Buying guide for Best kids’ chairs
Whether you are furnishing a playroom so your child can have their own coloring nook or outfitting a section of their bedroom for cozy tea parties, it’s a good idea to have some chairs made just for kids. Sure, they could sit in “adult” chairs, but a chair designed for a child is sized just right for their needs. The best chairs for kids improve posture and are comfortable so they can pay full attention to the task at hand rather than thinking about their chair.
When looking for a chair for a child, you will find a wide range of options. Some are built for kids who are barely able to walk. Others are for older children. Some feature a desk element, lending themselves to drawing, writing, and other creative pursuits.
Key considerations
Age/size
Kids’ chairs can be targeted to children of different ages. Some are for toddlers, whereas others are for elementary school children.
Generally speaking, you can find chairs for kids as young as two or three and as old as eleven or twelve. Some are adjustable, making them flexible for use over a span of time.
Adjustability
A child can quickly outgrow a chair, but what if the chair grows with them? Some kids’ chairs are adjustable for that very purpose. You can resize the chair as the years go by.
A chair with enough adjustment points can be used by a child who is 12 or even older. Some chairs can also be adjusted to better meet an individual’s ergonomic needs.
Note that some chairs can be easily adjusted by children, while others will require the help of an adult.
Chair type
Much like adult chairs, kids’ chairs ship in a wide range of types. Here are a few of the most common:
-
Folding chairs
-
Stackable chairs
-
Upholstered chairs
-
Office chairs
-
Bean bag chairs
-
Saucer chairs
Expert tip
For the best posture, when children use a chair to work at a desk, the chair should be sized so that the child’s hips, knees, and ankles can all be at 90 degrees. Their feet should be able to be firmly on the floor (not dangling) and their elbows should be able to rest on the desk without causing their shoulders to shrug.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Comfort
Comfort in a kids’ chair isn’t only a matter of promoting good posture. Kids who are comfortable are also better able to concentrate on their work. Elements of a chair that can enhance comfort include a soft or plush exterior, padding (high-density memory foam is common) and rounded elements such as armrests.
Appearance
From little office chairs to little recliners, some kids’ chairs mimic adult chairs. However, kids’ chairs are not necessarily limited to the neutral colors that adults tend to put in their living rooms. For children, there are chairs of all colors, from beige and black to electric blue, hot pink, and metallic gold.
Chairs that feature popular comic book and cartoon characters are also common, as are chairs that portray animals. Some chairs even assume animal shapes!
Did You Know?
If you are buying a kids’ chair to use with a table or desk, think about chair height and table height first, allowing 8 to 12 inches of space between the seat and table.
Staff
BestReviews
Features
Materials
The three primary areas to examine when considering chair material are the frame, the cushioning, and the cover.
Frame: A chair frame may be crafted from metal, wood, or plastic. Metal and wood are highly durable, and wooden chairs can have a particularly charming look. Inexpensive plastic chairs are also common in the world of kids’ chairs. Some plastic chairs are notably flimsy. The price is often reflective of this.
Cushioning: Not all kids’ chairs have cushioning, but those that do often employ high-density memory foam. A chair that does not have cushioning may instead have mesh, which encourages air circulation to cut down on odor and keep kids cool. Plastic chairs may get hot and sticky in warm weather, but they are an inexpensive choice for those on a budget.
Covers: Fabric and faux leather are both fairly common covering materials for kids’ chairs. However, some chairs forgo covers entirely. Instead, these chairs have an outer surface that is all plastic or all wood. Again, chairs that are plastic can get hot and sticky in hot weather; chairs that are metal can get uncomfortably hot in warm weather and uncomfortably cold in cool weather.
Built-in desks
As mentioned, some kids’ chairs include a desk element. With the inclusion of a desk, the chair becomes an all-in-one workstation for your child.
A chair with a built-in desk takes up less space than a separate chair-and-desk combo, and it is also likely to cost less. Some desk elements are adjustable or tiltable. Others include everything from storage and cup holders to built-in lights.
If you are considering a chair/desk combo, take note of the product’s dimensions before buying. Often, these chairs are geared toward younger children. A child of eight or nine might soon outgrow one of these items, whereas a child of two or three would likely get several years of use out of it.
Storage
Some kids’ chairs include storage space for books, toys, or other items. While this usually takes the form of storage drawers or bins located under the seat, some kids’ bean bag chairs can actually be stuffed full of plush toys or pillows and then used as a seat.
Cup holder
Some kids’ chairs include a cup holder, which can be used to hold everything from sippy cups to hot cocoa mugs to containers full of paint brushes, colored pencils or pens.
Caster wheels/feet
The part of the chair that connects with the floor may have caster wheels or flat feet. There is actually quite a bit of difference between the two. See the FAQ section for a casters vs. feet comparison.
While mesh in a kids’ chair encourages airflow, the material can be less comfortable than cushioning. If the chair will be used for extended periods of time, think carefully before buying a mesh one.
Staff
BestReviews
Kids’ chairs prices
Inexpensive
Chairs that cost $20 to $40 tend to be smaller in size and less durable. Plastic is common here, although you will also find some simple wood chairs and even some metal folding chairs.
Mid-range
For $40 to $90, you will find a wide variety of kids’ chairs of various types. Some advanced features, such as built-in desks and storage areas, can be found here.
Expensive
Chairs that cost $90 to $140 (and occasionally more) tend to have the best build; durable metal is a common construction material. Chairs in this price range are often adjustable to adapt to a child’s size as they grow. The bulk of kids’ office chairs and gaming chairs will be found in this range, as will nearly all high-end plush and upholstered chairs.
Did You Know?
When using a computer, the best body positioning is feet flat on the floor and wrists the same height as the keyboard.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Measure to determine the right size. You can do this by having your child sit in an existing chair with their feet flat on the floor. Measure from the bottom of their feet to the back of their knees. This is the ideal seat height size for your child at this time.
- Remember the temporary nature of “favorite” childhood characters. A chair with a cartoon character your child loves today is great, but will they love that character three years from now? If you’re looking for a piece of furniture to endure the years, choose something a bit more neutral.
- Note that matching desks are sometimes available. If you find a chair you really love, you might be able to find a color-coordinated desk or other pieces.
FAQ
Q. Do these chairs ship fully assembled?
A. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Chairs for very young kids are more likely to be one-piece items that you just take out of the box and use right away, but not always. Some chairs require a bit of assembly.
If you must assemble the chair, we offer these tips. First, double-check that all parts and hardware arrived in the shipping box. (If not, contact the seller or manufacturer.) Next, read the assembly instructions, making sure you have all tools on hand for easy assembly.
Expert tip
Look for adjustable chairs made with washable fabrics. That way they can grow with the child, and you can keep them looking clean and nice.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Q. Do kids’ chairs have weight limits?
A. Yes. A maximum weight recommendation should be provided by the seller or manufacturer. In our research, we found chairs with weight limits ranging between 50 and 200 pounds.
Q. Which is better for a kids’ chair: casters or feet?
A. While the majority of kids’ chairs will end in feet (often rubber-tipped), some have caster wheels. Regular feet are obviously best if you want a stationary chair; rubber tips can help prevent the chair from sliding around.
If you select a chair with caster wheels, know that the wheels may serve as a distraction if the child is attempting to do homework or other tasks that require concentration. If you really want a chair with caster wheels, look for one with wheels that can lock.
