hope our list has helped clear up the air a little. Of course there are way more chairs on the market, like the Eames lounge chair, that are worthwhile but didn’t make our list. In short, if you are looking for a chair with all the bells and whistles, the Steelcase Leap Chair or Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair are great options. If, on the other hand, you just need to swivel around your studio, in style, do have a look at the Sleekform Atlanta Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, and keep us posted on how you like it.
We hope you found our analysis of the best chairs for artists of 2023 to be helpful. Consult our associated guides for further sources of comparable items for the artistic lifestyle.
