Tall chairs are better for some people and situations, but not for everyone. They offer several benefits, such as improved posture, comfort, and productivity, but they also have some drawbacks, such as cost, space, and safety. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of tall chairs, and help you decide if they are right for you.
Tall chairs, also known as bar stools, counter stools, or drafting chairs, are chairs that have a higher seat height than regular chairs. They are usually designed to be used with tables or desks that are also higher than normal, such as bars, counters, or drafting tables. Tall chairs can range from 24 to 36 inches in seat height, depending on the height of the table or desk they are paired with.
Why are Tall Chairs Better?
Tall chairs have several advantages over regular chairs, especially for people who work or spend a lot of time at high tables or desks. Some of the benefits of tall chairs are:
Improved posture: Tall chairs can help you maintain a better posture, as they prevent you from slouching or hunching over your work surface. They also encourage you to keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, which can reduce the pressure on your lower back and legs.
Comfort: Tall chairs can be more comfortable than regular chairs, as they allow you to adjust your seat height and angle to suit your preferences and needs. They also provide more support for your back, neck, and shoulders, as they usually have a backrest and sometimes a headrest or armrests. Some tall chairs also have a padded or cushioned seat, which can add to your comfort level.
Productivity: Tall chairs can boost your productivity, as they can make you more alert and focused on your work. They can also improve your blood circulation, as they prevent you from sitting in a static position for too long. Additionally, they can make it easier for you to access your work materials, as they reduce the distance between you and your work surface.
Tall chairs are not without their disadvantages, however. Some of the drawbacks of tall chairs are:
Cost: Tall chairs tend to be more expensive than regular chairs, as they require more materials and craftsmanship to make. They also may need more maintenance and repairs, as they have more moving parts and mechanisms than regular chairs.
Space: Tall chairs take up more space than regular chairs, as they have a larger footprint and height. They also may not fit well with your existing furniture or decor, as they may clash with the style or color scheme of your room. Furthermore, they may not be suitable for small or crowded spaces, as they may obstruct the view or movement of other people or objects.
Safety: Tall chairs pose some safety risks, as they can be unstable or tip over easily if they are not balanced or secured properly. They also may cause injuries or accidents, as they can be hard to get on or off, especially for children, elderly, or people with mobility issues. Moreover, they may not comply with the safety standards or regulations of your workplace or building, as they may not have the required features or certifications.
How to Choose the Best Tall Chair for You?
If you decide that tall chairs are better for you, you need to consider some factors before buying one. Some of the factors to consider are:
Seat height: The seat height of your tall chair should match the height of your table or desk, so that you can work comfortably and efficiently. A general rule of thumb is to have a 10 to 12 inch gap between the seat and the table or desk. You can measure the height of your table or desk, and then look for a tall chair that has an adjustable seat height within that range.
Seat width and depth: The seat width and depth of your tall chair should fit your body size and shape, so that you can sit comfortably and securely. A general rule of thumb is to have a seat width and depth that are slightly larger than your hips and thighs. You can measure the width and depth of your hips and thighs, and then look for a tall chair that has a seat width and depth that are slightly larger than those measurements.
Backrest and headrest: The backrest and headrest of your tall chair should support your back, neck, and head, so that you can maintain a good posture and avoid strain or fatigue. A general rule of thumb is to have a backrest that is at least as high as your shoulder blades, and a headrest that is at least as high as your ears. You can measure the height of your shoulder blades and ears, and then look for a tall chair that has a backrest and headrest that are at least as high as those measurements.
Armrests and footrests: The armrests and footrests of your tall chair should support your arms and feet, so that you can relax and work comfortably. A general rule of thumb is to have armrests that are at the same height as your elbows, and footrests that are at the same height as your feet. You can measure the height of your elbows and feet, and then look for a tall chair that has armrests and footrests that are at the same height as those measurements.
Style and color: The style and color of your tall chair should match your personal taste and preference, as well as the style and color of your room and furniture. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors, such as modern, traditional, rustic, or industrial, and black, white, gray, or brown. You can also look for a tall chair that has some special features or details, such as leather, fabric, wood, metal, or plastic.
Tall chairs are better for some people and situations, but not for everyone. They offer several benefits, such as improved posture, comfort, and productivity, but they also have some drawbacks, such as cost, space, and safety. If you want to buy a tall chair, you need to consider some factors, such as seat height, seat width and depth, backrest and headrest, armrests and footrests, and style and color. By doing so, you can find the best tall chair for you and enjoy its advantages.
