How many times have you been told to sit up straight, put your shoulders back, and maintain a perfect posture? We all know the drill. But here’s the thing: staying in that “perfect” ergonomic posture all day long is not realistic. It’s human nature to slouch, shift around, or even sit cross-legged when we’re trying to find some comfort or relief from sitting for hours. And sometimes, sitting cross-legged feels like the most natural way to escape that stiff, formal office chair posture.
But can you do it without wrecking your back or knees? The truth is, it’s possible to sit cross-legged without sacrificing your health—if you do it the right way. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best office chair that you can sit cross legged on and give you some tips on how to make it work for your body.
Table of Contents
- Should You Sit Cross-Legged at Your Desk?
- Best Office Chair That You Can Sit Cross Legged: Top 10 Picks
- FAQs About the Best Office Chair that You Can Sit Cross legged
Should You Sit Cross-Legged at Your Desk?
Why Sit Cross-Legged? For some of us, it’s just more comfortable. For others, it’s about switching up your posture to keep things fresh, especially during long workdays. But before you make sitting cross-legged your go-to position, let’s weigh the benefits and risks.
The Pros of Sitting Cross-Legged:
- Better Circulation: Sitting cross-legged can help take the pressure off your legs and feet, giving your circulation a little break. It’s especially great for people who are prone to swollen feet or poor blood flow.
- Posture Perks (If Done Right): If you’ve got a good chair and sit in the proper position, sitting cross-legged can help keep your spine more neutral than slouching or leaning forward in your regular office chair.
- Relief from Lower Back Pain: For some people, sitting cross-legged actually relieves tension in the lower back and hips—making it a nice change from sitting in that rigid “ergonomic” position all day.
The Cons of Sitting Cross-Legged:
- Joint Strain: Let’s be honest—sitting cross-legged for hours can be tough on your knees, hips, and ankles. If your joints aren’t used to this position, you might start feeling discomfort quickly.
- Muscle Stiffness: Staying in one position for too long—especially without proper support—can cause your muscles to stiffen, especially around the hips and lower back.
- Not Always Ergonomic: It’s easy to start slouching when sitting cross-legged, which can put pressure on your spine. Without the right chair and posture, you’re trading one set of discomforts for another.
So, Should You Sit Cross-Legged?
Sitting cross-legged can definitely help mix things up and ease discomfort, but it’s not a cure-all for back pain or stiffness. It’s okay for short periods, but if you’re doing it for hours each day, it’s important to listen to your body.
If you’re constantly shifting or feeling discomfort, it might be time to change positions. The best approach? Don’t stay in one position—whether cross-legged or not—for too long. Regularly switching things up will keep your body feeling good and help avoid any strain.
Best Office Chair That You Can Sit Cross Legged: Top 10 Picks
Ready to sit cross-legged at your desk without feeling cramped? The right chair makes all the difference. Here are our top 10 picks for criss-cross chairs that offer the space, support, and flexibility you need for the perfect cross-legged sitting experience:
1. Meet&Co Office Furniture Budding Ergonomic Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25.2″ D x 26.0″ W x 40.6″ – 42.9″ H
Seat: 20.67″ W x 20.47″ D
Adjustable Armrests: Yes
Colors: Black, grey, red, orange, blue, green, or customized
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 – 3 years
The Budding Chair from Meet&Co is sleek, stylish, and perfect for both home and office spaces. Its wide seat gives you plenty of room to sit cross-legged comfortably. The breathable mesh back keeps you cool, and the thick sponge cushion is comfy yet supportive. You can adjust the lumbar support, arms, and seat depth to find the best fit for you. The silent casters glide smoothly without damaging your floor. The chair is also supportive and customizable to match your style.
Why We Love It: Supportive, comfy, and perfect for sitting cross-legged. Plus, you can adjust it to fit you just right!
2. PUKAMI Criss Cross Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 20″ D x 25.2″ W x 34″ H
Seat: 25.6″ W x 20.2″ D
Adjustable Armrests: No Armrests
Colors: Beige, black, blue, brown, grey, white, mint green, pink, yellow
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The PUKAMI Criss Cross Chair is a viral sensation you’ve probably seen all over TikTok! It’s become a favorite because of its spacious, wide seat that is perfect for sitting cross-legged. The criss-cross backrest gives decent support, and the padded cushion keeps you comfy for hours. Plus, it’s adjustable, so you can easily tweak the height and tilt to your liking. Its sleek, minimalist design looks great in any home office or workspace.
Why We Love It: Stylish, comfy, and roomy enough for cross-legged sitting—what’s not to love?
3. EDX Armless Criss Cross Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25.59 x 25.20 x 35.04 inches
Seat: 25.5″ W x 18.7” D
Adjustable Armrests: No Armrests
Colors: Beige, grey, blue, black, pink, brown,
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
If you’re looking for a more minimalistic option, the EDX Armless Criss Cross Chair is another great choice for sitting cross-legged. Like the PUKAMI chair, it has a wide, flat seat that gives you plenty of space to stretch out comfortably. Its open, armless design allows you to move freely and find the perfect sitting position. The criss-cross backrest provides solid support, and the cushion is also soft and comfy.
Why We Love It: Simple, comfortable, and perfect for sitting cross-legged without the extra bulk!
4. Kata Armless Office Desk Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25″ W X 33.5″ H X 25.5″ D
Seat: 25.5” W × 20” D
Adjustable Armrests: No Armrests
Colors: White, pink, grey
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: n/a
The Kata Armless Office Desk Chair brings elegance to your workspace with its unique woven design. Like the other criss-cross chairs, it offers plenty of room for sitting cross-legged, but its stylish, woven backrest adds a touch of sophistication. The chair is comfortable, with a soft cushion and no bulky armrests to get in your way. Plus, it comes in white, pink, and gray, adding a pop of color to any workspace.
Why We Love It: Elegant, comfy, and the ideal chair for sitting cross-legged in style!
5. Emiah Armless Desk Chair with Wheels
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 20.1″ D x 25.9″ W x 34.6″ H
Seat: 19.3″ D x 25.9″ W
Adjustable Armrests: No Armrests
Colors: Beige
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Emiah Armless Desk Chair has a clean, simple design with no unnecessary decorations, making it perfect for a minimalist workspace. With no armrests, it gives you plenty of room to sit cross-legged without feeling cramped. The seat height is easily adjustable with a one-touch lever, offering a range of 4.8 inches to find the perfect fit. It also has a rocking function (105 to 120 degrees), so you can lean back and relax whenever you want. This pick comes with wheels for easy mobility and offers a choice between PU leather, genuine leather, and furry fabric options. The PU and furry fabric versions are around $150, while the genuine leather version is priced at about $220 on Amazon.
Why We Love It: It’s simple, stylish, and comfortable—ideal for a no-fuss, cross-legged seating experience!
6. Jaythan Upholstered Home Office Task Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 37.82” H x 25.22” W x 25.22” D
Seat: 18” W x 19” D
Adjustable Armrests: Fixed Arms
Colors: Beige, dark grey
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Jaythan Upholstered Home Office Task Chair brings clean lines and an urban vibe with its on-trend look and popping colors. It’s perfect for adding style and coziness to lofts, living rooms, or any space that needs a little extra flair. The furry upholstery is soft and comfortable, though it may need a bit more maintenance to keep it looking fresh. The thick sponge cushion conforms to your body, offering great comfort for sitting cross-legged. Plus, the silent casters glide smoothly without damaging your floors, so you can move around easily.
Assembly is a breeze, taking just 10-15 minutes, and it makes a great gift for friends and family. The only downside? It has limited color options compared to some other chairs, but it still stands out with its chic design.
Why We Love It: Stylish, comfy, and perfect for cozy, cross-legged sitting. Easy to assemble and great for any space!
7. Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Gaming Chair
Key Specifications:
Sizes: Small, Regular, and XL
Seat: 18.5″ W x 19.3″ D (Regular)
Adjustable Armrests: Yes
Colors: A wide range of color and upholstery options
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 5 years
Now, this one might surprise you. It might be known as a gaming chair, but the Secretlab Titan Evo is more than just a chair for gaming marathons. It offers comfort during long sitting sessions with a comfy padded seat and a supportive back. The seat is wide enough for cross-legged sitting, and the back reclines, which is great if you like to shift between different positions. It’s sturdy, spacious, and surprisingly comfortable for work and play.
This chair comes in three sizes (Small, Regular, and XL), so you can pick the one that fits you best. It also has a wide range of colors and upholstery options, so you can match it to your style and office setup.
Why We Love It: A gaming chair that’s perfect for work, too. It offers support, space, and comfort for all kinds of sitting positions, including cross-legged.
8. Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 16″ D x 25.75″ W x 38.5″ H
Seat: 27.5″–29.3″ W x 27″ – 27.5″ D (Size A)
Adjustable Armrests: Yes
Colors: Graphite, Carbon, Onyx, Mineral
Require Assembly: No
Warranty: 12 years
Here comes a true classic: the Herman Miller Aeron. It is an iconic chair that’s consistently ranked among the best chairs for back pain, and for a good reason. The Aeron also comes in three sizes to suit different body types, making it one of the most versatile chairs out there.
What makes it great for cross-legged sitting? The mesh back keeps things breathable, and the seat height and tilt adjustments let you find the sweet spot for your preferred sitting position. Its slim profile doesn’t get in the way when you decide to fold those legs. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re looking for long-lasting comfort, it’s worth it.
Why We Love It: Durable, adjustable, and stylish. This chair is built to accommodate all sorts of sitting positions.
9. Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 22.375″ – 34.625″ W x 21″ – 23.625″ D x 47 – 57″ H
Seat: 510 W x 395 – 455 D mm
Adjustable Armrests: Yes
Colors: Black and Platinum Metallic frames; various upholstery colors
Require Assembly: No
Warranty: 12 years
If you’re the type who needs a lot of flexibility when it comes to sitting styles, the Steelcase Gesture has you covered. It’s one of the most adjustable chairs out there, letting you tilt the back, adjust the seat height, and even fine-tune the armrests. Sitting cross-legged? No problem. The Gesture lets you position yourself however you want without any discomfort. Its adjustable seat depth makes more room for your legs, so you’re not feeling cramped. Plus, the armrests can be moved in almost every direction, allowing you to push them out of the way when you need extra space.
Why We Love It: It’s super adjustable and comfy, perfect for all kinds of sitting. If you like to switch things up and sit cross-legged, the Gesture makes it easy to stay relaxed and supported.
10. Humanscale Freedom Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 20″ D x 23.5″ W x 50″ H
Seat: 19” W x 17.40” – 19.85” D
Adjustable Armrests: Yes
Colors: Various colors; customizable
Require Assembly: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Humanscale Freedom chair is all about simplicity and ease. Its weight-sensitive recline and adjustable seat depth mean you can make quick tweaks for maximum comfort. And the seat is wide and flat, giving you enough room to cross your legs without feeling cramped. Plus, the design is sleek and doesn’t take up too much space, which makes it ideal for those working from smaller home offices.
Why We Love It: Comfort without all the fuss. It’s perfect for people who like to switch between sitting styles throughout the day.
FAQs About the Best Office Chair that You Can Sit Cross legged
1. Is it okay to sit cross-legged for a long time?
It’s fine to sit cross-legged for short periods, but if you do it for too long, it might strain your knees, hips, or back. Prolonged sitting in this position can also affect your circulation and flexibility. To keep things comfortable, try switching up your posture every 30-60 minutes, standing up, or stretching to keep your body happy.
2. What is the alternative to sitting cross-legged?
If sitting cross-legged isn’t for you, you can try sitting with both feet flat on the floor or elevate your legs with a footrest. Another great option is choosing a chair with good lumbar support to encourage an upright, relaxed posture. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
3. What are some alternatives to criss-cross chairs?
If criss-cross chairs aren’t your style, try a kneeling chair, which shifts your weight to your shins for better posture, or a balance ball chair, which keeps your core engaged. For a more traditional option, an ergonomic chair with adjustable features and plenty of seat space can offer flexibility for different sitting positions.
