Finding the Perfect Office Chair for Short People Requires Proper Analysis of the Design and Other Aspects!

Last Updated: 

April 19, 2024

Most office goers sit for extended hours in front of computer screens. It makes them spend significantly more sedentary time, leading to health troubles like pulled muscles, hip pain, backache, and others. All these issues mainly occur from poor posture. No matter how much time you spend sitting in one place due to work pressure, you can still manage your wellness by investing in the right office chair. You can use them at the workplace or home office for a hassle-free performance.

Unfortunately, standard chairs are primarily designed for people of average height. Consequently, short people often need help finding a comfortable seat for themselves. Either the seat needs to be lower or smaller for them. These are bothersome issues, especially when everyone knows the health impact of the wrong choice of chairs. How do you get around this problem? Do petite people have to continue to suffer? Luckily, you can find an office chair for short people nowadays. These can be smaller, but they include all the comfort of the regular office chairs to provide a similar seating experience. If you plan to add a few chairs for small people at your workplace, here are some insights to help you make the correct decision.

Key Takeaways on Office Chairs for Short People

  1. Health Impact of Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting in standard office chairs can lead to health issues like back pain, hip discomfort, and pulled muscles, emphasising the importance of investing in the right office chair for overall wellness.
  2. Challenge for Short Individuals: Standard chairs designed for average height can pose challenges for shorter individuals, impacting their posture and causing discomfort. Common issues include dangling feet, improper backrest support, and difficulty in manoeuvrability.
  3. Ergonomic Features for Short People: When selecting chairs for shorter individuals, consider features like appropriate seat depth, height, armrests, backrest, and headrest. Optimal support for thighs and back, along with proper arm and headrest positioning, is crucial for comfort.
  4. Seat Depth and Height Adjustment: Look for chairs with less depth, around 15 or 16 inches, or those offering depth adjustment flexibility. Proper seat height, determined by the distance from the floor to knee height, is essential to avoid pressure on thighs and ensure smooth blood flow.
  5. Armrest Considerations: Ensure armrests allow for comfortable positioning with elbows at a 90-degree angle. The width and height of armrests play a vital role, providing adequate support for arms and enhancing overall comfort.
  6. Backrest Tilt for Comfort: Analyse the backrest to ensure it tilts forward, preventing uncomfortable seating on the edge. Consider the relationship between the chair and desk height for ergonomic alignment during work, preventing strain.
  7. Importance of Choosing the Right Chair: Investing in a suitable office chair tailored for short individuals not only enhances workplace comfort but also contributes to better productivity, reduced fatigue, and overall employee well-being. Recognise the significance of ergonomic designs in promoting a conducive work environment.
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Common obstacles faced when searching for ergonomic chairs for short people

As hinted earlier, seat height is the primary concern, often leaving short people with dangling feet. To adjust themselves, they either sit with crossed legs or slouch forward to put their feet on the ground. All these create a bad body posture, affecting their blood flow. Then, seat size is also an issue. These individuals fail to fit their hips at the back of the seat, which spoils their backrest support. Another trouble sign can be spotted with manoeuvrability. Because their feet hang high from the ground, they put much effort into moving across the desk, involving their total body strength.

The struggle becomes exponential if the flooring is carpeted. Many also complain about headrests that refuse to go lower to a comfortable level. As a result, their neck doesn't get the arch support.

Things to look for in ergonomic chairs for short people

Some must-have office chair features include adequate seat depth, height, armrest, backrest, headrest, etc. More specifically, seats should be less deep than the usual measurements. Anything around 15 or 16 inches of depth can be better. Or, you can eye a chair that offers depth adjustment flexibility. Some people decide on this aspect by checking if the seat provides optimum support for their thighs and back with enough space for their knees. As for height, you can measure the distance of the floor from the knee height to determine the suitable seat height. Considering the thickness of the shoes is also critical. Your thighs and hip bones will be protected against unwanted pressure if you get a proper seat height. It will also remove discomfort from lower body parts, ensuring smooth blood flow.

How do you check seat height?

You can sit in a chair with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your feet comfortably on the ground. Typically, any chair with 14 to 16 inches of height can suit people up to 5'6". While decent options are available, you can use a footrest with your chair to manage seat height. If you wonder about armrests, the chair should allow you to keep your arms smoothly on either side with elbows resting at 90 degrees. In this, the width of the armrests plays a crucial part. Some advice people to go for armrests 13 to 16 inches apart, depending on their height. At the same time, armrest height can be an essential consideration.

When analysing the backrest, you must check that it tilts forward so you don't perch on the seat edge, which tremendously pressurises the lower back. In the context of the chair, you also need to consider the desk height. The distance between the desk and the seat should allow you to type on your keyboard hassle-free.

Why should you investigate seats for short people properly?

A good office chair will help you be in your best form, preventing the risks of fatigue. Otherwise, sitting in the same posture before the screen for a long time can be impossible. Ergonomic designs also curb backache, muscle pulls, and neck pain. Additionally, a comfortable chair is necessary for productivity and work quality.

Earlier, chairs were seen merely as furniture pieces. Today, people have realised their significance in a workplace, where they tirelessly chase their targets and tasks daily. When their body feels at ease, they can focus more on their job and complete their assignments faster. Their level of fatigue also happens to be lower. Hence, investing in suitable chairs for your people is necessary. These choices also reflect your concern for your employee's well-being. So, add the right furniture to enhance your workplace environment. Check out valueofficefurniture.com.au to browse through the latest collections. 

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