You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for the ideal office chair for someone who is shorter. We’re here to assist people with small frames in selecting the ergonomic office chair that will work best for them.
If you’re a smaller person (under 5’3″ for women and under 5’8″ for men), you know the struggle of spending hours in a regular office chair. It not only makes your workdays more difficult, but it also exacerbates back problems.
So, which options are the best for petite people? We’ll examine some of the top office chairs for shorter or smaller people in this guide. We’ll pay close attention to ergonomic details like seat height, depth, and width, as well as chair size.
Best Office Chairs For Short People
1. Modway Veer Drafting Office Chair
Pros
- Adjust height from 21.5 to 29.5 inches
- Available in 4 colors
- Breathable mesh backrest
Cons
- Foot ring may be too small for some
While shorter people are best suited for chairs with lower seat adjustment ranges, this presupposes that all short people sit at desks that are the same height. However, we are aware that this isn’t always the case. Therefore, you’ll need a chair with a higher height adjustment range if you like to work standing up at a desk or if you work at a taller table like a drafting desk.
Because it’s one of the few office chairs that can still accommodate shorter people and still has a wide eight-inch height adjustment range, we like the Modway drafting chair. You can set the seat height between 21.5 and 29.5 inches by operating the gas cylinder controls. We like that this adjustable drafting chair still comes with a breathable mesh back with built-in lumbar support. Additionally, because it’s one of the best drafting chairs for short people, it has an integrated foot ring that can serve as a place for your feet to rest, reducing the need for a chair that allows you to firmly rest your feet on the ground.
2. Flash Furniture Mid-back Black Ergonomic Office Chair
Pros
- Pneumatic height controlsErgonomic seat back with built-in lumbar supportFlip-up seat arms
Cons
- Casters aren’t compatible with rugs and carpeting
Our Top Pick and choice for the best office chair for a short person is the Flash furniture chair because it works well for shorter people. We appreciate that it has some of the best seat adjustments for the back, arms, as well as the seat. It’s especially convenient that the armrests can flip up, giving you the option of switching between a seat with and without armrests as needed.
The ventilated mesh backrest with integrated lumbar support on this chair is something we like. The pneumatic controls allow you to easily change the seat height from 17 to 20.5 inches. You’ll enjoy having this as a part of your office furniture because of the comfortable padded seat, which will keep you at ease as you work. Check out any of the most comfortable office chairs for a truly luxurious experience.
3. Ergousit Ergonomic Office Chair
Pros:
- Breathable mesh
- Curved headrest
- Resilient cushion
- 5-year manufacturer support
Cons:
- The armrests might be too far apart
Ergousit’s office chair for small people has a unique butterfly-shaped backrest that not only improves your sitting comfort but also is made to complement most interior designs. To be more precise, the S-curve back frame perfectly conforms to the human body, fitting the spine and ultimately enabling you to sit for several hours every day without feeling any strain or discomfort.
The chair comes with a ton of adjustable features that make it easy to find and maintain a comfortable sitting position. You can lessen neck and back pain by doing that. These adjustments include height customization, which allows the chair to go as low as 15″, and a rocking mechanism that lets the chair tilt from 90 degrees to 110 degrees. Additionally, the curved headrest’s mesh fabric construction supports your head and neck while you work.
Regarding the seat cushion, we discovered a substantial high-density foam cushion inside the chair. This cushion is supposed to maintain its original W-shaped shape to provide a larger support area while distributing pressure on your hips and legs.
Last but not least, the backrest’s breathable mesh improves airflow to promote cooling and prevent heat buildup.
On the downside, we observed that the armrests might end up being too far apart to be completely comfortable if you lean all the way back in the chair.
4. Alera Etros Series Petite Mid-back Office Chair
Pros
- Built-in lumbar support
- Adjustable armrests
- Mesh combination chair for enhanced comfort
Cons
- Lower weight support at just 220lbs
You’ll value this Alera option if you’re the type who is concerned with minute adjustments. Their Etros chair comes in a petite size and offers some of the most precise adjustments we’ve come across in our research. You can adjust the backrest angle, seat slide, and forward tilt with three different levels in addition to the seat height.
We like that the seat height can be changed from 17.5 to 21.5 inches, which is great for shorter people. The armrests are also adjustable, which you will find nice. This chair, which is fairly typical, combines mesh with a breathable backrest and a padded cushion for added comfort. You’ll also value the backrest’s integrated lumbar support. And if you have back pain, you need the best office chair for back pain.
5. Kerdom Ergonomic Desk Chair
Pros
- Flip-up armrests
- Space-saving
- Breathable mesh back and seat
- 6 colors available
Cons
- The armrests aren’t padded nor adjustable
This space-saving chair by Kerdom is another excellent ergonomic chair for short people that we found. It provides three support points for your back, hips, and hands for added comfort, allowing you to maintain proper posture while sitting. Moreover, the height can be adjusted from 15.4″ up to 18.9″ to specifically suit petite people.
The chair’s 90-125 degree rocking mechanism will come in handy whenever you need to unwind. Additionally, the adjustable lumbar support will continuously ensure that you do not sit in a bad position even when you want to be upright.
This chair is useful whenever you need to conserve space because you can make it fit under any type of desk thanks to its small size and flip-up armrests. Its straightforward design also complements nearly any interior.
You can work through the sweltering summer days in the office thanks to the light, breathable mesh back of this Best Office Chairs for Short People. For your comfort throughout the day, the material was used on the seat cushion and backrest. With 6 different color options, it is a dependable and durable office chair for people with small frames. The armrests’ lack of padding and lack of ability to be raised or lowered is a drawback.
6. Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Pros
- Available in multiple dimensions
- Breathable full mesh seat and back
- Full lumbar support whether reclining or sitting upright
Cons
- Lacks an actual seat cushion
A full mesh office chair is typically not advised because it might not offer enough support. However, the floating support that the Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Office Chair creates makes it the exception to this rule. The fact that the Aeron Task PostureFit SL office chair is available in three sizes—small, medium, and large—is one of the main features we appreciate about this selection. The fact that this Herman Miller office chair adapts to your movements to offer complete support regardless of what you’re doing is another significant feature.
Although the size range is the main selling point, we are equally impressed by the floating design, which is supported by the seat and backrest’s 8Z Pellicle elastomeric suspension. Three different reclining positions and a forward tilt tension option are available for the seat angle adjustment. Naturally, the arms can also be raised or lowered to a height of 6.8 to 10.8 inches, and their angles can also be changed. Between 16 and 20.5 inches can be raised or lowered on the actual seat. Compare this to the best white office chair, which has a seat height adjustment range of 16 to 21 inches.
7. Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Delux Fabric Task Chair
Pros
- Seat height range from 18.5 to 23.5 inches
- Supports up to 250lbs
- Padded backrest with built-in lumbar support
Cons
- Lacks a breathable backrest
It’s not always necessary to spend a lot of money on some of the more expensive models that we discussed in our guide if you only use an office chair occasionally. In fact, this pick from Boss Office Products is the perfect petite office chair and comes in five colors, including a striking camo print, if you’re outfitting a home office that is only used a few times per month. The fact that you can use the pneumatic seat controls to adjust the seat height from 18.5 to 23.5 inches is, in our opinion, what makes it the perfect home office chair.
You can also adjust the armrests, which is a fantastic feature. We like that it is padded with lumbar support for additional comfort, even though it does not have the popular mesh backrest. But keep in mind that the tweed upholstery might cause heat to build up. To add to the comfort, the armrests are additionally padded. A 250-pound weight capacity is also offered by this Best Office Chairs for Short People. Check out the best office stability chair for more stability and better support.
8. Amazon Basics Leather-padded Office Chair
Pros
- Supports up to 275 pounds
- Padded faux leather upholstery
- Seat height adjusts from 16.5 to 20″
Cons
- Armrests aren’t adjustable
It’s not just a nice to have when you’re small; a seat that can be lowered below 18 inches is a necessity. This leather executive office chair from AmazonBasics receives our Honorable Mention. We appreciate that the swiveling chair can be adjusted to a seat height as low as 16.5 inches, making it one of the best ergonomic office chairs in addition to adding a luxurious feel to any workspace.
The fact that you can swivel the chair 360 degrees and that it comes in three colors—black, white, and brown—make up for the absence of the popular breathable mesh backrest. The ability to support up to 275 pounds makes it one of the products with the highest weight capacities we could find. Additionally, this Best Office Chairs for Short People has a five-spoke base with casters, as is customary. Compare this model to the best executive leather office chair, which can hold 275 pounds as well.
9. Rimiking Home Task Chair
You’ll need a desk chair that supports your back, has a comfortable seat, and can be adjusted to fit your body if you spend a lot of time at your desk. The majority of office chairs have a swivel seat, at least one height adjustment, and wheels on the base for mobility.
You should think about your projected chair use time as well as any pain points you may have when considering ergonomics. High-back office chairs can provide ample support for your body throughout a long workday if you suffer from neck or back pain. While still providing some back support, a low- or mid-back office chair can be used for more casual purposes.
Consider the chair’s adjustability options to ensure that it fits your body and is functional for your desk. The chair must have an adjustable height, and if it has an armrest, the armrest’s position can also be adjusted for better typing comfort. If you want the option to recline for a quick break, you’ll need a chair that can tilt back.
The padding and material used in this Best Office Chairs for Short People should be taken into account for maximum comfort. Although leather office chairs often have thick padding, they may not be as breathable as chairs covered in mesh fabric. However, office chairs with thin seat padding can quickly wear out and make you uncomfortable while seated.
Pick an office chair with wheels and a pivoting seat if you want to be able to easily move around the space. Others have caster wheels with a cover to protect your floor, while some chairs have smooth-moving rollerblade-like wheels. Ensure that your chair and its wheels can support you and withstand heavy use at the same time.
10. Superjare Drafting Chair
Pros
- The chair is comfortable to sit in
- The height and weight can be easily adjustable
- The cushion and seat are made of durable PVC
- The chair is equipped with a simple lifting lever
- The seat is padded with sponge for a comfortable experience
Cons
- The chair can be difficult to move around
- The chair is not very sturdy
A high-quality chair that is ideal for use in a professional setting is the SUPERJARE Drafting Chair with Back, Adjustable Foot Rest Rolling Stool. Both the height and weight of it are easily adjustable, and it is comfortable to sit in. The Best Office Chairs for Short People are also cushioned with sponge and made of sturdy PVC for a comfortable experience.
7 Things To Consider When Looking For Small Office Chairs
1. Seat Height
The seat height of your office chair should be your first consideration. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. A typical office chair’s seat height ranges from 17 to 22 inches. People who are under five feet six inches tall will find this to be too high.
If you are over five feet two and under five feet six, you must locate a chair with a minimum seat height of 15 inches and 16 inches, respectively. If you want to have your feet flat on the floor, you should look for a chair that lowers to at least 14 inches if you are under five feet two in height.
2. Adding A Footrest
A footrest is a highly beneficial piece of equipment for your workstation. Instead of forcing your chair to sink to the floor, you can bring the floor up to it by adding a footrest. By doing this, you will greatly simplify the process of achieving the 90-degree knee angle and enable the use of chairs with higher minimum seat height ranges. I use a footrest, as do the majority of the people in our office.
3. Desk Height
Another extremely critical element is the height of your desk. You should be about 8 inches taller than your seat when typing. Your desk must be able to lower to 24 inches to accommodate an ergonomic position if you plan to use a chair that is 16 inches high. There is a sizable difference there because the height of a desk is 30 inches.
You can do this in a few different ways. The first is using the footrest we previously discussed. This will bring your chair height closer to a typical desk height, narrowing the gap by a few inches. The second is to purchase a height-adjustable desk that has the ability to lower to a level that is lower than the typical desk height. The last option is to lower your keyboard by adding something, like a keyboard drawer or keyboard tray.
4. Seat Depth
Seat depth comes next on the list of factors. It should be possible to place the front of the seat between the backs of your knees and 1 to 2 inches away from them. The majority of regular office chairs have seats that are between 17 and 18 inches deep. Short people will find this to be too big.
Find chairs with minimum seat depths of 16 inches or less if you are 5 feet 6 inches or shorter. The best options to choose from in this category will be chairs with an adjustable seat depth range as low as 15 inches.
5. Arm Width
Another important factor to think about will be the armrests. Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle and you should be able to hang your arms at your sides naturally. The armrests shouldn’t require you to reach them by angling your arms outward. Your neck and shoulders may be subjected to unneeded strain as a result.
The typical distance between the arms of an office chair is between 17 and 18 inches. You should look for arms that are at least 16 inches wide or less if you are under 5 feet 6 inches tall. If you are under five feet tall, then you should probably look for arms that are no wider than 13 inches.
6. Arm Height
The second consideration when it comes to the armrests is height. Make sure the chair’s arms have a range that works for you before you buy it. To achieve a 90-degree elbow angle, people under 5 feet 6 inches should raise their arms about 9 inches above the seat. A minimum arm height of 7 inches or less is recommended for people who are under five feet tall.
7. Headrests
If you are short or petite, be cautious when purchasing chairs with headrests. For short people, headrests frequently rest in an uncomfortable position, according to our research. The curve of your neck is designed to fit into many headrests. The headrest will only serve to move the back of your head forward if you are too short to use them properly.
On chairs with more conventional headrests, the same thing can take place. The Best Office Chairs for Short People will not be comfortable if you are too short to reach the intended headrest because it was not made to fit you properly.
If you really need a headrest, look for chairs that were designed with short people in mind and that have a headrest option. This should confirm that the headrest was created with short people in mind and will increase the likelihood that it will comfortably fit you.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to choose a good office chair for someone who is short. But once you see one of the chair models, be sure to measure the seat’s depth, width, and height. You’ll experience discomfort and have less motivation and energy to complete your daily tasks if the chair is too big for you.
The best ergonomic office chair won’t necessarily fit every small person, of course. You can still locate the one that will fit your petite body type the most comfortably, though such as Modway Veer Drafting Office Chair.
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