Buying a new chair in itself has always been a tedious job. With the current number of different brands coming up with different types of chairs, it has become much more complicated. Although if you are someone with an average height, you are more likely to find different chairs catering to your needs.
However, if you are short in height, it becomes extremely difficult to find a perfect chair for your office that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. We looked at the Top 10 Best Office Chairs for Short People under 5’6 in 2024 so that you do not have to go through different sites, compare their specifications, and ensure that you are not making a mistake.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best office chairs for short people under 5’6 in 2024!
What Happens When Your Chair Size Does Not Meet Your Height?
When the chair size is incompatible with your height, it can create many problems. It might lead to not just difficulty while working but also might create specific health problems.
Sitting in the right posture becomes vital because it helps maintain certain critical body parts like the lumbar joints. Thus, a good chair with proper functionality that caters to your height and can give you a comfortable sitting position becomes essential.
How Can It Help The Office Employee?
When you want your employees to work for a long time and work efficiently, it becomes crucial that their needs are addressed so that they feel comfortable in doing the work that they do. This way, they can remain focused on their daily tasks and do not have to worry about their body, posture, and other health-related effects.
Thus, for long-term employees finding the perfect chair is essential. In this list, we have compiled the top ten office chairs for short people under 5’6”, which will not only make the setting comfortable but also help the employees to work more efficiently.
Also read: Best Streaming Desks
Do Office Chairs Come In Different Sizes?
It is important to note that the size of people’s required office chairs will differ for different regions. The size of office chairs mostly depends on the table and the height of the person.
However, nowadays, office chairs have become much more adjustable, not just in sitting posture but more in height adjustment; many even come with additional features like armrest adjustment technologies.
Is It Better To Have Your Chairs Lower Or Higher?
We should first try to understand the best way to sit on an office chair while working. While it seems a very general question, it has become very common to many people. Believe us when we say that most of us do it incorrectly.
When you lower your chair too much, it can cause a strain on your back body, especially if you use it for an extended period of time without adequate height adjustment. Additionally, it can cause stress on your hips and knees.
Here we have listed the Top 10 Best Office Chairs for Short people under 5’6 in 2024. The list has been prepared under extensive research taking into account the necessities of short people.
1 . Steelcase Leap Plus – Best Overall
We Found out that the Steelcase leap office chair would be almost within any top office chair category simply because of the availability of control over your chair. It allows a range of adaptability options; almost every part of the chair is maneuverable and adjustable.
The Leap Plus has a shallow seat height of 15.5 inches with the necessary seat adjustment facility, and the depth begins at 15.75″. The 4D arm adjustment feature allows work effortlessly while adjusting it according to the body’s needs. The most important thing with any office chair for short people is comfort. The Natural Glide System in the Leap Plus allows the chair to adjust automatically to the body structure of the person sitting.
The Leap Plus supports the spine, one of the most critical parts of the body, by allowing the lower spine to move. In the leap plus office chair, whenever your upper back leans back, it helps the lower back to move forward. Doing so allows the back to settle down in a natural position and not put too much stress on it.
Specifications
- Dimensions: Height (in): 38.5 to 42.5
- Seat Height(in): 20.5
- Seat minimum height(in): 15.5
- Capacity(lbs): 500
Why Is This The Best Office Chair For Short People Under 5’6 In 2024?
The Natural Glide Lumbar tilt mechanism in the chair allows smooth transitions and enables you to blend the chair according to your posture and movement. It also supports a fully adjustable armrest made of high-quality polyurethane foam that can move in all directions according to the user.
2 . The Neutral Posture XMS Series Ergonomic Chair – Runner Up
If you are petite, then your search might stop here! This chair is bound to make a difference. It is our third-best pick. The product dimensions provide a suitable sitting for a short person with a minimum seat height of 15.75 inches and a seat depth that can go as low as 15.5 inches.
The feature of arm adjustment makes a lot of difference, and it is the same in the XMS series. A minimum height of 7″, which can go as narrow as 13.5″, provides the necessary mantle for the arm.
It supports an attached footrest, which might be handy because of its shallow seat depth. The XMS provides better back support with their quality Air lumbar support. The Fabric used in the XMS is of high quality. The seats are well padded, soft, and have a premium feel to them.
Overall, this beauty is specially built for small people who like to work for a longer time. With all the customizability available, this should undoubtedly be on your wishlist.
Specification
- Price: $937 (Approx)
- Dimensions: Height (in): 38.5, Seat Height(in): 20.75, Seat minimum height(in): 15.75,
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Capacity(lbs): 275
- Lumbar range: 7’’-11″
- Back support with PostureFit SL hardware
- Product weight: 41 lbs
3 . HumanScale Freedom – Premium Pick
HumanScale Is known for its chairs all over the globe. They produce some High-end products that satisfy the customer to the fullest extent. Here we have tried to look at some of the fascinating features of the human-scale chair. However, it must be said that their high-end offerings come at quite a cost. With all their offerings and customization, you can expect their price to surpass $1100.
The overall dimension of the Chair is 26.75” W x 26” D x 48.2-53” H. The seat height can be adjusted within a range of 16” to 21”. The Distance between the armrest can be adjusted within the range of 18” to 21”. HumanScale claims to have a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
When it comes to its overall useability and feel, there is nothing to complain about. The chairs come with excellent build quality. Their frame is made of Graphite, giving it a strong and polished look.
The weight of the chairs is not on the higher side. On top of the Graphite beauty, it comes with a leathered seat or fabric. The downside, however, is to slide bits and pieces of plastic here and there. Nevertheless, that should not be a reason not to go for this beauty.
At this point, it would be essential to mention that the leather version would cost you a lot more than that fabric. The pricing for the fabric chair is around $1040. However, the leathered version could go upward of $1880! Therefore, leather might not be a good investment. So, unless you are someone who wants to smell that leather, for most of us, the fabric is the way to go.
When it comes to the various adjustments, we find all the essential features like arm adjustment, head adjustment, and height adjustment, among others, that one expects at this price range. The whole back of the chair naturally conforms itself to the body to give a comfortable sitting posture to relax and work.
Although the build quality on this chair is top-notch, the only thing that bothers me is the armrest and the headrest. The headrest rests on a slim metal rod and slips back over time, which can irritate. The armrest feels slightly clunky at times and only provides unidirectional adjustment up and down-not horizontally.
In reality, these are all small things that the customer might not even notice after extensive use. The solid build quality, the fabric, the finish, and the overall comfort it provides make it a great contender for our Top 10 Best Office Chairs for Short People in 2024.
Specifications
- Price: $1250(Approx), Less for the one with fabric
- Height(In): 53
- Weight: 38 lbs
4 . Steelcase Series 1
This is the perfect combo of productivity yet in a ‘small’ way. This Steelcase series 1 is one of the best chairs for small people to buy in 2024. It is made keeping in mind the small people. This is a chair that punches above its waist. Coming at an affordable price of less than $500, don’t get fooled by the looks because when it comes to performance, there is little to complain about.
The series 1 comes in with various technologies to make the experience stand out. It comes with the company’s LiveBack technology, which fits perfectly with the person’s lumbar region. It has no shortage of additional features like a 4D adjustable armrest, which has become a staple in every chair.
However, we have had issues with the implementation and the build of the armrest. In Steelcase, too, we feel that they could have done a better job. In reality, considering the amount the consumer is paying, it might be described as a minimal sacrifice.
Specifications
- Price: $445
- Height(In): 41.25
- Weight: 69
- Minimum Seat Depth: 15.5 inches
- Maximum Seat 17.75’’
- Seat height: 16.5”
5 . Sizid Ringo Junior Adjustable Chair
Looking at this bright beauty will remind you of the rainbow- its bright and punching colors will make you fall for it. Its small frame with a minimum height of 15.8”(floor to seat) indeed suits small people, but the vibrant color will ultimately suit you. If you have a height of less than 5’6, this might be the right choice for you.
One thing to note about the chair is that it was initially intended for children and teenagers, but since then, many have come to find the Sizid Ringo comfortable with its body size and structure. That means that the Sizid chair might not go well with ordinary short people, but it comes in handy with extremely small people.
However, there are a few things that we did not like. For example, the backrest was stationary and was not available for adjustment. The other issue is that the armrest isn’t height adjustable. That would mean that the adjustability that comes in with the chair is not great.
Regardless, the Sizid junior is still the finest chair to buy if you are small and haven’t discovered the best-suited chair for you.
Specifications
- Height(from seat to floor): 15.8” to 19.7”
- Seat width: 18.3”
- Seat Depth: 17”-19”
- Seat Depth Adjustment: Available
6 . AKRacing California
This is another chair that is extra small in size and best for short people below 5’6. The AKRacing is a gaming chair inspired by the sunny weather of California. It is a new offering by AKRacing, which sits on a relatively small, fully hand-welded metal frame.
The chair has three color offerings: Napa, Laguna, and Tahoe.
The Premium quality automotive grade polyurethane leather looks quite attractive. For comfort, it brings forward the High-Density cold-cured foam filling for superior comfort, which lasts longer.
It supports an adjustable backrest with a 180° recline. The 3D adjustable armrest feels comfortable. Along with it, the Class 4 gaslift with a maximum capacity of 330 lbs makes it a winning deal.
One thing, however, that we felt was lacking was the tilt-angle lock feature. Furthermore, it also did not support the 4D armrest, which is a bit of a dampener. Otherwise, it is overall pleasing to the eye-kind of a chair with good comfort for all the short people out there.
Specifications
- Price: $469
- Height(In): 47.4 inches
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
- Capacity
7 . Alera Etros Petite
This chair is one of the budget offerings that we have reviewed. And it comes from a brand that has been there for decades now. Short people’s necessities are undoubtedly kept in mind while creating this chair.
The overall dimensions of the chairs are 28.3” x 23.8” x 32.5” to 36.5”—the chair weighs about 52 pounds with a maximum capacity of about 250 pounds. The seat-to-floor height ranges from 17.5” to 21.5”. As we can see, the dimensions are not on the super lower end but will suit a small person to a significant extent nonetheless.
Furthermore, the chair has an excellent lumbar support system and is even relatively adjustable (up or down by around 2″), but regrettably, it is the only ergonomic function it has.
It has all the necessary features, like 2D Armrest and adjustable backrest. The chair, with its 16” depth, gives the person a lot of comfort. Moreover, installing and setting up the chair can be a straightforward process. As a footnote, however, it must be said that the 18” height of the chair might still be too tall for some. So, it might be advisable to get a footrest alongside the chair.
Specifications
- Price: $210
- Height(In): 41.75 inches
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
- Capacity
- Color: Black
8 . Steelcase Amia Task Chair
If you are still looking for other alternatives, then look no more. The Steelcase Amia chair might be the one for you. With a height ranging between 37.35”- 42.5” and weighing about 48 lbs, it is one of the smallest in the category.
The chair is ergonomically and aesthetically well-built, so it immediately qualifies as one of the best choices for short people. The seat depth measures 15.5” to 18.5” while the height starts at 16”.
The Steelcase Amia task chair is packed with its sophisticated simplicity, which is built for you to work long hours without discomfort. If you like to move around while working, this will make your work much more comfortable.
The Steelcase Amia task chair is built using the unique LiveLumbar technology of Steelcase, which adjusts to the shape of your back and provides consistent and robust support. You can manage the LiveLumbar support using the two handles on the armrest.
The Steelcase Amia task chair uses sustainable techniques while considering the environment. Thus, if you care for the environment, it makes the deal even sweeter.
Thus, if budget is not one of your considerations and you want a chair that fits you perfectly, this might be the one for you.
Specifications
- Seat height(From seat to floor): 16”-21”
- Seat width: 19.25”
- Seat Depth: 15.5”-18.5”
- Seat Depth Adjustability: Available
9 . SIZID T50 Adjustable Ergonomic Office Desk Chair
Another Chair from SIZID which is also worth mentioning is the SIZID T50 Ergonomic office desk chair. It has some fascinating features, an astute build quality, and many customizable features.
When we talk about the dimensions, it has a minimum height of 15″ and a maximum height of 19″. The seat width is about 18.5” with an adjustable seat depth of 18.3”-21”. The weight-holding capacity of the chair is about 250 lbs.
One of the defining features we consider while buying a chair is the material with which the seat and base are made up of. When it comes to SIZID T50, it provides a breathable mesh fabric that keeps you cool and maintains the airflow in the best possible way.
The frame of chair comes with a high-quality aluminum frame. Further, With the special tilting mechanism, the chair may be set to 5 different tilting angles, designed to help you work longer hours.
Specifications
- Height Range (From seat to floor): 15” to 19”
- Seat Width: 18.5”
- Seat Depth: 18.3”-21”
- Seat depth Adjustability: Available
10 . Hbada Task Chair
This affordable chair from Hbada is our last chair for short people. The Hbada, although affordable, does a good job and feels absolutely superb.
The frame of the chair is made using high-grade Alloy Steel. The dimension of the chair sits perfectly with the demand of the chair- for small people. The seat-to-floor height can be adjusted from 16”- 19.75”. The Hbada home office task chair has an impressive 120° tilt adjustment facility with a weight holding capacity of 250 lbs.
Many adjustable features include armrest height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, and height adjustment. One of the downsides, though, is the 1-dimensional movement of the armrest. We at least expect to get a 3D armrest at this price point.
The chair uses a breathable, high-density nylon fabric with a mesh back, which is quite comfortable. The high-quality mesh finish further enhances the aesthetics of the chair.
The lumbar support you get from this chair as a short person is genuinely remarkable. With the help of the levers, it will allow you to tailor your support according to the height and curvature of your spine.
Thus, the Hbada Chair is a perfect match for being the ultimate modern office companion. The ergonomic support and its customizability make this truly a remarkable chair for short people that you can get in 2024.
Specifications
- Height Range (Seat to the floor): 16” to 19.75”
- Seat Width: 19.25”
- Seat Depth: 19”
- Seat Depth Adjustability: Not Available
Essential Features In An Office Chair For Short People
Here are some of the features you need to consider when looking for a chair that suits your height.
Seat Depth
The seat depth plays a vital role in ensuring that you’re sitting comfortably. If the seat is too deep, that can cause specific health problems when used for longer.
The sitting posture should be such that the distance from your inner thigh to the edge of the seat is about 2”. We advise a seat depth of about 18″ or less for shorter individuals.
Seat Height
The seat height of an office chair is crucial. However, seat depth becomes somewhat more important than the seat height. The seat height problem can be mitigated using a footrest if the seat is not low enough.
Lumbar Support
The most crucial component of the chair is its support to your back. The back is one of the most critical parts, and it becomes imminent to get the combination right when selecting a chair.
Finding a good chair with excellent lumbar support becomes even more challenging when it comes to short people. There are different types of adjustable lumbar support systems.
We suggest going for those which provide an automatic lumbar adjustment feature. Chairs like these make room for your back naturally. We have provided some of those chairs in our list of the top 7 best office chairs for short people in 2024.
While having a chair with sufficient support is desirable, the compatibility of the body structure with the chair is ultimately more important. The height of the lumbar support is essential and varies for men and women. So, the buyer should also take that into account.
Armrest
Whether you are relaxing or performing some highly intensive gaming, the armrest plays a vital role in supporting your whole body along with the lumbar support and seat depth.
Thus, it is imperative to get the combination right.
There are different kinds of armrests found in the market. The best is, of course, expensive, but there are also some mid-ranging models that have fantastic armrests. We recommend going for the armrest that provides 4D adjustment.
Back Height and Forward Tilt
To suit your height requirements, the backrest must be height-adjustable. Also, in order to avoid balancing unsteadily on the top of your seat, it should ideally be able to lean forward.
How To Choose The Best Office Chairs For Short People Under 5’6 In 2024
Finding the right kind of chairs for short people is quite a tedious job. Not because there are not a lot of them out there, but more so because you will need to look at different dimensions while comparing them.
Different components of a chair affect your body differently; thus, it becomes imminent to look at those issues individually.
Dimension
The essential part of selecting and comparing a chair for short people is the dimensions of the chair. The general seat height of a person below the height of 5’6” should be not more than 19”. Some chairs provide seat height as low as 15.5”. We have also listed them in our comprehensive list.
Comfort
There are chairs that look aesthetically astute, but they are also chairs that have a very expensive tag attached to them. But honestly, the taste is in the pudding, and great are those chairs that keep you comfortable for a longer amount of time.
Ergonomics
When it comes to chairs, height adjustment and armrest adaptability are very important. While doing the research, those are the crucial points that we have looked at.
Seat depth and backrest height adjustments provide further, individualized support for different leg and torso lengths. However, they are marginally less important.
Craftsmanship
We have looked at the build quality of the product, the frame quality, and the fabric that was used as well as evaluated customer reviews when it comes to the seat padding and its comfortability.
Price
There are some office chairs that would cost you more than $1000. A lot of them come with some great quality as well. We have placed some of those on our list, like that of the Herman Miller Aeron Chair.
Not everyone, however, could afford such pricey chairs. Therefore, we have made an effort to provide for individuals who would like to have a wonderful experience but at a much-reduced cost.
Final Thoughts
We are aware that often finding a chair for a short person can be difficult, and one might end up purchasing an uncomfortable chair. By providing a list of better-suited chairs, we have attempted to make the procedure simple.
As we end this article, we sincerely hope that we were able to provide the necessary details for you to make an informed decision.
