02/10/2026
I’m often asked what I think about kneeling chairs. So here it is:
The science is good. I like them.
A traditional chair needs a backrest because sitting tends to roll your pelvis backwards, flattening the spine’s natural curve and increasing strain through the lower back.
In 1979, designer Peter Opsvik approached the problem differently. His Variable kneeling chair used a forward-sloping seat to keep the pelvis in a more neutral position—reducing the need for a backrest. He then added curved rockers to encourage movement.
It is, frankly, bloody brilliant.
The compromise is your legs. You rest on your shins rather than your kneecaps, but the closed knee angle and limited leg movement can become uncomfortable over time.
A saddle stool offers similar benefits above the knee—an open hip angle and balanced pelvis—but allows your feet to remain flat on the floor and your knees to stay more open.
Saddle sitting takes a little commitment. Without a backrest, your core muscles need time to strengthen. You’ll also normally need a height-adjustable desk because you sit considerably higher.
Give it a few weeks, though, and many people grow to love it.
Don’t take my word for it. Visit our Exeter showroom to try kneeling chairs — or ask me to bring one to you.
