For the best chair height for arthritis, aim for a seat that makes standing easier while keeping both feet flat on the floor. There is no single measurement that works for everyone.

If you live with a disability, a firm, supportive chair may make sitting and standing feel more manageable. One easy-to-miss detail is how much the cushion sinks once you sit down.

The chair needs to work through your everyday routine: settling into it, sitting comfortably and getting up again. A seat that is too high can leave your feet dangling, so the practical aim is a height that supports both a steady seated position and an easier rise.

1. Best chair height for arthritis: Find a comfortable fit

A useful starting point is the highest chair that still lets you sit with your bare feet flat on the floor. Your legs should not dangle. This gives you a practical way to judge the fit without relying on a measurement that may not suit you.

When you try a chair, notice how it feels once you are seated, not just how it looks. Check whether your feet rest flat and whether getting up feels manageable. A chair that seems the right height when empty may feel different after its cushion compresses.

That cushion is worth paying attention to when comparing chairs. If you measure at home, measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion while it is compressed, ideally with someone sitting on it. This gives a better indication of the height at which you actually sit.

Two chairs with the same listed height may feel different because their cushions compress differently. So, compare your seated position rather than treating a label or a single measurement as the whole answer. Firm, supportive seating is a useful starting point, but it does not replace a suitable height.

For more arthritis-related advice, read this chair-height guidance on keeping your feet supported.

2. Best chair height for arthritis: Get advice before raising a low chair

A favourite chair may feel comfortable once you are settled but be difficult to get out of. Chair raisers can sometimes help when a seat is too low, but they are not suitable for every chair and should not be used without an assessment.

An occupational therapist can assess whether your chair is suitable to raise, recommend a raiser height or advise whether another chair would be safer. This can be useful if standing remains difficult, the chair feels unstable or you are considering an adaptation.

Raisers should not be used with broken or unstable chairs, or on uneven or weak flooring. They are also unsuitable when you cannot control sitting down safely. Raising a chair does not resolve those problems.

Before considering an adaptation, read more on these chair raiser safety checks.

When you speak with an occupational therapist, explain what feels difficult. Is getting up the main problem, or does sitting down also feel hard to control? Those details can help them assess how the chair works for you.

Related daily situations can call for different practical solutions. For the standing part of the movement, read more about chair height adjustments for easier standing.

People Also Ask…

What chair height is best for arthritis?

A suitable chair is high enough to make standing easier while still letting both feet rest flat on the floor. There is no universal measurement in centimetres or inches. Start by judging how your feet and legs sit when you are actually in the chair.

How do I measure my chair correctly?

Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion while it is compressed. Ideally, have someone help with the measurement while you sit on the chair. Measuring an empty cushion alone may give you a different idea of the height you experience.

Is a higher chair always better?

A higher chair may make rising easier, but it is not automatically a better fit. You still need to keep your feet flat rather than letting them dangle. Consider how manageable both sitting down and standing up feel.

Can I put raisers under my existing chair?

An occupational therapist can assess whether your chair is suitable and recommend the required raiser height. Do not use raisers with a broken or unstable chair, or on uneven or weak flooring. They are also unsuitable if you cannot control sitting down safely.

Why does my chair feel lower than its stated height?

The cushion may sink when you sit, leaving you lower than the empty-seat measurement suggests. Measuring the cushion while compressed gives a more useful indication of your seated height. This is why it helps to compare how you actually sit in different chairs.

When should I ask an occupational therapist for help?

Ask an occupational therapist if getting up remains difficult, your chair feels unstable or you are considering raising it. They can assess how the chair suits your daily needs and advise on a suitable adaptation or another chair. Explain what happens when you sit down and stand up so they understand the difficulty.