Task Chair vs. Office Chair: Understanding the Differences

 

Chances are no one told you when you were young how much time you’d spend in a chair, especially if you work 8-ish hours a day at a desk. A chair is where you spend about a third of your life! So it makes sense to invest in high-quality ergonomic chairs that support you, whether you work remotely or do tasks from home.

Many people assume that all chairs are more or less the same, but that’s not true! Different chairs serve different purposes and can be game changers for our health, productivity, mood, and overall well-being. But what is a task chair exactly?

To help you find the best chair for you and your work needs, we’re sharing the low down on all things office chairs and ergonomic task chairs. In this blog, we'll explain which ones are best for different purposes and how to figure out which chair is ideal for you.

What is a Task Chair?

 

There are many different types of office chairs on the market – executive chairs, gaming chairs, you name it. But two of the main categories are ergonomic office chairs and task chairs. What’s the difference you ask? While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are key factors that distinguish them. 

 

Task chairs, as the name suggests, are usually used for tasks rather than all-day sitting. Generally, these chairs have wheels, so you can easily scoot around in a room (or L-shaped desk) between different seated activities. Ergonomic task chairs are often more straightforward in their design, as they’re usually used for shorter bursts of time. An office task chair with arms can also be adjustable. 

Then, there are ergonomic office chairs that are used for longer periods and designed with armrests, headrests, and more supportive features (lumbar support, height adjustability, etc) to make the experience comfier and healthier for your spine — and everywhere! — for prolonged sitting.

Within this category, you’ll come across executive office chairs (usually made with leather and higher-end materials), mesh office chairs (known for their breathability).

Different Chairs, Different Uses 

Just like different lamps (ie. task lamps vs. floor lamps), serve different purposes — so do different chairs. Luckily, there is no shortage of chair options so you can find exactly what you’re looking for, no matter your space, work style, and budget. 

Here’s a breakdown of some of the pros and cons of each, so you can find the best one for you. 

Office Task Chairs: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Generally more budget-friendly, mobile, versatile for different spaces, great for short periods 

• Cons: Usually less supportive, not as comfortable, less adjustable

*Note: You can find a task chair with ergonomic/adjustable features and more support – such as our ergonomic stools and side chairs. But often task chairs with arms are geared toward shorter work periods, so they’re less supportive for sitting all day. 

Ergonomic Office Chairs: Pros and Cons 

• Pros: Supportive features (armrests, headrest, lumbar support), adjustable, and more comfortable, must-haves for long hours of work

• Cons: Usually a pricier investment, some are more bulky

Ideal Settings for Task Chairs vs Office Chairs

With any purchase, it’s good to consider how it’s going to be used. This is also very true when deciding between a task chair vs office chair because where you sit has a big impact on your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. 

Do you need a go-to chair that you’ll work in for hours each day? Perhaps a traditional office chair is best. Or are you looking for a chair to do a few tasks here and there? Then, a task chair may be a better fit. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which chair is (usually) best for different work settings: 

Task Chairs 

 

Most of the time, task chairs are great selections for settings that require sitting for an hour or so. This might look like coffee meetings, conference rooms, or communal spaces where employees will sit to get a chance of scenery from their typical workstations. But what is a task chair really best for?

• Conference rooms

• Meeting spaces for brainstorming/presenting 

• Communal work areas (coffee corners, patios, etc)

• Desk space (often as an accompaniment to a more traditional desk)

Office Chairs 

We think of ergonomic office chairs as the bread and butter: This is where you’ll be doing your work day in and day out, which is why supportive features are so important. 

• Cubicles

• Home office desks

• Dedicated workstations 

Benefits of Ergonomic Chairs and Key Features

Whether you decide on an ergonomic task chair or a traditional office chair, there are key details you want in a seat. Why? One of the biggest perks of ergonomic chairs is that they help mitigate back pain and aches by supporting your body's natural curve.

Other benefits include: improving your posture, concentration, focus, and productivity, along with preventing distractions and injuries that come from prolonged sitting without proper alignment.

Ready to reap the rewards of a good ergonomic chair? Below is a quick checklist to keep in mind as you look around. Trust us, your back will thank you! 

• Lumbar support: Check in with your lower back. You should feel supported and not contorted in an uncomfortable position. 

• Seat depth: You want your upper legs to feel at ease and supported, so you're not dumping pressure on the rest of your body. 

• Durable material: Opt for something you think will last, like breathable mesh, high-quality fabric, and luxe leather.

• Recline: Make sure you have a bit of room to lean, so you can stretch back when you want to! 

How to Choose Between a Task Chair and an Office Chair

Now that you know the differences between task chairs and office chairs, how do you decide which one is right for you? We recommend asking yourself first — how will you be using this chair? If it’s more than an hour or so regularly, we’d suggest opting for a traditional ergonomic office chair over a task chair. 

Similarly, if your body is prone to aches and pains, more ergonomic features — height adjustability, back support, armrests, etc — will do your body (a lot!) more favors. On the other hand, if you only plan to do minimal work here and there or want a secondary chair to your ergonomic office chair for a change of scenery, then a task chair may be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Checklist: Questions to Find the Best Chair For You 

• How often will you be using this chair? If more than a few hours, you probably want a traditional ergonomic office chair.

• Will this be a primary seat – or a secondary one? If it’s the latter, a task chair may be a great fit. The former? Then we’d recommend an ergonomic office chair. 

• How big is my space? A small area may call for a smaller seat (like a stool, stacking side chair, or our Juli Chair). If you have room for a larger chair, check out our best-selling Fern Chair. 

• What aesthetic are you going for? Love a cozy vibe? Take a look at the Poppy Chair. Prefer a mid-century modern look? The Fern Chair is the holy grail of office chairs! Gamer? The Halo x Haworth has your name on it. 

• On a budget? No problem! The Assure Office Chair offers a seat cushion and generous lumbar support for a range of body types and work styles at a more accessible price point. And the Elements Stool offers a solid seat that's great for working at a kitchen island or a coffee nook. 

Your Office Chair DOES Makes A Difference 

Overall, our ergonomic chairs — both task chairs and office chairs — are designed to make your body feel good as you work. We want you to spend less time uncomfortable and more time checking off your to-do list, feeling supported along the way. The good news is, there’s a chair for every kind of space, work style, and aesthetic. It’s simply a matter of finding the right one for you!

Now that you are well-versed in the ergonomic chair department, learn more about the incredible benefits of standing desks and office lighting tips that will transform your space.