How are modern office chairs different from traditional office chairs? 5 of the best office chair models
- Feb 5
- 9 min read
In a workplace environment that increasingly prioritizes health and user experience, modern office chairs are gradually replacing traditional models.
Not only are they different in design, but the new chair lines also feature significant improvements in ergonomics, materials, and functionality. So, how do modern office chairs differ from traditional chairs, and which is the optimal choice for businesses? Let's explore the details in the article below.
1. The difference between modern and traditional office chairs?
Modern and traditional office chairs display marked distinctions in terms of design, functionality, and overall user experience.
The following detailed comparison enables businesses to select the chair model that best aligns with their operational requirements and employee needs:
Criteria | Modern Office Chair | Traditional Office Chair |
Design | Ergonomic design, conforming to the body, supporting the spine and proper sitting posture. Many high-end office chair models allow users to customize the design to suit business needs. | Classic design, less emphasis on ergonomics. The product has a fixed shape, not changeable to the specific needs of the business. |
Materials | Breathable mesh, soft high-quality fabric, and genuine leather. Some chair models use multi-density cushions. | Classic mesh, ordinary plastic frame or painted iron legs, easily degrade after a short period of use. |
Features | Equipped with numerous features such as:
| Only basic adjustments such as height adjustment or simple backrest tilt. Limited customization options result in less flexible user experience |
Style | Sophisticated design, modern lines, and optimized ergonomic structure. Some high-end modern chair models also offer a diverse color palette and various styles. | Simpler, less sophisticated design |
2. Discovering the leading modern Office Chair Trends of 2026
2026 marks a significant shift in office chair design, with brands focusing more on sustainability, user health, and minimalist aesthetics.
The following trends are gradually becoming the new standard for modern workspaces.
2.1. Sustainable and User-Friendly Office Chair Designs
The trend of using recycled and sustainably sourced materials is becoming increasingly popular. Chairs are designed for easy disassembly and replacement of individual parts, not only extending product lifespan but also facilitating recycling after the end of their lifecycle. This reduces future waste generation.
Some notable recycled materials used by Okamura in the production of modern office chairs include:
Re:net: is one kind of fabric made by used plastic bottles and fishing nets. This material is favored by many for its good elasticity, diverse color palette, and increased durability of the chair. The product contributes to minimizing marine waste and protecting a clean and beautiful ocean environment for the future.
Circu Leather: Used in some modern executive office chair models. This is a bio-leather that can decompose and be transformed into fertilizer. This material is produced using a process that optimizes water and energy usage.
The application of "green" materials not only demonstrates a sustainable design orientation but also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions, moving towards more environmentally friendly material solutions.
2.2. Ergonomically designed Office Chairs
This is no longer a luxury feature but has become a mandatory requirement in modern office chair designs. Top-of-the-line chair models will focus more deeply on supporting the user's body in every aspect, such as adjustable lumbar support, synchronized reclining mechanisms, and multi-functional (4D) armrests. This optimizes employee comfort and health.
2.3. Minimalist Office Chairs with hidden features
Modern office chairs in 2026 aim for minimalist, streamlined designs while still integrating smart features hidden within the armrests (Smart Operation system). Adjustment details such as reclining mechanisms and buttons are cleverly concealed, making the overall chair more compact and elegant.
This style is particularly suitable for modern, high-end office spaces that prioritize sophistication and interior design harmony. The combination of minimalist aesthetics and powerful functionality is the highlight of this trend.
3. Guide to choosing the best modern office chair
To choose the right modern office chair, businesses need to consider several factors simultaneously, such as the user's position, actual usage needs, and brand identity.
3.1. Choosing by user position
Each position in the office will have different requirements regarding the design, features, and comfort level of the chair. Therefore, classifying chairs according to the user is essential:
Chairs for executives: Choose high-end leather or luxurious fabric upholstered chairs with diverse features and good support for the back and neck. In addition, the chair design should reflect class, professionalism, and suitability for the executive space.
Chairs for employees: Prioritize chairs with diverse height adjustment features and flexible armrests, supporting users in maintaining correct posture and a natural S-shaped spine. Especially, chairs with breathable mesh will provide comfort and prevent stuffiness during long working hours in the office.
Multipurpose chairs for all employees in common areas: Prioritize choosing chairs with minimalist, compact designs that still ensure full functionality and comfort. Chairs should be equipped with flexible mobility features such as wheels or foldable designs, easily adapting to various spaces. In addition, durability and good load-bearing capacity are also important factors, ensuring the chair is suitable for the body weight of many users.
3.2. Choosing according to usage needs
Besides the user's position, the specific usage needs of each area also directly affect the choice of office chairs:
Office chairs for the work area: When choosing chairs for the work area, you need to consider the user's rank to ensure suitability in terms of function, aesthetics, and comfort. Each level has its own requirements for chair design and functionality, helping to maximize work support and create a professional workspace.
Office chairs for meeting rooms and group work areas: Chairs for meeting rooms or group work areas should have a minimalist design, providing comfort and ease for users even during long meetings. Although they don't need as many adjustment features as individual work chairs, the chairs should still integrate height adjustment and be equipped with wheels for flexibility.
Office chairs for training and coaching: Prioritize lightweight and flexible chairs, allowing for easy movement and rearrangement when changing the space layout. At the same time, for frequent note-taking or mobile device use, chairs with integrated small folding tables will be the optimal choice.
3.3. Choose according to your company's brand identity
Office chairs need to be chosen to harmonize in design and color to create a cohesive space, thereby enhancing aesthetics and showcasing professionalism. A well-arranged work environment not only inspires work but also leaves a positive impression on partners and clients.
With a focus on building a modern brand image, businesses should prioritize chair designs with minimalist styles and neutral colors such as gray, white, or black. Clean lines combined with metal or mesh materials will contribute to an overall sophisticated, neat, and professional look.
4.TOP 5 impressive Modern Office Chair designs to elevate your business space
Investing in quality chairs not only provides comfort for employees but also makes a statement about the company's class and vision. The designs below will be the perfect highlight, transforming the workspace into a source of daily creative inspiration.
Below are 5 typical office chair models from the Okamura brand – a sophisticated combination of Japanese engineering and contemporary design.
1 - Contessa II
The Contessa II is considered one of the icon designs of high-end office furniture – where modernity and sophistication are clearly expressed in every detail. Launched in 2016 as a comprehensive upgrade from the classic Contessa chair line, the Contessa II impresses with its sleek design and compact structure, easily blending with many different interior styles.
Chair type: Individual work chair
Material options: Mesh, fabric, leather
Color options: 13 mesh and fabric cushion colors (white, black, beige, orange...); 4 leather colors (black, white, beige, dark brown).
2 - Finora
Inspired by the design principles of the automotive industry, Okamura collaborated with Italdesign (Italy) to develop the Finora, featuring a slim, angular, and sophisticated design. The product incorporates a range of advanced ergonomic technologies such as multi-density cushioning and a synchro-tilt mechanism at the ankles, providing optimal body support.
Chair Type: Individual Office Chair
Material Options: Mesh, Fabric
Color Options: 14 mesh and fabric colors (purple, blue, yellow, red, white, beige…)
3 - Runa
The Runa impresses with its intelligent folding mechanism, optimizing space in training rooms, workshops, or multi-purpose spaces. In addition, the product allows for flexible personalization with various accessories such as writing desks, storage trays, etc., to suit different styles and purposes.
Chair type: Multipurpose chair suitable for training rooms or areas for short discussions
Material options: Mesh
Chair color options: 7 fabric colors and 4 leather colors
The Runa stands out with its smart folding mechanism and flexible customization capabilities, ideal for training spaces, workshops, and multipurpose areas.
4 - Cynara
Featuring a distinctive frame, the Cynara is inspired by the shape of the yumi – a traditional Japanese bow. The soft curves combined with a unique ankle tilt mechanism allow the chair to move flexibly with the body, providing maximum support for all movements and maintaining the natural S-curve of the spine.
Chair Type: Multipurpose chair suitable for meeting rooms or short-term work areas
Material Options: Mesh
Chair Color Options: 7 mesh colors (white, dark gray, black, orange-red…)
5 - Abilis
The Abilis is a sophisticated blend of design art and modern engineering, inspired by the unique hexagonal structure found in nature. The product is the result of a collaboration between Okamura and ITO Design (Germany) – a renowned company with numerous international interior design awards. Possessing full ergonomic features, the chair provides a comfortable seating experience and firm support in a professional work environment.
Chair Type: Individual Office Chair
Material Options: Mesh and Fabric
Chair Color Options: 6 mesh and fabric colors (light gray, black, blue, green, orange…)
5. Frequently asked questions about modern Office Chairs
Choosing a modern office chair not only affects comfort while working but also directly impacts the image of the office space. Below are some common questions customers have when looking to buy a chair.
1 - Where to buy modern office chairs?
Customers should prioritize showrooms or authorized distributors with complete documentation certifying origin and clear warranty policies. Reputable companies usually have a physical display area for product experience, a team of experts in ergonomics, and transparent after-sales service.
Among them, Okamura is a high-end office furniture brand from Japan, distinguished by its ergonomic design, superior durability, and modern aesthetics. Okamura chairs are meticulously designed to protect the spine and distribute pressure evenly during prolonged sitting, making them suitable for professional work environments.
For convenient product experience and purchasing, customers can visit the brand's showrooms and dealerships at the following addresses:
Showroom Addresses | Dealer Addresses |
| ADAMOS Office Solutions: 4th Floor, 199C Nguyen Van Huong Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (Old Thao Dien Ward) THAI SANKEI International Co., Ltd
|
2 - What type of office chair is best for sitting and working for long periods?
The best type of office chair for long periods of sitting is an ergonomic chair. This product is designed to support the natural curve of the spine, reducing pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders – areas easily affected by prolonged sitting. It also offers flexible height, backrest, and armrest adjustments, helping users maintain a healthy posture and improve concentration.
Note: While ergonomic chairs offer many health benefits, users still need to maintain correct posture and proactively change positions, standing up and moving around every 30 minutes for optimal health protection.
For optimal use during long work hours, businesses should choose modern office chairs with the following features:
2D-4D adjustable armrests: Allows for flexible adjustment in multiple directions such as up-down, forward-backward, left-right, or rotation. This feature helps support the arms and wrists in the correct posture, reducing pressure on the shoulders and minimizing hand fatigue during continuous work.
Ankle reclining mechanism: The ankle-synchronized reclining mechanism allows the chair to automatically adjust its tilt as the user changes posture. This distributes weight evenly, ensuring stable back support and reducing spinal strain during relaxation.
Forward/backward reclining mechanism: The forward/backward reclining feature allows users to flexibly change their sitting angle to suit various activities such as working, reading, or taking short breaks.
Modern office chairs not only surpass traditional office chairs in design, features, and materials but also play a crucial role in protecting health and improving long-term work performance. Choosing the right chair model, with the right functionality and brand identity, will help businesses optimize space, enhance employee experience, and reinforce a professional image.