How to Choose the Best Kids Desk Chair for Focused Home Learning
Get your kids ready for virtual learning.
More and more schools are opting for hybrid and virtual learning, which means your kids will be doing most of their schoolwork at home, online. Giving them their own “office” space is important for creating an optimal work environment, and finding the right kids desk chair is key for not only their focus, but their overall health.
If sitting all day can hurt your hips and joints, just image how it can affect the posture and circulation of a growing child or teen. Studies have shown that kids who sit for long periods of time — even those who exercise regularly — are more likely to see significant changes in their blood flow and arteries, which can cause all sorts of health issues down the road, most commonly heart disease.
While a supportive desk chair doesn’t replace the need for movement (here are some yoga poses your child can do in between classes), it certainly helps with posture and circulation, which can have a positive effect on focus and joint health.
We’ve found the best adult desk chairs under $200 and ergonomic office chairs that provide lumbar support, but kids have different structural needs. Here are three things to consider when shopping for a kids desk chair:
- Is it ergonomic? True ergonomic chairs fit snug against the back, providing support all the way up to your neck. Look for kids chairs that have adjustable bases, backs, and head rests to ensure your child is getting proper support as they grow. These chairs are a little pricier, but considering the amount of hours your kid will spend sitting, it can have a serious impact on their posture and health.
- Can it grow with your child? Compare your child’s height to the dimensions of the chair, then opt for one that will not only fit them now, but adjusts to fit them in the future. Also consider the desk chair’s weight capacity, and choose one that will remain sturdy as they grow. Buying a durable, adjustable chair will save you money in the long run (and you’ll have fewer unused chairs lying around!).
- Does your child fidget? Kids who have ADHD, special needs, or who are wiggly and have a hard time focusing should consider a ball chair or tilt stool. The micro-movements increase blood flow to the brain and help kids expend energy, allowing their focus to remain with their schoolwork.
Scroll for our top picks for kids desk chairs that will make home learning more manageable.
Best Office Mid Back Ergonomic Computer Office Chair
Best Desk Chair for Tweens
$64.99, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Ergonomic
- 360-degree swivel
- Bright, fun colors
This ergonomic, breathable mesh kids desk chair has a sturdy metal frame that holds up to 225 pounds. Its 360 degree swivel and adjustable height make it easy to grow with your child. Reviewers claim it’s a breeze to assemble (some have even let their kids do it) and it’s lightweight enough to move from room to room.
Promising review: “Bought for our daughter’s desk she absolutely loves it! Perfect for kids/teens we picked the blue color and it’s very vibrant. Quick and easy assembly!”
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children’s Balance Ball
Best Ball Desk Chair for Kids
$16.98 (was $19.98), Amazon
Why we like it:
- Great for posture
- Reduces restlessness and increases focus
- Two sizes for kids ages 5-12
This balance ball desk chair for kids looks too fun for school, but trust us! It’s scientifically proven to help kids expend energy and increase blood flow to their brain, making it actually easier for them to concentrate on their studies. For optimal bounce, the manufacturer recommends inflating the ball, letting it stand for 24 hours to allow the material to stretch, then deflating it 50 percent and refilling it.
Promising review: “We have two! A blue and a grey. My kids 9 and 11 love theirs. The legs collapse immediately upon sitting on. They are literally just there so the ball doesn’t roll around when not in use. We’ve had ours for 5 days. I like stretching on it too! (I’m 5’3”) we originally bought this for virtual schooling and I’m pleased that it’s working out. Pumping it up was easy.”
Best Office Ergonomic Office Chair Mesh Computer Chair with Lumbar Support
Best Desk Chair for Teens
$54.99, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Ergonomic
- Adjustable height
- 5 colors
The lumbar support offered by this ergonomic chair is ideal for tweens and teens. Assemble is easy, and the height can be adjusted to your child’s size. The weight capacity is 250 pounds, so this chair is sturdy and can grow with your child. Plus, there’s a great color selection!
Promising review: “My 14 year old chose this chair for himself since we’re enrolled in virtual learning.. he put it together by himself in about 10 minutes, and he absolutely loves the ergonomic back. He says it’s the comfiest computer chair he’s had yet. He likes it better than my computer chair that he’s always trying to take off with. That means it must be comfortable!”
Storex Active Tilt Stool
Best Stool Chair for Wiggly Kids and Teens
$49.29, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Stool tilts 12.5 degrees in every direction
- Sturdy, adjustable stool in two sizes (grows with you!)
- Tool-free assembly; multiple colors
This tilt stool is not only fun, it helps fidgeters increase their concentration. Because of the two sizes (12”-18” and “12-24”), and that each size is completely adjustable, reviewers claim this stool can be used by all ages — from kindergarteners to adults. It also has a tool-free assembly and built-in handle for easy portability, so parents will love it as much as their kids.
Promising review: “My 9-year-old son kept bragging how he had these stools in his classroom at school. It is nice to help get the wiggles out while concentrating on important stuff like school work. He was so excited to get one. He even put it together himself. I love the adjustable height options. So it will last while he grows.”
JOON Stackable Plastic Kids Learning Chairs
Best Desk Chair for Toddlers
$49.99 for set of 2, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Stackable
- 6 fun colors
- Easy to wipe clean
These sturdy, stackable kids chairs are perfect for toddlers and young children. They come in multi-color sets of two, and have open backs for breathability. They’re also are wipe-clean, which is possibly the the best (and most important!) feature.
Promising review: “So very happy with this purchase, this unit is molded in one piece, very thick plastic almost resin like, sturdy has some heft but a toddler can still carry around, perfect height to reach desk, and color is very vibrant and cheerful, well worth the price. I was going to buy another but controlled myself, we can just carry this one from room to room, however I may still get another for when my grandson has friends over, these little chairs delight me, enjoying this purchase. I highly recommend!”
Marvel Gaming Chair With High Back
Best Desk Chair with High Weight Capacity
$159.98 (was $169.98), Amazon
Why we like it:
- 400 pound weight capacity with strong steel frame
- Tilting and locking function; 360 degree swivel
- 3 Marvel themes to choose from
If you’re looking for an ergonomic desk chair for kids and teens, look no further. The Marvel-themed gaming chair can hold up to 400 pounds, is full-swivel, and has thick-padded cushioning for ultimate comfort. The faux leather fabric resists corrosion, stains, water, fading, and scratches, meaning you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
Promising review: “My son loves his new Marvel gaming chair. It’s comfortable, looks amazing and was so easy to assemble. I definitely recommend this chair as a great addition to any boy’s room.”
Forfar Kids Desk and Chair Set with LED Light
Best Kids Chair and Desk Combo<br>
$144.99, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Multi-functioning tilting desktop
- Large storage compartment
- Adjustable height chair and desk
If you don’t have space at the kitchen table, or just want your child to have their own “office,” a desk and chair combo is a solid option that will grow with your child. The ergonomic chair design and 45 degree tilt desk are perfect for all activities, from reading to painting. The set comes in pink or blue, and can be purchased with a built-in LED desk lamp or without.
Promising review: “I ordered two for my kids at the same time, since I’ve become a teacher due to Covid-19. Assembling these desks was easy, the instructions were easy, and you couldn’t mess it up. It is very sturdy. My kids are enjoying it. It’s adjustable (the desk and the chair), so they can use it for a few years.”
