Around 65 million adult women in the U.S. are shorter than the average height of 5’3″ (160 cm). In our review of affordable office chairs, we found only four fully ergonomic models priced under $500 that fit these smaller-than-average sizes. We also review two others that support average female sizes (5’3″ and taller). ChairsFX reviews the best affordable ergonomic office chairs for short people.
The average height for adult women in the U.S. is 5’3″ (160 cm). By CDC estimates, the percentage of U.S. women shorter than this average is around 50% (around 65 million women).(1)
The gold standard ergonomic chair for shorter-than-average women is the Herman Miller Aeron Size A, supporting sizes 4’10” to 5’9″ (147-175 cm).
With high-tech mesh, a 12-year warranty, and a price tag over $1,800, it represents the absolute luxury ‘best’ for shorter sizes.
However, setting aside its luxury extras, the Aeron is fundamentally a standard ‘fully ergonomic’‘ chair.
With a good fit and proper usage, any model equipped with just three core adjustable features is functionally equipped to support healthy neutral sitting postures.
Affordable Office Chairs For Short People
Beyond the necessary adjustability, a good fit is essential – especially for shorter users. A seat too deep will pull your knees forward, causing the lower back to flatten and the upper spine to round.
For a proper fit, you must maintain at least two fingers of space between the back of your knees and the seat lip.
Assuming a suitable seat depth for your size, maintaining good posture over long periods becomes easy in any of the following:
- Cablady S2 Petite: for sizes 4’9″ and taller; 3-year warranty; $280.00 on Amazon
- Branch Ergonomic Chair: for sizes 5’2″ and taller; 7-year warranty; $389.00 on Amazon
- Steelcase Series 1: for sizes 5’2″ and taller; 12-year warranty; $499.00 on Amazon
- Sidiz T50: for sizes 5’3″ and taller; 3-year warranty; $449.00 on Amazon
- Staples Hyken: for sizes 5’3″ and taller; 3-year warranty; $129.99 on Amazon
- Alera Etros Petite: for sizes 5’2″ and taller; 3-year warranty; $99.99 on Amazon
CabLady S2 Petite
$280.00 on Amazon | Size rating: 4’9″ to 5’11”, 330 lbs
Launched as a company in late 2024, Cabevibe is helmed by a woman and focuses specifically on supporting the ergonomic needs of North American women. Cabevibe’s Cablady S2 Petite is its flagship offering for short sizes.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 3D flip-up arms; height-adjustable lumbar; 90-135° recline (3 locking positions); adjustable seat depth; adjustable headrest; retractable footrest
- Seat: 20.4″ (W) x 15.75″-18.1″ (D)
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Solid build quality, with a 3-year warranty
- Comes with a foot pedal that attaches to the base to support shorter legs
- The flip-up armrests also include 2D adjustability
- The adjustable lumbar support is targeted to support female curves
Cons
- Cabevibe is a new company still earning its credibility
Summary of features
Beyond the requisite adjustable lumbar, armrests, and reclining backrest, the Cablady S2 packs several clever extras.
These include a retractable footrest, a bottom bracing foot bar for short legs, a height x depth-adjustable headrest, a depth-adjustable seat, flip-up armrest functionality, and a 3-year warranty.
Complete summary of features:
- Armrests: 3D adjustable (flip up, adjust up, adjust forward and back)
- Seat: height and depth adjustable.
- Backrest: recline from 90° to 135°; tilt tension and angle lock in 3 positions.
- Lumbar: height-adjustable
- Extras: retractable footrest, adjustable headrest, bottom foot bracing bar
- Warranty: 3 years.
CabLady S2 Petite Dimensions
Here’s how the CabLady S2 Petite’s dimensions compare with the Aeron Size A:
| Spec | Aeron Size A | CabLady S2 Petite |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 20.4″ (W) x 15.75″-18.1″ (D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 19.5″ (W) x 23.8″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 17.3-20.08″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’11”; 330 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $280.00 on Amazon |
CabLady S2 Advice
Any chair with adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, and a reclining backrest is equipped to support healthy neutral postures. The Cablady S2 successfully stacks clever extras onto this foundation to create a genuinely gender-specific chair.
It’s compact, very easy to use, with a lumbar support system tailored for female curves. The biggest downside is the fact that Cabevibe (the chair’s manufacturer) is a new company, without an established service record.
On the upside, the company has a well-produced website(2), robust chair documentation, and an attentive service team.
Branch Ergonomic Chair
$389.00 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’2″ to 6’2″, 275 lbs
Founded in 2018, Branch is a mid-sized office furniture company focused on furnishing hybrid work environments. Its Branch Ergonomic Chair provides straightforward ergonomic support for small-ish sizes.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 3D arms; height-adjustable lumbar support; 100-121° recline with 4 locking positions; adjustable seat depth; 1° seat sync tilt
- Seat: 20.25″ (W) x 17.3″(D)
- Warranty: 7 years
Pros
- Straightforward ergonomic support without gimmicks
- Very easy to use
- Guaranteed for 7 years
Cons
- Boring design, with no flashy extras to appease thrill-seekers
- Not as compact as the Cablady S2, only supporting sizes 5’2″ and taller
Functional Highlights
The Branch ergonomic chair provides textbook ergonomic support with no frills. Instead of flashy extras, its main selling point is its rock-solid build that’s guaranteed for seven years. Key features:
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 3D (3″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 100-121° recline with 4 locking positions + 1° seat tilt
- Warranty: 7 years.
Branch Ergonomic Chair Sizing
Here’s how the Branch Ergonomic Chair’s dimensions compare with the Herman Miller Aeron Size A. Its minimum seat depth and seat height disqualify it for users taller than 5’2″:
| Spec | Aeron Size A | Branch Ergonomic Chair |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 20″ (W) x 18-21″(D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 20″ (W) x 20.5″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 17-21″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’2″; 275 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $389.00 on Amazon |
Branch Ergonomic Chair Advice
If you’re looking for straightforward ergonomic support, the Branch Ergonomic chair delivers. Its adjustable lumbar support aligns the spine while you sit. The reclining backrest adds movement. Adjustable arms provide extra bracing to hold your torso upright.
Beyond crisp neutral posture support, there’s not much to get excited about with this chair. However, if not fussed with psychological extras, this chair’s solid features and 7-year warranty provide excellent value for money.
Steelcase Series 1
$499.00 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’2″ to 6’2″, 300 lbs
The Series 1 has similar features as the Branch Ergonomic Chair. It differs with slightly more polished recline functions, better armrest adjustability, a longer 12-year warranty, and a higher price tag. On the downside, it only supports sizes 5’4″ and taller.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 4D arms; height-adjustable lumbar support; 100-120° recline; 2° seat sync-tilt
- Seat: 19.2″ (W) x 15.75-18″ (adjustable D)
- Warranty: 12 years
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Excellent armrest adjustability
- 12-year warranty
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Costs over $100 than the Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Plain design
- Not as luxurious as pricier Steelcase chairs.
Series 1 Key Features
The comfort and ease of use makes the Series 1 one of my favorite ergonomic chairs on the market. Despite its plain looks, it’s extremely easy to use. For example, compare these two images:
In the first image, I sat without making any chair adjustments. In the second, I adjusted the lumbar support, armrests, and seat height using this Series 1 User Guide. You can see the postural result for yourself.
Summary of Series 1 Features
- Height-adjustable lumbar: 6.5″ to 8.75″
- Recline + Sync tilt: 100-120° rocking range; 2° seat sync-tilt during recline
- Adjustable arms: 6.5″ to 11.5″ height range; 40° pivot left or right
- Seat: 15.75″ to 18″ adjustable depth
- Warranty: 12 years
Series 1 Adjustability For Short People
The Series 1 chair is rated to support sizes 5’4″ and up. However, its 15.75-18″ adjustable seat seat depth and 16.5-21.5″ adjustable seat height can support much shorter sizes.
The only thing barring users shorter than 5’2″ from using a Series 1 is its lumbar support. It adjusts from 6.5″ to 8.75″ above the seat — those 5’1″ and shorter might find it doesn’t adjust low enough for their size.
Series 1 Dimensions Vs Other Small Chairs
| Spec | Aeron Size A | Branch Ergonomic Chair | Series 1 |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 20″ (W) x 18-21″(D) | 19.2″ (W) x 15.75″ to 18″ (D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 20″ (W) x 20.5″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 21.5″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 17-21″ | 16.5″ to 21.5″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’2″; 275 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’1″; up to 300 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $389.00 on Amazon | $499.00 on Amazon |
Series 1 Chair Advice For Short People
Assuming a good fit, the Series 1 is one the best affordable office chair for moderately short people. It fulfills all ergonomic requirements in support of healthy neutral postures, and comes guaranteed for 12 years.
In my experience, its biggest downside is psychological. Healthy posture support on its own is boring. To mask that reality, many demand flashy aesthetics or luxury extras when shopping for a good chair.
However, the thrill of flashy extras is temporary. In contrast, good posture support in a Series 1 can last for 12 years (for around $41 per year). It isn’t flashy — it just works.
Learn more: Healthy Sitting Quickstart For the Steelcase Series 1
Sidiz T50
$449.00 from Amazon | Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’12, 275 lbs
The Sidiz T50 exceeds the Series 1 with 5 recline lock angles and a height x depth adjustable lumbar. It’s also around $130 cheaper — but with a shorter warranty and no sync-tilting seat functions.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 3D arms; height x depth-adjustable lumbar support; 100-115° recline (5 lock positions); depth-adjustable seat
- Seat: 20.25″ (W) x 17.3″(D)
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Does everything you need
- Height x depth-adjustable lumbar support
- Decent (3-year) warranty for the price
- A headrest is included
Cons
- Works better without using the headrest
- Has a narrower recline range than competing chairs
- The 18.1-21.5″ seat height range is too high for short legs (without a footrest)
Sidiz T50 Overview For Short People
Sidiz rates the T50 for sizes 5’3″ and up; slightly shorter users can add a footrest to use this comfortably at a standard-sized desk (28″ or taller).
Highlights include a 2-way adjustable lumbar that lets you toggle both height x depth. You can also reduce the depth of the seat from 21-18.3″ — a suitable range for both average and short sizes. The T50 also comes bundled with a headrest.
However, it’s a hard plastic piece covered in foam and faux leather. You can adjust the height and angle — but it’s tricky to find a good fit. Shorter users will find the headrest fit even worse.
For best results, short users should remove the headrest and forget about it.
T50 Ergonomic Features
The T50 has good lumbar support, 3D arms, and a decent backrest recline. It also has a 90-115° recline range with 5 lockable positions. That’s enough to keep your body moving while you sit.
However, such a small range forces you to sit in near-upright working postures at all times. If you prefer a more ‘lounge style’ sitting experience, look into a premium small gaming chair instead.
Sidiz T50 Office Chair Specifications
The main issue for short people is the T50’s 18.1″ minimum seat height. In comparison, the Herman Miller Size A seat lowers to 14.75″; the Steelcase Series 1 seat lowers to 15.75″. To make use of a T50, short sizes must use a footrest.
- Features: 90- 115° recline; 3D arms; height x depth-adjustable lumbar; seat slider.
- Headrest: included.
- Upholstery: breathable mesh backrest; fabric padded seat.
- Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee; 3-year warranty.
- Seat width x depth: 19.9″ (W) x 18.9″-21.6″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 18.7″ (W) x 20.5″ (H)
- Seat height range: 18.1-21.5″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’2″; up to 275 pounds
Sidiz T50 Advice For A Short Person
By adding a footrest and removing the headrest, short users can enjoy a great sitting experience in a T50 chair. For one thing, elegant design will brighten up any workspace.
For another, the robust adjustable features provide solid back support. The combination of function, style, and affordability explains why the T50 is such a strong office chair option for moderately short sizes.
To learn more, check out our detailed Sidiz T50 chair review.
Staples Hyken
$129.99 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’10”, 250 lbs
Despite its low price, the Hyken has powerful features under the hood. The tradeoff is durability: if used full-time, expect needing a replacement chair after a year or so.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 1D arms; height-adjustable lumbar; 100-140° recline; full mesh upholstery
- Seat: 19.3″ (W) x 16.5″ (D)
- Warranty: 30-day return policy
Pros
- Full mesh upholstery
- Great adjustable features for the price
- Comes with a built-in 1° seat sync tilt
Cons
- Awkward headrest (remove it for best results)
- Its flimsy build wears down quickly if used full-time
Hyken Overview For Short People
“Why pay more, when a $200 chair does the same job?” This was Techlead’s justification for choosing the Hyken as the best desk chair for programmers.
The only real downside is its flimsy build. If used full-time, expect the mesh to sag and parts to loosen within a year. If you can live with that, this is a solid starter chair for first-time ergo chair users.
Hyken Specifications
Usage is simple. Adjust the height of the seat, armrests, and lumbar support to suit your size. Then, plant your feet and tuck your hips deep into the seat. As a bonus, powerful recline and sync tilt functions make it easy to move your body while you sit.
Healthy posture support + opportunities to move is the textbook aim of every ergonomic chair. Getting that in a $129.99 full-mesh package optimized for short people makes the poor durability a lot easier to accept.
- Features: 100-140° recline (4 lock positions); 1D arms; height-adjustable lumbar; 1° seat tilt; headrest included
- Upholstery: full mesh seat and backrest.
- Warranty: 30-day return policy.
- Seat width x depth: 19.3″ (W) x 16.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 16.2″ (W) x 23.2″ (H)
- Seat height: 16.9-19.7″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’10”; 250-pound weight capacity.
Hyken Advice
The Hyken is proof that you don’t need to pay big money for complete ergonomics. There’s nothing significant to complain about — everything works as expected.
The catch is durability. After a year of full-time use, saggy mesh and loosened parts will render your chair noisy and unstable. If you can live with that, expect no other surprises.
Staples Hyken from Amazon $129.99
Learn more: Staples Hyken Office Chair Review
Alera Etros Petite
$139.99 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’2″ to 6’0, 275 lbs
The Alera Etros Petite is like a slightly more compact version of the Modway Articulate chair. Although a clunky, ugly-looking chair, it’s fully-ergonomic and extremely cheap.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 1D arms; height-adjustable lumbar support; height-adjustable backrest; depth-adjustable seat; 100-112° recline; 1° seat sync tilt
- Depth-adjustable seat: 20.25″ (W) x 16.8-18.3″(D)
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Fully-ergonomic
- Comes with a height-adjustable backrest
- Has a solid build
- Guaranteed for 5 years
Cons
- Plain design
- Basic, no-frills adjustability
Functional Highlights
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable
- Armrests: 1D (2.6″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 100-112° recline + 1° seat tilt
- Warranty: 5 years
Alera Etros Petite Sizing
Here’s how the Etros Elite compares with two other compact options:
| Spec | Aeron Size A | CabLady S2 Petite | Alera Etros Petite |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 20.4″ (W) x 15.75″-18.1″ (D) | 20.25″ (W) x 16.8-18.3″(D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 17.32″ (W) x 21.6-24.4″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 14.75″ to 19″ | 17.1-20.8″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’11”; 330 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’0″; 275 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $280.00 on Amazon | $139.99 on Amazon |
Alera Etros Petite Advice
If you need ergonomic support on an extremely tight budget, the Alera Etros Petite can do the job.
While its plain aesthetics won’t inspire, its functions will support good posture while you sit for long periods.
Small Office Chair Advice
If you need help planning a small office chair purchase, read these tips:
What Does ‘Fully Ergonomic’ Mean?
To qualify as fully ergonomic, a chair needs three components. Adjustable lumbar support keeps your spine in a healthy alignment. Adjustable arms provide bracing to hold your torso upright. A reclining backrest lets your seated body move.
Combined, these features can potentially help users maintain healthy neutral sitting positions.
A textbook neutral posture includes a 25-45° lower back curve and a 0° neck tilt. This aligns the spine into the equivalent of a healthy standing position. This works muscles optimally, helping users to sit comfortably for longer periods without strain.
Choose an Appropriate Seat Depth
A seat that’s too deep can pull a short person’s knees forward. Knees pulled forward curls the hips, flattening a healthy lower back curve.
Sitting for long periods with a flattened lower back curve back will tighten your spine. Then, lower back, neck, hip, and even knee pain problems may arise.
With that in mind, here are the seat depths and size ratings for the 5 chairs covered in this review. You can use these seat depths as references to assess other compact models:
| Model | Seat Depth | Size Rating | Price |
| Herman Miller Aeron Size A | 16″ | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | $1800+ |
| CabLady S2 Petite | 15.75″-18.1″ (adjustable) | 4’9″ to 5’11”; 330 pounds | $280.00 |
| Branch Ergonomic Chair | 18-21″ (adjustable) | 5’2″ to 6’2″, 275 pounds | $389.00 |
| Steelcase Series 1 | 15.75″ to 18″ (adjustable) | 5’4″ to 6’1″, 300 pounds | $499.00 |
| Sidiz T50 | 18.3″-21″ (adjustable) | 5’3″ to 6’0″, 250 pounds | $449.00 |
| Staples Hyken | 16.5″ | 5’3″ to 5’10”, 250 pounds | $129.99 |
Adjustable Lumbar Supports the Spine
A healthy standing spine maintains a 25-45° lower back curve. Sitting flattens that curve, forcing back muscles to work harder holding the torso upright.
Every office chair in this review prevents this using a lumbar-powered support concept. The gist: lower back support 4 cm deep placed slightly above the beltline maintains a healthy spinal alignment while you sit. That prevents muscle strain.
As a result, users can sit comfortably for long periods without fatigue. Learn more:
Short People Need An Ergonomic Footrest
A chair’s adjustable seat height range is irrelevant. Most standard desks are 28″ or taller. To make use of one while keeping their feet planted, everyone 5’8″ or shorter should use a footrest.
Using a footrest will better sync your chair’s armrests with the desk. It will also help short users sit taller in their chairs.
Beyond height-boosting, ergonomic footrests also let you work your legs while you sit — without disturbing your typing! Learn more:
Remove The Headrest For Optimal Support
Office chair headrests are only meant to cradle the neck during deep reclines. However, most have poor adjustability. For instance, with a 100° recline, the (non-depth-adjustable) Steelcase Leap headrest tilts my neck forward.
My 5’9″ (177 cm) size finds an awkward fit with most office chair headrests. Shorter sizes will find them even worse: expect headrest curves hitting the head above the neck.
Bottom line: remove your office chair headrest to enjoy the best back support from your office chair. Learn more:
Small Gaming Chair Alternatives
Besides the Aeron size A, there two gaming chairs that fit people 5’0″ or shorter:
| Small | Titan EVO small | Aeron size A | Noblechairs Epic Compact |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 25.75″ (W) x 16″ (D) | 21″ (W) x 16.5-18.8″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 10.6″ inner width; 18″ outer width |
| 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 | $529.00 on Amazon |
For more small gaming chair options, check out this comprehensive review:
Best Small Gaming Chairs For Petite Sizes 149 cm+ (4’11”)
Final Advice: Beyond the Chair
The central takeaway of this article is that any properly fitted, fully-ergonomic chair can support healthy neutral postures. However, proper usage and holistic health matter far more than the specific chair you choose.
Esports doc William Duncan has this advice for ChairsFX readers:
His sentiment is reflected in several recent studies and esports optimization trends. Several studies suggest that movement and exercise are better remedies for back pain than medicine or simply sitting in an expensive chair.
Similarly, while top esports teams provide quality ergonomic chairs, they don’t teach players “how to sit.” Instead, they emphasize frequent movement breaks, regular exercise, sound sleep, and proper nutrition as core practices.
With this context, remember that comfort is both physical and psychological. All chairs in this review are built to support physical comfort, but your psychological comfort — what makes you feel good—is subjective.
Your Final Action: Choose a properly fitting chair with the necessary ergonomic components and the psychological extras that appeal to you.
Then, mix clean neutral sitting postures with movement, exercise, rest, and nutrition to ensure you perform at your best while sitting at a desk. Learn more:
2025 Health Trends For Desk Workers
Footnotes
- CDC. ‘Body Measurements’, August 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm (accessed 12 Oct. 2025).
- ‘Cabevibe company website’, https://www.cabevibe.com/, (accessed 12 Oct. 2025).
