Choosing the Perfect Office Chair for Short People: The Ultimate Guide
Introduction:
Work-related productivity is inextricably linked to the quality and comfort of your office furniture. One of the most crucial elements of office ergonomics is tailoring the furniture to meet individual needs. This guide zeroes in on helping people on the shorter side find their perfect office chair by exploring various aspects such as dimensions, lumbar support, and the impact of making the wrong choice.
Background & Context:
Statistics indicate that the average height of adults varies around the world, with many falling on the shorter side of the spectrum. In the United States, for instance, the average height for adult women is approximately 5 feet 4 inches, while for men, it's around 5 feet 9 inches (1). Given these figures, it's clear that there's a substantial population of shorter individuals who face unique challenges when it comes to office ergonomics.
In today's modern workforce, where hours of desk work are the norm, ergonomics plays a pivotal role in overall health and productivity. Poorly designed office chairs can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal problems, and reduced efficiency. Short individuals, in particular, are more susceptible to these issues if their office chairs aren't suited to their specific needs.
The Problem:
Standard office chairs are typically designed for individuals of average or taller stature. This can result in several problems for shorter people:
- Inadequate lumbar support, leading to lower back pain.
- Feet not firmly resting on the ground, causing discomfort and reduced circulation.
- Poor alignment of the spine, which can lead to long-term health issues.
- Difficulty in reaching desk and computer peripherals, straining the neck and shoulders.
- Typing with an unusual bending of the elbows and wrists resulting in pain or neuropathies (nerve injury).
The Solution: Most Important Features in an Office Chair for Shorter People
How can short individuals choose the perfect office chair tailored to their needs? For individuals with a smaller or more compact build, the selection of office chairs may be limited. But the most important thing to consider is a chair’s adaptability.
Chair Height
For shorter individuals, the chair height should be slightly lower than the average to maintain a 90-degree knee angle, which is essential for circulation and comfort. While standard chair height ranges from 18 to 22 inches, those who are shorter may need a chair with a height of less than 18 inches. Chairs with adjustable footrests can provide added flexibility.
Seat Depth
Seat depth is key to lower back comfort. Chairs with shallower seat depths can prevent strain on the lower backs of shorter individuals. Sitting in a chair with a deep seat for extended periods can result in circulation problems and numbness. A seat depth of around 18 inches is typically ideal for shorter individuals.
Seat Slider
A seat slider is a fantastic feature on ergonomic chairs that allows the user to adjust the seat’s depth. In simple terms, it lets you slide the seat forward or backward, ensuring that you can have the right amount of seat behind your knees. The ability to move the seat forward and backward ensures there's just the right amount of space between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat. If the seat depth is correct, your spine should properly align with the seat back. This can significantly enhance your comfort and maintain proper circulation to your legs.
Armrest Distance and Height
Shorter individuals benefit from armrests that are closer together and adjustable in height. Armrests that can be adjusted inward allow users to bring their elbows closer to their bodies, a more natural and comfortable position. The height of the armrests should also be adjustable to help maintain a 90-degree angle at the elbows, which is crucial for avoiding upper back strain.
Lumbar Support
The position of lumbar support is often too high up the back in standard office chairs. Look for chairs with height-adjustable lumbar support or those with a lower S-curve to ensure the lower back is adequately supported.
Headrest
If you're on the shorter side, be extra thoughtful if considering a chair with a headrest. Headrests are meant to nestle into your neck's natural curve. If you purchase a chair that is mismatched to your height, the headrest may not be properly positioned pushing your neck and head uncomfortably forward.
For those keen on having a headrest, it's advisable to seek chairs specially designed for shorter individuals that come with a headrest feature.
Check out this video by Ergonomic Trends to help visualize some of these concepts.
Additional Ergonomic Tools and Tips
Adding a Footrest
A footrest can bring the floor closer, helping those with higher seat heights achieve 90-degree knee and ankle angles. This tool significantly expands chair options for shorter individuals.
Desk Height
To maintain an ergonomic setup, your typing height should be approximately 8 inches above your seat height. Since the standard desk height is around 30 inches, using tools like a footrest or a height-adjustable desk can help shorter individuals find their ideal setup.
Keyboard Tray
This accessory attaches to a desk or workstation to hold a keyboard and often a mouse. It is designed to slide in and out from under the desk, allowing the user to adjust the keyboard's position for ergonomic comfort. A keyboard tray can bridge the height gap between the chair and desk, allowing you to maintain a comfortable and ergonomic position while typing.
The Ergo Shoppe's Top 3 Recommended Ergonomic Chairs for Shorter Individuals
1. The Steelcase Leap
Buy at The Steelcase Store for $1006 - $2621
The Steelcase Leap chair, widely recognized for its unparalleled adjustability, is an exceptional choice for short and petite individuals. It excels in offering a blend of stability, support, and freedom of movement, thanks to its innovative LiveBack® technology, which contours to support the natural alignment of your spine.
What sets the Leap apart, especially for shorter individuals, is its extensive range of customization. The chair boasts a low minimum seat height of 15.5 inches and a seat depth that can adjust to as small as 15.7 inches. Additionally, the four-way adjustable arms offer a height range of 7 to 11 inches and a width adjustment range of 12.75 to 20 inches. The chair also features a synchro-tilt mechanism, multiple locking positions, and two-way adjustable lumbar support, with a lumbar height range that nearly spans the entire backrest.
Ease of use is another plus; intuitive controls are labeled in both English and Braille, allowing you to fine-tune the chair to your unique body and sitting style. The Natural Glide System™ ensures that your posture remains intact even as you recline, keeping you closer to your workspace and preventing eye, arm, and neck strain.
As for quality and durability, the Leap is an industry leader. It's rigorously tested to exceed standard benchmarks and comes with a 12-year, multi-shift warranty on both parts and labor. Plus, it offers the convenience of free shipping and returns. Overall, if you're seeking a chair that can be tailored to your specific needs and built to last, the Steelcase Leap chair is the ultimate choice.
2. Herman Miller Aeron Size A
Buy at Herman Miller for $1,730 (as tested)
If you're petite and searching for an exceptional ergonomic chair, the Aeron size A by Herman Miller should be at the top of your list. Renowned for its high-quality furnishings, Herman Miller outdoes itself with this model, tailoring it specifically for shorter users with a minimum seat height of 14.75 inches and a seat depth of 16 inches.
We went the extra mile to customize our chair, making it a paragon of ergonomic design. Starting with the Adjustable Lumbar Support, it's a game-changer, catering to the natural curve of your lower back with a vertical adjustability range of 4.5 inches. Add to that the Tilt Limiter and Seat Angle features; the former provides a balanced recline that can be limited at three specific postures—upright, mid-recline, or full-recline—while the latter allows for a seat angle adjustment, tilting up to 5 degrees forward for those who lean into their work, literally.
The Fully Adjustable Arms are yet another reason this chair wins points. They can be raised to a height of 6.8 to 10.8 inches above the seat and slide over a 2.5-inch range. Plus, they pivot outward by 15 degrees and inward by 17.5 degrees, providing an even more customized fit.
It's worth mentioning that this chair features both a mesh seat and back. While this design generally offers excellent breathability, some users may find the mesh seat less comfortable during extended periods. Also, don't overlook the peace of mind brought by its industry-leading 12-year warranty. Crafted in the USA, the Aeron size A isn't merely an ergonomic chair—it's a long-term commitment to your comfort and well-being.
3. OM Seating Paramount Value Series PT62
Buy at ErgoDirect for $667.55 (as tested)
If you're on the shorter side and seeking a chair that doesn't just "sort of" fit but actually feels like it's tailored for you, then don't overlook the Paramount Petite by Office Master. This U.S.-assembled gem has its components sourced from China and Taiwan, yet comes with a solid seven-year warranty—plus an additional five years just for the foam and fabric.
Let's break down the customizations we opted for, to truly make this chair our own:
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Arm Style: We went with the LOW (KR100-45) model. These T-arms are the Swiss Army knife of chair arms—height and width adjustable, and they even pivot inward. The height adjusts up to 2.75 inches and the width by 2.25 inches per side. The warranty on these bad boys? Twelve years on the frame and five years on the pads.
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Seat Height Cylinder: We chose the 4HD—a 4-inch black heavy-duty cylinder. Simply put, this mechanism determines how low or high you sit. It offers a vertical journey from 15.5 to 19.5 inches.
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Casters: Regular wheels, because, well, they work.
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Seat Comfort: Memory foam, or as they fancily term it, Double Comfort Seating (DCS) Technology. A layer of viscoelastic foam for that hug-your-butt comfort.
Now, let's talk specs. This chair is a size-savvy champion, with a seat that goes as low as 15.5 inches and arms that drop to a mere 5.25 inches. Width-wise, the arms can narrow down to 13.25 inches, and the seat depth can condense to 16 inches. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this chair comes fully loaded with ergonomic tweaks—from center tilting and tension control to seat depth and angle adjustments. The backrest isn't left out either; you can adjust both its angle and height.
So, to sum up: if you're after an adjustable, budget-friendly chair that feels tailor-made for shorter frames, the Paramount Petite punches well above its weight.
**PT62 is custom-made and non-returnable.**
The Negative Impact of Using the Wrong Chair
- Poor Blood Circulation: Choosing an inappropriate chair can adversely affect blood circulation, leading to potential long-term health issues.
- Sedentary Behavior and Weight Gain: A study in the journal "Obesity" demonstrated that prolonged sedentary time was independently associated with poor health outcomes, including increased adiposity (fat accumulation) (2).
- Mental Fatigue: A chair that doesn't fit well can be a constant source of distraction, leading to mental fatigue and reduced productivity.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right office chair is a cornerstone of workplace wellness, especially for those on the shorter side. Ensuring optimal ergonomics is more than just about comfort; it plays a significant role in our long-term health, productivity, and overall well-being. While the market is saturated with a plethora of chairs, it's paramount to prioritize features that align with individual needs, particularly for shorter individuals.
Three Unique and Actionable Takeaways:
- Invest in Add-ons: Consider ergonomic accessories like footrests and keyboard trays. They can bridge the height gap between chairs and desks, enhancing overall comfort and adaptability.
- Personal Chair Trials: Instead of solely relying on online reviews or specifications, take the time to sit in potential chairs. Personal experience can offer invaluable insights into how a chair genuinely feels, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
- Maintenance Matters: Even the most ergonomic chair can lose its efficiency over time. Regularly check and adjust the settings of your chair, ensuring it remains tailored to your needs. This proactive approach can help in avoiding long-term discomfort.
References:
- Average height by country - World Data.info. (https://www.worlddata.info/average-bodyheight.php)
- Drolet, R., Bélanger, C., Fortier, M., Huot, C., Mailloux, J., Légaré, D., & Tchernof, A. (2009). Fat Depot-specific Impact of Visceral Obesity on Adipocyte Adiponectin Release in Women. Obesity, 17(3), 424-430. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.555