If you’re a short or petite person, finding the proper office chair is a real struggle. Since most office chairs accommodate an average or tall person, it can be difficult to come across the perfect chair that doesn’t let your feet dangle around. Especially for women under 5’3’’ or men 5’88’’, not having an office chair that matches your height can be awkward and it may create back problems in the long run.
Sitting on a chair that doesn’t fit you well leads to a lot of discomfort in your back or neck, lack of blood circulation, and more. Ergonomic chairs are the solution to everything. The best types of office chairs for a person range from 5’4’’ to 4’11’’ and they should be designed to fit you like a glove.
What to Look for in a Chair for Short People
Seat height
Height is the number one factor that you need to look for. The seat height of an office chair should be adjustable if a person is 4’11’’ and above. The starting point of an adjustable seat height is around 15.9 inches and it’s a crucial feature that should fit you correctly.
A good rule of thumb to measure the chair height is to first sit and have your thighs in horizontal and then measure the height from the floor to the back of your knee. You should do this while your feet lie flat on the floor.
Seat depth:
Most office chairs have a seat depth of 18 inches or more and the depth is especially important in an ergonomic chair. When you have your feet flat on the floor while being seated, it’s best if you have 2 inches of space between your thighs and the seat. This feature is helpful so that you prevent any pain from sitting for long hours.
Material:
Office chairs are made from a variety of materials such as fabric, mesh, faux leather, or even real leather. Mesh is the most breathable material but if it lacks a cushioned seat or lumbar support then it can’t offer you too much support. The best one would be a combination of mesh/fabric or just a fabric office chair.
Lumbar support:
No matter the reason for getting an office chair, everyone needs to consider a chair which offers some support such as a lumbar pillow. This will give your lower back the proper support that it needs, while also aligning your posture.
Office Chair Height Chart for short people:
If you’re still unsure about what chair matches your height best, we have made a chart that shows your height and the suitable seat height of an office chair so it’s easier for you to find the proper chair. These are also recommendations from BFIMA so you know they’re carefully selected.
|
Person’s Height (feet) |
Chair Height (inches) |
|
4’11’’ |
15.9 inches |
|
5’0’’ |
16.2 inches |
|
5’1’’ |
16.4 inches |
|
5’2’’ |
16.7 inches |
|
5’3’’ |
17 inches |
|
5’4’’ |
17.2 inches |
So, what are the best office chairs for a short person like you? If you go through our guide, you’ll find some of the best office chairs that are specifically designed for shorter people. What we offer you is a selection of chairs with ergonomic details such as seat height, depth, size, and width but we will also try and include some budget-friendly options too.
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
SIHOO is definitely a worthy brand; one makes amazing chairs which fit each and everyone. This ergonomic chair is one of their best office chairs with a superb design and durability; it’s well-made and with height adjustability that fits you just well.
Features: You’ll love the adjustability features that this SIHOO chair offers. First, the height is adjustable as it ranges from 15.5 inches up to 20 inches. When referring to the chart above, if your height is 4’11’’ up to 6’2’’, this chair is just right. Also, you can flip-up the armrests and slide the chair under the desk. The seat depth is fixed; the backrest supports your spine just right. Another adjustable feature is the reclining feature that goes up to 120 degrees and it’s great for whenever you want to relax or watch some Netflix.
Design: The back design of this one is ergonomically designed to support your spine and provide you with the best seating experience. It’s comfortable even for long periods of hours thanks to the lumbar support. It’s also made of some high-quality materials such as mesh cloth which is both resistant and breathable and a thick padding on the seat. You can find this modern-looking office chair in grey and black colors which look sleek in your office space.
What we like:
- The design supports a wide range of heights
- Adjustable height, lumbar support, and flip-up arms
- C-shape of the seat aligns your posture
- Can be locked in multiple angles
- Smooth and silent casters
- Wear-resistant and strong materials
- Weight capacity – 300 lbs
- Takes up to 10 minutes to assemble
What we don’t like:
- Lumbar support is a little difficult to adjust
Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair
Everyone has heard of the Herman Miller Aeron at least once. It’s perhaps our most expensive option in this guide but because it has a clean design and well-made, this deserves all the hype. It comes in an A, B and C size, but the one we have for you is size A since it suits short people best.
Features: The minimum seat height range for the Aeron is 14.75 inches, while the seat depth is 16 inches – smaller than most standard office chairs. Obviously, this chair has multiple adjustable features such as the 4D arms from 7 to 11.5 inches and a lumbar support adjusted to your height and preferences. What makes this stand out from your typical office chairs is the smooth recline function and the fact that you can lock it in 3 different angles.
Design: The Aeron chair is mastered in every way to create the best support for you with the PostureFit SL backrest that aligns your spine. The individual pads maintain the natural forward tilt of the pelvis, leading to a better comfort in the sacro area. Upholstered foam arm pads and the mesh on the backrest mean that no matter how short you are, the air gets ventilated and your body temperature is regulated. Additionally, you can find this in 3 different colors – all of which match your office and create a modern feel to it:
- Graphite
- Carbon
- Mineral
What we like:
- Available in 3 different sizes – A is the smallest
- Forward tilt ability
- Made of recycled materials (53%)
- Includes individual backrest pads for a better lumbar support
- The 8Z Pellicle suspension seat has 8 zones of tension
What we don’t like:
- Seat depth is not adjustable
Alera ALEET4017 Alera Etros Series Petite Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair
A multi-level ergonomic chair like this Alera Etros is exactly what you need. It comes with adjustability on seat height, angle, tilting, as well as lumbar support for the whole package. This Etros Series is specifically designed for shorter people who work in the office all day and they need some support.
Features: If you’re someone who’s keen on adjustments, then you’ll love this Alera chair. We love that you can adjust the seat height from 17.5 inches to 21.5 inches but also the fact that it comes with 3 different levels that you can adjust: backrest angle, forward tilt, and seat slide. You’ll also enjoy the height and width-adjustable armrests and the wheel casters which roll smoothly. This is best suited to petite users but because it has a tilt lock and tilt tension control, the chair can accommodate anyone.
Design: For someone who suffers from back pain, you’ll appreciate that this Alera comes with a built-in lumbar support. The mesh on the backrest is breathable and wear-resistant, super comfortable for sitting up to 8 hours or more. There’s also some padding on the seat which complements the mesh, while the all-black appearance adds a sleek and contemporary look to your office area.
What we like:
- Adjustable seat height
- Three-level mechanism
- The seat is firm, yet supportive
- Armrests are adjustable and soft
- Super easy to assemble, only takes 5 minutes
What we don’t like:
- Supports only 220 lbs
HON Volt Armless Task Chair
If you’re someone who spends most of your time in an office and constantly typing on the keyboard, this Hon Volt office chair is perfect. It’s armless so it’s great for fitting right under the desk and it can always be adjusted shorter depending on your height.
Features: The Volt is only 18 inches high but it sits low enough with the help of the pneumatic lift. You can swivel around thanks to the durable caster wheels that glide around any surface. There’s a center-tilt mechanism that helps rotate the seat into a comfy reclining angle. The construction of this one is so well-made that it supports up to 250 lbs and that’s more than enough for an average or short person.
Design: This is the best compact office chair for petite users because you can easily move it around your office. It’s a simple and straightforward design, with a five-star base that ensures a sturdy chair – perfect for any short person. The inner seat shell is made of wood composite and recycled materials that ensure a comfortable sensation. The seat is also upholstered, contouring and conforming to any body shape. It has an appealing geometric-looking design that is covered in a black color, ideal for any type of office interior.
What we like:
- Customizable seat height
- The back reclines
- Durable caster wheels
- Made of 100% polyester
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
What we don’t like:
- The back of the seat may be a little too long for some
TACRONEY Office Chair
This Tacroney office chair is our most aesthetically-pleasing chair and it comes with a reasonable price too. This chair is suitable for people of 5’2’’ up to 6’2’’ and it’s very flexible in terms of its design, with many adjustable features as well.
Features: The main thing about this Tacroney ergonomic office chair is that it can be adjusted from 16.7 inches to 19.9 inches, making this an ideal option for short people. The armrests are also height-adjustable and comfortable enough to rest on your elbows. Whenever you want to lay back, the reclining function can go up to 121 degrees plus it has multiple tilt lock angles. Another great useful feature is the 360-degree swivel function that you can use to get around the office without getting up.
Design: The reason why this Tacroney chair feels extra comfortable is because it’s loaded with breathable high-density foam. The backrest has a hollow design that hugs your form and gives your back the needed support. The seat is padded with thick foam, creating an aesthetically appealing office chair. A minimalistic design like this one comes in two backrest colors: grey and black, while the seat remains black.
What we like:
- Adjustable seat height and armrests
- Very comfortable to sit on for long hours
- Simplistic yet modern design
- 5 years warranty
- Mute nylon wheels
- Maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs
- Affordable price point
- Easy to put together
What we don’t like:
- No negative reviews on this one
Hbada Office Task Desk Chair
Another popular chair manufacturing brand that cares about their clients’ height is Hbada and this desk chair is no exception. It comes with plenty adjustable features so that a wide range of people can use this chair, especially petite users.
Features: Obviously, the heat adjustment feature is the most important factor you’ll look for and this chair’s seat ranges from 16 inches to 19.75 inches so it’s perfect for people of 5’0’’ to 6’1’’. The flip-up armrests are a useful and convenient feature that lets you move your body closer to the desk, especially if you have a small office space. It also offers a reclining up to 30 degrees and a rocking motion to help you relax while working.
Design: The beautifully curved design and the mesh on the backrest make this another great contemporary office chair. The curvature helps to maintain a comfy and relaxed posture, while the heavy-duty base ensures a strong chair that’s able to hold even heavier people. The high-density mesh is flexible and breathable, great for your lower back. If you want to spice up your office interior and make a statement, you’ll be happy to see that this minimalistic chair comes in 3 neutral colors such as white, black and beige.
What we like:
- Works for short and heavy people
- Armrests are adjustable up to 90-degrees
- Non-slip and silent nylon wheels
- Cute and minimalistic design
- Holds up to 250 lbs
- Easy installation process
What we don’t like:
- Putting on the caster wheels take some time
NOUHAUS ErgoTASK/ErgoDRAFT – Ergonomic Task/Draft Chair
Although the Nouhaus ErgoDraft chair works better when the working area is at a higher height than standard chairs, we had to include this since it comes with a footrest which is useful if you’re short and it works on a standing desk too.
Features: Seat height is a crucial point and with this specific chair, the height can be adjusted from 23.4 inches to 30.9 inches, along with the footrest range from 19.3 inches to 22 inches. Apart from this, the armrests can also be adjusted up and down which is great for a drafting chair. The headrest is perfect for supporting your head and neck in an up and down angle. Additionally, there’s a reclining feature that goes up to 135 degrees.
Design: The versatility of this chair is unmatched since it includes an extendable footrest which works great for short or taller people. Every design feature of the ErgoDraft contours your body from head to toe, while allowing to recline the backrest to a comfy position. Armrests have a PU material that’s soft, the backrest is made of a breathable mesh to avoid sweating and the base is aluminum ensuring durability. Additionally, it comes in 2 different styles: ErgoDraft and ErgoTask, as well as in a black or grey color. Both the style and colors of this chair give your office a fresh new look.
What we like:
- Retractable footrest is useful for short people
- Height variable arms
- Heavy-duty base
- Weight capacity is 275 lbs
- Anti-roll caster wheel locks for more mobility
- 19.3 inch hip room between each armrest
- Includes an integrated coat hanger
What we don’t like:
- Instructions are not clear enough
- The seat depth could be larger
Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair
Life has a funny way of bringing us things we never knew we needed like this Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair. This chair not only comes with plenty adjustable ergonomic features – seat height being one of them, but it also has a simplistic design that makes the sitting experience dynamic.
Features: As mentioned, the seat height is adjustable from 16.5 inches to 21.5 inches, perfect for a short person of at least 5’1’’. Other adjustments include the lumbar height and seat depth, 3D armrests for a more comfortable position and headrest. Lastly, the chair reclines up to 130 degrees with the tilt tension adjustment which gives you a relaxed sensation.
Design: If you spend your day sitting all day in an office, the mesh back and high-density seat cushion offer you a supreme support even after long hours of sitting. You won’t have to worry about sweating because the mesh is breathable and the padding on the w-shaped seat is durable. Also, the PA nylon frame is much stronger than a PP plastic frame. Even the curved foam headrest provides extra support for your neck and head.
What we like:
- Multi-adjustable features
- Metal 3D armrests with a soft padding
- Unique headrest for better alignment
- Waterfall-edge design and w-shaped seat provide more support
- Instructions are easy to follow
What we don’t like:
- Assembly takes a little while – up to 30 mins
Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair
If you’re familiar with Steelcase chairs, you’d know that they offer a lot of ergonomic features and this Amia office chair is no exception. This one is fully adjustable and it has a seat height adjustability that’s perfect for you short fellas out there.
Features: If you’re someone who is 5’1’’in height, this chair’s seat height ranges from 16.4 inches to 21.5 inches. Even if you’re over 5 feet, the Steelcase offers other options like the Leap. Next up, the armrests can be adjusted in 4 different ways so that you get the best support for your elbows. Seat depth is just as important and this one’s depth is around 17 ½ inches + adjustable, with 2-3 inches of space between the back of your knees and seat. A great feature is the Live-Lumbar which flexes when you lean against the backrest.
Design: One of the best things when it comes to the design of this chair is the versatility that comes in 10 different colors which you can choose based on your preferences and the interior of your office. The seat edge is designed in a flexible way that independently moves based on your knee position and simultaneously relieves any pressure on your thighs. In terms of materials, the Amia is made of mesh upholstery and upholstered back, while the base and frame have a black finish. As mentioned above, this comes in 10 color options which are bright and fresh, such as:
- Licorice
- Blue Jay
- Concord
- Graphite
- Malt
- Nickel
- Royal Blue
- Scarlet
- Tangerine
- Wasabi
What we like:
- Comes with fully adjustable features
- Back technology for a flexible backrest
- Multiple color options to choose from
- Available in carpet casters or hard floor casters
- Strong and pliable foam that adjusts to your body shape
- Flexible seat edge for a bit of bend
- Comes assembled
What we don’t like:
- The lumbar support doesn’t move too smoothly