If you are reading this, most probably you are you on the hunt for a comfortable office chair that’s perfect for short or petite people? If that’s the case, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 9 office chairs that are specifically designed for shorter individuals. To be considered “short,” we’re talking about anyone who is less than 5’6″ tall.
It can be a challenge to find a chair with a low seat height that’s also of good quality. Most chairs are made for average-sized people, which can be a problem for shorter folks. Their feet might not reach the ground properly, causing discomfort and even health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to find an office chair that not only has a low seat height but also provides ergonomic features for comfortable and productive work sessions. So, let’s explore our top picks for the best office chairs for short guys.
5 Factors Evaluation Criteria
In compiling our list of the best office chairs, we have taken into account several key features that we consider fundamental parameters. Among these, seat height is a primary and essential criterion when selecting a chair. It plays a crucial role in ensuring proper posture and comfort while working. While seat height is of utmost importance, we also evaluated and considered other factors, such as ergonomic design, lumbar support, adjustable features, and overall build quality.
While these factors are secondary in nature, they contribute significantly to the overall comfort and functionality of the chair. By assessing these parameters, we have handpicked a selection of office chairs that excel in meeting the needs of different individuals, ensuring a comfortable and productive working experience.
- Seat height
- Ergonomic features
- Build quality
- Adjustability
- Footrest
1. Seat Height
When it comes to finding the perfect office chair for short individuals, the first and most crucial aspect to consider is the seat height. Let’s break it down for you in simple terms:
- If you’re around 5’6″ tall, aim for a chair with a minimum seat height of 16 inches.
- If you’re around 5’2″ tall, go for a chair with a minimum seat height of 15 inches.
- And if you’re under 5’2″ in height, look for a chair with a minimum seat height of 14 inches.
2. Ergonomic features
When considering an office chair, it is crucial to prioritize the presence of multiple ergonomic features. These features play a significant role in ensuring optimal comfort and support during extended periods of office work. Look for chairs that offer excellent lumbar support, allowing for proper alignment of the lower back.
Additionally, features such as seat tilt, backrest recline, headrest, and swivel functionality enhance flexibility and enable you to customize your sitting position according to your preferences.
3. Build quality
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, brands within the office chair industry are constantly striving to outperform one another in terms of build quality, incorporating innovative and durable materials. These materials range from sturdy metallic frames and bases to high-quality plastics, each competing for superiority. Furthermore, the battle extends to the realm of upholstery, encompassing a wide array of textures, patterns, and finishes.
When it comes to cushioning, manufacturers offer various options to cater to different preferences. Some chairs boast memory foam cushions, while others provide premium cold-cure foam padding. Additionally, hydraulic gas lifts play a vital role in chair functionality, with high-end models often featuring advanced class 4 gas lifts known for their superior performance.
With all these factors in mind, we have carefully handpicked our selection of chairs, ensuring they are equipped with features that contribute to long-lasting durability and smooth operation.
4. Adjustability
Chairs with greater adjustability are considered superior to non-adjustable options. A chair that offers height adjustment allows you to customize the seat height according to your preference. Similarly, chairs with adjustable armrests and tilt tension provide additional ergonomic features compared to non-adjustable chairs.
In the realm of high-end chairs, you’ll find options to control the height and width of the lumbar support, and some may even offer adjustable seat depth. Additionally, certain chairs offer different reclining ranges, allowing you to lock them in various positions. Remember, the more adjustability a chair offers, the higher its quality and ergonomic value.
5. Footrest
Most office chairs don’t have a footrest. Better to find a chair without a footrest as it proved annoying to many office workers. Only go for the footrest if you fail to find the chair with the required seat height. The footrest provides essential support to the hanging feet. It works as the best support alternative.
Here is our collection of the best office chair for short people. These chairs come with seat height to best suit short petite people.
FelixKing Ergonomic Chair: A High-Back Chair for Short Person
Highlights
With its adjustable headrest and mesh back, it’s got your back, neck, and head covered with exceptional support. Plus, the breathable mesh keeps you cool by allowing air to circulate freely.
Designed with a Y-shaped backrest and curved lumbar support, this chair ensures your lower back is well taken care of, making it a comfortable seating option for those long work hours. The high-density natural sponge seat automatically molds to your butt, providing balanced support that feels tailor-made for you.
But that’s not all! This chair goes above and beyond with its 3-way adjustable armrests, tilt tension adjustment, 3 locking positions for tilting, SGS-certified gas lift, shockproof nylon wheels, and more. It’s the perfect blend of medium-range affordability and long-lasting durability.
Pros
Cons
Steelcase Gesture: A High-End Ergonomic Chair
Highlights
Steelcase Gesture, a high-end premium chair is one of the best ergonomic chairs for short height users. The excellently built chair offers proved an amazing comfortable piece of office furniture. The upholstered seat and back of the chair move in a synchronous way, offering all day comfort and back support to keep your body relax.
It has a wonderful 3D LiveBack technology, designed to flex and mimic the natural movements of your spine. This keeps your spine in a balanced, healthy S-shape. There is advanced adjustable lumbar support to provide lower back support.
You can recline back and lock the chair in 4 different positions. The fully adjustable armrests give more freedom to work at different positions. Among our collection, this chair stands in the top spot both for its durability and ergonomics. Have a warm pocket and thinking about long-term usage? Go for it as this chair is a lifelong investment, it never disappoints its users.
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KERDOM Desk Chair: Best Breathable Office Chair
Highlights
KERDOM Desk Chair has almost a similar design and features as the FelixKing ergonomic chair. It comes with a Y-shape back and an adjustable headrest to provide the best support. There is a firm yet very comfortable lumbar support to provide the lower back support.
The chair also features a breathable mesh back to keep you cool. It reclines back up to 135 degrees. With a tilt tension control, you can adjust the reclining resistance. Other ergonomic features include 3D adjustable armrests, class 3 gas lift, and non-slip nylon wheels. Running out of bucks? Go for this budget item, as it not only offers ergo features but also suits multiple workstations like an office, reception room, meeting room, etc.
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Steelcase Amia: Best Fabric Chair for Short People
Highlights
The chair takes ergonomic support to a whole new level with its patented LiveLumbar technology, which molds to the contours of your spine, ensuring unwavering support from dawn till dusk.
Prepare to be wowed by the Amia’s arsenal of advanced features. With 4-way adjustable arms, customizable seat depth, and a flexible front seat edge, this chair offers every seating preference. It’s like having a personal assistant that anticipates your comfort needs.
Designed to tackle those marathon work sessions, the Amia has earned its stripes as one of the top contenders in the realm of ergonomic office chairs. Not only does it deliver unmatched comfort, but it also elevates the sophistication of any workplace, adding a touch of elegance and finesse to your surroundings. Choosing Amia is a long time investment.
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OHAHO Gaming Chair: Racing style Office Chair
Highlights
Despite a low-budget chair, it comes with a range of ergonomic features that are bound to enhance your sitting experience. With an adjustable footrest, lumbar and neck pillows, and a generous reclining range of up to 180 degrees, you’ll find your ideal position for both work and relaxation.
The OHAHO chair offers flexibility in more ways than one. You have the freedom to lock the backrest at any angle, providing personalized support and comfort tailored to your liking. Its high backrest, padded seat, and wide armrests create a luxurious seating experience, while the premium PU leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance. Choose from a range of colors to suit your style and workspace aesthetic.
Safety is a top priority with the OHAHO chair. It features an explosion-proof gas lift, ensuring peace of mind during use. As a budget-friendly option, this chair allows you to save some bucks without compromising on quality and functionality.
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Humanscale DIFFRIENT World Office Chair
Highlights
The DIFFRIENT World chair has a revolutionary design that sets it apart from typical chairs. With a remarkable reduction in the number of parts, totaling only 80, this chair minimizes the presence of moving parts prone to failure. Simplicity meets efficiency with two manual settings for seat height and depth, while all other adjustments are automatic.
Its automatic functionality eliminates the need for manual recline and lumbar support adjustments. Instead, it intuitively provides full support based on your body weight, ensuring optimal comfort without the hassle of constant readjustments.
The mesh seat and back of the chair not only offer exceptional support but also promote airflow, keeping your body relaxed and cool during long periods of sitting. You have the choice between fixed or adjustable armrests, allowing you to tailor the chair to your preference.
If you seek a sleek, minimalist office chair with advanced features, the DIFFRIENT World chair is the perfect choice. Rest easy with a 12-year warranty and a 30-day return policy provided by the brand, offering peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
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Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size B
Highlights
The Aeron (classic Aeron) chair is designed to provide unparalleled support and comfort. Its mesh seat and backrest deliver exceptional ergonomic support, while also promoting optimal ventilation to keep your body cool and comfortable throughout the day.
With its innovative posture fit technology and lumbar support, the Aeron chair ensures essential lower back support, allowing you to maintain a relaxed posture even during long work sessions. The soft and plush arm paddings further enhance your comfort, providing a luxurious seating experience.
Equipped with a forward and rear tilt mechanism, the Aeron offers customizable comfort, allowing you to find your perfect position for maximum productivity and relaxation. This exceptional piece of furniture is specifically designed to cater to your comfort needs during prolonged sitting sessions.
Rest assured with the peace of mind that comes from a 12-year warranty offered by the brand. The Aeron chair is not just a piece of furniture; it’s an investment in your well-being and satisfaction.
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Haworth Soji Office Chair
Highlights
Designed exclusively for ergonomics, the highly adjustable Soji chair offers healthier performance. Its upholstered foam seat along with the mesh back and lumbar support provides great support and comfort. It comes with 4D armrests, offering 4-way adjustment.
Say goodbye to uncomfortable hard edges, as the Soji chair features a waterfall seat design, relieving pressure on your knees and limbs. Not only does the Soji chair offer superior comfort, but it is also built to last. Its durability has made it a popular choice for individuals of shorter stature, providing a comfortable and supportive seating solution tailored to their needs.
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Office Factor Stool: Best Drafting Chair for Short people
Highlights
The Office Factor stool features a mesh fabric and a streamlined design, not only giving a more elegant look but also keeping your body cool. Its soft cushioned seat lets to sit comfortably for hours. Made of air vents, the back of the chair has a high rate of air circulation. Unlike most drafting stools, this chair comes with flip-up arms, offering more comfort and support to your limbs.
With its better height adjustment range, the Office Factor stool lets you smoothly work on different desk heights. Even though you can easily place your feet on the floor, this chair offers a footrest to support your feet. Its wide base ensures stability, while the gliding wheels allow smooth rolling across the floor.
It has an option to tilt the seat back to your most comfortable location. The tilt tension knob lets you adjust the resistance in seconds. If you are planning to work on elevated desk height, go for this chair as it offers smooth height adjustment and better ergo features.