When it comes to kneeling chairs, function usually triumphs style, though with the Varier Variable Balans, you get both for an ergonomic kneeling chair that’s perfect for your home and for a variety of nonoffice uses. The Varier has become very popular as a meditation stool, an ergonomic chair for children and teenagers, and an elegant yet functional art piece next to the coffee table. In a nutshell, it’s the opposite of all your typical kneeling chairs.

This chair is based on the original Norwegian designs from 1979, and still a classic. The Varier Variable Balans is made of natural ash and polyester fabric. (The fabric comes from 100% recycled plastics, so there’s also an environmental incentive to choosing this model.) Although it can, of course, be used in any office setting, it’s a popular choice for living rooms and home offices because of its beautiful modern Scandinavian look.

One of the biggest differences between the Verier and other ergonomic kneeling chairs is the configuration of the knee rests, plus the fact that it rocks to bring micro-movements as you sit.

Most kneeling chairs have one large knee rest, while this model has two smaller ones. The advantage of the two-piece knee design is that it automatically forces your hips to be open when you’re seated, engaging your abdominal and lower back muscles without anybody's adjustments. That’s why it’s especially ideal for kids.