Drehstuhl

A Drehstuhl is a chair designed to rotate freely on a vertical axis and to roll on wheels, enabling movement and access to a desk or workstation without standing up. It is commonly used at offices, laboratories, control rooms and other environments where users perform tasks at a desk for extended periods.

Typical Drehstühle consist of a seat, a backrest, and often armrests, mounted on a central support column or pedestal. A base with casters provides mobility, and a mechanism allows height adjustment, usually via a gas lift. Many models include a tilt mechanism, sometimes with locking, and an adjustable back or lumbar support. The construction uses materials such as metal, plastic and upholstery in fabric or leather. The most common base design is a five-point star for stability.

There are several variants. Standard office chairs focus on adjustable height and tilt, while ergonomic models add lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and sometimes a synchro-tilt system that coordinates seat and back movement. Drafting or studio chairs raise the seating height for use with taller desks. Mesh-back designs favor ventilation, whereas padded backs aim for comfort. Some chairs offer weight-sensitive or independent adjustment options to tailor support to the user.

In use, a Drehstuhl supports prolonged sitting by enabling dynamic postures and freedom of movement. Proper adjustment is important: the seat height should allow feet to rest flat on the floor with knees about a right angle, the back should provide support along the natural spine, and armrests should align with the desk to reduce shoulder strain.