Best Office Chairs For Short and Petite Person – Review and Buying Guide

Trying to sit comfortably, but the seat is too big for you? This is the horror that every short person is familiar with. Every petite person will agree with me when I say not having a comfortable chair is the most annoying thing. Especially when you are in the office trying to get some work done, the need for a comfortable chair made specifically for short people skyrockets.

Since I am also on the list of shorter people, I have been on the hunt for a comfortable chair for quite a long time. In this hunt, I have found and purchased some unsuitable models of chairs that cost me a lot more than money. This is why I am sharing with you the 7 best office chairs for short and petite people that I have stumbled upon in my search.

Best Office Chairs For Short-Person Overview

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  
Best Overall Best Overall Hbada Office Desk Chair – Office Chairs For Short People
  • Weight: 23.2 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 250 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 19.7″D x 19.7″W x 21.3″H
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Highly Recommended Highly Recommended Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair – Ergonomic Chairs For Short Person
  • Weight: 65 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 400 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 25″D x 27″W x 43.5″H
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Most Attractive Most Attractive SUPERJARE Drafting Chair – Best Chair For Short People
  • Weight : 21.7 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 250 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 23.6″D x 23.6″W x 35.8″H
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Editors Choice Editors Choice Steelcase Amia Task Chair – Best Ergonomic Office Chair For Short Person
  • Weight: 64.1.2 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 400 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 25″D x 27″W x 42.5″H
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Best Seller Best Seller SitRite Ergonomic Desk Chair – Low Seat Height Office Chair
  • Weight : 22.6 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 300 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 23.5″D x 23.5″W x 35″H
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More Durable More Durable Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair – Petite Office Chair With Footrest
  • Weight: 40 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 300 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 16″D x 25.75″W x 38.5″H
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Best Overall Best Overall Alera Etros Series Petite Mesh Chair
  • Weight: 52 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 250 lbs.
  • Chair Measurements: 28.35″D x 23.82″W x 14.96″H
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Top 3 Recommendations

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Hbada Office Desk Chair
Hbada Office Desk Chair
 
9.9
  • Flip-up armrests
  • Reasonable cost
  • Mesh backrest
  • Curved backrest
  • Adjustable height
PREMIUM PICK
Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair
Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair
 
9.4
  • Comes with wheels
  • Contoured and padded backrest
  • 12 years warranty
  • Allows armrests adjustability
BUDGET PICK
Steelcase Amia Task Chair
Steelcase Amia Task Chair
 
8.9
  • Adjustable seat height
  • Seat depth can be adjusted
  • Padded backrest and seat
  • Adjustable armrests

7 Best Office Chairs For Short-Person Review

best office chairs for short person

1. Hbada Office Desk Chair – Office Chairs For Short People

Hbada Office Desk Chair

Finding a chair that caters to the needs of a short and petite person is quite a challenge and finding one for your office is even more difficult. Hbada has made this tedious job a piece of cake. The new Hbada Office Desk Chair is the perfect model for short people. First of all, thanks to the sturdy frame, this model is capable of supporting 250 lbs of weight.

Secondly, this sturdy model comes with a curved backrest that follows the contours of a person’s back; hence making it plausible to sit back and relax. A breathable mesh material has been used in the chair back. In addition to that, the seat consists of thick padding beneath a high-grade material, which will make sure you do not feel fatigued even after hours of sitting.

The best feature of this chair, in my opinion, is that the armrests of the chair are movable and can be flipped up. So, when you do not need to use the armrest or need to move the chair closer to your work table, flip the armrests up, and voila! Another good feature is that the height of the chair goes from 17.7 inches to 21.2 inches. Furthermore, the back of the chair even tilts backward to 120 degrees when you add weight to it.

What We Like?

  • Flip-up armrests
  • Reasonable cost
  • Mesh backrest
  • Curved backrest
  • Adjustable height

What We Don’t Like?

  • The backrest doesn’t lock while tilted

Bottom Line

This model is the perfect office chair for all the short folks who are on a budget. The Hbada office chair comes with a heavily padded seat, contoured back, and adjustable height. It has everything that you want in the premises of your office to be comfortable.


2. Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair – Ergonomic Chairs For Short-Person

Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair

The Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair is the epitome of comfort! Every feature of this chair makes it an ideal fit for a short and petite person. It comes with a sturdy and robust metal frame that can bear heavy weight without getting split in half. Moreover, on top of the metal frame resides a thick cushion in place of the chair’s seat!

In addition to that, there is also a heavily padded cushion in the backrest of the chair. Both of these combined will make sure you do not suffer from any muscle aches. Moreover, the curved shape of the backrest makes this chair more comfortable for office use. On top of the padding, there is a cover of polyester fabric to keep the padding safe and protected.

Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair

Another feature that makes this model ideal for a short person is that you can not only adjust the height of the chair, but you can also adjust the height of the armrests. The height of the chair goes from 38.5 inches to 43.5 inches. Moreover, the height of the backrest is 25 inches which is perfect for shorter people.

Furthermore, the wheels at the bottom of the chair will make sure you can easily move the chair around your table. The feature that I love about this chair is that the back of the chair reclines backward. This is not all; you can also lock it in the reclined position. There is a button at the end of the backrest that you can use to lock the chair in a reclining position.

What We Like?

  • Comes with wheels
  • Adjustable height
  • Contoured and padded backrest
  • 12 years warranty
  • Allows armrests adjustability
  • Reclining backrest

What We Don’t Like?

  • Expensive price tag
  • Water-absorbing cover

Bottom Line

This model is the perfect description of the best office chair for a short person. It comes with a strong frame, thick padding, and every other perk that you will need when you are residing in a chair for a prolonged period. However, if you want to enjoy the perks of this chair, then you will need to loosen the strings of your pockets.


3. SUPERJARE Drafting Chair – Best Chair For Short People

SUPERJARE Drafting Chair

The highly affordable price of the SUPERJARE Drafting Chair is the first thing that grabs any user’s attention. What holds that attention is the fact that despite being cheap, it has a sturdy and comfortable design. This office chair is perfect for short people who find themselves spending hours in front of their desks. The metal frame of this chair makes it possible for the frame of the chair to stay intact and hold heavy weight for hours. This model is capable of tolerating up to 250 lbs of weight.

On top of the rounded metallic frame is a heavily padded seat. One look at this seat, and I knew that I would be comfortable even after hours of sitting. On top of the heavily padded cushion, SUPERJARE has added a polyvinyl chloride cover that is not only weather-resistant but also repels water. The back of the chair also has a layer of this material, which is why you do not have to worry about your sweat damaging your precious chair.

In addition to that, beneath the comfortable seat is a footrest, where you can place your feet instead of leaving them dangling from the chair. The best feature about this chair is that you can easily adjust the height of the chair and the footrest. There is a lever present under the seat that adjusts the height of the chair from 23.6 inches to 32.2 inches. For the footrest, you will have to reach down and turn the knob to alter its height. Last but not least, the sturdy wheels present at the bottom will help you move around your table easily while sitting in your chair.

What We Like?

  • Affordable price
  • Sturdy frame
  • 250lbs weight capacity
  • Water-repellent cover
  • Adjustable height
  • Robust wheels

What We Don’t Like?

  • No armrests

Bottom Line

Want to enjoy the perks of having a comfortable chair in your office without spending tons of money? I have got just the suitable model for you. The SUPERJARE drafting chair is hands down one of the 7 best office chairs for short and petite people that you can find at an affordable price.

Also, Read the Review of Best Recommended Gaming Chairs For Short People


4. Steelcase Amia Task Chair – Best Ergonomic Office Chair For Short Person

Steelcase Amia Task Chair

Steelcase is aware of the needs of short people who sit behind their office desks for hours. They have constructed a chair that meets all of those needs perfectly. The Steelcase Amia Task chair is the epitome of style and comfort. They have used high-grade material to bring this chair to life. The usage of high-grade material makes this chair capable of lifting 300 lbs of weight effortlessly.

In addition to that, the seat of this chair consists of a padded cushion and breathable fabric stretched over it. Both the cushion and the cover will make sure that you can sit comfortably. The cherry on top is that the cushion of the chair is curved, so you will be even more comfortable. Moving towards the backrest of this model, similar to the seat, the backrest has a heavily padded and curved cushion. The curved shape of the backrest makes it possible to sit for hours without suffering from back pain caused by the chair. Moreover, the backrest also reclines, which is another perk.

Steelcase Amia Task Chair

Furthermore, to make things easier for the shorter folks, Steelcase has added the perk of height adjustability into this model. There is a lever present beneath the seat that you can lift to increase to decrease its height. The height of the chair is 16 inches to 21 inches from the floor.

The best feature of this model is that you can even adjust the seat depth according to your liking. This is one of those features that makes a stark difference, especially to shorter people. In addition to that, the height of the armrests can also be altered according to your needs. Not just that, with the help of the lever present under the armrest, you can even alter its position effortlessly.

What We Like?

  • Adjustable seat height
  • Seat depth can be adjusted
  • Padded backrest and seat
  • Reclining back
  • Adjustable armrests

What We Don’t Like?

  • Very expensive

Bottom Line

The Steelcase Amia Task chair is the model that you want in your office if your top priority is comfort. It does come at quite a heavy price; however, every feature of this model makes it worth the purchase. From adjustable height to the changeable position of the armrests, every feature of this chair speaks for itself.


5. SitRite Ergonomic Desk Chair – Low Seat Height Office Chair

SitRite Ergonomic Desk Chair

The SitRite desk chair is what you need in your office if you are constantly struggling with the other chairs being a short person. The design and the construction of this model make it a perfect fit for offices and, most importantly, for the people leaning towards the shorter side.

First of all, SitRite has built this model with the best materials to provide you with a chair that will have your back for the longest time. It comes with a steel frame that has been covered at the top with a comfortable cushioned seat and backrest. Both the seat of the chair and its backrest consist of a heavily padded cushion that ultimately maximizes the comfort of the chair.

Moreover, the height of the chair goes from 17.25 to 19.75 inches. You can alter the height with the help of the lever present under the seat of the chair. Furthermore, the feature that makes this model a must-have for shorter people is that the seat depth can also be adjusted effortlessly. It moves 1.7 inches forward and backward.

Moreover, the urethane wheels at the bottom will help you move around your office without getting out of the comfort of your chair. The wheels come with attachable covers that will keep them protected. In addition to that, SitRite has added a footrest on this chair which makes this model more ideal for shorter folks. The real deal is not the presence of the footrest but the fact that it can be detached easily. That is another star on its long list of perks.

What We Like?

  • Adjustable height
  • Detachable footrest
  • Reasonable price
  • Adjustable seat depth
  • Covered urethane wheels

What We Don’t Like?

  • Armrests can not be adjusted

Bottom Line

If you want to indulge in the comfort of a cozy chair on the premises of your office without spending loads of money, then you need to get your hands on the SitRite ergonomic desk chair. It comes with a sturdy frame, a comfortable and heavily padded seat, and a backrest. The height and seat depth adjustability are the main features that make it a good fit for short and petite people.

Read my recommendations about the Best Office Chairs for Pregnant Women


6. Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair – Petite Office Chair With Footrest

Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair

The unique design of this chair is the first attention-grabbing trait of this model. Herman Miller has made sure to construct this chair according to the requirements of short and petite people. Instead of having the traditional padded design of an office chair, this model comes with a peculiar design.

Both the backrest and the seat of the chair are built from recycled mesh material. The usage of this material makes the seat and the backrest of this chair more breathable. The backrest of the chair comes with a curved design that follows the contours of a person’s back, hence more comfort. Similarly, the seat of this model also has a curved design which will make sure that you can sit for hours without feeling fatigued.

Moreover, there is also the perk of height adjustability. All you need to do is reach downwards and pull the lever, and the height of the chair will go from 14.75 inches to 19 inches. In addition to that, the back of the chair also tilts into three different positions. There is a tension control knob that controls the amount of pressure needed for tilting the back of the chair. That is not all; there is also the perk of tilting the seat 5 degrees forward.

Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair

Furthermore, the comfortable armrest of this chair will give your arms the support that is needed while sitting in front of a desk. In addition to that, the position of the armrest can also be adjusted. The height of the armrests goes from 6.8 inches to 10.8 inches. It can also move backward, forward, outward, and inwards. There is every feature that will make sure that you are comfortable.

What We Like?

  • Height can be adjusted
  • Curved backrest and seat
  • Sturdy construction
  • Robust wheels at the bottom
  • Adjustable positions of armrests
  • Pads present in the backrest

What We Don’t Like?

  • Seat depth is not adjustable

Bottom Line

If a heavy price tag of a chair is not an issue for you, then I would suggest you spend your money on the Herman Miller Aeron Chair. This model has a strong frame, on top of which resides the comfortable seat and backrest. The easily adjustable height and armrests of the chair are the real feature that makes it ideal for shorter people.


7. Alera Etros Series Petite Mesh Chair

Alera Etros Series Petite Mesh Chair

The priority of any short person for their office chair is that it should be as comfortable as possible. Comfort, along with many other features, has been accumulated in the Alera Etros Series petite mesh chair. You will not only find comfort in it, but thanks to the high-grade material utilized in the production of this chair, it is also quite sturdy.

In addition to that, what makes this model perfect for the office is the fact that it comes with a contoured seat. The contoured design and the heavy padding of the seat make it highly comfortable. So, the user of the chair can sit in it for hours without feeling any numbness or fatigue. Moreover, for the back of the chair, Alera has used a mesh material. The curved design of the back provides optimal lumbar support, and the mesh material makes it more breathable.

Furthermore, adjustability has never been this easy. This model comes with three levers added beneath the seat. Each of these three levers has specific tasks; one of them adjusts the height of the chair. The second one is for adjusting the angle of the backrest, meaning you can even recline the backrest of the chair. The last lever is for pushing the chair forward, also called the forward tilt.

Another perk of this model is that there is a button present under the armrests that allows you to adjust the armrests. So you can easily adjust the height and the width of the armrest according to your liking. Lastly, this nifty office chair comes with solid wheels at the base that help individuals move around the room without getting up from the chair.

What We Like?

  • Price is reasonable
  • 5 years warranty
  • Height adjustability
  • Armrests can be adjusted

What We Don’t Like?

  • Armrests don’t have padding

Bottom Line

If you are searching for a good-quality office chair appropriate for short and petite people, then you can put an end to your search. The Alera Etros is what you need to purchase; it comes at a reasonable price too. However, despite being reasonable, this model is loaded with perks and features that short people look for in their chairs.


How to Choose the Right Office Chair For a Short Person

As you have to spend hours in front of the desk in your office, sitting in an uncomfortable chair that is too long will give you more problems than you can think of. It will not only cause muscular strain but may also result in some serious back problems. Buying a comfortable chair that is appropriate for your size for the office will prove to be the best purchase.

For shorter and petite people, the list of needs and requirements is different than for big and taller people chairs. I am listing a few features and factors that you need to keep an eye out for when you are buying a chair for the office. These factors will make sure that you buy a chair that is perfect for your height and body.

How to Choose the Right Office Chair For Short Person
Infographic: How to Choose the Right Office Chair For Short Person

Seat Construction

When you are out in the market testing different models of chairs for your office, the first thing that you need to check is the construction of the chair. Construction is the backbone that lifts the entire design and keeps it upright. If the chair that you purchase comes with low-quality plastic materials, you will regret the purchase as the chair will get damaged after a few uses.

The best and ideal material for chairs is metal. It is capable of holding weight for a prolonged period. More importantly, it holds its weight while maintaining its original shape and design. Therefore, make sure that the model of chair you opt for comes with a metal or steel frame.

Padding Of The Chair

When it comes to comfort, nothing is as vital as the padding of the chair. The padding of the chair determines how comfortable a chair is. If you are going to use the chair for hours in your office, then it is best that you go for a model that comes with a heavily padded seat. Heavy padding makes sure that the muscles of your body do not get strained. Moreover, if a chair has a contoured padded seat, then it is even more perfect for the office usage of a short person.

Similar to the seat, the backrest of the chair should also come with padding and not just any flimsy padding; it should have heavy and contour padding. The contoured or curved design of the backrest provides optimum lumbar support, which is what users need from their office chairs.

Lastly, some models come with padded armrests, which makes the chair more comfortable for the users. If you do not like the padded armrests, then do not go for one; otherwise, it is a good inclusion in the overall design. When you are purchasing a model, do not forget to check the padding of the chair thoroughly.

Seat And Back Height

The major issue that short people face while lounging in their chairs is that the height of the seat is too high. This results in their feet hanging from the edge of the chair, which causes muscle ache. Therefore, you must check the seat’s height before you make a purchase.

The ideal height is the one where your feet are not hanging above the ground but are planted firmly on the floor. Similar to the seat’s overall height, the back height is also crucial when a chair is being bought specifically for a short person. The backrest should be tall enough to cover the entire back of a person, but it should not go above the head of the user.

Seat Depth And Its Adjustability

Seat depth is another feature that either makes a chair perfect for short people or completely useless. This is important because if a chair’s seat is too deep, then the legs of the users will be extended forward, and their feet will be hanging from the ground. Instead of the comfortable 90-degree angle, this will make 100 to 120 degrees. This will not only cause muscle strain but will also affect blood circulation.

The ideal models of chairs for shorter people should have 18 inches of depth or less than 18 inches, but not more. To determine the ideal amount of seat depth for yourself, sit on a chair and see if there is any gap between the edge of the chair and the back of your knees. The ideal gap is 2 inches, which makes sure that your legs get optimum support without the back of the chair squishing against your knees.

Along with measuring the seat depth, another factor that you need to look for is the adjustability of the seat depth. When a model comes with seat depth adjustability, it gives you the freedom to customize the seat according to your liking and your body.

Height Adjustability of Chair

Height adjustability is the one feature that every person knows about, yet it gets neglected. When an office chair allows you to alter its height, you can adjust the height according to your desk’s height. More importantly, this feature allows the user to adjust the height of the chair according to their height.

Furthermore, this feature is very important if the chair is going to be under the use of more than one person. Moreover, make sure that the height can be adjusted and layered easily without any huff and puff. Most of the chairs come with levers under the seat that they can use to adjust the height.

Armrests Adjustability

This is another factor that makes or breaks the deal. The adjustability of the armrests makes it possible for the user to alter the height of the armrest according to their liking and their need. Moreover, some models also give users the freedom to adjust the position of the armrest along with the height. For shorter people, the more altering and adjustability control they have over their chairs, the more comfortable it will be for them. Therefore, when you are out in the market looking at chairs for office usage, do not forget to look for armrest adjustability.

Weight Limit

Another feature that you need to check in a chair before you purchase it is its weight capacity. Every model comes with a different weight-bearing limit; hence you must check the weight capacity of a chair before you spend your money on it. Make sure that your weight comes under the range of weight the chair supports.

Also, read my review about the best Serta office chairs

FAQs about Short Person Office Chair

What is a good chair for a short person?

The Hbada office task desk chair is hands down the best chair for a short person. It comes with a thick and heavy padded seat along with a mesh backrest, which will make sure you are seated comfortably for hours. Moreover, this model offers height adjustability and flip-up armrests, which any short person will be thankful for.

Can I make an office chair shorter?

If the height of your office chair is not right for you, then you can easily make the chair’s height shorter. Every chair comes with a lever under the seat. All you need to do is locate the lever and press it while pushing down on the chair with your weight. This will cause the height of the chair to shrink. You can release the lever when you reach the desired height.

Conclusion of Office Chairs for Short-Person Review

Having a chair in your office that is perfect according to your height and size is a rare sight for short and petite folks. However, with the proper research and the right purchase, this dream can be brought to reality. I have shared the 7 best office chairs for short and petite people in this article, along with a buying guide that will help you make the right decision. I am also sharing my top 3 recommendations if you can not decide on a model.

  1. Hbada Office Task Desk Chair comes at an affordable price and has a mesh backrest, adjustable height, and flip-up armrest.
  2. Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair comes with high-grade construction and offers adjustable height and a reclining backrest.
  3. Steelcase Amia Task Chair has all the adjustable features, including height, armrests, seat depth, and a heavily padded seat and backrest.


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