The quality of a chair can make or break a class. Your choice of seating is essential to your experience in any location, and there are several types of chairs to choose from at Jefferson. Here are eight reviews of the most common chairs in terms of efficacy for learning and relaxing.
8. Design and Tech stools
You are forced to hunch forward to do your work. Your legs are squished because there is virtually no space between the top of the stool and the bottom of the table. Your seat can fall off, causing a shortage of stools so that you have to stand. This is the daily reality of many Design and Tech students whose classrooms use stools. Stools can also damage posture, which can cause headaches, reduced energy and reduced focus when studying.This cements the Design and Tech stools as the worst type of chair at Jefferson, both in terms of comfort and ability to study.
7. Cafeteria stools
Not many students eat lunch in the cafeteria, and the stools might be the reason why. Although they are more reliable than the Design and Tech stools, they are spaced closely together and connect to the cafeteria tables. This leaves students without much room to eat and wastes large amounts of leg space with the inconvenient metal bars. Additionally, any student who has had to take a test in the cafeteria would know how uncomfortable the cafeteria stools are.
6. Courtyard benches
With the lack of back support, similar to stools, courtyard benches can be irritating to use. The seats and tables are lined with metal bars, creating an uneven surface that can leave marks on flexible materials and dig into students’ legs. However, these benches are more stable and reliable compared to stools, making them an adequate seating option for short time periods.
5. Classic school chairs
With three large holes in the back, four metal legs and a gray seat, these chairs can be found loosely distributed throughout the commons at Jefferson. They come in a variety of sizes—suited for students from kindergarten to high school—and they are easy to stack and move. However, the seats are cold and hard, and long hair often gets stuck in the back of the seat. These chairs may be effective for learning, but only because they make you want to finish your work and stand up as soon as possible.
4. Classroom chairs
The navy blue chairs with curved backs are more ergonomic than classic school chairs and can be found in nearly every class throughout Jefferson. These chairs provide ample back support and prevent the issue of hair getting caught. They are a good choice for both studying and relaxing.
3. Spinning office chairs
Found at every teacher’s desk, these chairs allow users to spin left and right while sitting at a traditional desk. They offer higher seats than standard classroom chairs and are adjustable for different heights, but students do not have access to them regularly. Apart from students in select Computer Science (CS) labs, the general public has to settle for stiffer classroom chairs for daily use.
2. Planetarium seats
The planetarium seats are cozy and stable, resembling those of a movie theater with cushions that sink down and embrace the user. The seating amplifies the planetarium’s calming atmosphere and transports students away from the stress outside. You might fall asleep if you try to work in these seats, but they are undoubtedly some of the comfiest throughout the school. The only downside is accessibility, as most Jefferson students will only be able to sit here during specific planetarium events.
1. Library and Nobel Commons armchairs
The armchairs in the library and Nobel Commons are a welcome contrast to the uncomfortable seating choices found elsewhere. The library has soft armchairs that provide both a stable sitting surface and a springy cushion, and Nobel Commons has similar couches. These seats are ideal for getting work done and relaxing, which makes them the best type of chair that you can sit on at Jefferson.