These office chairs may help those with ADHD focus

Finding the perfect office chair can be challenging for anyone, but it is especially difficult for those with ADHD. While “fidgeting” behaviors aren’t a part of every ADHDer’s symptoms, they are for many. The ability to change position frequently can be a huge benefit to establishing focus, paying attention, and maintaining a happy work life.

While there are some great flexible seating options out there for lounging at home and helping kids focus, many of these can feel unprofessional for adult users. They may be impractical for many office settings, and even feel too casual for those working from home who need to stay on task.

Luckily, there are some great ADHD office chairs out there that look professional while providing an abundance of options for sitting positions. Below you’ll find 13 popular ADHD chairs for adults, alongside tips to ensure you’ve got the right one for your needs.

4 types of ADHD chairs to consider

We’ve broken our suggestions down to a few categories that should help you narrow the style of chair that suits you best.

Standard office chairs with footrests

One of the simplest and cheapest solutions for ADHD-friendly seating is finding a comfortable office chair with a footrest. These chairs come in a variety of styles with different levels of ergonomic support, letting you choose what works best for you while providing options for sitting in ways that maximize your focus.

Consider how much space you have around and under your desk, and make sure your chosen chair works well with any other furniture.

Many of the chairs in this style come with retractable, adjustable, and/or folding footrests, letting you move them out of the way when not in use.

Some chairs even have detachable pillows that can be used for a little extra neck or back support as you change positions through the day.

Meditation chairs

Meditation chairs are a popular choice for many people with ADHD because they’re purposefully designed to provide ample space for sitting cross-legged (and in any other strange way you can think of, really).

The Pipersong chair got a lot of social media attention for good reason—it offered a solution that not nearly enough brands had caught on to yet, and consumers were excited.

While these chairs can be fantastic for those who are neurodiverse, they do tend to be bulkier than most office chairs. You’ll want to measure and make sure you have space for one before purchasing, as the footrests are not removable and can be hard to fit in especially tight spaces.

Kneeling chairs don’t usually offer a variety of sitting styles, but they do help you maintain a healthy posture, and there are a select few on the market that allow for multiple leg positions.

Chairs without armrests

Armrests can get in the way when you like to switch up how you sit in your chair. They’re often too narrow to sit cross-legged, can cause uncomfortable pressure when one leg is tucked in the chair with you, and may feel claustrophobic to some occupants. We recently reviewed the Pukami Armless Office Desk Chair listed below and appreciated the product for its wide seat and attractive design.

Finding an office chair that is armrest-free can be, well, freeing. They can also be ideal for those with less flexibility and those who take up a little more space in the average chair.

If you work at a standing or height-adjustable desk, finding a chair that seats you at the appropriate height is especially important. Luckily, there are plenty of ADHD-friendly office chairs on the market that sit higher than the average 21 inches.

Balance seats

If you prefer active sitting or want to release excess energy, a seat that involves some balance and allows the user to move can be a great fit. These seats tend to encourage good posture and discourage getting too comfortable or sleepy in especially plush chairs.

While these chairs are likely to stick out the most in an office setting, they’re all still subtle enough to be reasonably workplace appropriate. Plus, for those working from home, these chairs likely won’t be noticeable on video.

Many people use a standard yoga ball as a work chair, but these chairs combine the benefits of a yoga ball with the stability of a standard office chair.

What to look for in ADHD chairs

While every person has their own needs to consider when it comes to work-friendly and ADHD-friendly seating, there are a few factors every shopper should keep in mind when making their purchase.

Prioritize the ability to change position often

Your seat should offer the flexibility to sit however you find most conducive to focus. This might be more limited at an in-person office than a space where you work from home, since you may not be able to fully pretzel yourself into your chair while wearing most traditional work attire.

Generally speaking, you should look for chairs that you can put one or both feet on comfortably and are adjustable in ways that can help you switch up how you’re sitting.

Ergonomic options keep your back positioned well

People with ADHD often have comorbidities such as scoliosis and hypermobility, which can make it extra important to have ergonomic seating options.

Unfortunately, sitting in the ergonomic-approved way, with your back straight and feet on the floor, can feel excruciating for many of us. To avoid that sensation, it’s best to identify where you need the most support and prioritize that in your seat.

Ideally, one should have a chair that supports the body in the “proper” way for bad health days, but that can be flexible for all sorts of strange positions on other days.

For instance, since my back is my main pain point, I tend to look for chairs that support my back that also let me sit in odd positions.

A professional style keeps you productive

Let’s be crystal clear: Flexible seating and other accommodations aren’t unprofessional—they’re easy and necessary steps to help neurodiverse and disabled employees work at their highest potential.

That being said, it’s reasonable for your employer to want you to have the same level of professionalism with your seating as you do with your dress code. For a super casual office, something like a yoga ball might be fine, but for a fancier setup, you might be better off dressing things up a little.

Your chair doesn’t have to be boring, but it should have an aesthetic that suggests you take your work as seriously as those around you.