When you think of specialty office chairs, it’s easy to just think of the Big & Tall variety. But what about the people at the other end of the spectrum? If you have a petite build, it can be a struggle to find an ergonomic office chair with the proper dimensions [1] to fit your size.
Here, we have compiled a list of the 6 best ergonomic chairs for short people that encompass a variety of prices and features. They have different heights and seat sizes to accommodate the unique needs of a short stature.
Table of Contents
Flash Furniture Mid-Back Ergonomic Office Chair – Top Pick
Pros:
- Supports up to 250 pounds
- Dynamic lumbar support
- Breathable mesh
- 3-inch seat cushion
- Rocking function
- Adjustable tilt tension
- Flip-up armrests
- Easy assembly
- 5-year limited warranty, 2-year parts warranty
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lumbar support is not adjustable
- Armrests are not height adjustable
- Deeper seat than others
For our top pick the Flash Furniture Mid-Back Office Chair combines a very affordable price with a quality build and ergonomic features.
The cool, mesh backrest can rock back and has adjustable tension. It features a built-in, dynamic lumbar support that flexes with you in every position.
The generous, 3-inch cushion is made with high-density foam that is comfortable all day long and doesn’t become flat or deformed.
It has a waterfall edge for healthy leg circulation. The seat depth is 19 inches, which is more than some of our other picks on this list. Users with very short legs may find it too deep for comfort.
Flip-up armrests are a handy feature on this chair and make it ideal for small office spaces. It’s especially helpful for petite users who need to get closer to their desk. Be aware, they cannot be adjusted in height.
This chair can hold up to 250 pounds. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty and a 2-year warranty on parts.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair – Size A – Premium Pick
Pros:
- Low height
- Very small seat depth
- Forward tilt
- 8 tension zones in seat and backrest
- Individual, adjustable lumbar support pads
- 3D-adjustable, padded armrests
- 12-year warranty
- Made with 53% recycled materials
Cons:
- Seat depth is not adjustable
- Expensive
- Only supports 130 pounds
As with most office chair lists, the Herman Miller Aeron makes an appearance here. The Size A model is specifically designed for petite users from 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall.
It can be adjusted to just 14.75 inches high and has a seat depth of just 15.75 inches. The seat depth can’t be adjusted, which is surprising at this price point. The seat itself is 25.75 inches wide and the side edges come up to make it feel like you’re “in” the chair rather than on it.
Both the seat and backrest are made of 8Z Pellicle suspension mesh that has eight latitudinal zones with varying tension to support you while keeping you cool.
Even when using the forward tilt function, this chair provides comfortable healthy support for your spine. You can also recline back and lock into three different positions with the tilt limiter and tension control.
The lumbar support system consists of two pads that can be individually adjusted for the lower back and pelvis, which provides much greater comfort than standard lumbar cushions.
The padded armrests can be adjusted in height, depth and angle, making it easier for small users to achieve a natural arm position.
The Aeron is eco-friendly and is made with 53% recycled materials. It comes with an impressive 12-year warranty that helps offset the prohibitive price.
Amazon Basics Padded Office Chair – Budget Pick
Pros:
- Classic style
- Leather upholstery
- Supports 275 pounds
- Adjustable tilt tension
- Shallow seat depth
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Adjustable height isn’t as low as others
- Backrest doesn’t recline
- Armrests aren’t adjustable
- Short warranty
The Amazon Basics Padded Office Chair offers petite users a classic look and plush padding in a smaller design for just under $100. The seat, backrest, and armrests are well padded and covered in bonded leather that is comfortable and easy to clean.
Although the backrest doesn’t recline back and lock, it does rock back with an adjustable tilt tension control. It has generous cushions that offer both support and relaxation.
The seat is 16.5 inches deep, which is ideal for short legs. It is height adjustable and goes down to 18 inches, although some users found that theirs went as low as 16 inches.
The armrests are fixed, which could be an issue from some people, but they are comfortably padded.
The chair sits on a sturdy, five-point base that can hold up to 275 pounds. It has dual caster wheels that are ideal for hardwood floors.
Assembly is simple and straightforward. Many users were able to put it together in about 20 minutes. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty through Amazon, which is shorter than many others but decent at this low price.
SIDIZ T50 Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Value Pick
Pros:
- Forward tilt
- 15-inch minimum height
- Adjustable seat depth
- Affordable alternative to Herman Miller Aeron
- 3D-adjustable armrests
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Rocking function
- Breathable mesh
- Supports 250 pounds
- Greenguard certified
- 30-day trial, 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Firm seat
- Backrest doesn’t recline and lock
- Lumbar support may be too small for some users
The SIDIZ T50 is a great, mid-range chair that offers many ergonomic benefits at a much more affordable price than the Herman Miller Aeron.
For starters, its height can be as low as 15 inches, which is ideal for people about 5 feet 4 inches tall. The seat depth is also adjustable, ranging from 18.3 inches to 21 inches, which is a wonderful feature at this price point.
The seat cushion is covered in fabric and made of firm foam. Some users felt it was a bit too firm and not quite thick enough. However, the waterfall edge is very comfortable for your legs.
A key feature of this chair is the forward tilt function. People with short arms tend to lean forward and tense up their necks while working. By using the forward tilt, neck strain is alleviated and you can comfortably work without any discomfort. The chair can lock into the forward position, so you have stable support.
The backrest can rock back up to 125 degrees. However, it doesn’t recline back and lock into place like many other chairs. Depending on your preference, this may or may not be an issue.
It is made of cool, breathable mesh and has a curved design to support the natural shape of your back. The width tapers from 18.5 inches at the top down to 15 inches at the lumbar region. For someone with a wider waist, this could feel restricting.
The lumbar support can be adjusted up and down and in and out. Some people found the pad to be a bit too small and more obtrusive than supportive.
The armrests can be adjusted in three directions, which is helpful in achieving your ideal position.
This chair has a Greenguard certification, which means that it was made with non-toxic, eco-friendly materials. It features a sturdy build that holds up to 250 pounds.
Buyers can enjoy a 30-day trial period and a 3-year warranty.
KERDOM Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Space-Saving Pick
Pros:
- Flip-up armrests
- Very low height setting
- Narrow footprint
- Thick seat cushion
- Adjustable tilt tension
- Rock back to 120 degrees
- Breathable mesh backrest
- Holds 250 pounds
- Detailed assembly manual
Cons:
- Armrests aren’t padded
- Backrest doesn’t recline
- No adjustable lumbar support
The KERDOM Ergonomic Chair is another affordable option that is ideal for small, narrow office spaces. The wheelbase measures 23.6 inches across, and the seat is just under 19 inches wide.
The seat cushion, which is almost 3 inches thick, is wrapped in a breathable fabric that users found to be very comfortable and cool after hours of use. It is not too soft or too firm.
The curved mesh backrest is cool and supportive of the lower back, even though there is no adjustable lumbar support. People with back problems found it to be very comfortable and helpful in maintaining proper posture. Although the back doesn’t recline and lock at an angle, it can rock back to 120 degrees. There is also an adjustable tilt tension function.
Petite users especially liked this chair for its ability to go down to a 14.6-inch height. They also found the seat depth, which is about 17.5 inches, to be very comfortable for shorter legs.
The armrests are smooth plastic with no padding. They aren’t adjustable, but they flip up to allow the chair to slide all the way up to your desk. At just over 7 inches long, they are shorter than most armrests.
Despite its small size, the chair can hold 250 pounds. Users were impressed with its sturdy feel. When it’s time to assemble, the manual includes a detailed instructional video.
Steelcase Leap – Most Adjustable Pick
Pros:
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Adjustable seat depth
- 4D-adjustable armrests
- Recline and lock function
- Low seat height
- Natural Glide System provides pelvic support
- LiveBack backrest flexes for natural support
- 12-year warranty
Cons:
- Armrests can rattle when fully extended
- Expensive
For those people who want the most adjustable features, the Steelcase Leap offers a variety of options in a high-quality chair that can fit small builds.
The seat height can be adjusted down to 15.5 inches, and the seat depth can go from 15.75 inches to 18.75 inches. The seat cushion is designed with air pockets to relieve pressure points in your thighs and conform to your body.
The backrest can recline and lock into place, and the Natural Glide system allows the seat to slide forward as you lean back. There is a height-adjustable lumbar support cushion, and the backrest features LiveBack technology that flexes as you move for continual support.
The armrests can be adjusted four ways for ultimate convenience. They move up and down, pivot in and out, forward and back, and side to side. However, when fully extended to their maximum length, users found that they can rattle.
The Leap has a hefty price tag at over $1,300, but it comes with a generous 12-year warranty from a well-known company.
Conclusion
Although it can be difficult to find an ergonomic chair that fits a petite build properly, the list above provides some quality options.
If you are not vertically gifted, try checking out the 6 best ergonomic chairs for short people, and you will be well on your way to finally having a comfortable workspace.
References
[1] https://www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/office-chairs-dimensions-for-petite-people