This iconic design has been thriving since the late 70s, and with good reason. The first of its kind, the original kneeling chair is free from mechanical adjustment parts, offering a no-fuss approach to a more balanced way of sitting. It is intuitive and easy to use, with endless possibilities of sitting positions.
A closer look at kneeling chairs and their benefits
The concept of sitting in a kneeling-like position is nothing new, it can be traced back centuries, to ancient Buddhist traditions or to the traditional Japanese seiza style of sitting. The concept of modern kneeling chairs as we know them today, however, was first introduced in Norway in the 1970s.
It all started with Variable™, the original kneeling chair, designed by Peter Opsvik in 1979. The freedom of movement and variation the chair allows, is what sets Variable™ and its predecessors apart from the crowd. Explore our versatile collection of kneeling chairs and find the one that best suits your needs.
A kneeling chair is definitely an eye-catching piece of furniture, but what good does it actually do? We have listed some key points for you.
Variable™
Original kneeling chair®
The original kneeling chair
If you've never tried a kneeling chair before this is the place to start. Variable™ is the perfect entry-level kneeling chair with instant sitting comfort. The curved runners encourages gentle rocking motions, while a tilted seat enables an open hip angle, aiding in posture improvement and enhancing productivity. Thanks to its minimalist design, no elements keep you from frequently varying your position while seated. With Variable™ there is no right or wrong. Play around with it, sit sideways or turn the chair all the way around if you please.
Variable™ Plus
The kneeling chair that has your back
If you're not ready to give up backrests just yet but still crave the freedom of movement and variation that a kneeling chair has to offer, Variable™ Plus is the chair for you. The chair features the same base as Variable™, sporting all the same benefits, and is coupled with a fixed backrest
A kneeling chair that has your back
Experience the same benefits as the original kneeling chair has to offer, enhanced with a backrest that enables an even wider range of sitting positions. The chair's runner curvature is optimized for effortless and intuitive balance while sitting. Lean in when focusing on a task in front of you, and lean back and stretch out for small breaks or incoming phone calls.
Thatsit™
The adjustable kneeling chair
Thatsit™ is an overall larger chair and features a wider seat and backrest for extra added comfort and support. Furthermore, Thatsit™ is adjustable, allowing you to find the optimal setting that best supports you.
Seamless comfort even in extended periods of sitting
Thatsit™ features a wider seat, a backrest, and offers adjustability in both height and shin rests. The chair has a winged back, creating a perfect spot to rest your elbow. You can even turn the chair around and use the back as a comfortable place to rest your torso. Thanks to its adjustable features and larger seat, it ensures supreme comfort even during extended periods of sitting.
The next position is always the best
Our bodies are happiest when we can switch between various positions, and it is unnatural for us to stay put in the same position for any length of time. This general need for variety also applies to the act of sitting. At Varier, we emphasize the significance of incorporating subtle movements throughout the day.
Like all other body postures, kneeling also feels wrong after a while. The best way to avoid discomfort while seated is to frequently shift position. It is therefore of primary importance that the chair we are seated on allows movement and variation. This is what sets our range of kneeling chairs apart from the crowd. They allow a multitude of positions, where the kneeling posture is just one of many.
Peter Opsvik
Throughout his career, Opsvik has attempted to overcome our stereotypical sitting habits with his unconventional seating solutions. With a playful and human starting point, his work is a display of how norms of sitting nicely and sitting still can be broken. At Varier, Opsvik's philosophy has been and will always remain at the core of our beliefs—a commitment to reimagining the way we sit.
The balans concept
In 1976, Hans Christian Mengshoel initiated a study that set out to answer how we could sit in more balanced ways. Through research, he found that a seat that was tilted slightly forward encouraged a natural posture that provided greater mobility and relieved unwanted pressure while seated. The shin support was introduced to keep the user from sliding off the seat while maintaining an open hip angle. With this, the Balans Concept was conceived introducing the kneeling chair and setting the mark for a truly experimental time in Norwegian design history.