How often should I replace a desk chair?

Typically, desk chairs should last for years. However, if yours is wobbly or broken, it's likely time for a new one. You'll also want to replace your desk chair if your child has outgrown a too-small one, as you'll want them to have a comfortable fit.

How do I clean a desk chair?

Read the cleaning instructions, if any, that come along with your desk chair. Depending on the material used in the desk chair, use a dry or wet cloth to remove any stains, dust, or dirt.

Is it bad to sit in a desk chair all day?

While a desk chair is better for long stretches of work than a less-supportive couch or armchair, It's not healthy for kids (or adults) to stay seated at a desk chair all day long. Depending on their age, kids have limited attention spans and ability to sit still—and even if they can do it, it's not ideal. Every 20 or 30 minutes for little ones and every hour or so for big kids, be sure to have your child get up from their chair for some movement, such as stretching, yoga, or a run around the block.

The 10 Best Desk Chairs for Kids of 2023

Whether your kids are home for virtual school or are simply doing their homework or other projects at a desk, they need a comfortable and supportive place to sit. Finding the right desk chair will help to create a productive workstation for your kiddo.

When searching for a great desk chair for kids, consider the size of the desk chair you need and whether you want something plush, ergonomic, or super-simple. Additionally, think about whether or not you want a chair on wheels. We carefully considered design, ease of assembly, use, and cleaning, weight recommendations, material, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best desk chairs for kids on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

GreenForest Kids' Desk Chair at Amazon

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Best Plush:

Urban Shop Faux Fur Rolling Desk Chair at Walmart

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Best Alternative:

Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Balance Ball at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

Delta Children MySize Chair Desk at Amazon

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Best Basic:

HODEDAH IMPORT Armless Task Chair at Amazon

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Best Budget:

BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Pottery Barn Kids Glitter Acrylic Chair at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best Without an Armrest:

Porch & Den Stringer Molded Task Chair at Overstock

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Best With Armrest:

SIDIZ Ringo Kid Desk Chair at Amazon

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Best High Back:

Wrought Studio Willette Kids Chair at Wayfair

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Amazon

The GreenForest Kids' Desk Chair is our top pick because of its stylish design and comfortable and supportive seat. Easy to assemble, this chair requires only eight bolts, which are included, so older kids are able to put it together themselves. There’s a choice of four bright colors and the fishbone design seat-back is stylish and breathable. The chair’s maximum weight is up to 200 pounds, so this height-adjustable, rolling, and 360-swivel seat is perfect for older kids and teens.

Price at time of publish: $110

Courtesy of Walmart

Style meets function with this faux fur rolling desk chair, perfect for fashion-conscious, older kids. Made to be comfortable and supportive, the high back chair has a padded cushion along with the cozy faux fur, making for a soft seat. There are five rolling wheels and an adjustable height lever so this pick can accommodate a wide range of kid’s sizing and can hold up to 220 pounds.

Reviewers say their kids like this chair with one note that it’s especially straight-backed, so may not be comfortable for all kids.

Price at time of publish: $79

Courtesy of Walmart

If you’re looking for a desk chair alternative, some kids may appreciate the movement that this balance ball seat provides. The plastic balance ball can be helpful for kids who need to get excess energy out or have a hard time sitting still in a standard desk chair. While it may be helpful for some kids, it does take some getting used to and may not be a suitable full-time alternative for a standard chair.

The ball has five stabilizing legs, so it doesn’t roll around the room when not in use and is easy for your kiddos to maintain their balance. Available in two sizes and multiple colors, the ball arrives deflated but comes with a handy pump to inflate it.

Price at time of publish: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Younger kids may appreciate having a full-service station for all their needs. This set includes an all-in-one desk, chair, storage bin, and removable cup holder for snacks or art supplies. The seat holds kids up to 50 pounds, so it has a limited life span, but can be useful for toddlers that are home and may want their own workspace to mimic their parents or older siblings.

Parents praise the easy-to-clean material but complain that there’s no way to set this seat up as a “lefty” desk, so may not be the best choice for any southpaw kiddos.

Price at time of publish: $45

Courtesy of Amazon

This well-sized armless desk chair is reasonably priced, comfortable, and comes in four bright and basic colors. With a weight capacity of 100 pounds, this chair is a comfortable, well-sized seat option for your kiddo that doesn't break the bank. Easy to put together, this chair is pretty sturdy, and while it may not last forever, it can likely get your kiddo through a year of homework or virtual learning at home.

Price at time of publish: $58

Courtesy of Amazon

Reviewers praise this budget-friendly choice as easy-to-assemble and comfortable for the short term, although some users say the seat cushion gets flat quite quickly. While made for adults, the seat is pretty small, so it's better suited for kids or smaller teens. With a 360-degree swivel and mesh back, kids may appreciate that their desk chair mimics their parent’s chair.

Price at time of publish: $70

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Bring a magical touch into your child’s workspace with this iridescent, multi-colored, glitter chair. As a bonus, you won't have to worry about a glitter trail being left behind since the sparkles are embedded inside the acrylic seat.

The swivel base rotates 360 degrees, as do the smooth-rolling steel casters. The glam-looking acrylic chair is long-lasting and easy to care for and a simple wipe-down will keep it clean. This chair is a splurge, so be sure this stylish addition is going to be used for a long time.

Courtesy of Wayfair

Pleased reviewers love this stylish chair. It looks good, is well-priced, and is quite comfortable. The bucket-style chair is crafted from molded plastic. Easy to wipe down and clean, it is specifically crafted to correspond to the S-curve of your spine, providing a comfortable sitting experience.

While the back is not padded, the foam-filled seat cushion is soft and comfy. Casters on the base allow your kiddo to wheel around the room and a height adjustment lever allows them to find their right fit.

Price at time of publish: $112

Courtesy of Amazon

If you’re looking for a long-term investment chair, this is a great option for growing kids. Designed specifically for kids from 6 to 13 years old (or 3.5 feet to 5.3 feet tall), it’s all about adjustability with this option. The backrest moves for comfort, there are four height settings, and a fixed footrest provides additional support.

When more than 55 pounds is applied on the seat, the casters will stop rolling, so your kiddo can concentrate and stay in one place. When not in use, the chair can easily roll around the room. Reviewers praise this chair as “exceptional” and how much parents love it seems to justify the high price, especially if your kid will be doing full-time remote school or will use an at-home desk for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $289

Courtesy of Wayfair

Perfect for kids ages 8 to 12 years old, these high-back chairs have a modern and timeless look and feel. Made with bent plywood and featuring reinforced chrome-plated tubular steel legs, these classic seats come in five colors. Recommended for desk heights of 30 inches, this high-back option provides great support. Plus, since it doesn’t adjust, swivel, or move, parent reviewers praise how kids are more likely to sit still and focus on their work.

Final Verdict

If you are in the market for a basic, affordable, and easily adjustable chair that your kids can use in their teen years, the Hashtag Home Elkland Mesh Task Chair is a comfy option. For busy kiddos, the Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball can help them manage their built-up energy so that they can focus while completing school work.

What to Look for in Desk Chairs for Kids

Size

Whether your kid is virtual learning or just needs a good place to sit to do their homework, they can benefit from a desk chair. However, you want to make sure that the chair is the right size for them. Oversized chairs might be too big for your toddlers and miniature chairs may be too snug for your bigger kids. If the chair fits your child's body well, they will be more likely to enjoy sitting in it—and get their work done.

Wheels vs. No Wheels

Wheels on your child's desk chair can be useful—and a fun feature many kids may enjoy. However, if the access to constant motion has the potential to distract them, you may want to opt for a chair that doesn't have wheels. You'll also want to consider the space your child will be in and whether having wheels will be suitable for that environment.

Comfort

Whether you choose a plush chair that they can sink into or an ergonomic option that provides supreme support, comfort should be at the top of your checklist when picking out a desk chair for your little learner. It will help them stay in their seat until the job is done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace a desk chair?

Typically, desk chairs should last for years. However, if yours is wobbly or broken, it's likely time for a new one. You'll also want to replace your desk chair if your child has outgrown a too-small one, as you'll want them to have a comfortable fit.
How do I clean a desk chair?

Read the cleaning instructions, if any, that come along with your desk chair. Depending on the material used in the desk chair, use a dry or wet cloth to remove any stains, dust, or dirt.
Is it bad to sit in a desk chair all day?

While a desk chair is better for long stretches of work than a less-supportive couch or armchair, It's not healthy for kids (or adults) to stay seated at a desk chair all day long. Depending on their age, kids have limited attention spans and ability to sit still—and even if they can do it, it's not ideal. Every 20 or 30 minutes for little ones and every hour or so for big kids, be sure to have your child get up from their chair for some movement, such as stretching, yoga, or a run around the block.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. Maya’s two oldest kids have been in virtual school since March 2020. After a lot of trial and error, she soon realized that how important the right desk chairs were for her little scholars while learning from home.

Best Overall

GreenForest Kids' Desk Chair

Best Plush

Urban Shop Faux Fur Rolling Task Chair

Best Alternative

Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Balance Ball

Best for Young Kids

Delta Children MySize Chair Desk

Best Basic

HODEDAH IMPORT Armless Task Chair

Best Budget

BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair

Best Splurge

Pottery Barn Kids Glitter Acrylic Chair

Best Without an Armrest

Porch & Den Stringer Molded Mid-Century Modern Task Chair

Best With Armrest

SIDIZ Ringo Kid Desk Chair

Best High Back

Wrought Studio Willette Kids Chair