To choose office chairs for an Australian workplace, match the chair to each space and the people using it. Workstations need a fully adjustable ergonomic chair with a load rating that covers your heaviest users. Hot desks need simple controls and a wide fit range. Boardrooms need comfort for long meetings, and reception needs durable, easy-clean seating. For commercial and tender work, look for AFRDI testing or AS/NZS 4438 compliance and ask for the certificate.
Which chair does each space need?
| Space | What matters most | Chairs to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Workstations (assigned) | Full ergonomic adjustment, fit to the individual, durability | Hero, Magic, Project, Discover |
| Hot desks | Simple, independent controls and a wide fit range | Hero, Discover, Ripple, Mona |
| Shift work and control rooms | Top-level durability testing and quality seat foam | Magic (exceeds AFRDI Level 6, built for 24-hour use) |
| Boardrooms and meeting rooms | Comfort for long meetings and presentation | Rhythm, Soul, Lotus, Aura Swivel |
| Reception and waiting areas | Durability, easy cleaning and a polished look | Italian Sled, Aura Sled, Crescent |
| Breakout, training and canteens | Stackable or lightweight, wipeable finishes | Laugh, Italian Collection, Wing, Ottoman |
How do I choose chairs for different body types?
A single chair rarely fits everyone, so plan for the range of people in your team:
- Taller and larger users need a deeper, wider seat and a higher load rating. The Capital is rated to 210kg with optional L and XL seats, and the Project is rated to 160kg with L and XL seat options.
- Shorter users need a shallower seat so they can sit back against the lumbar support. The Icon is designed for people under 160cm tall.
- Everyone in between is best served by seat depth adjustment and a height-adjustable lumbar support, which let one chair fit a wide range of people.
Our guide to weight ratings covers load capacity in detail, and the Chair Occupant Profile Form helps match a chair to an individual.
What makes a good ergonomic workstation chair?
- Seat height and seat depth adjustment
- Height-adjustable lumbar support that sits in the curve of the lower back
- Height-adjustable armrests
- A tilt mechanism with tension or lock control
- Seat foam or mesh that holds its shape over years of daily use
Our guide to sitting posture explains why each adjustment matters.
How do I choose chairs for hot desking?
Shared chairs need controls anyone can understand without instructions, plus a wide fit range so one model works for the whole floor. Seat depth adjustment matters most. Read our full guide to choosing chairs for hot desking.
What should I look for in boardroom and meeting room chairs?
Swivel chairs with a tilting or rocking mechanism are most comfortable for long meetings, while sled-base chairs suit rooms that are rearranged often. Leather and PU wipe clean and present well for clients, and fabric feels warmer. See our boardroom chair comparison.
What should I look for in reception and visitor chairs?
Visitor chairs are used by many different people for short periods, so durability and easy cleaning matter more than adjustability. Choose wipeable or commercial-grade upholstery, a stable frame and a design that suits your entry. Sled bases are easy to move and clean around.
What standards and certifications should I ask for?
- AFRDI: independent durability testing, graded by level. Ask for the level and certificate number.
- AS/NZS 4438: the Australian and New Zealand standard for height-adjustable swivel chairs.
- GECA: an ecolabel covering materials, manufacturing and environmental impact.
Our guides to AFRDI and GECA and AS/NZS 4438 explain what each one means.
Mesh or upholstered?
Mesh is breathable and suits warm offices, and upholstered seating feels softer and presents well in client spaces. Many fitouts use mesh at workstations and upholstered chairs in boardrooms and reception. Read our mesh vs upholstered comparison.
How do I buy chairs for a whole team or fitout?
- Standardise on one workstation chair so reorders, spare parts and training stay simple
- Treat boardroom and reception seating as separate, smaller specifications
- Record the model, colour and configuration so future orders match
- Plan staged purchases if your team is growing. See our guides to buying for a growing team and multi-stage fitouts.
Corporate Chair Systems has been designing and manufacturing commercial seating in Australia since 1989. Specifying chairs for a fitout or tender? Request a quote and we'll help you match the right chair to every space.
