There are any number of good reasons why you might be on the lookout for the best office chairs for small spaces.
Maybe, like millions of others around the world, you’ve been forced to adapt to the “new normal” of working from home and are eagerly trying to fashion the most practical and comfortable home office possible with the limited space you have available to you.
Maybe you’re making an effort to take on a more minimalist approach to the way you live and work, or may be working at a desk is only a small part of what you do, meaning you’d prefer to have a smaller workstation and leave more room for more important things.
Whatever the case may be, there’s one thing we can probably all agree on:
Choosing the best chair isn’t as straightforward as it might first appear.
Sure, the easiest option would be to simply look at the dimensions of your favorite models, pick the smallest, and call it a job done.
Do that, however, and there’s a good chance you could end up with a chair that is technically small enough but is uncomfortable, unpleasant, and generally bad for your health.
That’s why we’ve tried out dozens of the chairs currently on the market to find those that don’t just fit your small-scale office but do so in a way that you can enjoy maximum comfort in minimal space.
7 Best Office Chairs for Small Spaces in 2021
- Branch Task Chair – Editor’s Pick for Small Spaces
- Herman Miller Aeron (Size A) – Premium Choice
- Yaheetech Adjustable Task Chair – Best for Modern Styling
- Humanscale Diffrient World Chair – Best for Ergonomics
- AmazonBasics Low Back Adjustable Chair – Best Value
- DJ Wang Grey Desk Chair – Best Fabric Option
- Kollie Small Desk Chair – Best Armless Chair Option
1. Branch Task Chair
The best-selling Branch Task Chair offers everything you could look for in a high-quality office chair all in one compact package that makes it the perfect choice for office spaces where size is at a premium.
The first thing you notice about this one is the chair’s appearance.
Despite being an entry-level chair with a budget-friendly price tag, the Branch Task Chair looks like a much more high-end model, making it a great choice for those workspaces where appearances matter.
Really though, it’s the ergonomic qualities that make this one our clear favorite.
The Branch Task Chair combines an adjustable lumbar rest and breathable mesh backrest to provide ample support for hours of work, while the high-density foam cushion ensures even weight distribution to prevent the build-up of soreness on key pressure points.
That’s not to mention the five adjustable points (armrest height, tilt, tilt tension, overall height, and the aforementioned lumbar support) which helps you find the perfect position for comfort and healthy posture.
Also working in its favor is the fact that it’s a breeze to assemble and fits perfectly into small spaces without compromising on comfort and quality.
Prefer something a little bigger? Be sure to check our recent review of the Branch Ergonomic Chair.
Branch Task Chair Dimensions:
- Height: 48″ – 52″
- Width: 25″
- Depth: 25″
2. Herman Miller Aeron
The Herman Miller Aeron isn’t just one of the best office chairs for small spaces, it’s one of the best office chairs period.
Highly praised for its remarkable durability, contemporary style, and emphasis on ergonomic design, the Aeron actually comes in three different sizes, including Size A (the smallest version), meaning no matter the size of your body and your office space, you’re going to find a version that fits just right.
It even comes with adjustable armrests that can be pulled back or flipped up so that you can neatly nip your chair away when not in use.
That aside, what we really like about this one is the comfort level.
As we mentioned in our complete Herman Miller Aeron review, the chair has inspired a devoted fan base thanks to its superior comfort thanks in no small part to its patented 8Z Pellicle.
This patented elastomeric weave runs from the top of the backrest to the smooth, water-fall edge of the seat and responds to the way you move in your seat so that you’re always fully supported and plenty comfortable no matter how much you move around or switch positions.
Speaking of moving, the mesh design also comes with tension adjustment which helps provide ample suspension and makes it a good choice for active sitting.
The only reason we didn’t rank the Aeron in the first-place is the price tag. Though it’s certainly one of the most comfortable chairs out there, it’s also one of the most expensive and that might rule it out as an option for some users.
Herman Miller Aeron Dimensions:
- Height: 38.5″
- Width: 25.75″
- Depth: 16.75″
3. YAHEETECH Adjustable Task Chair
The YAHEETECH Adjustable Task Chair is undoubtedly one of the most unique-looking chairs in this guide -or anywhere else for that matter.
The white, PU-leather gives the chair a distinctly cool appearance that makes it a popular choice for minimalist and uber modern work environments, while the striking chrome frame adds to its appeal.
Still, that’s not to say that this is all style and no substance.
A high-ranker in our guide to the best armless office chairs, the fact that the YAHEETECH Adjustable Task Chair doesn’t have armrests makes it an ideal candidate for working in small spaces, meaning it takes up less room while you’re working and tuck effortlessly under your desk when you’re done.
On the downside, the YAHEETECH doesn’t come with the kind of ergonomic support that you’d get with other chairs. While the height can be moved up and down, that’s about as far as this one goes in terms of adjustments, though the generously padded seat does provide a level of comfort that is more than agreeable.
YAHEETECH Adjustable Task Chair Dimensions:
- Height: 35.8″
- Width: 19.5″
- Depth: 19.5″
4. Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair:
Humanscale boasts that their cutely-named Diffrient World Task Chair is built with longevity in mind, and from what we’ve seen, the brand does a lot to back up that claim.
A full-function task chair with a unique tri-panel backrest finished in breathable mesh, this one feels light, airy, and gentle despite being made from seriously heavy-duty materials to provide superior support to other leading models.
The most interesting thing about it is that designer Neils Diffrient did away with traditional adjustability mechanisms in favor of designing a chair that harnesses the laws of physics and puts your own body weight to work in creating the perfect seating position for each individual user.
The only trouble is that such innovation -not to mention the beautiful aesthetic design- comes at a premium price tag.
Make no mistake about it, while this didn’t quite make it into our list of the most expensive chairs in the world, it’s still the most expensive option on this list.
That said, if you do have the budget for it, you’ll no doubt love the lightweight mesh and minimalist design, the latter of which makes this one tailor-made for small spaces.
Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair Dimensions:
- Height: 39″
- Width: 25.75″
- Length: 25″
5. AmazonBasics Low-Back Adjustable Office Desk Chair
By all accounts, the AmazonBasics Low-Back Adjustable Office Desk Chair may not look all that remarkable, but, honestly, that’s all part of its appeal.
Rather than focussing on fancy features and elaborate designs, the Amazon Basics range has kept things simple and expanded their efforts on delivering what customers want:
Maximum comfort and support for minimal cost.
Unlike other entry-level task chairs, this one comes with a mesh back which, though basic, does a good job of helping you to maintain a healthy posture while allowing plenty of airflow to keep you cool and comfortable during those long shifts at the office.
Speaking of comfortable, the 2″ padded seat has been highly praised by users of this chair for the way it provides ample cushioning, avoiding the build-up of sore spots or the dreaded numb backside.
Like others on this list, your adjustability options are limited only to moving the height up and down, but on the plus side you do get a handy choice of four different colors.
A popular choice for sewing rooms, art studios, and similar small spaces, this no-frills chair offers a level of comfort and quality beyond its modest price tag.
AmazonBasics Low-Back Adjustable Office Desk Chair Dimensions
- Height: 32.8″
- Width: 20.5″
- Depth: 21.5″
6. DJ·Wang Grey Desk Chair
No products found.Known as a popular alternative to Herman Miller chairs, the DJ·Wang Grey Desk Chair combines an attractive style with superior comfort and a human-centric design.
A great option for those who suffer from back pain due to long hours of sitting, DJ·Wang has designed this chair with an ergonomic backrest which helps you maintain good posture, keeping the natural S-shape of your spine rather than slouching, crouching, and crunching it into a painful C-shape.
Meanwhile, customer reviews speak highly of the thick, padded cushion which provides ample support for your posterior without being so firm as to be uncomfortable, as well as the innovative design which makes this a stylish addition to any small office space.
On the downside, the DJ·Wang Grey Desk Chair may not be a good option if you’re looking for something with lots of adjustable features.
The chair’s height can be changed to make it suitable for both tall and short users, but there’s no recline, no tilt, and no armrest adjustments.
That said, if you do find that the peculiar-shaped armrests are taking up too much space in your small office, you can always remove them and the chair will still look just as good and be just as comfortable without them.
DJ.Wang Grey Desk Chair Dimensions:
- Height: 36.25″ – 39″
- Width: 18.75″
- Depth: 18″
7. KOLLIE Small Desk Chair
We were almost ready to wrap this one up at six entries until we discovered just how much comfort the KOLLIE Small Desk Chair packs into its compact frame and decided we had to include it.
Another great, entry-level option, this one comes without any armrests, meaning it will take up less space than those with armrests and can be pushed right up to your desk when not in use to help save space.
Yet it’s not the only armless task chair out there, so what makes this one so special?
For one thing, there’s the manufacturing quality. A true Made in the USA piece of furniture, this one offers an impressive level of durability, stability, and the strength to easily support a maximum weight recommendation of 250 lbs.
Elsewhere, the high-density mesh back, well-made ergonomic lumbar support, and premium, high-resilience foam cushion all combine to offer a very good level of comfort that has helped this become one of the best budget-friendly task chairs around.
KOLLIE Small Desk Chair Dimensions
- Height: 33.1″
- Width: 18.1″
- Depth: 17.7”
Buyer’s Guide: How We Picked the Top 7 Best Office Chairs for Small Spaces
Of all the countless office chairs out there that are suitable for small spaces, the seven models we picked out above are the ones that we believe are truly the best of the best, offering the highest standards of quality, comfort, and all-round value for money.
Below, we’ll outline exactly what we looked for when making our selections and what you might need to consider before buying a new office chair for your small workspace.
All-Round Comfort Level
You could have the smallest, most compact chair in the world, one that fits beautifully into even the tiniest of workspaces, but if it’s unpleasant to sit on and leaves you feeling numb and/or sore afterward, then what’s the use?
Comfort was the key deciding factor in all of our choices and for good reason. After all, this isn’t just about how you feel in the moment while working at your desk, it’s about the long-term effects on your health and well-being.
Although comfort is a very personal thing (what may feel amazing to us may be uncomfortable for you), looking out for features such as mesh backs, ergonomic design, lumbar support, and padded seats is always a good way of ensuring you’re picking a chair that’s going to look after you and your body.
Durability
After comfort, the next most important factor in choosing any chair is durability.
Even the entry-level items in this guide aren’t exactly what you’d call cheap, so if you’re going to be spending all that money on a piece of furniture, it’s good to know that it’s built to last.
While looking at the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit can always be a good indication of how strong any given chair is, it’s equally as important to look up reviews to see what others are saying about how your chosen chair holds up as time goes on.
Armrests
When it comes to choosing the best office chair for a small workspace, armrests are important for a different reason than they would be if you were picking seating for say, a large, open-plan office.
While they can still add to your comfort level and prevent sore shoulders and reduce neck pain, those armrests can also take up plenty of room and make it awkward to tuck your chair under your desk once you’re done for the day.
With that in mind, you might want to look for chairs that have no armrests at all, or those that have flip-up armrests to help you save space.
Style
Style may not be the most important factor in choosing a new office chair but it still matters.
Think about it:
You’re going to be spending many years with this chair, so it’s good to know you won’t have to walk into your small office every day and spend hours in an ugly-looking seat.
As you may have noticed, those that feature higher-up in our guide boast more aesthetic appeal than those lower down, but really, that’s all a matter of taste.
While we definitely recommend placing a higher priority on comfort and durability, be sure to think about how your chair looks, and how it fits in with the rest of your workspace.
Which is the Best Office Chair for Your Small Office? Our Verdict
So, with all that being said, which is the one chair that we recommend spending your hard-earned money on?
The honest answer is that it all depends on what’s most important to you.
If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible, then the AmazonBasics Low-Back Adjustable Office Desk Chair will no doubt tick all the right boxes.
If you’ve got a substantially larger budget and don’t mind paying top price for top quality, you really can’t go wrong with the Herman Miller Aeron, but if you’re simply looking for the best all-round office chair for your small office, look no further than the Branch Task Chair.
Combining an affordable price tag with high-end aesthetic appeal, premium-level comfort, and more adjustability than you’d find with most small-space-friendly chairs, this is the true definition of maximum quality at minimum size.
