Being restricted by space in your work area can be frustrating. It can be especially frustrating when you’re trying to fit a desk, office chair, and everything else into that small space. That’s why we created this guide to help you get the best small office chair for you.
Of course, not just any small chair will do. It has to be comfortable, so you can focus on being productive, just like with the bigger chairs. Bonus points if it has many adjustable features to allow you to find that perfect ergonomic position.
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Small ergonomic office chairs tend to be much more budget-friendly than their bigger brothers and therefore could be more attractive. Keep in mind that small office chairs often come with fewer features because of their size and the difficulty of implementing them on that scale. However, don’t let that deter you from buying one, as they’re often just as good as more expensive options – and I’m here to help you choose the right one.
Keeping those things in mind, here are the best office chairs for small spaces that we’ve found.
The Best Small Office Chairs
- Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair with Lumbar Support – Top Pick
- KERDOM Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Value Pick
- Steelcase Leap Chair – Premium Pick
- Vari Active Seat Ergonomic Standing Desk Chair – Best for Active Sitting
- BestOffice Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Budget Pick
With considerable research, analysis, and testing, we have found these to be the best for their respective categories. Read on to find out more information about the chairs and what makes them great.
Why Trust Us
Overheard on Conference Calls spends hundreds of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products so we can recommend the best products for you. Accurate information and editorial integrity are our commitments to our readers. Read more about our research and testing here.
Compare Our Picks
Pick Awarded | Chair Name | Chair Size | Selling Points |
Top Pick | Depth: 25” Width: 25” |
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Best Value Pick | Depth: 21” Width: 25” |
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Premium Pick | Depth: 15.75 – 21.75” Width: 27” |
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Best For Active Sitting | Depth: 13” Width: 17” |
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Best Budget Pick | Depth: 22.24” Width: 21.85” |
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First up is our top pick. For this list, the Mimoglad ergonomic desk chair with a lumbar support has taken it—a great small office chair with a fantastic price topped with an extra-long warranty. You get great features in a small form of a chair that even some bigger office chairs don’t come with, making this one of the best small office chairs on the market.
Ergonomics is one of the selling points of this chair. While the chair is small, it does come with adjustable lumbar support, which can be adjusted up to 5″ both up and down. This kind of adjustability is sometimes hard to come by, even at higher prices. I found that with these features, I was sitting in the most natural way possible to keep my back nice and healthy – I felt I’d avoid any back issues now or in the future with this chair.
In terms of size, the seat has a width of 19.68″ and a depth of 20″, making this one of the smallest chairs in our guide, and a key factor in naming it our best office chair for small spaces. With that kind of size, you will be able to fit it anywhere without much hassle. Additionally, with the flip-up armrest that can be moved up 90°, you will be able to move them out of the way, which will ease movement under desks.
The chair’s design is exquisite, so it’ll fit in most home styles. If the black version of the chair isn’t for you, you can also go for the white. The white version offers a combination of black and white, which in my opinion makes it more “executive” if you’re going for luxurious looks.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend this chair enough. While the chair may be small, it does support a whopping 300lbs of weight, which is better than the competition at even higher price points. That being said, the chair comes with no headrest support and while it may not be a big deal for most, I do find myself trying to rest my head to no avail. To top it all off, it comes with a very extended warranty for a chair of this caliber – a 5-year-long warranty, to be exact. Definitely check the link out and find out for yourself.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- High Back
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Elegant Design
- Thick Padded
- Breathable Mesh
- High Load Capacity
- Easy Assembly
- Long Warranty
- Recline Function
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 25” x W: 25” x H: 30”
- Chair Color: Black/White
- Adjustable Lumbar: 5 cm Up and Down
- Swivel: 360°
- Flip-Up Armrest: 90°
- Seat Width: 19.68”
- Seat Depth: 20”
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Chair Weight: 25.2lbs
PROS:
- Great Price
- 5-Year warranty
- Small Chair
- High Back
- Lumbar Support
- Modern Design
- Breathable Mesh
CONS:
- No Headrest
Next up is our best value pick. This time it goes to KERDOM ergonomic desk chair. The reason behind it scoring this pick is because of the low price to features ratio.
Like our top pick, this chair offers flip-up armrests that can be lifted 90° to save up space if you have limited room. The lumbar support, however, is fixed. Unlike in our top pick, you won’t be able to physically adjust the lumbar support. However, I found it’ll still support and protect your spine, as it’ll change based on the pressure and curvature of your back.
Additionally, it offers a sleek and simple design, which you may prefer over some of the other chair designs on this list (or out in the marketplace).
While on the design topic, it’s worth mentioning that you can choose out of 2 colors. A simple black design is a safe pick if you want the chair to go with pretty much anything in your household. However, a more fancy option would be the white/black combination. Which, in my opinion, looks better and gives you the “luxurious” look if that’s what you’re going for.
In terms of size, it’s a pretty small chair. With a seat width of 18.9″ and a seat depth of 20.5″, it’ll fit even in most cramped rooms. This makes it an ideal desk chair for small spaces. The flip-up armrests will give you even more room if that’s what you wish, or simply find them being in your way.
In conclusion, while a little cheaper than our top pick, it does lack a couple of features. Most notable is the 1-year warranty and 50 lbs less weight capacity than our recommended pick – this one only packs 250lbs. So bear that in mind when considering buying this chair. If you want to save a buck and don’t mind the warranty, this one is definitely to consider.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- Low Price
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Adjustable Height
- Modern Design
- Breathable Mesh
- Comfortable Cushion
- Easy Assembly
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 21” x W: 25” x H: 20”
- Chair Color: Black/White
- Seat Width: 18.9”
- Seat Depth: 20.5”
- Flip-Up Armrests: 90°
- Tilt: 90° – 125°
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Chair Weight: 24.6”
PROS:
- Affordable
- Ergonomic
- Breathable Mesh
- Elegant Design
- Adjustable Armrests
- Rocking Function
- Adequate Weight Capacity
CONS:
- 1-Year Warranty
For our premium pick, we went for Steelcase. This time around, it’s their Leap version. It’s one of the smallest office chairs Steelcase offers. Like any other office chairs they offer, this one comes packed with features. The amount of them they managed to include is astonishing, but so is the price.
While on the topic of adjustability, you can adjust everything you can imagine, allowing you to create a very immersive chair that’s tied to your liking and your posture well-being.
The armrests can be adjusted in all 4 ways, which has dramatically helped me get the most comfortable hand position compared to non-adjustable ones. Lumbar support is outstanding in this chair; the 5″ of adjustability it allows has given me plenty of room for control. Additionally, the back seat can be reclined to 120°, and you can also control the tension.
Because it’s all about small office chairs, let’s talk about the seat. Its width is 19.25, and its depth can be adjusted from 15.75 to 18.75. That’s right! The seat can be physically slid to your liking and comfort.
The feature allowed me to get a better ergonomic posture, especially where the backrest and seat meet. While the chair may look chunky, it’s similar to the previously mentioned options.
In terms of design, it’s very modern. While I’m showing you the black version, there are many more to choose from. You can choose from over 10 available colors, which enables you to buy the right one for your house. In fact, this is one of the best small office chairs you can buy right now. It’s also a perfect small desk chair for small spaces, as the armrests can be entirely removed if you like.
In conclusion, while the price may deter you from buying, you need to look at the bigger picture. A chair like this, with its adjustability, can last you several years without needing to get another one. Your back will thank you. It’s also worth mentioning that the weight capacity is 400lbs, ideal for heavier people.
But nothing can beat a 12-year warranty. If money isn’t an issue, it’s worth investing in a great chair.
KEY FEATURES:
- Comfort
- 4-Way Adjustable Armrests
- Live Back Technology
- Ergonomic
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Adjustable Back Seat
- Adjustable Tilt Tension
- Adjustable Seat Depth
- Long Warranty
- Comes Assembled
- Multiple Colors
- Removable Armrests
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 21.75” x W: 27” x H: 38.5
- Chair Color: Multiple Available(Over 10)
- Seat Width: 19.25”
- Seat Depth: 15.75 – 18.75”
- Recline: 96° – 120°
- Lumbar Adjustment: 5”
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Chair Weight: 40lbs
PROS:
- Reputable Manufacturer
- 12-Year Warranty
- Highly Adjustable
- Comfortable Material
- Advanced Technology
- Adjustable Seat
- Over 10 Colors
CONS:
- Pricey
Next up is an active sitting desk chair from Vari. This chair promotes good posture and provides a wide range of motion to engage your back, legs, and core while sitting or standing. While it may not be for everybody because it’s a standing desk chair, I’ve decided to include an active sitting chair as it has a growing popularity among office chairs.
The chair is very thin and comes with a premium build and features. Designed with a wide 17″ cushioned seat, a durable seat pan, and a commercial-grade air-lift piston to stand the test of time. The piston can easily set the seat height between 25.5″ and 35″. You can change between using it as a standing desk and a normal one anytime you like.
The chair is also fully flexible by design. A fully articulating pedestal means you can lean in any direction, with a tilt guard preventing the seat from articulating forward more than 20°. This also means that you will get a smooth sitting experience. While the chair may look very uncomfortable, we found these features can significantly improve your comfort for long hours. A user will simply need to get used to a new sitting experience.
In conclusion, I think it has an interesting concept. It depends on what you’re looking for in an office chair. This one specializes in active sitting. The 1-year warranty and 250 lbs weight capacity are something to bear in mind, as they may not be enough for everyone. Ultimately it’s one of the best small desk chairs because of its design.
Read more: Best standing desk chair
KEY FEATURES:
- Active Sitting
- Standing Desk Chair
- Fully Assembled
- Range Of Motions
- Cushioned Seat
- Adjustable Height
- Small Form Factor
- Tilt Guard
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: W: 17” x D: 25.2” x H: 35”
- Chair Color: Black
- Seat Width: 17”
- Seat Depth: 13”
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Height Adjustment: 35”
- Chair Weight: 23.84”
PROS:
- Encourages Good Posture
- Comes Assembled
- Dynamic Range Of Motion
- Active Sitting
- Comfortable
- Fully Flexible
- Premium Design
- Very Small
CONS:
- 1-Year Warranty
- Not a Chair For Everyone
Lastly, is our best budget pick. It comes from BestOffice. If you just want a small chair without any fancy features and a very affordable price, look no further. The chair does, of course, feature the most basic needs like a comfortable seat and an ergonomic design.
Speaking of ergonomics, the chair comes with a nylon lumbar support which provides exceptional support. However, this chair comes with non-adjustable lumbar support. But, with a budget pick, this is a ‘you buy what you get’ situation with the lack of adjustability. I found that even despite this, I was able to maintain proper posture and comfort.
The ergonomic armrests are designed to eliminate your fatigue. The way they’re designed also saves you some space.
As far as the cushion goes, it’s got decent padding but it likely won’t last more than a year or two. But, at this price, even if you have to buy a seat cushion, you’ll still come out ahead.
In terms of design, you can buy this chair in 8 different color presets. This gives you total control over your preferences. While black or white is usually the go-to color, we recommend going for something that will complement the rest of your house style. The chair legs also come in a glossy material that will give it a luxurious look. The chair also features an excellent breathable mesh design.
Let’s not forget that the chair also comes with a basic swivel of 360°. On top of that, you can adjust the height to match your preference for sitting. You can also lock the chair’s tilt to further increase your control of the comfort the chair has to offer. It does this to complement the lack of other features. If you’re on a low budget, we recommend our best budget office chairs.
In conclusion, we recommend this small office chair only if you’re going for something very cheap and if you don’t mind the lack of features compared to higher-priced chairs. Keep in mind that the chair only comes with a 90-day warranty. While it doesn’t necessarily imply that the chair is only intended to last this long, it’s something to consider. It also has an adequate weight capacity of 250 lbs.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- Affordable
- Lumbar Support
- Modern Design
- Adjustable Rolling Swivel
- High-Density Foam
- Easy To Assemble
- Variety Of Colors
- Adjustable Height
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 22.24” x W: 21.85” x H: 37.99”
- Char Color: Multiple Available (8 Colors)
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Seat Width: 18”
- Chair Weight: 20.9lbs
- Swivel: 360°
- Installation Time: 15 Minutes
PROS:
- Very Cheap
- Elegant Design
- Dense Foam
- Breathable Mesh
- Lumbar Support
- Easy To Install
- Many Colors Available
CONS:
- Very Short Warranty
How We Decided
Small office chairs are all about finding one that will fit your body well and keep you comfortable at all times. We’ve ensured that all chairs in this guide will support a wide range of small audiences while providing you with appropriate support. Therefore, I’ve prioritized things like chair size, weight capacity, and comfort.
Chair size is obviously the most crucial aspect, and so I’ve made the extra effort while researching the office chairs included. It’s important to refer to our ‘Compare’ table to see each chair’s seat size dimensions. We’ve included chairs with different ranges to please a broader target audience.
Small office chairs often have much less weight capacity due to their construction and the people they are targeting with these chairs. While the chairs included will not support weighty people other than our premium pick, they should have adequate support for most people. Ensure you look into the specifications of each chair.
While researching small office chairs, we’ve found some that neglect comfort since they will support much lighter people. I’ve ensured that the chairs included have just as much padding as their bigger counterparts to enable you to spend a long time on them without developing discomfort.
Things To Consider When Buying a Small Office Chair
Ergonomics
This isn’t exclusive to small office chairs, but any chair, really. Look for adjustable features if you want to avoid any development of hip pain or upper back pain. This is especially true if you intend to use the office chair for long periods of time, which usually is the case for office work. Some ergonomic features to look out for are adjustable lumbar support, seat height and depth and tilt function, and even armrests.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity for smaller office chairs tends to be less than normal office chairs. This is simply because larger users need bigger chairs, and those chairs have more room to work with better hydraulics. In short, make sure that you stay within the stated capacity of the office chair you’re going for.
Dimensions
Because we’re focusing on small office chairs, it’s important to actually go for a small chair. A way of making sure of that’s to look at the dimensions of the chair, especially its length at its widest part. Often it’s the first part of the information the listing will give you. Just make sure to check if the measurement will fit your desired place.
Comfort
Again, it’s not really exclusive to small office chairs. Instead, It’s for all chairs. It simply won’t matter if your chair will fit in a small space if it’s too uncomfortable to sit in for longer periods.
Mesh chairs are great for breathability, but if you’re going for a sleek look, leather is the way to go. The most important thing, however, is the seat padding. Make sure it’s well padded to accommodate your tush.
Pros And Cons Of Small Office Chairs
Pros
- Price – Usually, the prices of smaller office chairs are lower than their big counterpart. The reason behind it is simple. It is faster to build and uses fewer materials, and in some cases, comes with fewer features. Because of the price, smaller office chairs are often more compelling than normal ones.
- Size – Small office chairs will often fit in much tighter spaces than bigger chairs. This will make a small office chair a safer one to buy if you’re unsure whether it’ll fit in a certain spot or not. They will, of course, also take up less space.
- Portability – Being a small chair has its benefits, and portability is one of them. It’s much easier to move small chairs around, not only around the house but if you’re moving homes a lot or simply just taking your chair with you somewhere. Some chairs can even be folded.
Cons
- Fewer Adjustability – Smaller office chairs will often come with a lot fewer adjustability options, especially the ones at the lowest prices. Keep an eye on the features the chair you’re going with has included.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our rundown of the 5 best small office chairs. Taking into considerations everything that’s important in an ergonomic office chair but in a small form factor, the winner is the chair from Mimoglad. It has the charisma of a normal office chair but comes packed with many features that will keep you comfortable no matter how long you spend sitting—a bonus point for the amazing 5-year warranty.
Of course, if you have the buck to spare, we recommend the Steelcase Leap Chair, as you can’t get any better than what that chair has to offer. Absolutely everything is adjustable, and the an unbeatable warranty.
All in all, we do hope that this guide has helped you pick the right office chair for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or just drop a comment.
FAQs
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How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology
At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review.
When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:
- Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
- Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
- Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof.
- Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better.
Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price.
Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.
