If you work from a desk, chances are you've experienced some form of back pain from prolonged sitting. Sure, there are back-friendly desk chairs and standing desks, but kneeling chairs are among the best ergonomic options for people who work a desk job, according to chiropractor Matt Cooper, DC, founder of USA Sports Therapy.
"Kneeling chairs help maintain proper spinal alignment by allowing your knees to fall below your hips when seated. It also leans you slightly forward over your keyboard while maintaining normal lumbar lordosis," says Dr. Cooper. Basically, they help keep you from hunching and rounding your back, which puts pressure on your back. He adds that "normal lumbar lordosis"—or typical curvature of the spine—is especially important for extended periods of sedentary behavior.
Dr. Cooper recommends kneeling chairs when you're spending long periods of time in from of a computer, but they aren't for everyone. "Older people who suffer from spinal stenosis may not be comfortable on kneeling chairs as this position could cause more symptoms," he says. If you do decide to try a kneeling chair, Dr. Cooper says that "no one brand is superior" but there are a couple key things to look for: comfortable cushions, and that it positions your knees below your hips.
- 01What to look for in a kneeling chair
- 02Best overall
- 03Best budget
- 04Best assembly
- 05Best design
- 06Best movable
- 07Best padding
- 08Best backrest
What to look for in a kneeling chair
When looking for a kneeling chair, it should "have an angle to the seat that leans your pelvis forward," says Kevin Lees, DC, an Arizona-based director of chiropractic operations at the Joint Chiropractic. "The angles can vary depending on your size and weight. Different angles may be more comfortable than others." In addition to an angled chair, consider the level of padding. "Padding should be durable and thick enough that there isn't too much pressure on your knees that can lead to pressure points, which can be very tender.
We tapped two chiropractors for their input and recommendations. Ahead, you'll find the best kneeling chairs of every style and budget.
The 7 best kneeling chairs for your desk
This kneeling chair has earned the title of #1 Best Seller in office kneeling chairs on Amazon. “I have chronic hip and lower back pain despite being young and healthy and this has saved me when I need to sit and work at the computer,” says one reviewer, noting that the adjustable seat and knee height make it customizable for your height. Reviewers also mention that it can hold weight up to 240 pounds, whereas many other kneeling chairs only hold up to 220 pounds, and that it has thick padding.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Cushioned
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t fit people with thick thighs
Reviewers say that this chair is comfortable, has thick cushions, and is easy to assemble. “I’ve had really terrible lower back pain from sitting at my desk the last 5 years. I bought a standing desk and this chair to help with the problem,” says one reviewer, who credits the combo with helping alleviate her back pain. Another reviewer-favorite feature: the height is adjustable.
Pros
- Affordable
- Has wheels
- Features thick cushions
- Adjustable
Cons
- Wheels may not swivel
If you can spend a little more money and are looking for a kneeling chair, consider this attractive option. It suitable for people who weigh up to 240 pounds, and it comes in different colors for the fabric and the base. A reviewer who used a less expensive metal kneeling chair for years upgraded to this one, and they note that this version is “wonderful and has good qualities the others do not.” Not to mention, “It’s also really beautiful and super easy to assemble,” they say.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Offers gentle rocking motion
- Scandinavian design
Cons
- Expensive
- Not adjustable
For a budget-friendly option, reviewers recommend this chair. It may not be exactly like the previous chair, but reviewers overall are happy with it, saying it’s a solid affordable option. “The rocking feature corrects the sitting posture and it’s very comfortable to sit and work on it,” says one reviewer. Several reviewers mention that the rocking also helps them deal with restlessness. “The padding is comfortable, the texture of the cushions is perfect for creating just the right amount of friction, without being scratchy,” says another reviewer.
Pros
- Stylish
- Affordable
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Shin area may be uncomfortable for some
- Not adjustable
This kneeling chair with wheels is also one of Amazon’s top sellers. One reviewer says it was a “godsend” when they were experiencing a period of back pain. Reviewers also caution that going from zero to 100 with this—or any—kneeling chair isn’t the best idea, and recommend building up how much time you sit in it. “More than anything, I really like how this chair prevents me from feeling ‘sluggish’ since I can’t lean back,” adds another reviewer.
Pros
- Has wheels
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Limited adjustability
- Shin area may be uncomfortable for some
“It’ll take your shins and core some getting used to, but overall it’s a major step up from the executive style chair I was previously in,” writes one reviewer, who chose this chair over other options because it has extra padding and rocks. “I highly recommend this product if you suffer lower back pain from sitting or just want to align your spine more properly doing the work day,” another writes. Overall, reviewers were impressed with the quality and the price point of this kneeling chair.
Pros
- Minimalistic design
- Padding constructed out of thick memory foam
Cons
- Not adjustable
“I’ve owned a few different kneeling chairs over the past couple years. Each time I’ve looked at the Varier’s and balked at the price then opted to buy a cheaper chair. I’ve had mixed resulted with the cheaper chairs,” says one reviewer, who decided purchase this pricier one that they call “simply the best kneeing chair out there.” Others agree, saying that this chair is high quality and has a backrest.
Pros
- Has a backrest
- Features rocker
- Scandinavian design
Cons
- Expensive
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