Chinese-Style Office Chair Styles

Common styles of Chinese-style office chairs include Guanmao chairs, round-back chairs, folding chairs, throne chairs, rose chairs, lamp-hanging chairs, meditation chairs, and derivative styles such as new Chinese-style solid wood armrest dining chairs.

Guanmao chairs are divided into two types: the four-protruding style and the southern Guanmao style. The four-protruding style features arms and top rails that extend outward at both ends, creating a “four-protruding” shape with bold lines, characteristic of Ming Dynasty furniture. The southern Guanmao style, on the other hand, has smooth, rounded lines overall, with no sharp edges on the arms and top rail. The backrest is typically “S”-shaped, better conforming to the curve of the human spine, making it suitable for prolonged office use.

The round-back chair has a backrest and arms that form a complete semicircle, with the chair’s circular frame extending from the back to both arms, creating a flowing arc. This design not only adheres to ergonomic principles, naturally supporting the lower back, but also embodies the philosophical concept of “the circle of heaven and the square of earth” due to the closed shape of the chair’s frame. It is commonly found in traditional studies or high-end office settings.

The folding chair is an upgraded version of the stool, with its key feature being a foldable structure. The chair legs are connected by a metal axis at the crossing point, making it easy to carry and store. Folding chairs were primarily used for military campaigns or outdoor activities in ancient times. In modern Chinese-style offices, their portability still makes them suitable for temporary meetings or mobile office scenarios.

The throne chair, originating in the Qing Dynasty, is a symbol of the noble class. It has a broad and heavy appearance, with the backrest often carved with auspicious patterns such as dragon or cloud motifs. The lines of the arms and legs are rigid, giving the chair an imposing and majestic overall style. It is commonly seen in the offices or reception rooms of traditional corporate executives.

The rose chair has a relatively low backrest, usually not exceeding the height of the seat. The backrest and arms often feature openwork carving, with delicate patterns such as flowers or geometric designs. Its compact size makes it suitable for women. In the Ming Dynasty, it was commonly used as boudoir furniture, while in modern Chinese-style offices, it is often used in small meeting rooms or individual workstations.

The lamp-hanging chair gets its name from its resemblance to the bamboo frame used to hang oil lamps. It is characterized by the absence of arms, a thin and moderately high backrest, and slender but sturdy legs. This design saves space and is suitable for pairing with traditional desks or serving as auxiliary seating.

The meditation chair has a wide seat with a depth of over 60 centimeters. The backrest and arms are relatively low, and the overall design is simple. Inspired by the need for Buddhist meditation, it is suitable for sitting cross-legged. In modern Chinese-style offices, it is often used in meditation rooms or relaxation areas.

In addition, the new Chinese-style solid wood armrest dining chair combines modern needs with a solid wood frame and a soft cushioned seat. It retains traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery while enhancing comfort, making it suitable as a high-back chair for hotel, homestay, or apartment dining rooms. The luxury leather banquet host chair incorporates leather materials and metal decorations, blending Chinese elements with a modern luxury style, making it suitable for high-end conferences or reception scenarios.