If you are building the ultimate home office setup, or if you are an office worker looking for a change, you may want to compare a standing desk with a chair or stool. The best standing desks, after all, integrate with a wide array of seats, including office chairs and stools. So which is best? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When it comes to an adjustable sit-stand desk, both a regular chair and an ergonomic stool have their own wide range of pros and cons.
- Stools are cheaper, but chairs include many ergonomic bells and whistles, including back support and increased weight capacity.
- Desk stools force rigid posture, which can be good in the long term, whereas even height adjustable ergonomic chairs allow for copious slouching.
Differences Between Chairs and Stools
There are a bunch of differences between these two pieces of furniture, with the major one being that chairs typically include a back and stools never do. This leads to a host of other comparisons, such as when you are learning the differences between having a standing desk on a carpeted floor vs a wood floor.
Insider Tip
There are many different chairs and stools out there, each with different functionalities, so shop wisely and do some research before making a purchase.
Back Support
Chairs offer back and spinal support, thanks to having that whole back of the chair thing going on. Stools, in other words, are not for the faint of heart. However, this is a draw because some chairs offer too much back support or a type of support that ends up hurting your spine in the long run, whereas adjusting to that stool life forces you to train and improve your back muscles. Still, for those with pre-existing back injuries, a stool is likely a non-starter.
Posture
Stools really force you to sit up straight and chairs allow for slouching. How does this matter when using a sit-stand desk? With a stool, you’ll only have to adjust it once, as your height will rarely shift. With a chair, however, if you slouch, you’ll have to constantly adjust the height of the adjustable fix. This could really become an issue when comparing manual vs electric standing desks, as the latter offer more precise controls.
Adjustment Period
Everyone already knows how to sit on a chair. You just plop down. Stools, on the other hand, force a rather extreme adjustment period as you slowly learn to work without any back support. If you are going for a stool, ramp up slowly. Start by using it for just an hour or so a day until you get used to it.
Cost
In most cases, stools are much cheaper than chairs, especially ergonomically designed office chairs with plenty of bells and whistles. If you are really looking to save a few bucks, go with a stool over a chair for your sit-stand desk.
F.A.Q.S
Is it better to sit on a stool or chair?
This depends on a number of factors, such as a normal office chair, otherwise known as a traditional office chair, an ergonomic chair, and stools offer many advantages and disadvantages.
Are standing stools comfortable?
A standing stool, otherwise known as an active stool, pairs up nicely with anti-fatigue mats. So yes, they are comfortable, though results will vary.
Is a standing desk stool good for sciatica?
This depends on how you use it. Talk to your doctor before switching up to a new type of chair, as they are likely to have relevant information.
STAT: A standing desk stool, also known as a standing desk chair, is a type of seat that is often paired with a standing desk. It allows you to rest in a position between sitting and standing. (source)
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