A fully ergonomic office chair can promote a healthy spinal alignment while you sit. But for the best results, it’s important to choose a model that fits. People 5’6″ (167 cm) or shorter need a seat, backrest, and lumbar support appropriate for their size. Don’t worry if your budget is tight. Find below five fully-ergonomic, affordable office chairs designed for petite sizes.
There’s no debate about the best ergonomic office chair for short people: it’s the Herman Miller Aeron Size A. That’s not because of its world-class features. Rather, the Aeron is the only model that supports sizes as short as 4’10” (147 cm).
But the Aeron is pricey: a fully-loaded model costs . If that’s beyond your budget, find below five fully ergonomic affordable alternatives for sizes 5’3″ or taller.
Small Cheap Office Chair Quick Picks
These five affordable models all come from reputable brands. That means you can count on accurate manufacturer size ratings and (excluding the Hyken) reliable warranty protection:
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Reviews: Top 5 Small Office Chairs For Short People
A seat too deep for your legs will pull your knees forward, flatten your lower back curve, and round your upper spine. A proper fit should leave at least two inches of space between the back of your knees and the seat lip.
With a good fit and fully-ergonomic features, maintaining good posture over long periods becomes easy. These fully-ergonomic chairs support sizes 5’3″ to 5’4″ (160-162.5 cm) and up. Prices range from $144.99 to $729.
- Steelcase Series 1: for sizes 5’4″+; height-adjustable lumbar, seat slider; 12-year warranty. ( $498.00 on Amazon )
- Sidiz T50: for sizes 5’3″+; has good features (includes a seat slider) & a 3-year warranty. ( $419.00 on Amazon )
- Nouhaus Palette: for sizes 5’3″+; height-adjustable lumbar, 3-year warranty, colorful styles. ( $144.99 on Amazon )
- Secretlab NeueChair: a flashy full-mesh chair for sizes 5’3″+ with a 5-year warranty. ( $729 from Secretlab )
- Staples Hyken: full mesh chair with advanced tilt functionality — but only a 30-day return policy. ( $169.99 on Amazon )
STAR RATINGS: the top-rated Series 1 scores highest with complete features and a 12-year warranty. Other models lose points for missing/ inferior features, functional quirks, or durability issues.
Steelcase Series 1
$498.00 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″, 300 lbs
Like all Steelcase office chairs, the Series 1 supports good posture over long periods — backed by a 12-year Steelcase warranty. But unlike other Steelcase chairs, the Series 1 is affordable.
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
- Only has three recline modes: 100°, 110°, and 120°
- Plain cubicle-style design
- Not as luxurious as pricier Steelcase chairs.
The Series 1 offers everything the $1300+ Steelcase Gesture chair does, minus a lockable backrest recline. Instead, you can lock the seat at 100° or recline using two weight-activated modes.
A dial under the right side of the seat controls tilting modes. Turn forward to lock upright, or rearward to engage regular or boosted tension recline modes.
Series 1 Key Features
Getting used to the Series 1 chair’s back support concepts only takes a few minutes. In the first image below, I sat in a Series 1 without making any 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 5’4″ from using a Series 1 is its lumbar support. It adjusts from 6.5″ to 8.75″ above the seat — those 5’3″ and shorter might find it doesn’t adjust low enough for their size.
Series 1 Dimensions Vs Other Small Chairs
| Spec | Aeron Size A | Titan Small | Series 1 |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 19.2″ (W) x 15.75″ to 18″ (D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 20″(W) x 32.3″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 21.5″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 16.5″ to 21.5″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 5’4″ to 6’1″; up to 300 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $549 from Secretlab | $498.00 on Amazon |
Series 1 Chair Advice For Short People
The Series 1 is the best affordable office chair for short people. It fulfills all ergonomic requirements in support of healthy neutral postures. It’s also guaranteed for 12 years.
In my experience, its biggest downside is psychological. Healthy posture support on its own is boring – once you’ve achieved that, you’ll forget about it!
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
$419.00 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 superb back support. The combination of function, style, and affordability explains why the T50 is such a popular office chair for short people.
To learn more, check out our detailed Sidiz T50 chair review.
Nouhaus Palette Office Chair
$144.99 on Amazon | Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1, 240 lbs
The Nouhaus Palette is a cheaper, less adjustable version of the Sidiz T50 for sizes 5’3″ and up.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 1D arms; height-adjustable lumbar support; 100-135° rocker; 1° seat sync-tilt
- Seat: 20.25″ (W) x 17.3″(D)
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Classy aesthetics
- Easy to use
- Guaranteed for 3 years
Cons
- No locking recline (only rocking)
- Feels flimsier than the Series 1
- Some complain the seat padding is too stiff.
Up front, the Palette is an attractive, affordable office chair with impressive features. But most office chairs priced under $350 wear down quickly over time. The Palette feels like it will do the same.
You may need to tighten its screws every few months. Some Amazon reviewers have also complained that the seat padding feels too firm over 8-hour sessions. If so, looking into buying a Purple Seat Cushion.
Functional Highlights
The Palette lacks a tilt-locking recline. You can rock from 100-135° or lock upright — but not lock at angles. Its star feature is an adjustable lumbar — with a rear viewing window.
Its lumbar support also lowers to the bottom of the seat pan — excellent adjustability for short people.
Functionality Summary
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 1D (3.4″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 90-135° rock + 1° seat tilt
- Warranty: 3-year protection from Nouhaus.com.
Palette Sizing
The Palette’s seat is only .55″ (1.3 cm) deeper than the Aeron Size A – a good fit for short legs. In contrast, its 17.5-21.25″ adjustable seat high may leave short legs dangling. If so, add a footrest.
| Spec | Aeron Size A | Steelcase Series 1 | Nouhaus Palette |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 19.2″ (W) x 15.75-18″ (D) | 20.25″ (W) x 17.3″(D) |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 21.5″ (H) | 18.3″ (top) x 20.5″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 16.5-21.5″ | 17.5-21.25″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’4″ to 6’1″; 300 pounds | 5’3″ to 6’1″; 240 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $498.00 on Amazon | $144.99 on Amazon |
Nouhaus Palette Advice
The institutional definition of ‘ergonomic’ isn’t complex. An adjustable lumbar + adjustable armrests + a reclining backrest supports neutral sitting positions. The Palette follows this formula with a sync-tilting seat as the only functional extra.
Beyond its basic ergonomic features, styling is its main selling point. It resembles the super-popular Haworth Fern. The Palette replicates that look with its own viewing window + height-adjustable lumbar combo. Like the Fern, it comes in an array of colorful fabric seat and mesh backrest combos.
Secretlab NeueChair
$729 from Secretlab | Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’0″, 240 lbs
The ($1700+) Herman Miller Aeron is the most expensive full-mesh, fully-ergonomic desk chair for short people. The $169.99 Staples Hyken is the cheapest. The NeueChair (pronounced ‘noy-you’) fits between those extremes: a luxury full-mesh sitting experience for half the price of an Aeron.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Features: 2D arms; height x depth-adjustable lumbar; 85-130° recline; full mesh upholstery
- Seat: 19.6″ (W) x 16.5″-18.5″ (D)
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- High-quality mesh upholstery
- Infinite tilt (lock at any angle between 85-130°
- Sexy polished steel frame with a solid frame
- Funky control levers under each armrest
Cons
- The armrests are only 2D
- No seat sync tilt (the seat remains flat during reclines)
After the Aeron, the NeueChair (pronounced ‘noy-you’) is the most luxurious full mesh office chair for short sizes 5’3″ and up.
Slightly shorter should also be able to use this chair by adding a footrest. Then, two adjustable features let shorter users tailor the Neue experience for their size.
The first is a depth-adjustable seat with a 16.5-18.5″ range. Those with shorter thighs can slide it back to 16.5″ for an excellent fit.
The second is a height x depth-adjustable lumbar support. Those slightly shorter than 5’3″ can lower the support to better fit their size.
Summary of features
Beyond its back support features, the Neue serves up a polished ADC12 aluminum frame draped in adaptive mesh upholstery.
NeueMesh is a 3-layer mesh that combines top-grade polyester fiber and DuPont yarn. It delivers a plush experience that justifies its higher price. But if money’s tight, cheaper, less luxurious options can provide a similar level of back support.
- Armrests: 2D adjustable (up and down, side-to-side).
- Seat: height and depth adjustable.
- Backrest: recline from 85° to 130°; tilt tension and angle lock.
- Lumbar: height-adjustable
- Warranty: 12 years on the frame; 5 years on components; 3 years on armrests, casters & gas lift.
NeueChair Dimensions
Secretlab rates the NeueChair to fit sizes 5’3″ to 6’0″. Its flat, wide seat supports both slim and thick sizes. Here’s how it compares with other small office chairs:
| Spec | Aeron Size A | Steelcase Series 1 | NeueChair |
| Seat width x depth | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 19.2″ (W) x 15.75-18″ (D) | 19.6″ (W) x 16.5″-18.5″ ( |
| Backrest width x height | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 21.5″ (H) | 19.5″ (W) x 22.4″ (H) |
| Seat height range | 14.75″ to 19″ | 16.5-21.5″ | 18.5-22″ |
| Size rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’4″ to 6’1″; 300 pounds | 5’3″ to 6’0″; up to 240 pounds |
| Price | $1750+ from Herman Miller | $498.00 on Amazon | $729 from Secretlab |
NeueChair Advice
The NeueChair’s $729 price is a tough sell for short people. For one thing, it only has 2D armrests — mediocre for the price. For another, it’s not ideal for ultra-small sizes shorter than 5’3″.
For around $200 less, a small-sized Secretlab Titan offers superior functionality and a better fit. On the other hand, if the Aeron Size A is too pricey, the NeueChair is almost as luxurious, and around half the price.
NeueChair from Secretlab for $729
Learn more: Secretlab NeueChair Review: Affordable Luxury Mid-Back Ergonomic
Staples Hyken
$169.99 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 $169.99 full-mesh package optimized for short people makes the poor durability a lot easier to accept.
The Hyken also comes bundled with an ill-fitting headrest. Users of all sizes should remove it to ensure the best results. Minus the headrest, this is a solid option for short people.
- 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 $169.99
Learn more: Staples Hyken Office Chair Review
Small Office Chair Fitting Advice
Each chair in this review has a manufacturer’s recommended size rating. You can also gauge a chair’s potential fit yourself by looking at two aspects:
- Seat depth: a seat too deep for short legs will distort good posture. People shorter than 5’3″ should look for a max depth of 18″.
- Lumbar support: a good height-adjustable range will let you customize support for your size.
Two other factors can also help sorter sizes achieve good results in a small office chair:
- Add a footrest: instead of looking for a chair with a low seat height, add a footrest to help you to sit ‘taller’.
- Remove the headrest: most office chair headrests are designed for average sizes; short people should remove their headrest for best results.
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. However, using a model too large for your size might result in pain instead of comfortable support.
An Appropriate Seat Depth For Short Legs
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 |
| Steelcase Series 1 | 15.75″ to 18″ (adjustable) | 5’4″ to 6’1″, 300 pounds | $498.00 |
| Sidiz T50 | 18.3″-21″ (adjustable) | 5’3″ to 6’0″, 250 pounds | $419.00 |
| Nouhaus Palette | 17.3″ | 5’3″ to 6’1″, 240 pounds | $144.99 |
| Secretlab NeueChair | 16.5″ to 18.5″ (adjustable) | 5’3″ to 6’1″, 240 pounds | $729 |
| Staples Hyken | 16.5″ | 5’3″ to 5’10”, 250 pounds | $169.99 |
An Adjustable Lumbar That Fits Your 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:
Add A Footrest; REMOVE The Headrest
Here are two more tips for short people enjoy the most supportive fit possible in their new office chair:
All 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 Neck 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 are four gaming chairs that fit people 5’0″ or shorter.
Here’s how the dimensions of two top-rated models compare with the Herman Miller Size A:
| Small | Titan EVO small | Aeron size A | AKRacing California |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 25.75″ (W) x 16″ (D) | 21″ (W) x 17.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21″(W) x 27.7″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 14.75″ to 19″ | 13.75″ to 17.25″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330 pounds |
| Price | $549 from Secretlab | $1750 from Herman Miller | Price not available on Amazon |
For more small gaming chair options, check out this comprehensive review:
Conclusion: Small Office Chair Comfort
The best ergonomic office chair for small sizes is the Herman Miller Aeron (for sizes 4’10” to 5’9″). The Steelcase Series 1 ranks as the second-best — because of its physical back support qualities.
However, the ‘comfort’ of a chair includes both physical and psychological factors. On the psychological front, the Series 1 is a bit boring.
Other chairs add psychological lures on top of good back support to sweeten the deal. For instance, the Palette comes in an array of pretty fabric colors. Neue and Hyken chairs come clad in cool, stylish mesh.
Advice: use the sizing tips outlined in this article to gauge a chair’s fitting potential. Among the models that fit, choose one that makes you feel happy. Then, develop an active neutral sitting habit to give your spine the love it deserves.
Recap: Best Affordable Office Chairs For Short People
- Steelcase Series 1: for sizes 5’4″ and up; height-adjustable lumbar, seat slider; 12-year warranty. ( $498.00 on Amazon )
- Sidiz T50: good features (includes a seat slider)+ a 3-year warranty. ( $419.00 on Amazon )
- Nouhaus Palette: for sizes 5’3″+; height-adjustable lumbar, 3-year warranty, colorful styles. ( $144.99 on Amazon )
- Secretlab NeueChair: a flashy full-mesh chair for sizes 5’3″+ with a 5-year warranty. ( $729 from Secretlab )
- Staples Hyken: full mesh chair with advanced tilt functionality — but only a 30-day warranty. ( $169.99 on Amazon )
