The 12 Best Desk Chairs for Kids

We can't cut back on the hours of homework, but we can give our kids a comfy spot to finish up their math worksheets, history paper or latest science project. A comfortable chair is essential, and a big part of that equation is picking a chair that's well-built and the proper height for your child.

How to Choose Desk Chairs for Kids

If you've ever had to squeeze into a kids' desk on parents' night, you know that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to desk chairs. Just as those little seats are too small for grown-ups, your office chair is too big for your kiddos. Take into consideration smart ergonomics and materials when starting your desk chair search.

The Right Fit

A good desk chair promotes proper posture and reduces fatigue and discomfort. Kids should be able to sit all the way back in the chair comfortably with their feet flat on the ground and knees at a 90-degree angle. (Some of our options come with footrests for chairs that grow with your kiddo but may be too tall initially.) If working on a computer, their wrists should be the same height as the keyboard with the monitor at eye level. Adjustable seats are a smart option for kids since they are constantly growing and changing.

Keeping It Clean

Although not a hard-and-true fact, kids are often messier than their adult counterparts, so be sure to take into account how easy or hard the chair will be to clean. As much as I may love the look of fuzzy sherpa upholstery, it won't look as chic after dropped markers or a spilled drink. Maybe only offer that option to your older tweens or teens, and stick with the easy-to-wipe-off plastics and metals for smaller kids.

Best Overall Kids' Desk Chair

If you sit at a desk for work, you know the havoc it wrecks on your posture. This is true for our kids as well. Enter the Ringo desk chair, which is specifically designed to ergonomically grow with your kids from ages 6 to 13 (or heights 3.5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches). In addition to being able to adjust the seat height, you are also able to adjust the backrest, seat width and add a footrest for kids under 5 feet tall.

Best Non-Adjustable Kids' Desk Chair

Kids' spaces seem to naturally attract clutter. Remove some of the visual weight in the room by opting for this chic acrylic chair, which is molded from one seamless piece and combined with an iron metal base. Since this chair isn't adjustable, be sure to check the seat height for your child and their desk.

Best Budget Kids' Desk Chair

Curvy and contemporary, this height-adjustable seat is an uber-fun addition to your kid's desk. The bright white chair is comfortable and will coordinate with any decor — a perfect match to your contemporary or modern style or a chic contrast to a more classic design.

Best Get-Their-Wiggles-Out Kids' Desk Chair

Sitting still is not a natural state for kiddos, and this wobble chair lets kids move around without losing focus on their tasks. Active sitting not only can provide kids with a better learning environment, but it also promotes better posture and creates an outlet for children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD and autism.

Best Rolling Kids' Desk Chair

Get playful with your typical desk chair. In addition to classic solid fabrics, these seats are available in a colorful striped print and ultra-cozy sherpas. The height-adjustable chairs are made with 360-degree smooth-rolling casters for ease of use and comfort. If they get used for chair racing down the hallway, we'll just count that as a PE credit, right?

Best Desk Chair for Preschoolers

The mix of natural and contemporary materials pair perfectly with this child-friendly desk chair. The curved design doesn't have any sharp corners or edges to bump into, and the water- and stain-proof shell is easy to keep clean.

Most Durable Kids' Desk Chair

With clean lines and minimalist design, this bent plywood desk chair is recommended for late elementary-age to tweens (8 to 12 years old). The solid metal base is constructed from tubular steel legs plated in chrome, giving the chair a weight capacity of 275 pounds — the highest capacity on this list.

Best Pop-of-Color Kids' Desk Chair

Available in four bright shades, this armless desk chair adds color and energy to your kid's homework station. Five castor wheels ground the chair with a sturdy base, and a 360-degree swivel allows for ease of movement.

Best Playful Kids’ Desk Chair

The best part about decorating a kid’s space is the opportunity to have as much fun as possible. This super soft, faux fur chair is a merry and colorful addition to their functional desk area.

Best Glam Kids' Desk Chair

No old ratty desk chair here. This snazzy contoured seat takes any desk from typical to instantly glamorous. Made from powder-coated steel, the durable chair also has a wide, comfortable seat.

Best Industrial Kids' Desk Chair

Bring a note of industrial style to your kiddo's work area with these metal-crafted chairs. Sold in a set of two, they're offered in mint green, navy and white.

Best Designer Replica Kids' Desk Chair

Philippe Starck's Ghost Chair has graced the pages of magazines, blogs and Instagram posts. Why shouldn't our kiddos have a little high style in their space as well? This replica of his chair is crafted from transparent polycarbonate and is available in six different colors.