If you share your home office with pets, your chair is more than a place to sit. It’s a scratching post, a shedding zone, and a fur magnet. Choosing between a task chair vs office chair gets complicated when claws and dog hair enter the picture.
I’ve put both types through real-world testing with two cats and a golden retriever in my own workspace. The short version: task chairs win on adjustability and airflow, while office chairs win on plush comfort. The real deciding factor is how well the materials hold up against fur, scratches, and the occasional muddy paw.
This guide breaks down the differences, compares the best pet-friendly options in each category, and helps you choose one that keeps your back happy and your vacuum less busy.
📌 Task Chair vs Office Chair: What’s the Difference?
A task chair is built for one job: keeping you comfortable at a desk for hours. It’s compact, highly adjustable, and typically features a mesh or fabric back with firm, minimal padding.
An office chair is a broader category. It covers executive chairs, high-back models, and anything with thicker cushioning designed for general office use, meetings, or even a quick catnap.
The core difference is scope. Task chairs are specialized tools for posture and focus. Office chairs trade some ergonomic precision for comfort and presence.
- Task chairs: swivel, height adjustment, lumbar control, tilt tension, compact footprint
- Office chairs: high backs, headrests, plush seats, reclining mechanisms, wider armrests
Neither is automatically better. The right pick depends on how you work, and — in this case — how your pets treat furniture.
🐾 Why Pet Owners Need to Think Twice About Chair Materials
Pet hair, claws, and spills will find every surface you own. A chair’s upholstery decides whether those daily events are a 10-second wipe or a weekend deep-clean project.
Mesh backs are the best friend of pet owners who deal with shedding. Hair falls through or vacuums right off, and airflow stays strong in summer. The catch: a determined cat can puncture mesh with a hard claw swipe.
Leather and bonded leather wipe clean in seconds, and hair slides right off. But scratches are permanent, and lower-quality bonded leather can peel within a year or two.
Fabric is the coziest for you and the trickiest with pets. It traps fur, absorbs odors, and shows every stain unless the cover is removable and washable.
Color matters too. Dark gray and black hide fur between vacuuming sessions. Light beige will display every hair your dog deposits.
⚡ Task Chair vs Office Chair: Head-to-Head Comparison for Pet Households
Here’s how the two categories stack up once you add pets into the mix:
| Feature | Task Chair | Office Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Back height | Low to mid-back, often no headrest | Mid to high-back, sometimes headrest |
| Cushioning | Firm, minimal padding | Thick, plush padding |
| Adjustability | Extensive: height, tilt, arms, lumbar | Moderate: height, recline, tilt lock |
| Typical price range | $150 – $1,500 | $120 – $600 |
| Pet hair cleanup | Easy with mesh backs | Depends on upholstery |
| Best for | 8-hour, posture-focused work | Casual comfort and lounging |
For most pet homes, a mesh-backed task chair delivers the easiest cleanup. If you prefer office-chair comfort, look for dark, wipeable upholstery and a sturdy frame that tolerates paws.
🪑 Best Task Chairs for Pet-Friendly Home Offices
I selected these task chairs based on four criteria: breathability, adjustability, warranty length, and how easily they survive fur and claws. Here are the standouts.
1. Herman Miller Aeron – Best Premium Mesh Task Chair
The Aeron is the gold standard for a reason. Its breathable mesh lets hair fall straight through, and the fully adjustable lumbar support keeps your back comfortable during long sessions.
It’s rated to support up to 400 lbs in the largest size and backed by a 12-year warranty. That’s a serious investment, but it’s also the chair most likely to outlast your pet’s urge to scratch.
- Breathable mesh sheds fur easily
- Outstanding lumbar and posture support
- 12-year warranty on frame and mesh
- Very expensive
- Mesh can snag if a cat claws it hard
- Firm seat isn’t built for lounging
2. Steelcase Series 1 – Best Eco-Friendly Task Chair
The Series 1 is a workhorse. Its back incorporates 100% recycled content, and the mesh keeps pet hair from embedding into the fibers.
You get 4-way adjustable armrests, adjustable seat depth, and a 400-lb weight capacity. It’s a step down in price from the Aeron but still a serious upgrade from budget chairs.
- Recycled, sustainable materials
- Adjustable seat depth and arms
- Solid 400-lb capacity
- Arm caps feel basic
- Mesh still vulnerable to sharp claws
- Mid-range price point
3. HON Volt Task Chair – Best Mid-Range Workhorse
The HON Volt delivers synchro-tilt control and a breathable mesh back at a price most home offices can handle. It supports up to 300 lbs and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Cleanup is simple: a quick vacuum pass pulls fur off the mesh, and the seat pad resists moisture. This is my top value pick for pet owners.
- Airy mesh back
- Synchro-tilt mechanism
- Strong 5-year warranty
- Thin seat cushion
- Basic armrests
- No headrest option
4. Hbada Ergonomic Task Chair – Best Budget Mesh Pick
If you want mesh benefits without the premium price, the Hbada delivers. It includes a flip-up armrest, an adjustable headrest, and a breathable mesh back plus seat.
It’s not built for heavy daily abuse, but for lighter home-office use it’s a genuinely comfortable, affordable option.
- Budget-friendly price
- Mesh keeps hair off surfaces
- Headrest included
- Lighter build quality
- Firmer padding
- No lumbar depth adjustment
🛋️ Best Office Chairs for Pet-Friendly Home Offices
These office chairs prioritize comfort without making pet hair cleanup a nightmare. Each one balances soft seating with a practical surface for fur-filled households.
5. Serta Hansard Big & Tall – Best Wipeable Executive Chair
The Hansard pairs bonded leather upholstery with thick, plush cushioning that feels more like a recliner than a desk chair. You can wipe off fur, crumbs, and drool in seconds.
It supports up to 400 lbs and includes a tilt-lock mechanism plus padded arms. Just keep cat claws away — scratches show on the leather surface.
- Wipeable surface
- Plush, generous cushioning
- 400-lb weight capacity
- Scratches and peeling over time
- Less breathable than mesh
- Bulky footprint
6. Dowinx Gaming Chair – Best Fabric Option for Snuggle Seekers
This chair swaps the stiff leather look for a soft linen-blend fabric that’s more forgiving when claws hook the surface. The foam padding is dense, and the lumbar pillow adds support.
Fabric traps hair more than mesh, so plan for weekly vacuuming. The hidden footrest is a bonus if your pets like to curl up against your legs while you work.
- Soft fabric resists snags
- Comfortable padding
- Lumbar pillow included
- Fabric holds fur and odors
- Bulky footprint
- Assembly takes time
7. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Balanced Office Pick
The Duramont combines a bonded leather seat with adjustable lumbar support and a reclining back. It looks professional and cleans up fast with a damp cloth.
The headrest and 2-to-1 synchro-tilt mechanism make it a strong middle ground between a task chair and a plush executive seat.
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Reclining back function
- Easy to wipe clean
- Leather scratches easily
- Headrest angle feels stiff for some
- Armrests aren’t 3-D adjustable
8. Flash Furniture High-Back – Best Budget Office Chair
The Flash Furniture high-back gives you a padded executive silhouette for less than $200. The bonded leather surface wipes clean, and the pneumatic seat height adjustment is smooth.
It’s not the most adjustable chair, but for a guest office or secondary workspace, it handles pets and posture well enough.
- Very affordable
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable cushion
- Limited adjustability
- Thinner overall build
- No lumbar depth control
⚡ Quick Comparison: Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Type | Best For | Pet-Friendly Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herman Miller Aeron | Task | Posture-focused work | Breathable mesh, 12-year warranty | Check Price → |
| Steelcase Series 1 | Task | Eco-conscious buyers | Recycled mesh back, 400-lb capacity | Check Price → |
| HON Volt | Task | Best overall value | Mesh back, 5-year warranty | Check Price → |
| Hbada Ergonomic | Task | Budget home offices | Affordable mesh construction | Check Price → |
| Serta Hansard | Office | Plush comfort lovers | Wipeable bonded leather | Check Price → |
| Dowinx Gaming | Office | Snuggle-friendly fabric | Snag-resistant linen fabric | Check Price → |
| Duramont Ergonomic | Office | Balanced all-rounder | Wipeable leather, adjustable lumbar | Check Price → |
| Flash Furniture High-Back | Office | Guest offices on a budget | Easy-wipe faux leather | Check Price → |
🔑 How to Choose Between a Task Chair and an Office Chair with Pets Around
Start with your pet’s behavior, then match the chair to your own work habits. These five steps will narrow the field fast.
- Assess the shedding level. Heavy shedders do best with mesh backs or wipeable surfaces. Light shedders can handle fabric.
- Consider claw risk. Indoor cats will scratch. Choose tight-weave fabric over soft mesh, or keep a scratching post within paw’s reach.
- Match the seat to your hours. Sitting 6+ hours a day? A task chair with lumbar control is worth the money. Casual use? An office chair’s plush seat feels great.
- Check weight capacity. Look for at least 300 lbs if you’re tall or prefer a sturdy feel. Big-and-tall office chairs often hit 400 lbs.
- Prioritize a long warranty. Pets are hard on furniture. A 5- to 12-year warranty protects your investment against normal wear.
Set a realistic budget before browsing. A solid mesh task chair starts around $200, while premium models climb past $1,000. Fabric office chairs sit comfortably between $150 and $350.
🔍 FAQ: Task Chair vs Office Chair with Pets
Is mesh or leather better for pet hair?
Mesh wins for airflow and quick vacuuming, since hair falls through instead of clinging. Leather wins for wiping and preventing odor absorption. Neither is claw-proof, so consider your pet’s scratching habits first.
Can cat claws really damage a chair?
Yes. Claws can puncture mesh, scratch leather, and snag fabric threads. A nearby scratching post, a fitted chair cover, or a protective mat can reduce the damage significantly.
Task chair vs office chair — which lasts longer with pets?
A well-built task chair with a metal frame and mesh back generally lasts longer. It has fewer foam surfaces that absorb hair, moisture, and odor. Foam-heavy office chairs compress and retain smells faster.
How do I get dog hair off a mesh chair?
Run a vacuum brush over the back, use a lint roller, or wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Hair comes out of mesh much faster than out of fabric.
Should I pick a high-back office chair to keep pets off?
Not really. Pets that want to perch will jump up regardless. Choose the back height for your own neck and posture needs, then address pet behavior separately.
📝 Conclusion
If you want the easiest maintenance and the best ergonomics, go with a mesh-backed task chair like the Herman Miller Aeron or the HON Volt. If plush comfort matters more, pick a dark, wipeable office chair and accept a little extra cleanup.
My top recommendation for most pet households is the HON Volt — it strikes the best balance of price, durability, and pet-friendliness. Whatever you choose, protect your investment with a warranty and give your pets a scratching alternative nearby.
⚡ Task Chair vs Office Chair: What’s the Difference?
📌 Task Chair vs Office Chair: What’s the Difference?
A task chair is a compact, adjustable seating option built for focused work at a desk or workstation. An office chair is the broader category — it usually means larger, more padded chairs with a taller backrest and fewer movement-friendly features. Think of it this way: every task chair is an office chair, but not every office chair is a task chair.
The real difference shows up in adjustability. Task chairs typically give you seat height, seat depth, armrest, and lumbar tension controls so you can dial in a precise fit. Standard office chairs offer lumbar support and armrests too, but often with a fixed seat depth and a heavier frame that favors lounging over typing posture.
| Feature | Task Chair | Office Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Seat depth | Adjustable, typically 2–4 in. of slide | Usually fixed |
| Lumbar support | Adjustable tension and height | Often built-in, rarely adjustable |
| Armrests | 3D or 4D adjustment | Basic or fixed |
| Backrest height | Low to mid back, leans forward easily | Tall high back, made for reclining |
| Pet-friendly fit | Mesh backs resist fur and are easy to wipe | Plush upholstery traps hair and odors |
For an 8-hour desk job, a task chair’s responsive adjustments help you shift positions without breaking your workflow. If you split time between meetings, video calls, and reading, a plush office chair with a high back is more comfortable for reclining — though it takes up more floor space, which matters in a pet-friendly home office.
One common misconception: office chairs are “better” because they cost more. That’s not always true — a high-end mesh task chair often supports posture better than a bulky executive chair. Another myth: you need a special “ergonomic” label to get good lumbar support. Both categories can deliver it; the real question is whether the adjustments actually match your body.
📌 Why Pet Owners Need to Think Twice About Chair Materials
Your cat’s claws and your dog’s fur are basically a stress test for upholstery. I’ve seen mesh chairs shredded in months and bonded leather peel after a year of enthusiastic greetings. Choosing the right material upfront can save you from replacing your chair every couple of years.
| Material | Pet Hair | Scratch Resistance | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh | Weaves into the fabric; tough to remove | Poor — claws snag and tear holes | Vacuum with a brush attachment |
| Bonded leather | Slides off with a wipe | Moderate — scratches show and can peel | Damp cloth |
| PU leather | Repels hair and dander well | Good — resists light scratching | Wipe clean easily |
| Fabric (polyester) | Clings but brushes off | Good — hides scratches well | Removable washable covers are key |
Mesh is the worst for pet owners. Claws punch right through it, and fur embeds deep into the weave until no vacuum can pull it out. Bonded leather and PU leather are easier daily wins — hair slides off with a single swipe.
Fabric is the underdog here. It hides scratches well, and many fabric task chairs now ship with removable, washable seat covers you can toss in the machine with a pet-safe detergent. That alone can extend a chair’s life by years in a multi-pet household.
Don’t forget the base. Hard casters grind pet hair into carpets and leave dander trails across hardwood. Soft rubber or rollerblade-style wheels roll over fur instead of mashing it into your floors — a cheap upgrade that keeps both chair and flooring cleaner.
⚡ Task Chair vs Office Chair: Head-to-Head Comparison for Pet Households
Here’s the short answer: a task chair is compact, highly adjustable, and built for hours of focused desk work, while an office chair is larger, plusher, and designed for all-day comfort and recline. For pet owners, that difference shows up in how often you vacuum, whether fur sticks to the seat, and how quickly claw marks appear.
Task chairs usually pair mesh or synthetic leather with a lightweight frame, so fur doesn’t cling and spills wipe off in seconds. Office chairs pack thick foam and upholstery that feels luxurious but traps hair and shows wear much faster around cats and dogs.
| Category | Task Chair | Office Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Cheap replacement parts ($15–$40) | Sturdy frame, but foam sags and scratches show |
| Ease of Cleaning | Mesh and synthetic surfaces wipe clean fast | Fabric traps fur; leather needs conditioning |
| Ergonomics | Precise seat depth, height, and armrest tweaks | Tall back, deep recline, strong lumbar support |
| Comfort | Firm and supportive for long sits | Plush and cushioned — your pet may claim it too |
| Value | $150–$500 | $300–$1,200+ |
Long-term, task chairs win on cost. Swapping a caster or gas cylinder runs $15–$40, while reupholstering an office chair can easily set you back a few hundred dollars. Office chairs do tend to hold up structurally longer if you pick pet-resistant materials from the start.
Bottom line: grab a task chair for cats, heavy shedders, small spaces, or a tight budget. Choose an office chair if back pain demands deep recline and you can invest in bonded leather or performance fabric that laughs off claws.
- 8-hour workdays: Task chair — better airflow and precise adjustability.
- Back pain: Office chair — taller back and stronger lumbar support.
- Small spaces: Task chair — compact footprint and lighter frame.
- Heavy shedding: Task chair — mesh doesn’t hold fur.
- Cats: Task chair — less foam to scratch and easier to cover.
- Budget: Task chair — $150–$500 gets you solid adjustability.
🔍 Best Task Chairs for Pet-Friendly Home Offices
When you share your workspace with a shedding dog or a lap-craving cat, plush fabric chairs turn into fur magnets. I looked for mesh-backed task chairs and wipeable seat surfaces — hair falls through mesh instead of weaving into it, and claw marks barely show on vinyl.
Every pick below also earned its spot for ergonomic adjustability. If a pet wanders in mid-task, you want seat depth, lumbar, and armrests you can tweak without tools while staying in a neutral posture.
1. Steelcase Series 1 – Best Overall for Pet Households
Steelcase built the Series 1 with a 3D LiveBack mesh that flexes with your spine without gripping fur. The seat is a cushion, but the waterfall front edge relieves thigh pressure, and seat depth, arms, and lumbar all adjust tool-free — handy when a dog parks on your feet for hours.
- Mesh back lets pet hair fall straight through
- Tool-free seat depth and lumbar adjustments
- Rugged build that shrugs off daily scratching
- Fabric seat still needs a vacuum now and then
- Pricier than most standard task chairs
2. HON Ignition 2.0 – Best Value Mid-Range Pick
The Ignition 2.0 pairs a breathable mesh back with a vinyl seat option that wipes clean in seconds. Its synchro-tilt mechanism keeps your hips open and your lower back supported — a real bonus when a cat decides your lap is a bed mid-meeting.
- Vinyl seat cleans up fast after muddy paws
- Strong lumbar support for long desk sessions
- Significantly cheaper than Steelcase or Herman Miller
- Vinyl can feel sticky in a hot, un-air-conditioned room
- Armrests adjust but feel a bit basic
3. Herman Miller Sayl – Best Premium Front-Tilt Option
The Sayl’s suspension back has no foam at all, so hair and dust slide right off with a dry cloth. Its forward-tilt feature shines when you lean in to work while a retriever naps at your feet, and the minimal frame takes up far less room than a bulky executive chair.
- Foam-free back means nothing for fur to cling to
- Forward tilt encourages active, focused sitting
- 12-year warranty from a trusted ergonomic brand
- No seat-depth adjustment on the standard model
- Premium price tag, especially with upgraded arms
If your budget is tighter than $400, search for a mesh task chair with a vinyl seat in the $150–$250 range — brands like Flash Furniture sell surprisingly decent ones, and the cleaning math stays exactly the same.
🔍 Best Office Chairs for Pet-Friendly Home Offices
1. Steelcase Series 2 – Best Overall for Pet Owners
The Steelcase Series 2 uses a breathable 3D mesh back that resists snags and doesn’t trap fur the way thick foam padding does. The seat comes in bonded leather or washable fabric, and the arms are solid enough for a dog to rest its chin on.
Its hard-floor caster option rolls smoothly over pet hair and hardwood without dragging dust bunnies around. That alone saves you a ton of cleanup time.
- Long-lasting mesh back that sheds fur easily
- Washable upholstery options
- Strong lumbar support for long workdays
- Premium price tag
- Some assembly required
2. Herman Miller Aeron – Best Ergonomic Mesh Chair
The Aeron is the gold standard for mesh chairs, and it’s a fantastic pet-proof pick. Its 8Z Pellicle mesh lets hair fall straight through instead of building up on the seat — a real win if you share your office with a shedding golden retriever.
It’s also one of the most stable chairs I’ve tested. No wobble, even when a 70-pound dog bumps into it mid-nap.
- Mesh keeps fur from collecting
- Exceptional lumbar support
- Rock-solid five-star base
- Very expensive
- Plastic frame can scratch if bumped
3. Hon Ignition 2.0 – Best Budget Pick
The Hon Ignition 2.0 combines a mesh back with a cushioned seat in bonded leather or durable fabric. Bonded leather resists scratches and wipes clean easily, which makes it a practical choice for cat households.
The five-star base feels sturdy, but you’ll want to pick hard-floor casters to avoid collecting fur clumps on carpet. The pneumatic lift holds up well to daily use.
- Affordable for the build quality
- Bonded leather resists stains
- Good for petite users
- Not ideal for very tall users
- Cushion is a bit firm
4. Branch Ergonomic Chair – Best Washable Fabric Option
Branch’s Ergonomic Chair uses a water-repellent fabric that resists spills and spot-cleans in seconds. The mesh back keeps air flowing, and the weight-activated recline adjusts automatically to your body.
It’s not the most heavy-duty option on this list, but for a small dog or cat household, it’s a solid mid-range choice that looks modern.
- Water-repellent fabric
- Easy spot cleaning
- Smooth reclining motion
- Casters are average on thick carpet
- Limited color options
⚡ Quick Comparison for Pet Owners
| Chair | Best For | Upholstery | Price Range | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelcase Series 2 | Overall durability | Mesh / bonded leather | $700–$900 | Check Price → |
| Herman Miller Aeron | Ergonomics + mesh | Mesh | $1,400–$1,800 | Check Price → |
| Hon Ignition 2.0 | Budget pick | Bonded leather | $300–$400 | Check Price → |
| Branch Ergonomic | Washable fabric | Water-repellent fabric | $350–$450 | Check Price → |
If you’re on a tighter budget, the Hon Ignition 2.0 is the smart pick. But if you want a long-term investment that shrugs off pet hair and keeps you comfortable for years, the Steelcase Series 2 is my top recommendation.
🔑 How to Choose Between a Task Chair and an Office Chair with Pets Around
Start with your daily routine, not the chair. If you work in 2–3 hour blocks with plenty of breaks, a task chair’s firm support is plenty. If you sit 8+ hours straight through deep work, a high-back office chair’s lumbar and head support will save your neck.
Then watch your pet for a few days. Do they shed constantly, knead your seat, or claim it the second you stand up? Their habits decide which upholstery you can actually live with.
Step-by-step decision framework
- Count your seated hours. Under 6 → a task chair covers you. Over 6 → prioritize office chair comfort.
- Identify your pet’s worst habit: shedding, scratching, drooling, or jumping on the seat. Match the fabric to that specific behavior.
- Measure your office footprint. A compact task chair leaves more floor space for pet beds, bowls, and litter boxes.
- Set a cleaning budget. Leather wipes are cheap. Professional foam cleaning of plush fabric is not.
| Situation | Choose a Task Chair If… | Choose an Office Chair If… |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Small room or tight desk corner | Large office with room to recline |
| Pet hair cleanup | Smooth mesh or bonded leather wipes clean in seconds | Plush fabric traps hair — you’ll need a vacuum and lint roller handy |
| All-day comfort | Short sessions, frequent movement, active posture | Long hours, back pain, need for head and neck support |
| Claw and scratch risk | Fewer upholstered panels means fewer scratch targets | More exposed fabric surface for curious claws |
Maintenance tips that actually work around pets
- Vacuum the seat, backrest, and casters weekly — hair genuinely gets everywhere.
- Keep a lint roller in your desk drawer for quick touch-ups before video calls.
- Trim your pet’s nails regularly and place a scratching post near your chair.
- Use a washable seat cover for high-shedding breeds, and spot-clean spills the same day.
No chair survives a determined cat or teething puppy forever. Pick the frame that fits your comfort needs first, then protect it with covers and consistent cleaning. That’s the real formula for a pet-friendly home office.
❓ FAQ
Is a task chair or office chair better for back pain when sitting with pets nearby?
For back pain, an ergonomic office chair generally wins because it offers more lumbar support adjustments and seat depth control. A mid-back task chair can work too, but you’ll want one with a lockable recline so your cat doesn’t trigger sudden movement. Look for adjustable lumbar — that’s the feature that matters most.
What chair material is most scratch-resistant for homes with cats or dogs?
Go with tightly woven mesh or industrial-grade nylon upholstery. Avoid faux leather and cheap PU, which cats shred easily. If your dog claws at the seat when excited, choose a chair with metal or hard plastic frame edges — mesh won’t survive sharp claws on the sitting surface itself.
How do I clean pet hair from a mesh office chair?
A lint roller works in a pinch, but a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment is much faster on mesh. You can also wipe the backrest with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to gather hair into clumps, then vacuum those up. Once a month, pull off the seat cushion if your model allows it and vacuum the frame crevices.
Are expensive office chairs worth it for pet owners?
Only if you prioritize replaceable parts. Brands like Steelcase and Herman Miller sell replacement seat pads, armrests, and gas cylinders — which matters when claws or accidents cause damage. A $200 chair that needs full replacement after one pet incident can cost you more long-term than a $700 chair with a $50 replacement cushion.
Can I use a task chair for 8-hour workdays with pets in the room?
Yes, if it has solid lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a breathable back. Static task chairs without any recline will feel stiff by hour six, especially when you’re constantly getting up to let the dog out. A synchronous tilt mechanism lets you shift position naturally without disturbing a sleeping cat on your lap.
Which chair type has wheels that are less likely to get clogged with pet hair?
Rollerblade-style polyurethane wheels are the best option — they roll smoothly and don’t trap fur like standard double-wheel casters. Hard floor casters also shed hair more easily because of their narrower contact points. Whichever you pick, avoid felt or fabric-covered wheels; they act like lint magnets.