Whether you’re sitting behind your desk at work or in your home office, having a great chair to relax in while working is a must.
You might think that just any old office chair will do. If you are a shorter person, that just isn’t the case, though, right?
From the height the chair sits off the floor from to the space between the armrests, you will find some chairs tend to accommodate shorter people better than others.
Contents
- 1 Best Office Chairs For Short People In 2023 – Top 9 Rated Reviews
- 1.1 1 Black Faux Leather Petite Low Height Computer Chair – NBF Signature Series Status Collection – Best ACA Approved Office Chair for Short People
- 1.2 2 AmazonBasics Low-Back, Upholstered Mesh, Adjustable, Swivel Computer Office Desk Chair, Black – Best Budget Office Chair for Short People
- 1.3 3 Steelcase Amia Task Chair: Adjustable Back Tension – LiveLumbar Support – Seat Slider – 4 Way Adjustable Arms – Black Frame/Black Fabric – Most Comfortable Office Chair for Short People
- 1.4 4 Modway Thrive Drafting Chair – Tall Office Chair for Adjustable Standing Desks in Gray – Best Office Chair for Short People Using Standing Desks
- 1.5 5 SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid Dark Back and Padded Black Eco Leather Seat, 2-to-1 Synchro Tilt Control, Adjustable Arms and Tilt Tension with Nylon Base Managers Chair – Best Eco Leather Office Chair for Short People
- 1.6 6 Flash Furniture Desk Chair with Wheels | Swivel Chair with Mid-Back Black Mesh and LeatherSoft Seat for Home Office and Desk, BIFMA Certified – Best Short Person Office Chair with Removable Armrests
- 1.7 7 HON Wave Mid-Back Chair – Mesh Office or Computer Chair with Adjustable Arms, Black (VL712) – Best Mesh Office Chair for Short People
- 1.8 8 Office Star Mesh Back & Seat, 2-to-1 Synchro & Lumbar Support Managers Chair, Black – Best Office Chair Lumbar Support for Short People
- 1.9 9 Alera Etros Series Petite Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair, Black – Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Short People
- 2 Best Office Chairs For Short People Buying Guide
- 3 Before We Announce Our Winner
- 4 Which Of The Best Office Chairs For Short People Do We Use?
We are going to cover some of our favorites in the best office chairs for short people roundup…
That way, if you’re in the market for an office chair that will support you throughout the day, leaving you productive yet comfortable, you will know where to start.
So, let’s get to it…
Best Office Chairs For Short People In 2023 – Top 9 Rated Reviews
Product | Height Adjustability | Seat Width & Depth | Chairback Width & Height | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Height Adjustability 18” to 21” | Seat Width & Depth 21” by 17” | Chairback Width & Height 20” by 21” | Price $$$ | |
Also Great AmazonBasics Low-Back, Desk Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 16.7” to 21.2” | Seat Width & Depth 16.1” by 14.9” | Chairback Width & Height 16.1” by 14.9” | Price $ |
Best Choice Steelcase Amia Task Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 18” to 22” | Seat Width & Depth 19.4” by 15.5” to 18.5” | Chairback Width & Height 18.9” by 25” | Price $$$$ |
Also Great Modway Thrive Drafting Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 22” to 29.5” | Seat Width & Depth 18” by 16” | Chairback Width & Height 17.5” by 13” | Price $$ |
Also Great SPACE Seating Professional ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 19” to 25” | Seat Width & Depth 18.5” by 19.5” | Chairback Width & Height 18.5” by 19.75” | Price $$ |
Also Great Flash Furniture Desk Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 17.25” to 20.75” | Seat Width & Depth 20.25” by 19” | Chairback Width & Height 20” by 23” | Price $ |
Also Great HON Wave Mid-Back Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 18” to 22” | Seat Width & Depth 20” by 18” | Chairback Width & Height 21” by 13” | Price $$$ |
Also Great Office Star Mesh Back & Seat ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 17.75” to 21.75” | Seat Width & Depth 19.5” by 19.75” | Chairback Width & Height 19.25” by 22” | Price $$ |
Also Great Alera Etros Series Mesh Chair ![]() View Price | Height Adjustability 19. 2” to 22.6” | Seat Width & Depth 20.1” by 16.1” to 17.4” | Chairback Width & Height 18.9” by 17.75” | Price $$ |
1
Black Faux Leather Petite Low Height Computer Chair – NBF Signature Series Status Collection – Best ACA Approved Office Chair for Short People
The first chair up is from the NBF Signature Series Status Collection.
Their Petite Low Height Computer Chair is upholstered in black using 100% PVC-free polyurethane.
A pleasurable sit…
When you first sit in this chair, you are greeted by the memory foam seat cushion that measures 21” wide by 17” deep. Lean back, and you will find the 20” wide by 21” high seat back to be very supportive thanks to the integrated adjustable lumbar support on hand.
The lumbar support is easily adjusted by turning the knob found on the right side of the seatback. It expands towards or away from your lower back, but, unfortunately, it does not move up and down.
But that’s not a deal-breaker…
This chair also offers a few other excellent adjustable features that allow for even more ergonomic support throughout the day.
You can raise or lower this chair from 18” to 21” off the ground. Even when entirely raised, the stability of this chair is superb, thanks to the powder-coated polypropylene frame and caster type wheels it uses.
This product is actually approved by the American Chiropractic Association, and we can see why…
The armrests on this chair can also be fine-tuned to your sitting position. You can raise and lower them as well as move them towards or away from the seat. NBF has also incorporated a synchro-tilt function that accommodates your specific body weight when you tilt back in the chair, which we love.
You can even lock this chair in an upright position as well. All the adjustability for height and tilt can be easily done via the handles located under the seat.
Pros
- Easy to clean PU.
- Seven adjustment options.
- Soft memory foam seat.
- ACA Approved.
Cons
- Setup is challenging to do on your own.
2
AmazonBasics Low-Back, Upholstered Mesh, Adjustable, Swivel Computer Office Desk Chair, Black – Best Budget Office Chair for Short People
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get an office chair suitable for short people, and this next chair from AmazonBasics proves it.
This mesh-backed chair can hold up to 225lbs…
The mesh chair back allows for better airflow and measures 16.1” wide by 14.9” high, which should provide excellent midback relief for most people.
The main seat cushion has a 2-inch foam core that is 16.1” wide by 14.9” deep. You will notice that the foam used is slightly firm at first but envelops you well over time.
But there’s always a catch to low pricing…
Since this chair sits at a lower price, you will notice that it doesn’t incorporate the same amount of ergonomic adjustability that some more expensive office chairs offer.
You will be limited to height adjustability only with this chair. It will raise and lower via the pneumatic handle located under the seat cushion from 16.7” to 21.2” off the floor.
Otherwise, it’s fixed…
When you lean back in this chair, you will notice that it doesn’t move. This is a stationary chair, and the back angle is at a fixed position.
The actual sitting position is still incredibly comfortable, even though it does not have arms on it. We would have liked some elbow support just to ease a bit of the tension on our shoulders throughout the day, nonetheless.
Pros
- Breathable mesh backing.
- Easy to assemble.
- 4.5-inch Height adjustability.
Cons
- Chair back position is fixed.
- Does not include armrests.
3
Steelcase Amia Task Chair: Adjustable Back Tension – LiveLumbar Support – Seat Slider – 4 Way Adjustable Arms – Black Frame/Black Fabric – Most Comfortable Office Chair for Short People
The Steelcase Amia Task Chair has all the bells and whistles you could ask for when buying the best office chairs for short people. From the very first time you sit down in this chair, you will notice its top-notch build design.
It starts with a thick cushion that is 19.4” wide, which offers adjustable depth…
The central seat cushion can actually slide in and out, away from the chair back. Thus, allowing for a broader range of comfort depending on your sitting position. And you can adjust the depth of the seat from 15.5” to 18.5” and even its height off the ground from 18” to 22”.
This seat cushion even features a flexible front edge. You will notice that it will move up to 1 and ½ inches, and this genuinely helps in releasing any undesirable tension in your thighs.
LIVELUMBAR™ guarantees superior comfort…
Steelcase’s Amia Task Chair uses what they call a Liveback design. The chair back flexes and adjusts to your body shape and sitting position, eliminating any unnecessary strain on your spine.
It also incorporates Steelcase’s LIVELUMBAR™ technology that supports your lower back through the use of flexors. You can even raise or lower the lumbar support along your back via the two handles located on the chair back. Any tension on your back melts away in this chair, leaving you fresh yet still productive all day long.
Your shoulders and elbows will also be tension free…
Thanks to the adjustable armrests on offer. These padded armrests can adjust in height, depth, width, and even pivot inward and outwards.
Steelcase is confident in the quality of their office chairs and offers a 10-year limited warranty, which we think is a good indicator or the chair’s potential longevity. If you have the cash, we say fork out for this one.
Pros
- Liveback and LIVELUMBAR™ support.
- Adjustable seat cushion and armrests.
- 4-inch Height adjustability.
- 10-Year warranty.
Cons
- Awfully expensive.
4
Modway Thrive Drafting Chair – Tall Office Chair for Adjustable Standing Desks in Gray – Best Office Chair for Short People Using Standing Desks
If you like to use a standing type desk in the office, this drafting chair from Modway might be the perfect fit.
This drafting chair has a pretty unique shape that flows from its nylon molded armrests back out towards its mesh-covered back support.
Encourages good posture…
The actual chairback is 17.5” wide at its maximum point. It rises along the middle of your back and is 13” tall.
While leaning back in this chair, you will find a bit of passive lumbar support, thanks to the upholstering used. The overall shape of the back leads to a more upright sitting position.
Or stand up and step away…
This drafting chair is actually intended for use with stand-up desks. Stand-up type desks are most often taller than a standard work desk, of course.
You will have a broad range of height adjustability from 22” to 29.5” with this drafting chair. Since you could potentially be sitting rather high off the ground, you might be worried that your feet won’t be able to touch the ground.
Which is why Modway has also incorporated a height-adjustable foot ring…
You can adjust the foot ring from 9” to 14” off the floor. Then, the 18” wide by 16” deep seat cushion is densely padded and covered in mesh. This isn’t the softest seat we have sat on, but it is still reasonably comfortable over extended periods.
Thanks to the footrest, seatback, and armrest positions this chair uses, it is effortless to not only sit in but also get out of. We think it’s well worth considering if you’re using a standing desk.
Pros
- Perfect for stand-up desks.
- 7.5-inch height adjustability.
- Able to hold up to 331lbs.
Cons
- Passive lumbar support could be more robust.
5
SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid Dark Back and Padded Black Eco Leather Seat, 2-to-1 Synchro Tilt Control, Adjustable Arms and Tilt Tension with Nylon Base Managers Chair – Best Eco Leather Office Chair for Short People
The SPACE Seating AirGrid office chair comes to us from Office Star Products. This manager’s type chair features a bonded leather-covered central seat cushion that measures 18.5” wide by 19.5” deep.
Plush Eco Leather…
It feels very plush while featuring a nice amount of curve towards the front edge that reminds us of a waterfall type design. Your legs and thighs will feel nice and comfortable hanging over the edge.
The chair back is covered in mesh type upholstery, which will aid in keeping your back nice and cool throughout the day. It also offers a decently large surface area supplying 18.5” of width while being 19.75” tall.
Lumbar support is provided via a wing-type system…
You will notice that the lumbar support wing is in a fixed position, found behind the upholstered mesh backing of the chair.
When you sit down in the chair, the mesh will flex to your shape, and the lumbar wing will rest gently against your back. This type of lumbar support works decently but will not necessarily provide enough support for all people.
Synchro-Tilt…
Like many other office chairs, this AirGrid chair offers an adjustable amount of tilt. When you lean back, the Synchro-Tilt mechanism used reclines at a 2 to 1 ratio to the seat angle.
So, when you tilt back, your central seat cushion stays relatively level with the floor. This provides increased stability while also keeping you in contact with the ground.
Great adjustability…
You also have a decent amount of adjustability available. The seat can be raised or lowered all the way from 19” to an ample 25” off the ground.
The PU covered armrests’ height can also be fine-tuned at the push of a button. The padding on the armrests is reasonably soft and, unfortunately, seemed to get rather warm after long periods of use.
The nylon base of this chair supports up to 250lbs and features oversized caster wheels. Gliding this chair, even over thick carpet, is easy to do. Overall, if you like bonded leather, this may be the chair for you.
Pros
- Plush Eco Leather.
- 6-inch height adjustability.
- Synchro-Tilt function.
- Soft adjustable armrests.
Cons
- Bonded leather gets warm with use.
6
Flash Furniture Desk Chair with Wheels | Swivel Chair with Mid-Back Black Mesh and LeatherSoft Seat for Home Office and Desk, BIFMA Certified – Best Short Person Office Chair with Removable Armrests
Flash Furniture’s BL-X-5M-LEA-GG mid-back chair is next up on our list.
The central seat cushion is upholstered in what Flash Furniture calls LeatherSoft. LeatherSoft is a mixture of polyurethane and leather that allows for increased breathability while still being durable.
Reasonable support…
You will have a usable seating area that is 19” deep and 20.25” wide. The chair back has a textured mesh surface that offers 20” of width while being 23” tall likely going up the majority of your back.
We like the mesh, but…
Located behind the mesh seatback is another wing-type lumbar system. It isn’t adjustable but does feature multiple curved supports that go along your lower back.
The mesh upholstering was rather stiff during our tests, and we didn’t feel that the lumbar support wing was that beneficial. But, we were still grateful to have it there, nonetheless, since we assume the chair just needed to be broken in further.
Flip-up armrests are the best…
The armrests used on this Flash Furniture chair are covered in faux leather as well, making them soft to the touch. These armrests are not adjustable in your typical up and down fashion, though.
But the point is, you can lift these armrests up and out of the way entirely if need be. This makes it easier to get in and out of the chair while still providing relief for your elbows when they are in the down position.
Pros
- Breathable LeatherSoft upholstering.
- Large seat cushion and backrest.
- Flip-up armrests.
Cons
- The mesh used is rather stiff.
7
HON Wave Mid-Back Chair – Mesh Office or Computer Chair with Adjustable Arms, Black (VL712) – Best Mesh Office Chair for Short People
The Wave model midback chair from HON incorporates a mesh fabric covering, not only on the chair back but also on the padded central seat cushion.
You have a range of adjustability on hand with this office chair…
The comfortable central cushion rises from 18” to 22” off the floor while offering a roomy 20” of width and 18” of depth to it. The armrests have integrated padding but are still somewhat hard. You can raise and lower them by using the buttons that are located on their sides.
So much mesh means superior breathability…
Leaning back on the double-layered 21” by 13” mesh seatback is incredibly supportive, even though it only goes midway up your back. The mesh used is firm but springy and will form to your shape and size all the way back to the integrated lumbar support system.
This lumbar system is another to feature a wing-type design, but with a level of adjustability to it. You can simply lift the wing up or down to the desired height that allows for the most support for your build.
All the mesh this HON Wave chair uses breathes exceptionally well no matter how long you sit on it for. You won’t have to leave work sweaty after sitting on this chair, that’s for sure.
Better posture…
If you tilt back in this chair, you will notice it pivots from its middle axis. The backrest increases at a higher angle compared to the actual central cushion leaving you with better posture.
The HON Wave can handle up to 250lbs and has five caster wheels for gliding across most surfaces. We found that you might struggle going over thick carpet, though.
Pros
- Breathable layered mesh backrest.
- Height adjustable lumbar wing.
- Supportive central seat cushion.
- Tilt maintains good posture.
Cons
- Armrests could be softer.
8
Office Star Mesh Back & Seat, 2-to-1 Synchro & Lumbar Support Managers Chair, Black – Best Office Chair Lumbar Support for Short People
Office Star Products is back again with its 5700MB model manager’s style chair. This chair is another to offer flip-up style padded armrests making it easier to get in and out of when you need to.
The frame of this chair flows up from the generous 19.5” by 19.75” seat to the slotted lumbar wing.
This lumbar wing is one of the better ones we have tested…
Leaning against the 19.25” by 22” tall seat back, you will quickly feel the lumbar wing doing its job. It is in a fixed position, but due to the overall size of it, you will notice it supports the majority of your lower back, particularly well.
Also integrated into the frame of this chair is Office Stars 2 to 1 tilt synchronization technology that was also on offer with the previous Office Star chair we reviewed.
This basically allows for a controlled tilt while still keeping your feet on the ground and promoting good posture…
Both the cushion and backrest are covered in a durable mesh that has a very subtle texture to it. Breathability is up there with some of the best mesh chairs we have looked at.
You can raise or lower your sitting position from 17.75” to 21.75”. The 5700MB chair can also support up to 250lbs and includes caster wheels for moving from one workplace to the other.
Take note…
The cater wheels used on this chair are excellent for use across carpeted surfaces. They can roll across hard surfaces just as well, but you might occasionally notice some marking on those surfaces from the wheels.
Office Star does sell optional soft wheel casters that can be used with this chair, but at an additional cost.
Pros
- 2 to 1 tilt synchronization.
- Soft mesh-covered surface.
- Ample sized lumbar support wing.
Cons
- The included caster wheels aren’t safe to use on hard surfaces.
9
Alera Etros Series Petite Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair, Black – Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Short People
The last chair we are going to look at is the Alera Etros Series Petite Mid-Back Chair. Once you take a seat in this chair, you will notice the high level of ergonomic features it offers.
This chair is excellent for a wide variety of users, not just short people. There are three pneumatic levers found underneath the chair that allow for height, tilt, and seat depth adjustability.
Highly ergonomic, but it’s the foam seat cushion we love…
It features a generous 20.1” wide contoured foam seat cushion that slides, offering you a seat depth from 16.1” to 17.4”. You will then notice that it incorporates a mesh covering that slopes down away from your thighs, leaving your legs nice and relaxed.
You will also find a black mesh seat back, which is rather sizable for a midback chair, measuring 17.75” tall and 18.9” wide. The mesh used is similar to other chairs we have looked at and provides decent conformity and breathability.
Decent lumbar support…
Behind the mesh seat back, there is a T-shaped padded lumbar support system. This lumbar system offers 3 inches of adjustability up or down your back.
The armrests are firm but comforting and can be moved inwards or outwards from the base of the chair. You can also raise or lower them, allowing for a more significant amount of pressure relief on your elbows.
Sturdy caster wheels, but…
You can also raise or lower the Alera 19. 2” to 22.6” away from the floor. The base and 2-inch caster wheels are made to withstand a weight of up to 250lbs.
One thing to mention is that the caster wheels are hooded. They roll smoothly over most surfaces, but if your carpet is too shaggy, you might notice that it will get stuck in the wheels.
Pros
- Height and width adjustable armrests.
- Wide and inviting seatback.
- Good, supple lumbar support.
Cons
- Lengthy assembly process.
- Not friendly with shaggy carpets.
Best Office Chairs For Short People Buying Guide
Standard office chairs can often be a bit too large for smaller people to use comfortably. After sitting on numerous chairs, we came across a few things you should consider before ordering your next office chair.
Get The Height Right…
Office chairs that are designed for shorter people will offer the same excellent height flexibility a standard, or even a big and tall office chair does. You will typically have a few inches of height adjustability on any good office chair for short people, and that’s certainly the case on those that we have reviewed.
The ability to adjust the seat height from the floor can’t be overstated. A chair that is too high or low from the ground can lead to poor posture and back pain over time.
Go For An Ergonomic Design…
Some office chairs supply not only height adjustability but also seat or arm width adjustments as well. Your seat cushion might slide forward or backward, and the armrests might move up and down or even pivot, for example. The more adjustability an office chair offers usually means, the more ergonomic it will be in the long run.
Ergonomics can also come via built-in lumbar support systems. You typically find these behind the cover of your chair, and they can be either stationary or height adjustable.
Mesh Backing Is A Winner…
Even office chairs without a dedicated lumbar support system can still be easy on the back, depending on what they are made of. If your office chair has a mesh backing, this will typically work at relieving any back strain throughout the day. Mesh-backed chairs will slightly stretch to the shape of your back and provide relief that way.
Office chairs also typically offer a degree of tilt to them, allowing you to lean back and stretch your legs if you need to. The tilt function of office chairs differs between manufacturer and model. You will either have a tension-based tilt that can be locked in place or a free moving option.
Or, Even Better…
Sometimes the tilt function of the chair will synchronize, allowing the principal seat to tilt at a different angle to the seatback. This will typically help keep your feet on the ground while leaning back.
When you lean back in your chair for the first time, it might be a bit shocking how far back it will go. You can usually adjust the rate of tilt by tightening or loosening a tension knob underneath the seat cushion.
No Matter What Chair You End Up With, Some Assembly Will Be Required…
You will typically have to attach wheels and tighten some bolts before your chair is ready to be sat on. Manufacturers will often provide you all the tools you need to put the chair together. The directions aren’t always as clear as you may like, though.
We find that a quick search online will point you in the right direction if you have any questions while putting your chair together.
Before We Announce Our Winner
Often it’s not just our office chairs that increase our comfort as short people, but our office desks that can make a big difference too. We recommend you check out our Best Standing Desks Reviews, as it may solve all your problems with the added bonus of improving your overall health! Gamer? Head on over to our Best Gaming Desks Review.
Back pain? Why not check if you don’t actually just need one of the brilliant chairs showcased in the Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Back Pain reviews? And, if you’ve never tried it, be sure to check out our Best Balance Ball Chairs review, as it may just change your life.
On a tight budget? If so, check out our Best Budget Office Chairs review, and our Best Ergonomic Office Chairs Under 200 Review.
Ok, back to office chairs for short people…
Which Of The Best Office Chairs For Short People Do We Use?
This was a tough choice, considering how many great options there are available. But, we eventually decided the winner of this ideal office chairs for short people roundup goes to the…
Steelcase Amia Task ChairThe Amia offers a tremendous amount of ergonomic adjustability that will leave you feeling tension free yet productive throughout the day. You can raise and lower the seat height by 4 inches, making this chair suitable for a wide variety of people. The armrests offer the right amount of padding while allowing for adjustment in height, width, and they even pivot.
Both the central seat cushion and backrest, contour, and shape well to your specific body type and the lumbar support was the absolute best we experienced. Thanks to the flexibility of the lumbar support and its ability to raise and lower, you can pinpoint the precise place you want it, allowing for the best overall support.
The Amia Task Chair is the priciest office chair we looked at, but when it comes to your overall comfort, this chair really stood above the rest. If you can afford it, go for it. It’s most definitely worth it.
Finally! Here’s to a comfortable day at the office for us short people.