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Find Your Fit: Best Small Gaming Office Chairs for Short Adults

When you buy something using an affiliate link in this post, ChairsFX may receive a small commission, at no additional expense to you. This has no influence on our editorial content. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
March 23, 2019 - Updated on August 11, 2025
Reading Time: 16 mins read

Most gaming chairs are built for average sizes, leaving adults 5’6″ or shorter with fewer options. In 2025, there are only two high-end gaming chairs specifically designed for small sizes. Factoring in two non-gaming chair alternatives, there are only four ergonomic chairs built for short adults. This article reviews all options.

Best gaming chairs 2025 grid layout
There are only 2 classic gaming chairs (and two alternatives) that can provide full-time support for short adults.

Why is a proper chair fit especially important for short adults? Seat depth is the key. If the seat is too deep, your knees will be pulled forward.

This can cause your lower back to flatten and curl your upper spine, leading to discomfort over long sessions.

Good gaming chair seat depth vs one that's too deep for shorter legs
L-R: a good fit with a gap between the knees and seat lip; a seat too deep for the user.

In the left photo, the gap between the knees and seat lip indicates a good fit. On the right, the excessive seat causes posture issues.

Best Small Gaming Chair Quick Picks

These chair recommendations are for adults sized 5’3″ or shorter needing full-time sitting support. While size-appropriate kids desk chair options exist, most (excluding the Sidiz Ringo) are not built to support long periods of full-time sitting.

If you’re shorter than 5’4″, the Secretlab Titan and Noblechairs Epic Compact are only two gaming chairs with suitable seat depths for your legs:

Rank & Model Details

1. Secretlab Titan Evo

Secretlab Titan Evo petite gaming chair

  • Size rating: 4’11” to 5’6″, 285 lbs
  • Seat depth: 18.9″
  • Seat width: 20.9″ total width
  • Best adjustable features; most styles; 5-year warranty
  • $519-$594 from Secretlab

2. Noblechairs Epic Compact

Noblechairs Epic compact gaming chair

  • Size rating: 4’1″ to 5’7″, 265 lbs
  • Seat depth: 16-5-18.9″ (adjustable)
  • Seat width: 11″ inner width
  • 2-year warranty
  • $299.99 on Amazon

Two non-gaming chair alternatives can also be considered for ultra-small sizes:

Rank & Model Details

3. Herman Miller Size A

Herman Miller Aeron size A (small) office chair

  • Size rating: 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds
  • Seat depth: 16.75″
  • Seat width: 15.75″
  • Good features; superb mesh; 12-year warranty
  • $1750+ from Herman Miller

4. Sidiz Ringo

Sidiz Ringo ergonomic desk chair for kids

  • Size rating: 3’6″ to 5’2″; 250-pound weight capacity
  • Seat depth: 17-19.5″
  • Seat width: 18.3″
  • Widest seat, 5-year warranty
  • $289.00 on Amazon

Beyond the above, this review also covers three other genres that small sizes can consider:

  1. Semi-small gaming chairs: for sizes 5’3″ and taller.
  2. Semi-small office chairs: for sizes 5’4″ and taller.
  3. Ergonomic chairs for kids: for sizes 3’4″ and taller.

Reviews: Best Small Gaming Chairs

A detailed look at each of our top picks for sizes 5’3″ or shorter:

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 (4’11″+)

$549-$594 from Secretlab

This popular gaming chair comes in three sizes. It boasts the most advanced features, longest warranty, and widest array of styles. But size-wise, it ranks as the fourth best gaming chair for a short person, rated for sizes 4’9″ and up.

4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5

Secretlab Titan Evo: best gaming chair for short person and kids

  • Seat: 20.9″ (total W) x 18.9″ (D)
  • 285-pound weight capacity
  • For sizes 4’11” to 5’6″

Pros

  • Superb integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support
  • The strapless magnetic headrest supports perfect 0° neck postures
  • Flat, spacious seat pan
  • Over 50+ styles to choose from
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Some people find the 65 kg/m³ padding too stiff

Titan 2022 Key Features

Three features set the Titan Evo apart from other gaming chairs. The first is a 4-way integrated lumbar with height and depth adjustability. Toggle dials on both sides of the chair to find your perfect fit.

Secretlab Titan key adjustable backrest features
The Titan’s integrated 4-way lumbar and magnetic headrest pillow provide precise postural support.

The second standout is a magnetic memory foam headrest. Without straps, it provides a massive 11″ adjustment range. The third is its flat, wide seat pan.

Secretlab Titan sitting styles
The Titan encourages neutral postures but doesn’t enforce them.

The Titan’s seat provides gentle guidance to keep your legs pointing straight — yet with the full freedom to move your legs. When you get tired of sitting with planted feet, feel free to mix things up.

How to use a Secretlab Titan gaming chair
Secretlab chairs make it easy to move your body while you sit.

Despite the loss of postural integrity, many esports doctors hype frequent movement as a priority while sitting. Doing so boosts circulation while also keeping core muscles engaged.

Summary of Specifications

The Titan Evo comes in small, medium, and XL sizes. All versions come with a 5-year warranty and the same features.

Titan Evo 2022 sizes compared
Titan Evo 2022 chairs come in small, medium, and XL sizes.

The sizing dimensions below are for the small edition:

Titan Evo Features
  • Back support: integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar; magnetic headrest pillow.
  • Tilt functions: multifunction tilt-lock; 85-165° recline.
  • Armrests: 4D armrests with swappable top caps.
  • Seat: 65 kg/m³ padding density.
Dimensions
  • Seat width x depth: 20.9″ (total W) x 18.9″ (D)
  • Backrest width x height: 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H)
  • Seat height range: 17.7″ to 20.5″
  • Armrest height range: 26″ to 31.9″
  • Size rating: 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds

Titan EVO Advice

I’ve been using gaming chairs for full-time work since 2017. I’ve been using a Titan Evo gaming chair for around two years.

Sloppy versus strict neutral postures
My neutral sitting style in my old DXRacer versus my current Titan Evo chair.

You can see for yourself the improvement it’s made on my sitting posture. In fact, based on my own tests, the Titan provides the same level of postural accuracy as the best high-end ergonomic office chairs.

Healthy sitting postures in gaming vs ergonomic office chairs (they look similar)
Me showing off neutral postures L-R: Secretlab Titan, Herman Miller Aeron, Haworth Fern.

The difference: high-end office chairs have limited reclines that force you to sit upright at all times. In contrast, the Titan gives you the freedom to adjust your chair for many activities beyond desk work.

Gaming chair versatility
Deep recline functionality lets gaming chairs support activities BEYOND desk work.

You can’t take a nap in an office chair. You also can’t get an office chair available in 50+ stunning styles. These include fifteen SoftWeave fabric styles and a few dozen leatherette ones.

Secretlab gaming chair styles
There are 50+ stunning Titan styles to choose from.

Finally, the Titan Evo also comes with a five-year warranty. This combined with elite posture support, full sitting freedom, and a kaleidoscopic array of styles explains why it’s (justifiably) the world’s most popular high-end gaming chair.

Titan EVO small from Secretlab $519-$594

Related: Titan Evo Review | Titan Evo Sizing Guide | 0° Neck Postures In A Titan Evo

Noblechairs Epic Compact (4’1″+)

$299.99 on Amazon
Size rating: 4’1″ to 5’7″ | Seat depth: 16-5-18.9″ (adjustable)

The Epic Compact ranks #2 as the only other small-sized gaming chair on the market. Designed by luxury German brand Noblechairs, it’s the world’s smallest full-featured gaming chair.

Noblechairs Epic Compact gaming chair front view
The Epic Compact is the world’s smallest gaming chair with the most unique features.

It’s also the world’s only gaming chair with two high-end ergonomic office chair features:

  • Seat slider: adjust the seat depth from 16-5-18.9″
  • Synchronous tilt: the backrest reclines from 90-112°. With sync tilt activated, the seat tilts up by 1.7° with each degree of recline.

Three years after its release, no other gaming chairs have adopted these features. While flashy on paper, the usefulness of both id debateable for small gamers seeking good value for money.

4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5

Noblechairs Epic Compact gaming chair for petite person

  • Seat: 11″ (inner W) x 16-5-18.9″ (D)
  • 265-pound weight capacity
  • For sizes 4’1″ to 5’7″

Pros

  • World’s smallest full-featured gaming chair
  • Adjustable seat depth
  • Sync-tilt seat functions
  • Lumbar and headrest pillows included

Cons

  • Only guaranteed for 2 years
  • Expensive

Epic Compact Features

The Epic Compact is a minified version of the popular Noblechairs Epic gaming chair. Both share a similar design. Each also comes with 3D armrests, a headrest, and lumbar pillow set.

Noblechairs Epic Compact functions
Epic Compact sync-tilt and seat slider functionality specs.

The Epic differs with two features never before seen on a gaming chair: a sliding seat and synchronous tilt functionality:

Epic Compact Features
  • Backrest: 90 to 112° recline
  • Sync-tilt: 90 to 112° recline; 1.7° seat tilt with each recline degree
  • Seat slider depth adjustment: 2.3″ (6 cm)
  • Upholstery: PU leather or Anthracite Carbon Fabric
  • Spinal support: lumbar and headrest pillows included
  • Armrests: 3D
Dimensions
  • Seat: 11″ (inner width) x 16.5-18.8″ (D)
  • Backrest: 10.6″ inner width; 18″ outer width
  • Seat height: 15.7-19.7″
  • Size rating: 4’1″ to 5’7″; 265-pound weight capacity

Epic Compact Advice

The Epic Compact is rated for sizes 4’1″ to 5’7″. The average height of a 3rd grade American 8-year-old is 3’9″ to 4’5″. For kids that young, this chair’s seat slider may be its most useful feature. As the child grows, you can extend the seat depth to grow with them.

Noblechairs Epic Compact chair
The Epic Compact comes with seat slider and synchro-tilt functionality.

For short adults, the Epic Compact’s sync-tilt functions do what no other gaming chair can. As you recline, the seat will automatically tilt up by 1.7° with each degree of recline. This provides the means to move your hips while you sit.

Noblechairs Epic Compact seat width
The Epic’s seat width may be too narrow for short obese people.

On the downside, you can easily enjoy a complete gaming chair experience without these snazzy features. As well, the 11″ inner seat width is tiny. If you have wide hips or thick legs, this seat may be too compact for your needs.

Related: Epic Compact Release Notes

Epic Compact on Amazon $299.99

Also available to order from the Noblechairs website. → check price

Herman Miller Aeron (4’9″+)

$1750+ from Herman Miller

The Aeron Size A is the highest-quality ergonomic chair on the market for small sizes. It’s standout feature is its 8Z Pellicle mesh upholstery. It provides variable tension zones that keep users sitting in perfect balanced at all times. The mesh makes the Aeron extremely easy to use: simply plant your feet, tuck your hips, and sit down.

4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0

Herman Miller Aeron XL office chair

  • Concept: ultra-adaptive mesh that keeps a seated body in perfect balance at all times
  • Size rating: 3 sizes (A, B, C) support people 4’10” to 6’6″; 300 lbs
  • Warranty: 12 years

Pros

  • Very easy to use
  • Decadent, ultra-adaptive mesh upholstery
  • Potent synchronous tilt functions
  • Customizable builds (choose your style, lumbar support type, etc)

Cons

  • The flashy Posturefit lumbar isn’t as effective as the simple lumbar slider.
  • Hard plastic edges lining the seat can annoy your legs.
  • The armrests are only 3D adjustable.

Aeron Support Concept

These days, many cheap fully-ergonomic office chairs provide a similar level of neutral sitting support as the Aeron.

Herman Miller Aeron postures compared in a sliding lumbar vs Posturefit-equipped model
My 5’9″ (177 cm) size in a medium Aeron with sliding lumbar (left) and Posturefit (right).

Its 12-year warranty and 8Z Pellicle mesh is what sets the Aeron apart. 8Z Pellicle Mesh was first used to help a driver with a broken back win the 1996 Indianapolis 500.

Buddy Lazier's back injury inspired the Aeron's chair's ergonomic support concepts

Buddy Lazier’s broken back provided the technical inspiration for the Aeron’s suspension concept.

Many competing models have mesh with similar breathability and tactile appeal. Even so, none match the ultra-adaptive suspension ability of 8Z Pellicle Mesh.

Herman Miller mesh upholstery closeup
The Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle mesh is legit the most advanced (and durable) on the market.

It adapts to micromovements with the perfect tautness. Even without any lumbar support applied, this makes it very easy to sit upright with near-perfect posture.

Highlight Features

Aeron highlights include fancy mesh, robust sync-tilt functionality:

  • Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
  • Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight zones of varying tension for ultra-responsive support..
  • Seat: adjust the height; limit the tilt range; adjust the tilt tension; sync-tilt with the backrest.
  • Backrest: forward tilt option; height and depth adjustable PostureFit lumbar support.
  • Armrests: 3D adjustable.
  • Warranty: 12 years.

Sizing

The Aeron comes in three sizes:

Aeron Size A Size B Size C
Seat 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) 17″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) 18.25″ (W) x 18.5″ (D)
Backrest 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) 21.5″ (W) x 22″ (H) 22.75″(W) x 23″ (H)
Seat Height 14.75″ to 19″ 16″ to 20.4″ 16″ to 20.5″
Size Rating 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds

Aeron Chair Advice

The Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle mesh makes it very easy to maintain neutral postures over long periods. However, aside from its near-perfect posture support, this is a typical office chair with a good build quality and 12-year warranty.

Man sitting side pose in a Herman Miller Aeron and Secretlab Titan
Neutral postures in Aeron and Titan chairs.

If looking for technical thrills, Steelcase and Haworth offer more exciting options, albeit for sizes 5’4″ and up.

Aeron recline ranges
The Aeron’s 3 recline ranges force you to sit upright with planted feet at all times.

But if looking for an ultra-compact fit that provides superb fulltime sitting support, the Aeron delivers excellent value for money.

Learn more: Aeron Remastered Review | Aeron Gaming Chair Review.

Aeron from Herman Miller $1805+

The $1835 version includes: graphite frame; lumbar slider; tilt limiter + seat angle; 3D arms.

Sidiz Ringo (3’6″+)

$289.00 on Amazon
Size rating: 3’6″ to 5’2″ | Seat depth: 17-19.5″

Sidiz is a popular South Korean seating brand. It first released the Ringo in 2011 as the original kids desk chair. Despite its lack of classic ‘ergonomic features’, its solid build, size-adjustability and 3-year warranty make it a viable option for full-time support.

4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5

Sidiz Ringo #1 best office chair for kids

  • Features: depth-adjustable seat; height x depth adjustable backrest, locking caster wheels
  • Age range: ages 4 and up; 275 lbs capacity
  • Warranty: 3 years

Pros

  • The original desk chair for kids
  • Well-tested features
  • Adjustable parts can support various small sizes
  • Good build quality makes this a solid seating option for short adults

Cons

  • No adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, or recline, features

Sidiz Ringo Overview

Short adults should only consider this model if a good fit is their highest priority. The Ringo fits sizes 3’6″ to 5’2″. In support of full-time work, it has a solid build, comfortable foam seat and height-adjustable backrest.

Sidiz Ringo ergonomic chair for kids
The Ringo offers great posture support for developing bodies.

On the downside, there’s no adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, or recline functions. .

Sidiz Ringo small gaming chair features
The Ringo comes with advanced ergonomic features to support perfect posture.

To compensate, adults using this chair full-time will need to take frequent walking breaks to offset muscle strain

Sidiz Ringo Functionality

  • Functionality: depth-adjustable sliding seat; height & depth adjustable backrest; 4 seat & backrest sync levels.
  • Comfort: padded seat and backrest.
  • Extras: adjustable footrest is included.
  • Safety:  lockable 360° rotating base; auto-locking caster wheels
  • Warranty:  30-day money back guarantee; 3-year warranty.

Ringo Kids Chair Sizing

The Ringo is designed to support kids between 4-12 years old (K1 to grade 7):

  • Seat width x depth: 18.3″ (W) x 17-19.5″
  • Floor to seat: 15.7″ to 19.7″
Sidiz Ringo small gaming chair footrest
A footrest add-on gives more precise sizing control.

The backrest is height and depth adjustable, with four different height settings.

  • Step 1: 3’6″ to 4’1″
  • 2: 4’1″ to 4’4″
  • 3: 4’4″ to 4’9″
  • Step 4: 4’9″ to 5’2″

Sidiz Ringo Advice

For kids, the Ringo stands tall as the best desk chair on the market. For short adults lacking alternatives, it’s a decent option.

Conclusion: the Sidiz Ringo is still the best ergonomic chair for kids
Battle-tested over 12+ years, this remains the most proven ergonomic chair for kids.

The non-reclining backrest should hold your torso upright well enough over long periods. However, the lack of lumbar support makes it likely that your lower back curve will flatten as your muscles tire.

Diagram showing how sitting flattens the lower back curve
A healthy standing posture produces a 25-45° lower back curve. Sitting flattens that curve.

Despite this, the Ringo can support full-time desk work if needed. When you find yourself slouching against its lumbar-less backrest, take break to stretch and refresh.

Sidiz Ringo on Amazon $289.00

Small Gaming Chair Alternatives

Having reviewed the only four chairs for adults 5’3″ or shorter, here are some slightly larger alternatives:

Semi-Small Gaming Chairs (5’3″+)

Beyond the Titan and Epic Compact, three models suit for sizes 5’3″ and up:

Model Description
Secretlab Omega

Secretlab Omega gaming chair for short people

Before the Titan Evo, this was Secretlab’s premium gaming chair for short people.

  • Functionality: 4D arms; 85°-165° recline; multi-function seat tilt.
  • Seat: 14.1″ (inner W) x 19.2″ (usable D)
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 240-pound weight capacity

$424-$524 from Secretlab | Omega 2020 Gaming Chair Review

E-Win Champion Fabric Chair

E-Win Champion small gaming chair for bedroom

Supports 400 pounds with a seat depth (21.7″ total, 18.5″ usable) and height range suitable for semi-short people. Use code CHAIRSFX for the discount price.

  • Functionality: 4D arms; 85-155° recline; multi-function seat tilt; 2-year warranty
  • Seat: 22″ (W) x x 18.5″ (usable D)
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 400-pound weight capacity

$295 $369 from E-Win | E-Win Champion Series Fabric Gaming Chair

E-Win Knight Series

E-Win Knight Series gaming chairs for small adults

An affordable chair with basic features and dimensions suited to short, thick sizes. Use the code CHAIRSFX for the discounted price.

  • Functionality: 4D arms; 85°-165° recline; multi-function seat tilt; 2-year warranty
  • Seat: 21.7″ (W) x 19.7″ (usable D)
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 400-pound weight capacity

$183 $229 | E-Win Knight Series Review

Semi-Small Office Chairs (5’3″+)

The office chair industry offers up a handful of semi-small chairs for short people sized 5’3″ and up. Unlike the pricey Aeron, all are affordable. Here are three popular options:

Model Description
Steelcase Series 1

Steelcase Series 1 small office chair for short people

Has a depth-adjustable seat and 12-year warranty. The height-adjustable lumbar’s 6.5-8.75″ range limits its potential for shorter people.

  • Functionality: 4D arms; 100-124° rocking range; 2° seat sync-tilt during recline; 12-year warranty
  • Seat: 19.2″ (W) x 15.75-18″ (adjustable D)
  • Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’1″; 300-pound weight capacity

$499.00 on Amazon | Steelcase Series 1 Review

Nouhaus Palette

Nouhaus Palette office chair for short person

Offers a cute design, decent features, a 3-year warranty, and a low price.

  • Functionality: 1D arms; 90-135° recline; 1° seat sync-tilt during recline; 3-year warranty
  • Seat: 20.252″ (W) x 17.3″ (adjustable D)
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 240-pound weight capacity

$189.76 on Amazon | Nouhaus Palette Review

Secretlab NeueChair

Secretlab NeueChair compact office chair for short person

Has a height x depth-adjustable lumbar; sliding seat depth; infinite 85-130° recline (lock at any angle); 5-year warranty.

  • Functionality: 2D arms; 85-130° infinite recline lock; 5-year warranty
  • Seat: 19.6″ (W) x 16.5-18.5″ (adjustable D)
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’0″; 240-pound weight capacity

$729 from Secretlab | NeueChair Review

Browse all options: Best Small Ergonomic Office Chairs (for sizes 5’3″ and up)

Small Ergonomic Chairs For Kids (3’4″+)

This final compact seating option: ergonomic desk chairs for kids. Designed for children aged 4-12, this seating genre can also support extremely small adults.

Sidiz Ringo small gaming chair features
The Sidiz Ringo is our top-rated ergonomic computer chair for kids.

The Sidiz Ringo is our top-rated desk chair for kids. With support for sizes 3’6″ to 5’3″, it’s a possible option for very short adults. Other options include:

Model Description
Sitrite Ergonomic Desk Chair

Sitrite kids computer chair

 For ages 4+ 

A cheaper version of the Ringo with a shorter warranty.

  • Functionality: adjustable seat depth, removable footrest, 360° swivel, 1-year warranty
  • Seat: 17.5″ (W) x 16.3-18″ (D)
  • Size rating: 3’2″ to 5’2″ (K1 to grade 7)
  • Warranty: 1 year

$235.00 on Amazon

Secretlab Titan XXS

Secretlab Titan XXS kids computer chair

 For ages 6+ 

A super-small gaming chair for kids with sweet aesthetics.

  • Functionality: 1D arms, rocking function, 360° swivel, locking caster wheels, 5-year warranty; headrest pillow included
  • Seat: 10.6″ (W) x 15.4″ (D)
  • Size rating: 3’5″ to 5’3″; 155-pound weight capacity
  • Warranty: 5 years

$259-$279 from Secretlab

FCD Kids Desk Chair

FCD desk chair for kids

 For ages 4+ 

A super-small gaming chair for kids with sweet aesthetics.

  • Functionality: 1D arms, rocking function, 360° swivel, locking caster wheels, 5-year warranty; headrest pillow included
  • Seat: 10.6″ (W) x 15.4″ (D)
  • Size rating: 3’5″ to 5’3″; 155-pound weight capacity
  • Warranty: 5 years

$215.00 on Amazon

Browse all options: Best Ergonomic Desk Chairs For Kids (for sizes 3’6″ to 5’3″)

Gaming Chair For Short People Advice

A good gaming chair aligns the spine to help you to sit with good posture. Follow the tips below to ensure the best results from your small gaming chair investment:

  1. Poor fit example: see for yourself how poorly a small body fits in a chair too big.
  2. Seat depth specs: see how a seat too deep for your legs can distort your spine.
  3. Seat depth hacks: if your gaming chair seat is too deep, two hacks can reduce it.
  4. Footrest for short people: everyone 5’9″ or shorter with a non-adjustable desk needs one.
  5. Key buyer considerations: Seat with x depth; lumbar support type; seat padidng densite; warranty.

Small Person In Large Chair = Bad Fit

Every chair in this review comes with an accurate size rating. Ignoring these can negate the ergonomic potential of your chair. For example, here’s a 5’4″ teen in a Secretlab Titan 2020 (rated for sizes 5’9″ and up).

Small person in large gaming chair
5’4″ teen sitting in a chair rated for sizes 5’9″ and up.

Because the backrest is too high, the headrest doesn’t fit his neck curve. We also see the armrests are too high when aligned with his desk. That leaves his shoulder bunched up instead of falling down at a 90°.

A short user is a gaming chair seat too deep for their legs
A seat too deep for a user’s legs will pull their knees forward and flatten their lower back curve.

As well, the seat is too deep for his short legs. That presses its lip into the back of the knees. Over long sitting periods, that gets painful! Learn more:

Gaming Chair Sizing Guide: For S, M, & XL Sizes

Suitable Seat Depths For Short People

Here’s how the seat depths of three ultra-small ergonomic desk chairs compare:

Small Titan EVO small Aeron size A Epic Compact
Seat 17.7″ (W) x  18.9″ (D)  25.75″ (W) x  16″ (D)  11″ (W) x  16.5-18.8″ (D) 
Backrest 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) 18″(W) x 27.7″ (H)
Seat height 17.7″ to 20.5″ 14.75″ to 19″ 15.7-19.7″
Size rating 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds 4’1″ to 5’7″; 265 pounds
Price $549 from Secretlab $1750 from Herman Miller $299.99 on Amazon

To test Secretlab’s size rating accuracy, I tried my 5’9″ (177 cm) size in medium (5’7″ to 6’2″ rating) and XL (5’11” to 6’9″) Titan chairs.

Titan vs Titan XL fit for a 177 cm size
The medium-sized Titan (left) fits my 5’9″ size; the XL version’s seat looks too deep for my legs.

As you can see, the XL (rated 2″ too large for my height) yielded a seat too deep for my legs. In contrast, a tiny 0.4″ reduction on the medium sized Titan made a massive difference.

That gave me a near-perfect fit (around 2 fingers of space behind my knees). Given these facts, we can make the following seat depth conclusions for short sizes:

Seat Depth Benchmarks For Short People

Short sizes can use these references to gauge a good seat depth for their height:

Size Chair Reference Maximum Seat Depth
4’9″ AKRacing California 17.7″
4’11” Secretlab Titan (S) 18.9″
5’7″ Secretlab Titan (M) 19.3″

For more specific fitting tips (for S, M, and XL sizes), see this feature:

Gaming Chair Sizing Guide: For S, M, & XL Sizes

Seat Depth Hacks: Footrests Or Pillows

If your gaming chair seat is too deep for your legs, there are two potential fixes:

Footrest Seat Depth Hack

Ergonomic footrests also reduce pressure on the lower thighs. Instead, power from your planted legs transfers to the lower back. With lumbar support in place, sitting up straight becomes almost effortless.

Ergonomic footrest to fix seat depth
Using a footrest will widen your knee bend, placing less pressure on your buttocks as a result.

A byproduct of that is a wider knee bend that pulls your legs away from the seat’s lip. As a result, while my Titan XL chair’s seat is too deep, it’s a perfect depth when used with a footrest.

Lumbar Pillow Hack

Some of the gaming chairs for small adults in this review have external lumbar pillows. Even when compressed, these will push users at least one inch away from the backrest. That will, as a result, reduce the usable seat depth by around one inch.

Using a lumbar pillow with the Titan XL
Adding a lumbar pillow can reduce the depth of your Titan chair’s seat.

You can also deploy this hack in chairs without external lumbar pillows. For instance, my Secretlab Titan Evo XL is a touch too deep for my size. To fix that, I use an external lumbar pillow to reduce its seat depth. Learn more:

Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Seat Depth Hack

Everyone Under 5’9″ Needs A Footrest

Standard-sized desks are typically 28-30″ high. Based on my (5’9″ 177 cm) experience, everyone 5’9″ and shorter (175 cm) using a standard (non-height-adjustable) desk needs a footrest. Without one, short legs may struggle to plant firmly on the floor.

Planting your feet while sitting in a gaming chair
Planted feet provide the power to hold your torso upright while sitting.

Height-boosting with a footrest is an easy fix. For instance, most ergonomic chairs for kids aged 4-12 come with removable footrests.

Raising the height of the chair while using a footrest makes it possible for kids to use adult-sized desks.

Boosting sitting height with a footrest
Adding a footrest can compensate if your desk is too tall for your size.

This height-boosting concept works the same for short adults. First, raise the height of the chair’s seat to sync with your desk height. Then, use an ergonomic footrest to make sure your feet remain planted.

Benefits of using an ergonomic footrest
You can boost height, posture, comfort, and blood flow with an ergonomic footrest.

Then, you can enjoy good sitting posture while perfectly synced with your desktop — regardless of its height.

Footrest Benefits

Beyond height-boosting and seat depth hacking, ergonomic footrests let you move while you sit. Without disturbing your typing, you can work your ankles and calves while computing.

Secretlab Professional Footrest feet on footrest demo
Secretlab Pro Footrest: for height-boosting, movement, and GigaChad-tier neutral posture support.

This provides an easy way to engage seated muscles while keeping your circulation robust. Learn more:

Ergonomic Footrest Usage & Benefits

Related: Secretlab Professional Footrest Review

Factors When Choosing A Small Desk Chair

  1. Seat depth: a seat too deep for your legs will distort your sitting posture. Based on small chair seat depth benchmarks, sizes under 5’0″ can use a max depth of 18″.
  2. Seat width: seats with bolstered side edges limit legroom. Short people with thick legs or wide hips should look for a seat with flat edges.
  3. Lumbar support: good height-adjustability will let you customize your lower back support for your size.
  4. Seat padding density: firm 65 kg/m³ padding provides consistent support with even weight distribution. 55 kg/m³ density seats are softer, but with slightly uneven weight distribution.
  5. Warranty: standard gaming chairs come guaranteed for 2 years; premium ones are guaranteed for 5. A longer warranty implies a higher build quality.

Small Gaming Chair Big Picture Advice

This section helps you to consider the long-term ramifications of investing in a small gaming chair:

Small Gaming Chair Benefits To Expect

After you’ve decided on a chair, you should next master the habit of sitting in neutral postures. A few days of practice is all it should take for your muscles to adapt.

Side views of a man slouching in a cheap office chair and sitting with good posture in a gaming chair
Upgrading from a basic office chair to an ergonomic gaming chair can change your life for the better.

Then, you’re in for a treat. Sitting with an aligned spine takes massive pressure off back muscles. Then comes a massive surge of energy, sharper focus, and many other noticeable wellness benefits.

The most surprising early benefit I encountered was a sudden emergence of razor sharp discipline. As it turns out, that has a scientific basis: with more physical energy, the brain’s executive functions (including discipline) become more powerful.

List of prefrontal cortex executive functions
The prefrontal cortex powers higher reasoning, executive functions and working memory.

As proof of that, I bought my first gaming chair in mid-2017. Then, I developed a neutral posture habit, gained more energy, and parlayed that into a gym routine. Fast-forward 1.5 years and life was vastly improved — I even got rid of my beer belly!

Losing weight with a gaming chair
My gaming chair-powered transformation over 1.5 years.

It all started with a good gaming chair — that fit my size. For short people, this article covers every compact option. Choose one that fits, lock down neutral posture techniques, and enjoy the early benefits.

Learn more: Gaming Chair Benefits For Men, Women, and Kids

Gaming Chair Benefits For Petite Women

Women enjoy the same benefits of good sitting posture as men. These include more energy, sharper focus, and more confidence. Yet, women are more likely to suffer from negative body image perceptions. There, posture plays a significant role.

Slouching causes belly fat
Poor posture makes you look shorter, fatter, and less confident.

Women who slouch look shorter and fatter than those with good posture. A slouched posture also compresses the rib cage, forcing shallower breathing patterns.

Slouching woman
Slouching hinders breathing and stresses the spine.

This lowers oxygen levels in the blood, which the brain interprets as stress. Over time, chronic shallow breathing causes perpetual stress, a weaker immune system, and higher blood pressure.

Gaming chair benefits for women
A gaming chair can help a desk-bound woman to look and feel fantastic.

Summary of benefits: poor posture increases anxiety while making women look shorter and fatter. Developing neutral sitting habits in a good gaming chair can reverse these effects. Then, a woman can look slimmer while feeling more confident and relaxed.

Learn more: Gaming Chair Benefits For Women (with citations)

Ascending Beyond Gaming Chair Benefits

If you’ve never used an ergonomic chair before, the early benefits (more energy & sharper focus) may leave you in awe — for a while. Eventually, the novelty of life with good posture will wear off.

Space Seating vs Secretlab Titan
If you only want to relax, a good gaming chair will align your spine while you chill out.

But with excess energy to play with, you may develop an appetite for further growth. If not, enjoy chilling out in your gaming chair!

Otherwise, there’s a well-trodden path you can follow, laid out by pro esports teams, chess pros, and other intensive computing professionals. All you need to get started is a good gaming chair that fits your body type.

Four facets of healthy deskwork
4 pillars of healthy desk work: physical wellness; nutrition; rest; mental well-being.

The chair gives you the tools to develop healthy sitting habits. With a good fit and proper form, those who want more can expect unlimited physical and mental growth opportunities to arise.

Esports Blueprint: 4 Pillars of Computing Performance

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This is a collaborative account with edits and contributions from various users.


Contents

  1. Best Small Gaming Chair Quick Picks
  2. Reviews: Best Small Gaming Chairs
    1. Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 (4’11″+)
    2. Noblechairs Epic Compact (4’1″+)
    3. Herman Miller Aeron (4’9″+)
    4. Sidiz Ringo (3’6″+)
  3. Small Gaming Chair Alternatives
    1. Semi-Small Gaming Chairs (5’3″+)
    2. Semi-Small Office Chairs (5’3″+)
    3. Small Ergonomic Chairs For Kids (3’4″+)
  4. Gaming Chair For Short People Advice
    1. Small Person In Large Chair = Bad Fit
    2. Suitable Seat Depths For Short People
    3. Seat Depth Hacks: Footrests Or Pillows
    4. Everyone Under 5’9″ Needs A Footrest
    5. Factors When Choosing A Small Desk Chair
  5. Small Gaming Chair Big Picture Advice
    1. Small Gaming Chair Benefits To Expect
    2. Gaming Chair Benefits For Petite Women
    3. Ascending Beyond Gaming Chair Benefits

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