Laboratory Chairs – A Safe Choice for Practical Learning Spaces
In modern education, laboratories play a vital role in improving teaching and learning quality through hands-on activities. In addition to lab benches, equipment, and specialized tools, laboratory chairs are indispensable elements that directly affect the safety, health, and learning efficiency of students.
Laboratory environments have unique characteristics such as frequent exposure to chemicals, water, electronic equipment, and the requirement for prolonged focused sitting. Therefore, selecting laboratory chairs that meet safety standards and proper functionality not only minimizes risks but also enhances the practical learning experience.

The Role of Laboratory Chairs in Practical Environments
In laboratories, chairs are not simply seating furniture but also contribute to user safety. An unsuitable chair may cause slipping, tipping, or negatively affect posture during long-term sitting.
Laboratory chairs must meet stricter requirements than regular classroom chairs, including chemical resistance, moisture resistance, easy cleaning, sturdy design, and high stability.
Selecting the right laboratory chairs that meet safety standards helps institutions:
- Minimize accidents during practical sessions
- Create a professional learning environment
- Improve teaching and learning efficiency

What Are Laboratory Chairs?
Definition of Laboratory Chairs in Schools
Laboratory chairs are specialized seating designed for practical rooms such as chemistry, biology, physics, and STEM labs—where users frequently work with chemicals, technical equipment, samples, and often sit for extended periods or change posture frequently during operations.
Unlike regular office chairs, laboratory chairs must meet strict safety, technical, and hygiene requirements suitable for the specific nature of laboratory environments.
Core Characteristics of Laboratory Chairs
Laboratory chairs typically feature:
- Specialized materials: engineering plastic, PU, stainless steel, or powder-coated steel to resist corrosion, prevent chemical absorption, and allow easy cleaning
- Minimalist and sturdy design: prioritizing stability while reducing unnecessary details that trap dust or microorganisms
- Flexible height adjustment: adaptable to lab bench heights and alternating sitting–standing working postures
- User safety assurance: anti-slip features, anti-static properties (in specific environments), and reduced operational risks
Where Are Laboratory Chairs Used?
Laboratory chairs are widely applied in:
- School, college, and university laboratories
- Medical, biological, and chemical labs
- R&D and QA/QC rooms in factories and industrial parks
- Testing centers and high-tech research laboratories
Each environment requires specific heights, materials, chemical resistance, or anti-static properties, so laboratory chairs are clearly categorized according to purpose.
Why Regular Chairs Should Not Be Used in Laboratories
Using non-specialized chairs in laboratory environments can lead to:
- Rapid deterioration due to chemicals, humidity, and harsh conditions
- Difficult cleaning and potential safety hazards
- Poor sitting posture causing back pain and reduced productivity
- Failure to meet technical standards in education, healthcare, and industrial projects
Therefore, laboratory chairs are mandatory furniture items that must be selected correctly from the beginning, especially in school, hospital, and manufacturing projects.
Differences Between Laboratory Chairs and Standard Classroom Chairs
Compared to standard classroom chairs, laboratory chairs differ in:
- Specialized materials (high-grade PP plastic, stainless steel, powder-coated steel)
- Safety-focused design with reduced sharp edges
- Anti-slip and corrosion-resistant features
- Easy cleaning after practical sessions
Benefits of Using Suitable Laboratory Chairs
Choosing the right laboratory chairs impacts safety, work efficiency, and long-term operating costs.
Ensuring User Safety
Laboratory chairs are designed to:
- Reduce slipping and tipping during operations
- Resist corrosion and chemical reactions
- Offer anti-static properties in electronics or semiconductor labs
This is especially critical in medical, chemical, and R&D laboratories.
Supporting Proper Sitting Posture
Lab users often:
- Sit for long hours
- Frequently bend or change posture
- Alternate between sitting and standing at high benches
Appropriate laboratory chairs:
- Offer flexible height adjustment
- Maintain stable posture and reduce spinal pressure
- Minimize shoulder, back, and leg fatigue
Improving Efficiency and Accuracy
Proper seating height and posture:
- Stabilize operations
- Reduce interruptions from posture adjustments
- Improve focus during testing and experimentation
Easy Cleaning and Hygiene Compliance
Laboratory chairs typically feature:
- Smooth surfaces with minimal gaps
- Non-absorbent, odor-resistant, stain-resistant materials
This ensures:
- Easy cleaning after each shift
- Reduced bacterial accumulation
- Compliance with hygiene standards
High Durability and Cost Optimization
Compared to regular chairs, laboratory chairs:
- Withstand harsh environments
- Resist damage from chemicals and humidity
- Have longer service life
This helps:
- Reduce maintenance and replacement costs
- Suitable for school, hospital, and factory projects with long service life cycles
Meet project technical requirements and standards
In many educational, medical, and industrial projects:
- Laboratory chairs are an item with clearly defined technical requirements
- Public chairs cannot be used as substitutes
Using appropriate chairs helps:
- Easier project acceptance
- Compliance with safety standards and lab design
Standard Dimensions of Laboratory Chairs
The size and height of laboratory chairs should be chosen to match the laboratory table, working posture, and user. Choosing the right specifications from the outset ensures safety, comfort during operation, and minimizes errors during long-term work.
Common Height Ranges
Laboratory chairs are often designed with height adjustment capabilities to accommodate various table types and postures:
- Low Chair (Standard)
- Seat height: approximately 450 – 550 mm
- Suitable for low laboratory tables, student desks, and educational labs.
- Medium Chair – Adjustable Height
- Seat height: approximately 500 – 650 mm
- Common in university labs, research labs, and QA/QC rooms.
- High Chair / Laboratory Chair for High Tables
- Seat height: approximately 600 – 800 mm
- Often includes a footrest, suitable for central laboratory tables and technical workbenches.
The use of chairs with a wide adjustment range provides flexibility for multiple users and different work shifts.
Seat and Backrest Dimensions (for reference)
In addition to height, the overall dimensions of the chair also directly affect posture and stability:
- Seat
- Width: approximately 350 – 450 mm
- Depth: approximately 350 – 400 mm
- Preferably a rounded design, without sharp edges
- Backrest (if any)
- Height: approximately 200 – 300 mm
- Compact design, providing lumbar support but not hindering operation
For laboratories requiring frequent movement, chairs are usually compact in size and have a low center of gravity to ensure safety.
How to Choose Chair Height According to Laboratory Table
An important principle when choosing laboratory chairs is the relationship between the chair and the table:
- When sitting and working, elbows should be level with or 20-30 mm lower than the table surface.
- High tables → prioritize chairs with adjustable height and footrests.
- Standard tables → chairs with medium height adjustment are the optimal choice.
Choosing the wrong height can cause:
- Shoulder fatigue, back pain
- Excessive bending when working
- Reduced accuracy in experiments.
Notes when choosing laboratory chair size:
- Prioritize chairs with adjustable height instead of fixed chairs.
- Consider the main user: students, technicians, or researchers.
- Synchronize chair dimensions with the overall lab design.
- For educational, medical, or industrial projects, choose dimensions according to the technical recommendations of the laboratory design unit.
Criteria for Choosing Quality Laboratory Chairs
Choosing the right laboratory chair requires consideration of the following: Many aspects are involved, not just style or price. In a laboratory environment, chairs directly affect safety, work efficiency, and lifespan. Below are important criteria to prioritize when choosing:
Suitable for the intended use of each functional room
The selection of laboratory chairs should be based on the specifics of each discipline to ensure safety, durability, and long-term efficiency.
Chemistry Room
In environments frequently exposed to chemicals, stainless steel laboratory chairs are a suitable choice due to their corrosion resistance, rust-free properties, and ease of cleaning after work.

Biology Room
Biology rooms require chairs with a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface. High-quality PP plastic chairs or stainless steel chairs both meet this requirement well, helping to maintain laboratory hygiene standards.

Physics lab
For physics labs, chairs need to have a sturdy structure and good load-bearing capacity to ensure safety when students work with equipment and experimental models.

STEM lab – multi-purpose practice room
For flexible classrooms, stainless steel swivel lab chairs or multi-purpose chairs are the optimal solution, supporting teamwork, interaction, and effective changes in learning posture.
Size to fit the space
Laboratory spaces often have many workbenches, equipment, and technical walkways. Therefore:
- Chairs need to be compact and easy to move.
- The height must be compatible with the laboratory table.
- The number of chairs should be appropriate and not obstruct emergency exits.
For small labs, minimalist chair designs with sturdy legs that don't take up much space are preferred.
Durable and easy-to-clean materials.
Laboratory environments may contain chemicals, solutions, fine dust, or microorganisms. Therefore, chair materials need to be:
- Corrosion-resistant and waterproof.
- Not deformable when exposed to mild solvents.
- Smooth surfaces with few grooves for easy cleaning.
Commonly preferred materials include engineering plastics, PU, stainless steel, or powder-coated steel. Good materials increase chair lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.
Safe and functional design.
Safety is always a top priority in a laboratory environment. Some features to prioritize:
- Sturdy, anti-tipping base
- Safety-locking casters (if available)
- Rounded edges, no sharp points
- Smooth and stable height adjustment
In addition, features such as footrests, lumbar support backrests, and flexible adjustments will help users work more comfortably for extended periods.
Price and Brand
The price of a laboratory chair depends on:
- Materials used
- Technical features (height adjustment, chemical resistance, anti-static properties, etc.)
- Brand and manufacturing standards
For educational projects, prioritize reputable brands with clear technical specifications and transparent warranty policies. Choosing quality products from the start helps schools optimize lifecycle costs instead of focusing solely on low initial prices.
Common types of laboratory chairs currently available
On the market today, laboratory chairs are classified based on their structure, features, and usage environment. Understanding each type of chair helps investors, designers, and schools choose the right product, avoid waste, and ensure technical standards for the lab.
Backless laboratory chairs
This is the most basic and common type of lab chair.
- Compact, sturdy design, easy to move.
- Minimal parts, minimizing dust and chemical accumulation.
- Suitable for short tasks and frequent changes in posture.
This type of chair is commonly used in school laboratories, practice rooms, or quick-work areas.
See also: Labsit 04 Lab Chair

Laboratory Chairs with Backrests
Compared to chairs without backrests, this type of chair is improved to support prolonged sitting posture:
- Features a low or medium backrest for lumbar support
- Reduces back fatigue during continuous work
- Maintains a compact design that doesn't hinder operation
Suitable for research labs, R&D rooms, and testing rooms with long working hours.
See also: Labsit 03 Laboratory Chair

Laboratory Chairs with Stainless Steel/Powder-Coated Steel Frames
This group of chairs is very commonly used in laboratories requiring high durability and the ability to withstand harsh environments.
- Stainless steel or powder-coated steel frame: good load-bearing capacity, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
- Sturdy and stable construction for technical operations.
- Suitable for high-frequency use, minimal deformation over time.
Common applications:
- Chemistry and biology laboratories.
- Medical labs, testing centers.
- Manufacturing plants, QA/QC departments.
Compared to conventional steel frames, chairs with stainless steel or powder-coated steel frames offer increased lifespan, suitable for projects with long lifecycles and clear technical acceptance requirements.
See also: Moto Chair with Plastic Backrest 05

Multipurpose Classroom Chairs for Practical Rooms
Multipurpose classroom chairs are a flexible choice for practical and experimental spaces combined with teaching.
- Simple design, easy to use for a wide range of users.
- Can be used in general practical classrooms and basic laboratories.
- Easy to arrange, move, and store.
Suitable for:
- Practical rooms in junior and senior high schools.
- STEM classrooms, basic laboratories.
- Vocational training spaces, technical centers.
This type of chair usually doesn't require highly specialized features like chemical resistance or anti-static properties, but it optimizes cost and flexibility, making it suitable for large-scale educational projects.
See also: Labsit 02 Laboratory Chair

Scientific and Aesthetic Laboratory Chair Arrangement
A well-planned laboratory chair arrangement not only optimizes space but also ensures safety, facilitates movement, and enhances the effectiveness of practical learning. A scientifically arranged space creates a professional and tidy feel, and effectively supports the teaching and research process.
Traditional Row Arrangement
This is a common arrangement in school laboratories. Chairs are arranged in rows parallel to the laboratory table, facing the whiteboard or the instructor's area. This arrangement allows teachers to easily observe, manage the class, and effectively guide practical sessions.
The advantage of a row arrangement is that it creates order and clarity, suitable for small to medium-sized laboratories or classes with many students. In addition, movement within the room is more convenient as the walkways are clearly defined.
Group Arrangement for Practical Work
In modern labs, especially STEM labs or multi-purpose labs, group seating arrangements are preferred. Lab chairs are arranged around a central table or in clusters of 4–6 people to increase interaction and support teamwork.
This arrangement facilitates student exchange, discussion, and collaboration during practical work. Simultaneously, teachers can quickly access each group to provide guidance or check progress.
Ensuring Safe Distance
Whether arranged in rows or groups, safety should always be the top priority. The distance between chairs, lab tables, and walkways should be carefully calculated to ensure convenient movement and minimize collisions.
Some important principles when arranging laboratory chairs:
- Keep main walkways wide enough for movement and emergency response.
- Do not place chairs too close to electrical equipment or areas with chemicals.
- Ensure sufficient distance between rows of tables for students to easily work and stand up and sit down.
- Arrange chairs neatly after practical sessions to maintain a clear and uncluttered space.
A scientifically and aesthetically arranged laboratory chair system will contribute to creating a professional, safe, and effective learning environment for both teachers and students during practical sessions.
How to Maintain and Use Laboratory Chairs for Longevity
Proper maintenance and use of laboratory chairs not only extends their lifespan but also ensures user safety in the laboratory environment. Due to their frequent exposure to chemicals, humidity, and high usage frequency, laboratory chairs need to be cleaned, inspected, and used according to technical guidelines.
Proper chair cleaning after practice sessions
In a laboratory environment, laboratory chairs are frequently exposed to chemicals, solutions, and dirt. Therefore, regular cleaning after each practice session is crucial to maintaining durability and ensuring safety standards.
Regular inspection and maintenance
After each lesson or work shift:
- Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of the chair clean.
- If the chair comes into contact with chemicals, wipe it immediately to prevent material corrosion.
- For stainless steel laboratory chairs, dry them thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water stains and maintain their shine.
Cleaning immediately after use helps prevent chemicals from sticking to the surface, avoiding damage to the chair's structure and aesthetics.
Use the chair according to its load capacity and intended function.
Avoid using strong or highly corrosive cleaning chemicals as they may:
- Remove the powder coating
- Cause discoloration of the stainless steel
- Affect PP or PU plastic
Instead, use:
- A neutral cleaning solution
- Clean water diluted with mild soap
- A soft, non-abrasive cloth
For stainless steel laboratory swivel chairs, thoroughly clean the joints and wheels to prevent dirt buildup that can jam the movement mechanism.
General Cleaning and Maintenance
In addition to daily cleaning, general cleaning should be performed weekly or monthly:
- Wipe the entire frame, seat surface, and chair legs.
- Inspect and clean the wheels (if any).
- Remove dirt from small crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
Regular cleaning helps maintain a clean laboratory environment, meeting hygiene and safety standards.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance of Laboratory Chairs
Besides cleaning, regular inspection and maintenance of laboratory chairs helps detect early signs of damage, avoiding risks during use.
Inspect the chair frame and load-bearing structure
The chair frame is the main load-bearing component and needs to be inspected regularly:
- Observe the stainless steel or powder-coated steel frame for warping, rust, or other defects.
- Check welds and joints for looseness or cracks.
- Ensure the chair legs are balanced and not misaligned.
If any abnormalities are detected, repair or replace them promptly to ensure safety.
Inspect screws and moving parts
For lift-up or swivel chairs:
- Inspect screws, swivel shafts, and lift-up pistons.
- Tighten joints if loose.
- Lubricate moving parts periodically (if needed).
This helps the chair operate stably, preventing shaking or sudden failure during use.
Plan for regular maintenance
In school, hospital, or factory labs:
- Chairs should be inspected quarterly or every six months.
- Create a list of chairs requiring maintenance or replacement.
- Synchronize inspections with other lab furniture.
Planned maintenance optimizes costs and ensures long-term safety.
RPB Education & Public provides lab chair solutions for schools.
RPB Education & Public is a provider of educational furniture solutions with many years of experience in classroom and lab chairs for schools, training centers, and labs. The products are designed to meet standards, using durable materials such as engineering plastics, stainless steel, and powder-coated steel, ensuring safety, ease of cleaning, and suitability for specific practical environments.
In addition to supplying products, RPB Education & Public offers a complete solution, from consulting and selecting chairs suitable for each subject to arranging them uniformly in classrooms and laboratories. This allows schools to optimize investment costs, ensure technical standards, and enhance the professionalism of their educational space.
Choosing the right laboratory chairs is a crucial step in building a safe, modern, and effective practical environment. Contact RPB Education & Public for advice on comprehensive interior design solutions for classrooms and laboratories.