Best Office Chair For Short Person [Review & Ratings] | Updated for 2022

You can search for Staples petite office chairs, but that would be counterintuitive.

You don’t just need a short people’s chair; you need a chair that fits your dimensions. Otherwise, you will sit in an uncomfortable and wrong position that produces lasting effects.

Or, you’ll get a chair that’s wrong for your needs.

Don’t just browse endless lists of petite chairs. Read this review because you need a chair for your purpose.

Some of the chairs below are good for long hours, others are good for back pain, and others for gaming. Which one will you get?

Stay tuned for asked and answered questions as well!

Best Office Chair For Short Person (Updated List for 2022)

1. Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size A – Best #1 Choice Overall

The Aeron size A is a good option, although it doesn’t feature seat depth adjustments, thanks to its specially designed dimensions that accommodate short users. As such, the seating area is 15.75 x 25.75 inches, and the height is adjustable between 14.75 and 19 inches.

It’s a unique chair in its niche because it has created a special size A for petite people, but Herman Miller is always interested in user experience when creating their best ergonomic desk chairs.

It is a good office for skinny people because it accommodates users between 4’10”-5’9” and 90-150 pounds.

The Aeron was featured as God’s chair in the Simpsons, but it has received a lot of other media attention, starring in popular TV shows due to its extremely ergonomic and most comfortable chair design.

The Aeron offers dynamic support whatever you’re doing, and however, you’re reclining back or forward.

There are eight latitudinal tension zones on the seatback and seat that mold to your body shape and take the pressure off your spine.

The Aeron allows you to tilt back with a tilt lock to further alleviate back pain.

The Aeron models are good chairs for short users with back pain issues due to the backrest pads being height adjustable for increased lumbar support.

The Aeron has a firm seat, but it keeps your hips slightly tilted forward and aligned to your spine, which also decreases lower back and sacral pain.

The armrests are fully adjustable in terms of height, width, and depth, which is also an advantage for shorter people.

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2. Steelcase Amia Task Chair

The Steelcase Amia comes with seat depth adjustment, and has good measurements for petite people, with a 15.5-18.5 x 19.25-inch seat and a 16-21-inch seat height.

The Amia stands out from the crowd thanks to its patented Live Lumbar backrest technology.

This mechanism benefits short users because the Amia follows your specific, short stature frame, taking the pressure off your back.

Considering that you can adjust the seat depth and that its edge is flexible, the Amia won’t dig into your hamstrings like other chairs.

As the minimum height is 16 inches, and the backrest is flexible and easy to adjust, you will be supported throughout the day.

The Amia also has more adjustable armrests than the Aeron with the extra angle option apart from the width, height, and depth.

That way, you can adjust the chair according to your needs, size, and devices you’re using.

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3. Modway Thrive Mesh Drafting Chair

The Modway Thrive has a bigger seat height than the previous two models, between 20 and 28 inches, but you can use a footrest if you really like this chair because the seat depth is 16 inches, and this chair sports good ergonomic features.

You can also use the Modway Thrive for your standing desk, which doesn’t affect your thigh circulation and fits the chair’s height.

When you’re sitting down, the Thrive offers good back support, and you can rest your feet on your footrest or the chair’s adjustable foot ring.

I like the 18-inch seat width and thick padding, which, along with the 16-inch seat depth, seat cushion the bum of smaller people and promote good blood circulation.

The mesh back promotes good air circulation and offers good lumbar support.

However, you can feel the plastic frame through the mesh, which is why it’s best to use the Thrive just when you’re taking breaks from standing.

The armrests look modern and minimalistic, but they’re weirdly shaped, hard, and non-adjustable, so they’re decorative rather than supportive.

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4. AmazonBasics Low-Back Task Chair

The AmazonBasics Low-Back Task Chair has good dimensions for a petite low-height computer chair, considering that its height is 18-22 inches, and the seat is 18.7 x 16 inches.

This chair has a minimalist and simple design, and it is comfortable enough for short-term sits.

The mesh backrest is breathable, but you might feel the frame if you’re sitting down for long hours.

The lumbar support tries to mimic your anatomical back construction, with its central spine and two side ribs, but this support might be too firm for your back if you’re sitting down a lot.

You’ll notice the small, padded seat that molds to your shape and cradles your thighs and bums thanks to quality memory foam.

However, most users notice that the seat is too firm for long hours.

There are no armrests and no adjustments apart from height, but these minuses might not be important for people who need an affordable chair.

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5. NBF Faux Leather Petite Office Chair

This NBF Faux Leather Petite Office Chair is a dream come true for petite adults who are looking for a plush, executive-style chair.

As the backrest is 17.25 inches high, you can enjoy a comfortable sitting experience because the backrest won’t push your shoulders forward, and you can actually use the incorporated headrest.

The other dimensions are good for shorter adults too, with a seat that’s 19.5 x 17 inches, and an adjustable height of 18-21 inches that fit people around and below 5’.

 You will like the soft and low-maintenance PU leather that comes with a GreenGuard certification for low emission, as well as the overall modern and stylish design.

The NBF Petite Office Chair features built-in lumbar support you will feel in the small of your back, and not in the middle of your back.

You can adjust the tilt tension and use the tilt lock to secure your chair into position, but the NBF Petite Chair isn’t a recliner per se.

Recommended by the American Chiropractic Association, this chair offers various other ergonomic adjustments such as arm height and width, plus synchro-tilt.

This mechanism allows the seatback and seat to move together when you recline back, so you’re always supported regardless of your position.

The arm adjustments and synchro-tilt allow you to keep the correct posture and benefit from the optimal back support.

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6. Smugdesk Ergonomic Office Chair High Back Mesh With Adjustable Headrest

The Smudgedesk Office Chair is good for shorter people because it has a 16.6 x 19.7-inch seat, with a 17.3-21.1 range of height adjustment.

This chair is a good choice in the under 100 categories for someone who spends long hours sitting because it has a breathable mesh back that cradles your natural spine curve, and a comfy lumbar cushion.

The Smudgedesk chair is supportive because the backrest mesh is made with quality nanoscale materials, and the seat features 2.8-inch high-density memory foam.

These materials don’t allow you to sink into the chair, and offer the right degree of firmness and cushioning to keep your spine and hips in alignment so that you can maintain a correct posture.

Besides, both the mesh and the seat are smooth, so they don’t scratch your skin. You can also use the rocking mode when you want to take a break or to brainstorm.

The mesh headrest supports your neck both when you’re rocking back and when you’re working.

With its resistant nylon base, the Smudgedesk Office Chair accommodates a max 300 pounds weight capacity, so it’s good for heavy people.

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7. SIDIZ T50 Office Chair

The SIDIZ T50 desk chair is another good chair for shorter users because its seat-depth adjustable seat is 18.5 x 18.5 inches, and its height is adjustable from 15.7 to 18.7 inches.

I like the T50 because it’s made with top-quality materials and good craftsmanship. This chair is good for people with lower back issues, just like the Aeron, thanks to the adjustable lumbar cushion and curved backrest that follow your natural spine curvature.

That way, the T50 supports your body weight and keeps your spine relaxed so that you can maintain a correct posture.

Add to that the comfy seat height and depth range for short people, and you will get a versatile chair that doesn’t put pressure either on your spine or thighs.

That way, you can rest your back comfortably on the T50 instead of sitting on the edge of your seat, which would mess with the alignment of your hips and push too much weight into your knees.

The memory foam seat is firm and ergonomic, keeping your hips in a naturally forward-tilted position, but it’s not plush or cushiony.

The armrests are ergonomic, too, with their 3D adjustments for height, width, and depth. These adjustments are good for short people who need armrests’ twiddling to accommodate their shape, as well as someone who changes between devices and positions frequently.

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8. Hbada High Back Ergonomic Recliner Mesh Office Chair with Adjustable Headrest Pullout

This Hbada Ergonomic Recliner is good for short to medium people under 5’10” because its seat is 19.7 x 18.5 inches, and the backrest is 22.4 x 18.5 inches – bigger than some other chairs above.

However, you’ll notice some ergonomic features that make it stand out, such as the height and angle adjustable headrest that supports a variety of positions and takes the pressure off your neck.

The backrest has an inverted triangle design that’s good for back support and extra durability, with mesh portions that allow good air circulation.

The backrest tilts to 155ᵒ, with a secure tilt lock function so that you can read, relax, or nap in the Hbada Chair, especially if you’re using the pullout footrest.

The seat is made with high-density flexible and supportive mesh, which is supportive for long periods.

The chair seat and backrest move together when you recline thanks to the Synchro-tilt mechanism, meaning your hips are always aligned to your spine so you can keep a correct posture.

While the armrests don’t offer just height adjustments, they’re curved and comfortably padded.

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9. Modway Edge Office Chair with Mesh Back and Black Leatherette Seat

The Modway Edge Office Chair is another good home office desk chair for shorter people because it has a 19 x 19.5 backrest and an 18.5 x 19.5 seat; it’s ergonomic, stylish, and accommodating.

The curved backrest with lumbar support keeps your spine in a neutral and relaxed position.

The seat is padded and cushiony for extended periods, but it’s not durable because the padding is a sponge, and the vinyl cover wears out fast.

The backrest and seat keep your hips and spine aligned to maintain a correct posture even when you’re reclining because the Modway Edge has a Synchro-tilt mechanism.

However, the chair’s tilt is better described as smooth rocking than a wide tilt.

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10. Ergousit Mid-Back Mesh Chair

The Ergousit Office Mesh Office Chair is another good chair for back support thanks to its curved mesh seatback with a lumbar cushion that offers good weight distribution and supports your body weight.

The seat padding takes the pressure from your bum because the padding is comfy enough to prevent numbing, but also flexible for good forward hip tilt.

However, the seat padding is made with a sponge, which isn’t as resistant or flexible as foam.

The armrests aren’t adjustable; you can just flip them up, and while you can adjust the tilt tension, the Ergousit rocks, but doesn’t tilt too much.

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11. BestMassage Office Desk Model – Best Gaming

The BestMassage Office Desk Gaming Chair is good for gaming because it has a racecar design that allows you to spend long hours sitting.

The plush cushioning is supportive and comfortable, but it also helps relieve the pressure from your back and thighs.

The headrest and lumbar cushions help you keep a neutral, relaxed posture, but the seat seems firm to some people.

The armrests are slightly curved but have limited padding so that they might push uncomfortably into your elbows.

While the BestMassage Gaming Chair reclines slightly with tension control, the angle isn’t so big.

The bonus is that the seat moves with the backrest when you tilt, so you’re always supported.

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What Does “for Short People” Mean?

“For short people” does not equal “for people with dwarfism,” but “for people who are below the average height.”

The majority of ergonomic office chairs are designed to fit people with heights between the fifth and the ninety-fifth percentiles.

However, while a 5’2” person is considered in the fifth percentile, you will notice that most office chairs don’t fit because it has the wrong dimensions.

Wrong dimensions trigger severe health problems, such as back pain or even scoliosis, if you keep an incorrect posture for the long term.

For instance, typical seat heights vary between 16 to 19 inches, but our 5’2” person in the previous example would need to look at the best petite ergonomic chairs that are about 14.75 inches high.

Is a Good Desk Chair Worth It?

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Where Should Your Lumbar Support Be?

If you sit in a chair at work for eight hours a day or you are in a car, you have likely noticed how tight your lower back becomes when you sit for such a long period of time. Many people think they just have to put up with the tightness of their lumbar region, but there are a number of options for correcting this common problem. One option is to go to a chiropractor. This type of treatment allows your chiropractor to specifically target the area where the tightness occurs and restore the position of your lower back. A chiropractor may even advise you to walk before and after each session. This can be a good idea if your office hours are very restrictive or if you experience leg pain when you sit or lie down.

Wearing a back brace may also help with back pain. If you don’t want to wear one and you are not too comfortable walking around, you may want to consider a good chiropractor. A back brace is a great idea if you are a desk worker and you can’t move around the office. This type of brace is available in a variety of styles and is made out of strong materials that will prevent your spine from becoming compressed. A good brace will keep your lower back healthy and pain-free. It will also provide a good balance between strength and flexibility to allow you to walk as well as work. The brace can often be removed for showering or using the bathroom.

Do Office Chairs Come in Different Heights?

It’s not that the industry hasn’t done the research, but honestly, one can only learn so much from the internet. The key, I’ve found, is just to look before you leap. Take a peek around the office, and ask your coworkers if you’re happy with the current arrangement. Also, don’t forget to ask for recommendations. Some offices might have, for example, a nice comfortable, office chair (or two) already in place, while others may not. I learned from Jodie, founder of This Old Chair, to just look on Twitter—people will talk about their experiences, too. She also noted that, sometimes, people just like to sit where they feel most at home, but that’s OK, too. It’s up to you, as long as you’re comfortable.

What Height Does Someone Have to Be to Purchase a Petite Chair?

The height you have to be to get a petite chair is below the fifth percentile or around that size.

In developed countries, short people are therefore considered to be under 5’5” (male) and 5’ (female). So, if you’re under 5’5”, you might consider buying a petite chair.

Before you do, take into account the features and measurements below.

Important Features to Consider in an Office Chair for Short People

Seat Depth

Don’t get a chair with a seat that’s too deep for your size because the seat edge will push under your knees and restrict your circulation.

Smaller frame people should look at chairs with max seat depths of 18 inches, but it’s better to get a chair that offers seat depth adjustment.

Pro tip: Measure the distance between the inside of your knees and the start of your bum when you’re sitting down. Add 2-3 inches to this distance, and you get a correct, personalized seat depth for your size.

Seat Height

A usual office chair has a seat height between 18 to 23 inches. If you’re in the short stature category, you need a chair that’s max 18 inches high.

Measure the distance between the soles of your feet and the backs of your knees to find out the right seat height for you.

Pro tip: If you’ve fallen in love with a chair that’s higher than 18 inches, you can remedy this problem with a footrest, provided the chair has the proper seat depth.

Back Height

Measure the distance from your waist to your back to get the right seatback height for your chair.

Getting a chair that’s too tall for your needs makes it impossible to use the incorporated headrest, plus the curves of the backrest will push uncomfortably into your spine and shoulders.

Pro tip: Getting a chair with seat back height adjustment is the best option.

Lumbar Support

If you’re sitting down for long hours, the best office chair for a short person with back pain features a supportive backrest with an adjustable lumbar cushion. The lumbar cushion needs to be adjustable so that you can find the right position for your size.

Armrests

The armrests play an important role in terms of support. If you’re short and the armrests are too high, your shoulders will creep up to your ears, which tenses your neck and upper body muscles. You can even get tension migraines because of that. Too wide armrests provide minimal support to your arms, but even resting your elbows on them can prove uncomfortable.

The best armrests for short people are fully adjustable ones, or at least height and width adjustable.

What is a Petite Chair?

Because it’s so easy to sit on, even smaller chairs are often praised for their extra space, the feeling of calm and rest, and less discomfort than a regular-sized chair. For those of us who don’t mind a little extra room, these are a real boon. But what you might not know is that there are many different styles of smaller chairs, some of which are very eye-catching. I like their classical and swashbuckling style. Here are just a few chairs that are smaller and smaller, some more durable than others and of course a whole host of other ones in between, as well as a little on-point spread to see what style you prefer. The less space a chair has, the less you want for it to take up!

Can You Add Height to an Office Chair?

If you’ve been dreaming of getting your feet up and relaxing in your office chair, you’re probably hoping you can get away with using a tall office chair. However, depending on your desk setup and your personal preference, you can be limited to using a standard desk chair without height adjustment.

According to Livworks, “Office furniture companies haven’t attempted to make regular work chairs tall, because they know that many users would prefer to stretch out their legs or add a footrest. These days, if you order a standard desk chair, you’ll receive a standard one that is about five or six inches off the ground, which is probably enough to avoid any back pain. But if you need to add height to your office chair, it’s a different story.”

Conclusion on Office Chair for Short People. Which Model is the Best?

All the models above are good for different purposes.

• The Steelcase Amia is the best office chair for a short heavy person.
• The Modway Thrive is a good chair for shorter users who work at standing desks.
• The AmazonBasics Low-Back Chair is best for short people who want to multitask.
• The SIDIZ T50 Office Chair is ergonomic, adjustable, and an affordable alternative to the Aeron.
• The Hbada High-Back Ergonomic Chair is good for short to medium-height people who want good support in different positions.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size A is voted the best office chair for short person 2022 by various websites.

The Aeron size A is specially designed for short people and offers the best support thanks to its flexible mesh seat and back, with eight areas of support. The armrests are highly adjustable, and you can purchase some extra options, such as the Forward Tilt or the PostureFit SL Lumbar support.

Make a good investment in your back health and get the Aeron now.