Office Chairs - All you need to know

Why the Right Office Chair Matters for Australian Workplaces

Whether you’re setting up a high-traffic call centre in
Sydney, upgrading a medical reception in Melbourne, or managing a hybrid team
from your Brisbane home office, the role of ergonomic seating in workplace
health and productivity is paramount.

In Australia, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain
one of the top causes of workplace injuries, with Safe Work Australia
reporting they account for 55% of all serious workers’ compensation claims
(safeworkaustralia.gov.au). These injuries often stem from poorly designed
office setups, including inadequate chairs that fail to support the spine and
posture during extended seated tasks.

The shift towards hybrid work has only intensified
this need. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 40%
of employed Australians worked from home in 2024, and this trend is
expected to continue into 2026 (abs.gov.au). Whether staff are remote, in-office, or rotating
between both, seating must adapt to evolving work environments—especially in
the B2B and government sectors.

Moreover, insights from the peer-reviewed paper Positive
Outcomes of Office Ergonomics (PDF, 2020, see p. 2) highlight that
ergonomic chair interventions significantly reduce employee discomfort and
fatigue while improving productivity—making the investment a strategic
imperative rather than an optional upgrade.

Backed by this data, it’s clear that ergonomic chairs are
more than just comfort accessories—they are vital tools for:

Reducing injury risk and compensation claims
Enhancing focus and employee satisfaction
Meeting legal and OH&S compliance standards, such as those outlined by Comcare and WorkSafe Victoria

At Office Furniture Designs (Established 1997), we
understand these demands intimately. That’s why we offer certified ergonomic
seating tailored to meet the diverse needs of Australian businesses—from
federal departments in Canberra to small creative agencies in Hobart. Our
chairs are not only AFRDI and BIFMA compliant, but also designed with
real users in mind, supported by try-before-you-buy fitouts to ensure
each selection is the right fit, ergonomically and operationally.

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Top Drafting Stools for Standing Desks in Australia 2026

Sep 13, 2025

By Adam Church

Drafting Stools for Standing Desks in Australia 2026

Picture yourself as a facilities manager in Melbourne, tasked with selecting seating for standing desks that supports dynamic workstyles in a creative studio, government office, medical lab, or home office. With “drafting stool” and “standing desk chair” driving strong demand, and the Australian office furniture market growing at 3.5% annually according to IBISWorld, drafting stools are a top choice for their adjustable height and ergonomic design. Safe Work Australia emphasises that ergonomic seating reduces workplace injuries, particularly for dynamic tasks at standing desks.

At Office Furniture Designs, we specialise in seating solutions for Australia’s commercial, government, medical, and home office environments. This guide, Top Drafting Stools for Standing Desks in Australia 2026, is crafted for decision-makers seeking ergonomic, adjustable stools that enhance productivity and wellbeing. We’ll explore key features, showcase our top drafting stool picks, and highlight how our try-before-buy fitout services ensure the perfect fit, aligned with standards like Western Australia’s office furniture guidelines. Let’s create a dynamic, comfortable workspace!

A drafting stool (sometimes called a drafting chair) is specialised seating designed for people who work at elevated surfaces such as drafting tables, standing desks, counters, or laboratory benches. It bridges the gap between standing and sitting by offering ergonomic support at higher working heights.

Standard Office Chair vs Drafting Stool: Height Comparison

Seat height and surface height ranges for standard chairs vs drafting stools.
Chair Type	Desk/Surface Height	Typical Seat Height Range
Standard Office Chair	Standard desks (720–760 mm high)	400–550 mm
Drafting Stool	Elevated surfaces (drafting tables, counters, sit-stand desks)	640–850 mm+

Explanation: The key difference between a standard office chair and a drafting stool is seat height. Standard chairs are designed for conventional desk setups, keeping your feet comfortably on the floor. Drafting stools, by contrast, extend much higher to suit standing desks, counters, and drafting tables. With the addition of a foot ring for support, they bridge the gap between sitting and standing, offering ergonomic comfort at elevated workstations.

Why Drafting Stools Matter

Drafting stools are essential for workplaces using standing desks, offering adjustable height and ergonomic support for dynamic tasks in commercial offices, government facilities, medical environments, and home offices. Poorly designed seating can lead to discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), as noted by Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe New Zealand. With “drafting stool” showing strong demand, businesses and remote workers are prioritising flexible seating. A Harvard Business Review study found that ergonomic seating significantly boosts productivity, while Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates 40% of employees worked from home in 2024, increasing demand for versatile drafting stools in hybrid setups.

Key reasons drafting stools matter include:

Flexibility: Adjustable height supports sit-stand transitions, per WorkSafe Victoria.
Ergonomic Support: Reduces MSDs, per Mayo Clinic.
Compliance: AFRDI/BIFMA certifications ensure safety, per Comcare.
Versatility: Suits dynamic tasks in creative and technical environments, per UK HSE.
Compact Design: Fits small spaces, per our small spaces guide.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly options like the Yoyo Chair align with CSR goals, per Australian Government Product Stewardship.

From Sydney design studios to Perth home offices, drafting stools deliver dynamic comfort.

Key Features of Drafting Stools

Drafting stools are designed for ergonomic support and flexibility, as supported by WorkSafe Queensland and US OSHA. Essential features include:

Adjustable Height: Supports standing desk heights (up to 850 mm), per WorkSafe NZ.
Foot Rings: Provide foot support for elevated seating, reducing leg strain, per Cleveland Clinic.
Lumbar Support: Maintains spinal alignment, aligning with “standing desk chair” trends.
Certifications: AFRDI/BIFMA compliance ensures safety and durability, per SafeWork NSW.
Mobility: Casters enable easy movement, ideal for dynamic workspaces.
Breathable Materials: Mesh or renewable upholstery enhances comfort in warm climates.

Pro Tip: Choose drafting stools with adjustable foot rings, like the Rio Drafting Chair, for maximum comfort, per Mayo Clinic.

Top Drafting Stools for 2026

Based on workplace trends and user demand, here are our top three drafting stools for standing desks in Australia 2026, tailored for commercial, government, medical, and home office settings:

1. Rio Drafting Chair 3 Lever Mesh Back Black Fabric

Product Link: Rio Drafting Chair

Features: Breathable mesh back, moulded foam seat, 3-lever ergonomic mechanism for seat height, tilt, and back angle adjustments, D200 drafting kit with foot ring, 600 mm black nylon base with castors, AFRDI Level 6 certified, 130 kg capacity, 7-year warranty.

Best For: Architecture and design studios needing ergonomic support for long hours at drafting tables.

Why It Stands Out: The mesh back promotes airflow, ideal for Australia’s warm climate, while the 3-lever mechanism ensures precise ergonomic adjustments, compliant with WorkSafe Victoria.

Use Case: Perfect for designers switching between sitting and standing at high workbenches.

2. Buro Mondo Tivoli Commercial Drafting Chair

Product Link: Buro Mondo Tivoli Drafting Chair

Features: Ventilated mesh back, contoured seat, 270 mm architectural gas lift, ratchet-adjustable backrest, black powder-coated foot ring, optional height-adjustable arms, 130 kg capacity, 5-year warranty, suitable for 6–8 hours daily use.

Best For: Laboratories and technical workspaces requiring elevated seating with robust support.

Why It Stands Out: The extended gas lift and customisable foot ring make it ideal for high workstations, with a sleek design for modern offices, compliant with WorkSafe Queensland.

Use Case: Ideal for technicians or students at fixed-height standing desks in labs.

3. Yoyo Chair Height Adjustable Black Frame Dark Grey Fabric

Product Link: Yoyo Drafting Chair

Features: Dark grey 100% renewable polyester upholstery, moulded foam seat and backrest, 323W wire-control height adjustment, 15 mm ratchet backrest adjustment, black nylon 5-star base with PU castors, GREENGUARD Gold certified, 10-year warranty.

Best For: Co-working spaces and home offices needing lightweight, versatile seating.

Why It Stands Out: Its minimalist design and sustainable materials offer style and eco-conscious comfort for agile workspaces, aligned with Australian Government Product Stewardship goals.

Use Case: Perfect for hybrid workers or freelancers in compact home offices.

Case Study: A Melbourne design studio adopted Rio Drafting Chairs for their standing desks. After six months, they reported notable improvements in designer comfort and significant productivity gains, aligning with SafeWork NSW guidelines.

Case Study: A Brisbane medical lab implemented Buro Mondo Tivoli Drafting Chairs for their technicians. After a year, they noted significant reductions in fatigue and notable improvements in workflow efficiency, aligning with Comcare standards.

Case Study: A Perth home office user tested Yoyo Chairs through our try-before-buy service. After a two-week trial, they purchased 3 chairs, reporting significant enhancements in comfort and notable eco-friendly benefits, aligning with WorkSafe NZ recommendations.

Shop Now: Drafting Stools

Benefits of Drafting Stools

Drafting stools deliver tangible benefits for Australian workplaces, addressing flexibility, comfort, and compliance:

Flexibility: Adjustable height supports sit-stand transitions, per WorkSafe Victoria.
Ergonomic Support: Reduces back and leg strain, per Cleveland Clinic.
Cost Savings: Durable designs reduce replacement costs, per US OSHA.
Compliance: AFRDI/BIFMA certifications ensure safety, per WorkSafe Queensland.
Versatility: Suits dynamic tasks in hybrid environments, per our hybrid work guide.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly options like the Yoyo Chair support CSR goals, per Australian Government Product Stewardship.

Pro Tip: Choose drafting stools with GREENGUARD certification, like the Yoyo Chair, for sustainable comfort, as we recommend.

Maintaining Drafting Stools

Proper maintenance ensures drafting stools remain durable and comfortable, as supported by US OSHA. Key tips include:

Regular Cleaning: Vacuum mesh or fabric seats and spot-clean with mild detergent, per Safe Work NZ.
Component Checks: Inspect gas lifts and foot rings monthly, tightening screws to ensure stability, per WorkSafe Queensland.
Lubrication: Apply silicone-based lubricant to height adjustment mechanisms every 6 months for smooth operation.
Caster Maintenance: Clean PU castors to maintain mobility.

Pro Tip: Follow our maintenance guide for detailed drafting stool care tips.

Can a Normal Chair Be Converted to a Drafting Stool?

Yes — in most cases, a standard office chair can be converted into a drafting stool. This is done by replacing the regular gas lift with an extended one and adding a drafting kit that includes a foot ring for support.

With the right kit, you can take a comfortable ergonomic office chair and adapt it for use at elevated surfaces such as standing desks, counters, or drafting tables.

👉 At Office Furniture Designs, our Drafting Kit for office chairs allows you to easily convert compatible task chairs into drafting stools. It includes a sturdy foot ring and extended gas lift, giving you the flexibility to switch between standard desk and drafting height without needing to buy a completely new chair.

Pro Tip: Before converting, check your chair’s compatibility with the drafting kit to ensure stability, safety, and ergonomic comfort.

How Try-Before-Buy Fitouts Help

Selecting the right drafting stool can be challenging—will it provide the flexibility and comfort needed? Our try-before-buy office fitout services eliminate the guesswork, with “office chair try before buy” gaining traction among Australian businesses and remote workers. Test stools like the Rio Drafting Chair, Buro Mondo Tivoli, or Yoyo Chair in your workspace to ensure they meet Comcare’s ergonomic standards.

How It Works

Contact our team in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane to discuss your needs.
Select drafting stools from our collection, featuring adjustable height and foot rings.
As part of your Office Furniture Fitout you can test them in your office or workspace for up to two weeks to confirm comfort and functionality.
Finalise your order with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the right stools.

Pro Tip: Test drafting stools with adjustable foot rings to ensure compliance with WA Government procurement standards. Learn more in our office fitouts guide.

Explore Fitouts: Office Fitout Services

Conclusion: Dynamic Comfort for Your Workspace

Drafting stools are transformative for Australian commercial, government, medical, and home office environments with standing desks, offering flexibility, ergonomic support, and compliance. From the breathable Rio Drafting Chair to the sustainable Yoyo Chair, our top picks are AFRDI- and GREENGUARD-certified to ensure comfort and durability, aligned with Western Australia’s office furniture guidelines. With our try-before-buy fitout services, you can test solutions in your Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or home workspace to maximise ROI and employee wellbeing.

Ready to create a dynamic, comfortable workspace? Explore our drafting stools and discover how our fitout services can streamline your procurement process.

Shop Now: Drafting Stools

Explore Fitouts: Office Fitout Services

Learn More: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Office Chair in Australia 2026

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Citations

Key Features & Buyer Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs

When selecting office chairs for your business, clinic, or home workspace, consider these essential features and their direct benefits:

Health & Ergonomics
Adjustable lumbar support, seat tilt, and backrest height help prevent posture-related injuries and reduce back pain. Recommended by experts at the Mayo Clinic and Safe Work Australia.

Productivity Boost Comfortable chairs reduce fatigue and help employees stay focused for longer. A Harvard Business Review study found that ergonomic setups can boost productivity by over 10%.

Safety & Compliance Chairs with AFRDI Level 6 or BIFMA certification meet rigorous Australian and international standards—ensuring compliance across state regulations including NSW, QLD, and WA.

Durability & Return on Investment Commercial-grade chairs with 5–10 year warranties lower replacement costs and are ideal for high-use settings like call centres, health clinics, and hybrid workspaces.

Modern Aesthetics & Fit Choose from breathable mesh backs for airflow, high-back executive styles for boardrooms, or compact ergonomic chairs suited to smaller home offices and study nooks.

At Office Furniture Designs, we curate certified ergonomic task chairs that combine long-term comfort with visual appeal—so your workspace not only performs but looks the part too.

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