When we think of ergonomic office chairs, we usually picture them with wheels. After all, wheeled chairs offer freedom of movement, and they generally have more adjustable features.
However, what if you don’t want a chair that rolls all over the place?
For some people, a chair that moves easily becomes more of an annoyance than a convenience. They are more expensive than their non-wheeled relatives, and require more work to assemble. Stationary chairs also offer a clean, classy appearance to an office space.
Here, we will look at five of the best ergonomic chairs without wheels. They feature different materials, adjustable parts, and frame styles. But they are all under $200, making them suitable for any budget.
Flash Furniture Black Mesh Sled Base Reception Chair – Best Overall
Pros:
- Built-in lumbar support
- Padded, flip-up arms
- Breathable, mesh backrest
- Sturdy build
- Supports 250 pounds
Cons:
- Some users may not want the built-in rocking ability
This Flash Furniture Reception Chair is our top pick for its combination of comfort, features, and affordability. The cool, mesh backrest is curved and has a built-in lumbar support system to keep your spine in the proper position and prevent undue muscle strain.
The seat has a mesh fabric cushion with a waterfall edge for leg comfort and healthy circulation. It is 20 inches wide and 19 inches deep, which is suitable for the average user but too small for very wide and tall people.
A notable feature on this chair is the flip-up arms, which are ideal for small workspaces where the chair needs to move up close to the desk. It also allows more range of movement for your arms when extra support is not needed. This is the only adjustable part of the chair.
The sturdy sled base, which can hold up to 250 pounds, is a popular style in office chairs without wheels. It gives this chair a slight rocking motion that can be relaxing for people. However, if you’re looking for a completely stationary chair, this may not be appropriate. There are anti-tilt “feet” on the front corners for added stability.
Clatina Guest Chair – Best Budget
Pros:
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Holds 275 pounds
- Breathable mesh back
- Very affordable
- Steel frame
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Armrests aren’t padded
Coming in at under $100, the Clatina Guest Chair provides a surprising amount of support and style. Its curved, mesh backrest will keep you cool throughout the day and support the natural curve of your spine.
One of the best features is the adjustable lumbar support—an unusual find in this style of chair. For people struggling with lower back pain, this is ideal for reducing soreness and achieving a healthy posture.
The seat cushion is also made of a breathable, mesh fabric, which users have found to be very comfortable. Unfortunately, the armrests aren’t padded. For some, it could be a discomfort, but at this price point, it’s a minor drawback that most are more than willing to accept.
The sled base is made of steel and holds 275 pounds. Many people were happy to find that it easily slides over the carpet.
Assembly is very simple. Some users only needed 10 minutes to put it together. The parts are solid, durable, and don’t creak. Customers were extremely satisfied with the level of comfort and value that this chair offers.
Office Factor Reception Guest Chair – Best Premium
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Sled base
- Mesh backrest
- Ergonomic design
- Waterfall seat
- Padded, flip-up armrests
- Holds 300 pounds
Cons:
- Armrests may be too far apart
- May creak after several months of use
If you’re looking for a stationary chair with a stylish, ergonomic design and padded, adjustable armrests, the Office Factor Reception Guest Chair could be the one for you.
It features a curved, mesh back that is specifically contoured to hug your spine and prevent fatigue while keeping you cool. There is a surprising amount of lumbar support.
People that usually need an added pillow found that this chair gave them great support for their lower back, even after hours of sitting. Others who suffered from chronic back pain found that their condition improved after just a few days of using this chair.
The cushioned seat has a waterfall edge and sits atop a sturdy sled base that can hold up to 300 pounds. Anti-tilt “feet” on the base add stability. This chair slides very well on carpet.
The padded, flip-up armrests offer freedom of movement and can accommodate people of all sizes. Gamers especially appreciated this feature. However, some users found that they were a bit too far apart and not especially comfortable while typing.
Assembly instructions come with detailed illustrations. Handy people can put the chair together in about 20 minutes, but if you have no experience, it will take you longer.
There was some concern about the chair becoming creaky after a few months of use, but most people were very happy with the level of comfort and support.
Amazon Basics Faux Leather Office Chair – Best Faux Leather
Pros:
- Traditional, 4-leg design
- Classy, faux leather upholstery
- Sturdy build
- Holds 250 pounds
- Good lumbar support
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Won’t slide across carpet
- Not adjustable
- Durability issues with upholstery
Tradition meets comfort in this faux leather office chair. It’s the only one on our list with a 4-leg design, which prevents it from easily sliding on carpet but offers great stability. The classic style complements any environment with a professional look.
The sturdy, metal frame supports 250 pounds and is suitable for people who need to push off the arms to stand up. There is no squeaking or wobbling, even with heavier users.
Both the back and seat are covered in comfortable faux leather cushions that give ample support. Users with serious back issues found them to be extremely comfortable. Even people over 200 pounds enjoy sitting in this chair. Also, buyers had no leg discomfort or numbness even after hours of use.
The seat itself is 19.6 inches high and 20 inches deep. People as short as 5 feet 2 inches can comfortably use this chair, depending on their leg length.
Assembly can be done in about 15 minutes, but some users found that a second set of hands was needed to hold the pieces in place while securing. It mostly consists of tightening 8 screws with the included Allen wrench.
Upholstery durability was the only major issue that users had. On some chairs the stitching on the seams of the cushions gave way. However, this doesn’t seem to happen too often.
Space Seating Visitors Chair – Most Eco-Friendly
Pros:
- Eco-leather seat
- Built-in lumbar support
- Mesh, AirGrid backrest
- Sturdy sled base
- Supports 250 pounds
- Greenguard certified
Cons:
- Seat may be too firm for some users
- Seat height may be too high
With the Space Seating Visitors Chair, you get a stylish combination of materials and excellent back support. It features a breathable back that is curved to fit your spine. The AirGrid mesh encourages exceptional airflow that will keep you cool all day long.
A built-in lumbar support prevents lower back strain and promotes healthy posture.
The 3-inch-thick, padded seat is covered in 20% recycled leather and gives firm support. People who are looking for a plush seat may not like it, but others found it to be just as comfortable (if not more) as a Herman Miller Aeron.
The seat height is 19 inches, and the width is 20.5 inches. It is also 19.5 inches deep. Some users found that the seat was too high for them and used a footrest.
The chair is built with a heavy-duty metal frame that can hold 250 pounds. The frame has 4 sled feet that can slide over carpet, or you can put felt on them to slide across a floor.
The armrests aren’t padded or adjustable. Some people found them to be a bit high for comfort, and they don’t fit under a desk.
This chair is Greenguard certified, which means that there is minimal off-gassing from the materials.
Conclusion
Although office chairs are commonly made with wheels, there are benefits to having one without them. Many people prefer the lower price, stability, and ease of assembly. If your office is carpeted, a rolling chair may not move as easily as a stationary one with a sled base.
If you are looking for a stationary office chair that is also ergonomic, try starting with the list above. For the most budget-conscious, the Clatina Guest Chair offers an affordable price with the coveted, adjustable lumbar support.
Amazon Basics Faux Leather chair is a great, affordable option that brings class and style to your space with surprising comfort. The Flash Furniture Reception Chair offers good lumbar support and flip-up arms that are ideal for a small work area.
When shopping for a stationary chair, try measuring your legs to make sure the seat height will fit you. Then, simply choose your favorite fabric and features and get ready to enjoy a more comfortable work day!