Peter Opsvik and Hans Christian Mengshoel came to the rescue in 1979 when they invented the first kneeling chair. The concept of ergonomics was refined sometime later. When you combine the two, it spells relief. But kneeling chairs are by no means all alike. What works for one person might not work for the next, and there are plenty of options to choose from to meet your own unique needs. Keep reading to see our picks for the best kneeling chairs. But the best part is that all the padding is 3 inches thick—far superior to most other kneeling chairs that are available. And the fabric is mesh, so it’s breathable. The base is heavy-duty metal and can hold up to 250 pounds. It’s adjustable from 21 inches up to 28 inches, so it comfortably supports taller bodies as well. The frame is steel, the upholstery is black faux mesh leather, and the padding is 4 inches thick. This also makes it a good choice for taller people who will, by necessity, put a bit more weight on their knees when using a kneeling chair. The seat cushion has an adjustable angle that ranges from 97 degrees to 117 degrees. And that padding is recycled material, so you’ll be doing your part for the environment as well, even as you work on your laptop. The chair is adjustable, ergonomic, and it has dual-wheel casters for fluid mobility. It features a single kneepad rather than two separate ones, which is a nice touch, and it has three height settings, giving you options for finding your most comfortable position. Its wooden frame looks nice, too. The frame is steel, with a seat height of 25 inches, and designed for durability. The fabric is black, and yes, the chair is ergonomic, urging your hips forward to promote better posture. It’s also one of the less expensive kneeling chairs out there, which is great considering all you get for your money. Made of high-quality, durable wood, this Norwegian-designed chair not only looks stylish, but it functions well, too. It helps keep your body in balance and gently tilts your pelvis forward for a natural, upright posture while stimulating your muscles and putting little pressure on your spinal discs. Curved runners let you rock the chair gently, for comfort. And though it comes with a hefty price tag, the chair includes free soft tape (a $50 value) for protecting your floors from scratches. It also has a weight limit of up to 275 pounds. What’s more, it features memory foam cushions in the seat, knee pad, and removable backrest, as well as five-caster wheels for easy rolling.
What to Look for in a Kneeling Chair
Adjustability
While kneeling chairs don’t have as many adjustability features as traditional office chairs, you’ll still want to look out for height and angle adjustment ranges. The height adjustment range is the most important. Bigger ranges can help accommodate taller people, as there will be more wiggle room to find a position that is comfortable for longer legs. Meanwhile, the angle adjustment will help you correct your posture.
Comfort
Thick padding, breathable fabrics, and rocking ability are just a few of the comfort features you can find in a kneeling chair. Thick padding for your knees will allow you to sit comfortably throughout the day, while breathable fabrics will keep you cool. A rocking feature can provide even more comfort, as it helps you move and remain energized throughout the day.
Who should use a kneeling chair?
Kneeling chairs are great for anyone who is experiencing back pain and poor posture. Their design opens up your hips and engages your core, which helps improve posture and relieve the pressure on your back that you may have from sitting in a traditional office chair day in and day out. If you find it’s uncomfortable to sit in it for long periods, you can switch between a traditional chair and a kneeling chair.
How do I know if I have correct posture?
Generally speaking, your back should be straight and your shoulders back. Your butt should be at the back of the chair. It’s also good practice to adjust your posture throughout the day and change your seating position. On a kneeling chair, you can sit with both legs in the knee pad, one leg in the knee pad with the other foot on the ground, or one foot on top of the knee pad with the other leg inside the knee pad like normal.
