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20 Small Desk Chairs That Fit In Tight Spaces Without Feeling Cramped
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Working with a limited area doesn't mean your options are limited too — scroll for some of the smallest, comfiest chairs you'll ever see. We've all made the mistake of buying furniture that's too big for our space, like an office chair that barely fits at the desk. You can opt for a stylish chair or something more professional while still keeping size in mind to avoid a ~huge~ case of buyer's remorse. Whether you're team office chair with wheels or no wheels, there's no shortage of choices for you to consider. Whip out your trusty measuring tape and get ready to find the small office chair of your dreams! When comfort is your top priority, this office chair won't disappoint. It's made with a height-adjustable lumbar pillow designed to "hug" your lower back while you work. The high backrest follows the curve of your spine, which can help reduce pressure placed on your waist. Bonus points for the flip-up armrests that allow you to save space by pushing the chair all the way in when it's not in use! Read more about how ergonomic chairs can help at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This office chair is exactly what I was looking for! It was extremely easy to put together, which was a huge plus. It swivels well and the wheels roll easily. I bought this chair to help improve my posture...it's the perfect height to keep my feel flat on the ground and the lumbar support reminds me to sit up straight...which eliminates my neck and shoulder pain. Home run! This chair has it all. The past three years have done quite a job on those of us working from home and sitting all day and developing poor posture habits. Thank you!" —Deb L. Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in 14 colors). If you're working with a *very* small desk setup, this compact chair will, quite literally, fit right in. The supportive back is made of lightweight mesh to keep you cool and there are no arms so it'll tuck right into your desk when you're done using it. It's only 22 inches wide, and the seat height can be adjusted from 15–22 inches depending on your needs. Note: Because of its small stature, lots of reviewers have used this as an affordable option for their kids! Promising review: "Was unsure about this one, but it's great. Its very petite (great for small desks) but still as tall as other chairs. Super cute, assembled in like two minutes, and pretty comfortable. I haven't tested sitting in it for a full 8–9 hour day yet, but this is great if you need a slim chair to not take up too much room that still is effective." —Cara Get it from Amazon for $38.32+ (available in 10 styles). For an office chair that can truly do it all and then some, look no further. You'll have mid-back support made of breathable mesh, built-in lumbar support, a multi-tilt lock mechanism, padded armrests, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and more. The back height adjustment lets you position the lumbar support to your liking, which can help reduce back pain. It has a modest footprint at less than 26 inches wide and the height-adjustable armrests ensure you'll be able to save space and push the chair in after a long day's work. Read more about how chairs with lumbar support can help at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "My wife and I share an office/studio and we needed two comfortable office chairs that fit with the style and nature of our home. These also needed to be adjustable to accommodate our workspace. These chairs fit the need at a very reasonable cost. We’re pleased with our purchase and can really recommend them." —BobTX Get it from Target for $143.92+ (available in 13 colors). If you're all about maintaining the "all leather everything" theme in your home office, this one's for you. Reviewers agree it's just the right size without being too big OR too small! The LeatherSoft high back is not only stunning, but it's ideal for anyone who needs that extra support. It's made with a thickly padded waterfall seat to help relieve pressure. Plus, the height is adjustable, it has a tilt locking mechanism, and there are padded armrests, too! Promising review: "I love the size! It has a high back, but it's certainly space saving while having the comfort of a bigger chair. Compact luxury! Super easy to assemble! Nice hydraulics that absorb shock when you sit. Arm cushions and arm height feel nice, and so does the 'leather'. The white and chrome is upscale look that brightens the room. It's a rocking chair too!" —AntiSocial Shopper Get it from Amazon for $124.94+ (available in nine colors/styles). A sleek office chair that makes a statement doesn't have to be huge. Case in point: this gorgeous, armless swivel chair with a low-profile design. It's less than 22 inches wide, and there are no bulky arms to worry about, which can work great in small offices (or that one corner of the living room that has morphed into your office). This height-adjustable chair also has a tilt tension control knob so you can find the right rocking angle, ranging anywhere from 90–135 degrees. Bonus points for the soft PU leather, which is waterproof and easy to wipe clean with a cloth! Promising review: "Very stylish and fits perfectly with my décor. I love the clean look and the fact that it doesn’t have arms. It works great in a smaller space and slides easily under the desk. It’s also comfortable to sit in, and I really like that it rocks back, which makes it feel more relaxed than a typical desk chair. The adjustable height works well, and the wheels roll smoothly." —Claudette Get it from Amazon for $118.99 (available in three styles and three colors). Wanna feel like you're sitting on a cozy couch when it's time to play video games *without* buying a chair that's as big as a couch? Same. It's less than 25 inches wide and is designed with pocket springs and shaped foam. The springs help distribute pressure more evenly across the cushion, so you're comfortable while seated. Did I mention you have the ability to recline between 90 and 135 degrees *and* use a pull-out footrest while doing so? Push it back down when you're not reclining to save room! Promising review: "I have so many compliments for this chair. First and foremost, as a woman in the gaming community, finding a good chair that fits me has always been a difficult task. This chair is perfect. I have NEVER found a chair that fits me correctly. Especially having the neck rest pillow in the correct place is so nice. The armrests are just right. The leg rest is just right. I am 5'5, and it is an absolute perfect fit. The cushion on this chair is an absolute dream! It is so comfortable and supportive. Not too firm or too soft. Feels strong and as if it will last. I have carpet in my room, and typically, on these types of chairs, you want a hard-surfaced floor. My carpet was no match for the wheels on this thing. The footrest is nice and sturdy. I've always had problems with flimsy leg rests in the past, but this one is sturdy, and I can actually use it. Super excited about that. Installation was easy. They provide easily decipherable text and images, as well as all the screws, bolts, and tools that you will need. I was on the fence about buying this, but I couldn't be happier that I decided to go through with it. 10/10 recommend." —Ivy manning Get it from Amazon for $169.99+ (available in nine colors). Elevating the look and feel of your office doesn't mean you have to buy furniture that's too big for your space. You can avoid buyer's remorse by seeking out pieces that fit the room, like this gorgeous velvet swivel chair, for example! The width *and* depth are under 30 inches, so it won't completely take over your office. It has a beautiful gold finish, adjustable height, and supportive back to keep you comfy. Promising review: "I love this chair. It matches my desk perfectly. Height is adjustable and it’s very comfortable. I’m in school online and use this chair everyday. I’ve had it for a couple of months and no issues so far." —Mary Get it from Wayfair for $213.99 (available in three colors). This office chair is *perf* for anyone who frequently changes positions throughout the day while working at their desk. This small chair (less than 24 inches wide, y'all!) provides an active sitting position, which can help improve your posture over time. It also encourages you to switch positions from sitting to standing so you can remain active instead of sitting for prolonged periods. helps you move your body so you both feel and work better. It even has a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning! Promising review: "I've been having neck, shoulder, and hip pain with my regular supposedly ergonomic office chair so have been looking for an alternative and came across this. It is AWESOME! This thing is super sturdy and well made. I was concerned that not having wheels would be an issue but it's actually better without them. The seat spins and that is enough. (I think wheels would actually make this dangerous lol.) The seat is comfortable, love that it "wobbles" but not so much that it's distracting. Also love that it's the seat that does so, and not the entire stool itself. I've pretty much transitioned to sit in this all day instead of the desk chair. Seriously the best Ikea purchase ever." —Christine If you're all about having the ability to make adjustments so you can tailor a chair to your needs, this one will fit the bill. The adjustable lumbar support adapts to your movement to minimize pain and fatigue while the adjustable headrest prevents you from hunching forward in your seat. You can also make adjustments to the seat height and reclining angle. This office chair has a breathable mesh designed to enhance airflow and flip-up arms to declutter your cramped workspace. Read more about how ergonomic chairs can help at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "We needed a comfortable ergonomic chair that would fit in our small office nook. We really like how the chair armrests go up for simple storage when the chair isn't being used or if you don't want the armrests down. The seat, back, and headrest are all comfortable. The chair can also rock, is very sturdy, and easy to assemble. Glad we found it!" —Markus B. Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in 12 colors). Staying comfy when you're working with limited space doesn't have to be complicated and this office chair is proof of that. If you want a simple option that complements your space while providing you with the comfort you need, this chair has you covered. It comes in a variety of colors and is made of durable, molded plastic with an armless, low-profile design that's great for small offices. Promising review: "I absolutely love these chairs and the warmth they bring to my office space. Funny enough, I have the same ones (without wheels) in my own dining room, which was the inspiration for my new office. Simple to assemble, comfortable, and very sturdy. They're also very easy to clean and are the perfect amount of color pop. " —Kate H. Get it from Article for $89 (available in five colors). Wheels aren't always necessary for an efficient office chair, especially if you have size constraints to consider. This one will slide in and out of your workspace with ease, especially when you factor in the flip-up arms that can be moved out of the way. The mesh back also provides plenty of ventilation and lumbar support if you have to sit for longer periods. Bonus: It has a rocking base if you like to move around a bit while in a seated position. Read more about how chairs with lumbar support can help at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I love this chair. I bought the one without wheels. I can sit for long periods of time with any fatigue at all. I loved it so much that I purchased a second one for my bedroom, where I sometimes go online or play games. The base is perfect and leaves no marks on my rug. If I were to use it in a room without a rug, such as my kitchen, I would simply add some felt pads as I have done with other chairs to avoid marks. The arms flip up and make getting up or sitting down a cinch. Easy and quick to assemble. Nice back support and no sweating or sticking." —Ersatz McGuffin Finding comfort *and* style in an office chair is indeed possible. This one has a two-layer thickened cushion with a backrest that feels like cozying up on your sofa after a long day. You'll also be able to adjust the height and angle of your chair to meet your needs! Feel the need to rock back and forth while you work? This one tilts back from 90–120 degrees. It also has flip-up arms to help save space when you're not using it. Promising review: "Overall, this is a great office chair! The assembly was pretty easy and straightforward, and took about 30 minutes from start to finish by myself. The chair is sturdy, the fabric is plush and soft, and the cushion is firm and comfortable. The arm is adjustable, and it fits my limited space, and I can slide the chair under the table perfectly to save space." —Dobin Not in love with the look of traditional office chairs? This small accent-style chair might be right up your alley. The low-profile silhouette will work well in tight spaces — it's under 20 inches wide! It also comes in a few eye-catching colors, so you can choose one that matches your existing office decor. Plus, it's filled with high-density sponge foam to maximize your comfort. Promising review: "My WFH office is in a corner of the kitchen. I refuse to buy an ugly office chair. Been sitting in this chair for over a year and I still like it. It's the perfect height for the desk and I love the colors (blush and gold). Assembly is very easy...screw in the nails...flip over chair...and sit. If I ever have to go back to the office then this chair will be placed in the guest room (can't do that with an ugly desk chair)." —TravelProGirl Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in six colors). Sometimes you want an office chair that's so subtle, it's practically invisible! This translucent option is modern yet discreet and still provides you with the comfort and functionality of a traditional desk chair. It's under 20 inches wide, the height is adjustable, and it has a high, supportive back. Check, check, check. ✔️ Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for. It fits perfectly under my desk and is very discreet. It is also surprisingly comfortable! I was not expecting it to be. And I love that it has the rollers. Also, WAY easier to put together than I thought! Just make sure to wipe off the silver part that you can see through the seat of the chair very well, I had to go back and take it apart because you could see fingerprints." —KH Get it from Amazon for $79.97+ (available in four colors). A compact 2-in-1 stool not only helps you save on space, but it also encourages micromovements throughout the day. You can use it to sit in a saddle-like or bench-like position, which will allow you to either rock back and forth or from side to side while you work. The small footprint of this balancing chair is just an added bonus! Read more about how ergonomic chairs can help at Cleveland Clinic. Muista is a Lithuanian-based small business offering stools designed for intuitive exercise while sitting. Promising review: "I adore my Muista chair. It was beautifully, securely, and ingeniously packaged. It is gorgeous visually, and functionally, it helps prevent rigor mortis from setting in during long, torturous stints at the computer. I enjoy the firm seat, the side-to-side and front-to-back rocking options, and the compact size of the chair. It also provided a novel (and much fought over) extra seat in the living room when company comes. I purchased this for home, but I'm going to have to purchase a second Muista for my office at work too. I have a history of low back and neck pain, and this chair, by encouraging ongoing movement, is providing me with great relief. I highly recommend this chair." —Danielle Lingle Get it from Muista on Etsy for $392 (originally $490; available in two fabrics and five colors). Want the coziness and style of an armchair but for your desk? Here ya go! The depth and width are both under 24 inches, so it's an excellent pick for small work areas. Even being on the smaller side, reviewers appreciate that you can use this as a cross-legged chair. It also swivels, which means you won't miss out on that feature by choosing something a bit different from your typical office chair. Promising review: "This chair was exactly what I was looking for. It is the perfect size for the area and desk I have in a spare room. It swivels effortlessly, the legs are solid wood, and the fabric is a nice gray color that matches up perfectly with my other gray decor." —Kathy rice Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in four fabrics and nine colors). If you're on the hunt for an office chair that'll stand out for the *right* reasons, this colorful number will exceed your expectations. It's only 23 inches deep and wide and comes with flexible bungee bands on a powder-coated steel frame, making it a small, comfy, sturdy option that'll work wonderfully in your office. Promising review: "Love this bungee office chair! It was really easy and fast to put together, is comfortable, and rolls easily on carpet. The color options was great. Used in my sewing workshop. Originally bought two and now Mom wants one after she came for a visit." —Carin Get it from The Container Store for $179.99 (available in four colors). This no-frills, height-adjustable office chair provides you with the right amount of comfort and features without investing in a massive piece of furniture that'll swallow your office whole. It gives you breathable, mid-back mesh support, contoured armrests, and a mesh fabric seat cushion for superior comfort. Note: This chair can hold up to 150 pounds, so it's best for children and petite users. Promising reviews: "This was bought for my daughter and she likes the chair for studying due to all her classes being online. It seems very durable and she's been using it for about a month now." —Machi808 "This is an awesome chair. My son loves it, the chair handles are cool and it has a really comfortable seat." —Isaacroom Get it from The Home Depot for $77.38 or from Ashley Furniture for $99.99 (originally $119.99). Would you believe me if I told you that there IS such a thing as a stylish, affordable office chair that isn't unnecessarily huge? This height-adjustable swivel chair features a well-padded seat and a comfy barrel-shaped backrest with a cut-out accent. I can almost guarantee you won't find anyone else with such a striking office chair! Promising reviews: "Love this chair! Looks 'elevated' at a fraction of the cost of a name-brand chair. Surprisingly comfy, easy to put together. All the tools necessary came with. Had together in 45 minutes." —B_whoelse "Perfect little chair for my hybrid work from home setup! Got it on sale, looks fancy, super easy to assemble, seems sturdy, and so far comfortable." —HappySleeper This simple, timeless office chair will work well in just about any space — even if there's not much room to spare. You get a height-adjustable seat, a low-back design, and a waterfall cushion to help reduce pressure on the legs. There's also a lockable tilt mechanism so that you can easily rock or lean back in the chair, too! Promising reviews: "This smaller profile chair fit the bill for our old style wooden desk that had a small leg opening. I am able to fit comfortably within my desk’s space constraints. Cushioned well with adjustable height. 👍" —Fox 01 "Purchased for our home office. It looks great in our space and is very comfortable. Didn't want a large chair with arms that would keep getting in the way of our desk, and this fit the bill. Sleek, attractive, and functional. Also was easy to put together. Highly recommended." —nickandnorasmom Get it from Office Depot for $99.99 (originally $129.99) or from Amazon for $90.01. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Courtney Lynch has spent the last three years as a Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to must-have Amazon products, personal care, home and organization, and more.