Sitting at your desk shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. Yet a good number of us have to deal with this every single day. Sometimes sitting causes you excruciating back pain and muscle discomfort to the point where you can no longer stand it. Here is where the best kneeling chairs come into play.
These innovative chairs have been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people discover the benefits they offer when it comes to posture, lumbar support, and overall workspace ergonomics.
But with so many different models on the market, how do you know which one to choose? I took the liberty to do the legwork for you.
To make an informed decision, I considered things such as adjustability, size, weight, comfort, price, and compatibility. Take a look at what I found to be the best and most reliable models.
Best Kneeling Chair – Comparison Table
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Quick Links
- Sleekform Atlanta Ergonomic Kneeling Chair – Best Overall
- Flash Furniture Mobile Wooden Ergonomic Kneeling Office Chair
- Predawn Ergonomic Kneeling Rocking Chair for Upright Posture
- Sleekform Austin Kneeling Chair
- Cinius Professional Ergonomic Wooden Height-Adjustable Kneeling Chair with Backrest Support
How we chose the best Kneeling Chairs
When compiling our TOP list, we meticulously applied a holistic approach, emphasizing ergonomic benefits, personal comfort, and suitability for diverse workspaces. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our expert evaluation process, which informed our selections:
Prioritizing Ergonomic Design
Our journey began with a deep dive into the ergonomic principles that are foundational to kneeling chairs. We sought chairs that encourage an open hip angle and a natural spinal alignment, crucial for minimizing lower back stress and promoting a healthier sitting posture.
Adjustability: A Key Criterion
Understanding that one size does not fit all in the realm of ergonomics, adjustability surfaced as a critical criterion. We favored chairs offering height adjustments for both the seat and knee pads, catering to a wide range of body types and ensuring an optimal angle between the thighs and spine for each user.
Material Quality and Build
Acknowledging that the longevity and comfort of a kneeling chair hinge on its construction, we scrutinized the materials and build quality. Our top picks included chairs with durable frames—be it the classic aesthetic and flexibility of wood or the sturdy support of metal. The padding’s resilience and the breathability of the fabric cover were also key factors in our assessment.
Mobility and Flexibility
A chair’s ability to integrate seamlessly into various working environments was paramount. We looked for models equipped with casters for effortless movement across spaces and those with rocking or swivel bases, encouraging dynamic sitting and further enhancing the user’s mobility.
Personal Fit and Aesthetic Harmony
Our selections were made with an eye for chairs that not only excel in ergonomic performance but also blend beautifully with personal workspaces. We considered the visual appeal and the practical dimensions of each chair, ensuring they complement modern office aesthetics while fitting comfortably in the intended space.
Informed by Reviews and Expert Opinions
To ensure our list reflected real-world efficacy and user satisfaction, we delved into extensive user reviews and sought insights from ergonomics professionals. This research phase was instrumental in identifying chairs that genuinely stand out for their posture-supporting design and comfort levels.
The Test of Experience
Where possible, we personally tested our shortlisted kneeling chairs, allowing us to verify manufacturers’ claims through direct experience. This hands-on evaluation helped us feel confident in our recommendations, ensuring that our top picks truly offer the best in terms of ergonomic support, comfort, and overall value.
Kneeling Chair Reviews
1. Sleekform Atlanta Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Sleekform has been the go-to brand for many remote workers yearning for budget-friendly ergonomic furniture. Atlanta remains one of their popular offerings mostly because it hits all the right notes when it comes to ergonomics, functionality, and price. It’s also an eco-friendly option, a feature that’s rare to find amongst its rivals.
Key Features
- Adjustable height (21”-28”)
- Locking adjustable seat (97°-127°)
- Dimensions: 23.5″ D x 18.5″ W x 21.8″H
- Thick cushions
- Steel frame
- Weight capacity: 220lbs
This chair will obviously shift you forward, open your hip angle, and align your back, neck, and shoulders to create an upright posture. Take advantage of the adjustable height and seat to find a position that suits you, to experience all its benefits, including lumbar support.
Another special thing about Atlanta is its versatility. Besides home and office use, it’s also ideal for gaming, sewing, and meditation.
Pros
- Built with a steel frame that’s strong yet easy to carry around
- Uses thick cushions on the seat and knee pad for extra comfort
- The cushions are covered with faux leather, which is not only stylish but also durable and easy to clean
- Quiet heavy-duty rotating caster wheels allow you to move with ease in any direction
- Uses recycled foam, making it an eco-friendly option
Cons
- Assembling it can be difficult, but the brand has great customer service reps ready to help you with the process.
Atlanta gets almost everything right, offering decent comfort and back pain relief to people of all heights and sizes. It’s also well-priced, making it a great buy for those looking to have the most value for the money.
2. Flash Furniture Mobile Wooden Ergonomic Kneeling Office Chair
Not many kneeling chairs strike a perfect balance between style, comfort, and functionality. But this wonderful model from Flash Furniture does it with ease. The smooth wooden finish has made it a favorite for users who wish to transform their workspaces.
Key Features
- Height adjustable frame
- Wood frame
- Dual wheel casters
- Dimensions: 24″ D x 18″ W x 20″ H
- Maximum weight: 200 lbs
I know you may have questions about the manual height adjustment mechanism on this chair. But trust me, it’s not as difficult as it looks. Simply adjust the ring at the middle of the center post to switch between different heights. The seat angle and height cannot, sadly, be adjusted independently.
As the chair promotes correct posture, the fabric-covered seat and knee pads will offload some of the pressure in your knees, ensuring you have an experience free of any discomfort.
Pros
- Made with breathable fabric that keeps you cool, no matter the temperature
- Dual wheel casters enable quiet smooth movement across the floor
- The wooden finish makes it stylish and ideal for all kinds of spaces
- Easy to fold up and store away, making it great for tighter spaces
Cons
- The cushions aren’t as thick as those of rivals such as Atlanta, but they do the job well
You could have this chair anywhere and it will comfortably blend well with the decor. Some use it at work and home while others have it in their lounges and salons. It’s an investment you will never go wrong with, especially if you value style.
3. Predawn Ergonomic Kneeling Rocking Chair For Upright Posture
If not the soothing rocking motion, the other special thing about this ergonomic kneeling chair you will like is the stylish frame. It may not have adjustable features but the experience on this chair is nothing like what the other kneeling models offer.
Key Features
- Modern design
- Rocker function
- Dimensions: 33.46″ D x 21.65″ W x 21.46″ H
- Wood frame
- Anti-slip protection pad
- Weight capacity: 265lbs
- 3.15″ thick foam pad
While you sit and rock, the chair will engage your core muscles, which in turn improves your blood flow, balance, and stability. This is so important to anyone battling lower back pain. Even better, the rocking motion will trigger the release of endorphins in your brain and this will make you happier and less stressed.
For extra comfort, the manufacturer used a high-density sponge on the seat and knee pads. You can sit on this chair for long periods without feeling fatigued.
Pros
- Lightweight enough (14 pounds) to be carried around with ease
- Encourages an open hip angle posture which is key in promoting lumbar support
- Modern stylish design makes it a great addition to your workspace
- The anti-slip protection pad keeps you stable and protects your floor from scratches
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- There is no height adjustment, however, the rocking feature makes up for it.
Kneeling rocking chairs offer a completely different experience that you may want to try if you want more peace and comfort. You can pair it with your desk at work or home or use it as your typing chair.
4. Sleekform Austin Kneeling Chair
Austin by Sleekform isn’t your average rocking kneeling chair. Instead of a single knee pad, it has two, one for each knee. This has special benefits, as you will soon find out. Beyond that, the chair provides most of the outstanding advantages found in its competitors.
Key Features
- Rocker function
- Two separate knee pads
- Dimensions: 28″ D x 16″ W x 22″ H
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
- Heavy duty cushions
- Wood frame
Just like its counterparts, Austin opens your hip angle and puts you in an upright posture that promotes lumbar support. And because it rocks, you have the chance to experience a soothing motion, better blood flow, and peace of mind.
Unlike its rivals, it comprises two separate knee pads, each installed with thick cushions to relieve pressure on your knees. You can choose to rest one leg only or both, which is a plus for those eager to experiment with different sitting postures.
Pros
- Offers more versatility when it comes to sitting positions
- Thicker cushions provide superior comfort
- Light and small enough to be easily carried around (14 pounds)
- Wooden frame gives it a stylish look that blends well with most interior decor
- Super easy to assemble
Cons
- No adjustable height but there are other equally great features you will be impressed with
- Relatively expensive
If you have been eager to experience a kneeling rocking chair that’s more versatile, then you deserve this Austin model from Sleekform. It may be a little bit more expensive than its close rivals but the benefits it offers make up for that.
5. Cinius Professional Ergonomic Wooden Height-Adjustable Kneeling Chair With Backrest Support
Finally, here’s a kneeling chair that would matter a lot if you need additional support for your back. It comes with a backrest, albeit small, but it does the job. The rest of the features won’t disappoint either, especially if you care about comfort and ergonomics.
Key Features
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable knee pad (120° and 130°)
- Adjustable tilt
- Backrest
- Dimensions: 33.86″ D x 18.31″ W x 6.69″ H
- Maximum weight: 200 lbs
- Wood frame
The backrest on this chair might just be what you need if you are the kind of user who spends long hours sitting on a kneeling chair. You could use it to support your back when you take rests.
Comfort is further enhanced by the non-deformable padding on the back, seat, and knee.
Cinius was also designed to be as accommodating as possible. Almost every part of it, from the height and knee pad to the tilt, is adjustable. Your only job is to find a position that suits your body size.
It’s even recommended for taller people (over 6’5”) but the manufacturer insists you remove the wheels in order to bring the height further down to a comfortable level. You can also adjust the distance between the knees and the seat for a more comfortable experience.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed to be accommodating and comfortable
- Uses rubberwood, which is resistant to regular wear and tear
- Can be useful for people with special medical conditions that require a backrest
- Suits people of all heights (tall, short, and average)
- Thick and well-padded cushions for added comfort
Cons
- Can be difficult to assemble, especially if you are alone
Cinius has its special place among kneeling chair users. The extra features make it more costly, but if you really feel that you could use the backrest and the exceptional adjustability it offers, then don’t hesitate to place your order.
What To Consider Before Buying Kneeling Chairs
The modern kneeling chair was first created in the 1970s. Not much has changed since then. The design is pretty much the same, except for a few extras such as the rocker function.
Therefore, the selection criteria is as old as the chair itself. While the core function is to offer lumbar support and save you from back pain, there are a few more things you wouldn’t want to ignore, especially when it comes to ergonomics.
I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know before settling on what you believe to be an ideal kneeling chair for you.
Adjustability
You don’t want a situation where your shins are squeezed or uncomfortable when you rest your legs on the knee pad. The right kneeling chair is one you can adjust to suit your body. Our body sizes aren’t the same so it would be a huge risk to order a chair without checking the measurements and whether it’s adjustable, particularly the height.
Size & Weight
While checking the measurements, don’t miss these two factors. Each chair has its specific weight capacity and dimensions that determine its suitability. Those built of wood often have a lower weight capacity than those made of steel.
While you shop, you will also realize some are recommended for tall people while others are for shorter people. Of course, there are models for those who fall somewhere in between.
Comfort
This chair requires you to bend your legs at the knee to experience its benefits. While this position relieves pressure from your back, hip flexors, hamstrings, and glutes, the knees and shins get the short end of the stick. A good chair will have a generously padded knee pad to offload some of the pressure placed on these areas.
However, such a chair will only make your life more difficult if you have serious injuries around the knee area or conditions such as meniscus tears. Speak to a doctor for advice on what chair you should use.
Remember to check the incline angle as well. Anything below 20 degrees would likely hurt your pelvis and spine and cause you lots of discomfort.
Price
Prices for these chairs mostly depend on the brand and features. Those with extras definitely cost more than the basic models. Whatever you decide to buy, make sure it’s reasonably priced. Expensive doesn’t always mean that the product is of good quality.
Extras
These are features you don’t necessarily need but their presence would make your experience on the chair much better.
A seatback, for instance, isn’t recommended but some users find it useful when taking breaks. If you feel that such a feature would make you more comfortable, then you can find a kneeling chair that has one.
The same goes for the rocking function. You may find the motion more relaxing, especially when one position tires you.
Compatibility
Lastly, if you will be pairing this chair with a desk, please make sure you have a model that’s compatible with the rest of the furniture in your workspace. It would be counterproductive to have a great kneeling chair that hurts your back, neck, and arms because it’s a wrong match for your standing desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should You Sit In A Kneeling Chair?
There’s no specific duration you should spend on a kneeling chair, but researchers and health professionals recommend that you take a break every 30-45 minutes. It would even be much better if you use it alternatively with a standing desk. You could be switching between the two as both have multiple health benefits, including reducing back pain.
Do Chiropractors Recommend Kneeling Chairs?
These chairs have been recommended not only by chiropractors but also by physiotherapists, ergonomists, and other healthcare professionals. The general advice is that you should use them for short-term work especially when you want to relieve back pain and achieve proper working postures.
Is Kneeling Better Than Sitting In A Chair?
This has been a subject of debate for decades, but recent research by the University of Southern California shows that kneeling encourages more muscle activity than sitting. This in turn saves you from the harmful side effects associated with inactivity.
Kneeling also promotes an active sitting posture, which, according to studies, improves blood circulation, engages your core, and ensures proper spine alignment.
And The Best Ergonomic Kneeling Chair Is…
If you find yourself spoiled for choice or you simply want to experiment with the best, I would suggest you order the Sleekform Atlanta Ergonomic Kneeling Chair. It has a good balance of everything you would want in a kneeling chair, from generous cushioning and an adjustable height to decent pricing and proven durability.
The other models in our kneeling chair reviews may be unique but each has a special experience to offer. If you need a rocker with separate knee pads or a model with a backrest, our list has you covered. You only need to evaluate your needs and decide which model best suits you.
Whether you’re working from home or in an office, a kneeling chair can help improve your posture and reduce discomfort. You could also use it as a game chair or for meditation, sewing…you name it. Invest in any of the models on our list to experience the best of what these chairs offer.
switch to ergo products has completely eliminated any pain or discomfort despite decades of crazy hours behind screens. I hope you too weave in a bit of ergo into your lives.
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