Are you suffering from back pain from sitting too long in front of a computer? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. The Arthritis Disease Center states that an estimated 50 to 80% of people will experience back pain at some point or another, most likely caused due to poor posture.
However, it’s not just poor posture that’s to blame. Sitting in an improper desk chair during work for hours on end can leave you with continuous back pain, so it’s important that you invest in the right furniture. There are several options and products in today’s ergonomic chair design market that will help you overcome these issues, including standing desks, but some studies show that standing all day can lead to long term-fatigue.
The solution could be a kneeling chair, which was created by a Norwegian back in the 70s, who called it a Balans chair (which in Dutch means “balance”). Kneeling chairs can give you lots of benefits, and they’re an excellent option for home workers that have to sit down all day. Nowadays, kneeling chairs come in all shapes and sizes with different designs and features, making it easier to find the perfect kneeling chair for you. So if you’re looking for the best kneeling chair, continue reading our reviews and say goodbye to back pain!
Best Kneeling Chair: Our 4 Top Picks
BEST OVERALL: FLASH FURNITURE WOODEN POSTURE CHAIR
This kneeling chair secures the first place for performance, quality, and mobility. If you’ve been seeking a solution for lower back pain, then this is a fantastic choice
RUNNER UP: OFFICE STAR EXECUTIVE
The Office Star kneeling chair is durable, and its seat and knee rest padding will ensure that you’re always seated comfortably. The compact design of this product means it suits even the smallest workspaces
TOP OF THE LINE: JAZZY DELUXE BY JOBRI
The Jazzy Deluxe is probably the highest quality chair on the market, so if you’re searching for top of the line, look no further. This products high price point gets you all possible adjustments, firm yet comfortable padding, and a chrome rolling base
BEST LONGEVITY: B248 BY BOSS
This steel frame kneeling chair is extremely durable, with many people having had it for years with minimal wear and tear. The padding is firm yet comfortable, and easy to adjust
1. FLASH FURNITURE WOODEN POSTURE CHAIR
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 16lbs
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 26” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 20” - 25”
- Knee rest pad: 17.75 x 9.75 x 2.5” (Width x Depth x Thickness)
This kneeling chair is made by Flash Furniture, one of the most respected ergonomic manufacturers, and they really show their position with this fantastic product. The design of the chair is perfect for anyone that suffers from back pain and wants an ergonomic design chair to help reduce their pain.
The seat on this chair slopes down, giving your hips more space, and enabling your lower back to an ideal curve setting. Your weight will be distributed between your knees, shins, and the seat, meaning that there is less pressure on your back.
Two of the best features of this kneeling chair are its ability to fold down thoroughly and its height adjustability. You can adjust the angle, discovering the proper ergonomic kneel chair position for you. The height can also be adjusted, allowing you to place yourself eye-level with your computer screen.
The Flash Furniture wooden posture chair can be stored flat without trouble, making it easy to transport if you work in several locations, or if you have a small workspace. The rolling base will encourage you to stay active and move around.
PROS
- Great adjustability
- Stiff but comfortable padding
- Easy to assemble
- High quality materials to ensure durability
CONS
- Relatively low body weight limit, not recommended for people over 200 lbs
- Some people find the fabric to be a bit rough
- Light padding can be uncomfortable for long periods of use
VERDICT
The adjustable kneeler feature of this kneeling chair lets you completely fold it, making it super convenient if you transfer your chair between workspaces or environments. The product’s size is compact, comfortably fitting in the trunk of your car or under your bed for simple storage.
Foam cushions are high-quality and comfortable, holding up over time and maintaining a high comfort level, even after extended use. A great chair at a great price point.
Second Best
2. OFFICE STAR EXECUTIVE
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 17 x 20.5” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 20.5” - 25”
- Knee rest pad: 16.5 x 10.5 x 2.5” (Width x Depth x Thickness)
The Office Star Executive kneelsit chair is one of the most comfortable found on the market. No expense was spared by the manufacturers on the materials used for construction, with the seat, knee padding, and shin padding feature memory foam. Therefore, sitting for long periods of time will not be uncomfortable.
Ergonomically, this chair has everything you need. The height can be easily adjusted, allowing you to position your head eye-level to your monitor, avoiding craning your neck or hunching. You can move freely around your workspace with the rolling base, along with promoting and encouraging movement.
Getting accustomed to this chair will be easy for people that have never used a kneeling chair before, leaving the awkwardness of transitioning away from traditional chairs behind.
PROS
- Highly adjustable
- Good size for people of various heights and body weights
- Cushioning allows you to stay comfortable for long periods of time
CONS
- Difficult to assemble
- When the height is adjusted, so is the slant, which some people find uncomfortable
VERDICT
When it comes to comfort and styling, the Office Star Executive is at the top. There’s no need to wonder why this chair is a huge favorite amongst people that are looking for an ergonomic office chair to assist them with lower back pain. This chair is very stylish, without sacrificing the comfort of comparability.
TOP OF THE LINE
3. JAZZY DELUXE BY JOBRI
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Dimensions: 27 x 16.5 x 27” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 21” - 28”
- Knee rest pad: 16.5 x 9.5 x 2.5” (Width x Depth x Thickness)
If you’re experiencing persistent lower back pain when sitting for long hours in front of a computer, this is a fantastic product to ease any aches and pains. Any discomfort you are experiencing should reduce or diminish using the Jazzy Deluxe chair. It can help to decrease back pressure, relieve pinched nerves, and correct any issues from hunched shoulders.
You can quickly adjust the height and back support by using a simple lever. The Jazzy Deluxe kneeling chair enables you to change the height, achieving the most comfortable position for you depending on your height. The chair’s padding includes memory foam, giving you extra support as well as added comfort as it molds itself to your body when sitting.
As well as providing the user back pain relief, this knee chair will ensure you are in the correct posture, and therefore can concentrate on your tasks better, increasing your productivity.
PROS
- Multiple colors available, suiting every style
- Memory foam cushioning
- Height adjustment and adjustable back allows almost anyone to find the perfect angle
- Swivel feature
CONS
- High price point, but you are paying for steel frame and quality materials
- Product needs assembly
- Distance between seat and knee rest not adjustable
VERDICT
If you are looking for relief from persistent back pain and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Jazzy Deluxe chair is for you. The Jazzy company has been making high-quality and reputable office equipment for some years, so you know you can count on the quality. The way this kneeling chair works is by promoting a straight-backed sitting position, enabling the discs and joints in your spine to slot into their correct positions.
BEST LONGEVITY
4. B248 BY BOSS
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 18.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 26 x 19.5 x 25” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 20” - 25”
- Knee rest pad: 12 x 11 x 2” (Width x Depth x Thickness)
This incredibly long-lasting chair is ideal if you spend long days in a seated position. Whether you are suffering from back problems or not, this kneeling chair will not only relieve any aches or pains you may be experiencing, but it will also prevent any future damage caused by poor posture.
The B248 is very sturdy thanks to its steel tubing, which allows the chair to remain balanced no matter your weight, making it a fantastic option for any body type. The wide range of height options also means that anyone between five and six feet will be able to use this chair for long periods of time comfortably.
Another bonus of the height adjustment is that you lift or lower the chair to fit any table height, ensuring that you are eye level with your computer and avoid straining your neck.
The amount of support provided by the seat and knee cushioning is enough to feel comfortable even if you’ve been sitting a while. The padding retains its shape, so you will always be able to rely on the same comfort level without fearing the filling will become worn or flattened.
Ergonomically, this kneeling chair has been designed to lower the amount of discomfort on your back as your spine will be straightened, removing stress from the tailbone.
PROS
- Easy to assemble
- High-quality materials means it's super durable
- Pneumatic gas lift for easy posture adjustment
CONS
- Lowest seat height still too high for some users
- Wheels can make it feel not stable
VERDICT
This kneeling chair will ensure that you have a good posture while developing your core muscles. The firm but soft padding will relieve any pressure on your knees, allowing you to use it for a longer period of time.
The steel frame will stand the test of time, and the pneumatic airlift allows for easy and quick adjustments, while the wheels allow a convenient working experience, as you can quickly move around.
5. SLEEKFORM ERGONOMIC KNEELING CHAIR
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Dimensions: 26 x 23.4 x 25” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 21” - 28”
- Knee rest pad: 12 x 11 x 4” (Width x Depth x Thickness)
This Sleekform kneeling chair combines affordability with quality, its materials being black faux leather upholstery with a steel frame. The padding is thicker than in most other chairs, meaning that prolonged seating will not be uncomfortable, though the denseness may take some time to get used to.
The height can be easily adjusted; to lower or raise the chair you can change the height just by turning a dial on the underside of the seat. The fully rotational caster wheels will give you smooth movement when seated, while also providing a locking mechanism which prevents the chair from rolling.
Two of the best features of the Sleekform kneeling chair are its vast adjustment range, making it suitable for people of various heights, and the extra large cushions on the seat and knee rest, making it extra comfortable.
PROS
- Thicker cushions than on comparably priced chairs
- Good sized knee rest
- Easy to adjust height
- Rolling wheels with locking position
CONS
- Relatively flat upper seat
- Not the best for short people
VERDICT
The robust metal design of the chair is sure to withstand the test of time, and the double cushioning alleviates any worries about the chair becoming uncomfortable after long hours of use, regardless of weight. The relatively flat upper seat can be seen as a problem for some that prefer a more angled cushion, but this is a matter of personal preference.
6. VARIER VARIABLE BALANS
Our rating:
Details
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Dimensions: 20.8 x 20.4 x 28.3” (Height x Width x Length)
- Seat height: 20”
- Knee rest pad: Two separate knee pads
The Varier Variable Balans chair is of Norwegian design, and it shows as it could almost be considered a modern sculpture piece. The chair does have a high price point, but you get what you pay for in the way of high-quality materials such as natural ash and 100% recycled polyester fabric.
This model looks a bit like a rocking chair, and it does allow for some rocking motion while seated. This active sitting can alleviate lower back pain along with other issues that can arise from being seated for long periods of time. Although the chair has no customizable height options, it still suits a range of body types and can hold up to 240 lbs of weight.
The chair comes without a backrest, but you do have the option of purchasing one which is sold separately, which may feel more comfortable for some. The configuration of the knee rests is also different than the majority of kneeling chairs, as it has two smaller knee rests instead of one large rest.
PROS
- Stylish Scandinavian design
- Natural ash base
- Fabric is made from recycled plastics
CONS
- High price point, but you are paying for quality Norwegian design
- Backrest needs to be purchased separately
- Design of the knee rest can limit seating options
VERDICT
Overall, this simplistic design is destined to become a classic. If you have a high budget, this kneeling chair can be a great feature in your workspace. The design of the chair also allows your core and back muscles in helping you keep a naturally straight and proper posture, as well as having great lumbar support.
Benefits of Kneeling Chairs
First, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come from using a kneeling chair instead of your average office chair.
Eliminates lower back pain
The single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2010, is lower back pain. A cost of more than $100 billion is associated with lower back pain in the United States, meaning that it is a real issue for a lot of people.
Repeatedly sitting with a bad posture is one of the leading causes of back pain. Your spine consists of vertebral bodies and discs, and when they are curved in an unusual way, such as being slumped over a desk, it leads to inflammation and pain. Constant compression can also end up in a slipped disk.
Kneeling chairs have been designed to create a pelvic shift, forcing your lower back to arch, decreasing pressure on your joints, and therefore relieving your spine and back of pain. Due to the way kneeling chairs have been created, they maintain the spine’s natural curvature, potentially helping anyone suffering from lower back pain.
The results of a study in 2015 stated that sitting in a kneeling chair versus a regular office chair can assist with the reduction of lumbar lordosis, which is when the lower back curves inwards and causes a great deal of pain.
Helps with your posture
A good posture will help more than just pain relief. How we behave subconsciously is affected by our stance, and maintaining a tall posture makes you more confident, feel more in control and think more positively of yourself. Good posture is also essential for your spinal health, as once a disc is degenerated or herniated, it can’t be regenerated.
It’s vital that you maintain your posture on a day to day basis, and if you’re sitting in a regular office chair, the 90-degree angle will put pressure on your spine, curving it and causing you to slump.
The way a kneeling chair helps is that you are sitting at a 20-degree angle, so you are sitting more upright. Ergonomic kneeling chairs set at 20 degrees inclination can maintain your posture to a greater extent than a regular office chair. Research has also shown that when your seating posture is improved, so is your standing posture as you are training your core muscle and back to correctly support your skeleton.
Strengthens your core
Kneeling chairs will engage your core muscle as you sit, strengthening your abdominal muscles, as you are forced to sit more upright, therefore activating your abs to help in keeping your spine stable. This is commonly called “active sitting.” If you are not enabling your core when you sit, all the pressure and stress goes on your ligaments instead of the muscles designed for spine support.
A survey of several studies backs up this information, as it found that flighting lower back pain is more efficient with core muscle strength, as the back and core are more intertwined than you may believe. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that you’ll end up with rock hard abs while using a kneeling chair, but you will end up with better posture, a stronger core, and less lower back pain.
Kneeling Chair Pros and Cons
There are many benefits when it comes to using a kneeling chair, but it’s always wise to remember that they are not for everyone. Before taking the plunge, you should familiarize yourself with the pros of having a kneeling chair, while also being aware of the cons.
PROS
- Open hip angle position eases your hips forward and encourages an upright posture, which aligns your shoulders, neck, and back
- For some people, kneeling chairs can reduce neck or lower back pain
- It's easier to perform forward-reaching tasks
CONS
- Kneeling chairs can take some time to get used to, especially if you’re used to regular office chairs
- Your legs can be confined to one position, increasing pressures under your kneecap and slowing circulation to your legs
- Your feet will be off the ground, preventing you from using your feet to move around your work area
How to Choose Your Kneeling Chair
There are many options to choose from, but there are some features that you should compare, depending on your needs. Here we give you a breakdown of what you need to examine before taking the plunge.
Is it Adjustable?
Not all kneeling chairs are created equal, and not all of them will be entirely adjustable. When choosing your kneeling chair, make sure to check if it can be adjusted to any size so that it will match your height and body structure. Based on your convenience and desk height, you should be able to adapt both the knee rest and the seat.
Type and Mobility
Some kneeling chairs are on a rocker, while others are on casters. A caster chair will have wheels on the bottom, making it more mobile and allowing you to move quickly around the room, so there’s no need to stand up if you want to reach for something close to your desk.
Something else to look out for is backrests, as some kneeling chairs are backless. If your preferred sitting position is reclined, then make sure you get a chair with a backrest.
Material
The material of your kneeling chair will typically determine its lifespan. Wood or metal chairs will last longer than plastic ones and commonly provide more comfort. The chair should also have proper cushioning, so you don’t end up with sore knees.