Variable Balans Kneeling Chair
Variable Balans Kneeling Chair For Active Sitting
The Variable Balans kneeling chair is the original Varier kneeling chair, designed by Peter Opsvik in 1979. Massage Chairs & More sells it for $479, our store price as of November 2026.
Its forward-tilted seat rocks on curved wooden runners, and two lower cushions rest your shins. Varier lists it at W 52 × D 72 × H 51 cm (about 20.5 × 28.3 × 20.1 in) with a fixed 50 cm seat height, for users from 150 to 205 cm tall. There are no levers or mechanical parts; this balans chair moves when you do.
| Price | $479.00 |
|---|---|
| Financing | Affirm financing available |
| Warranty | Varier warranty: 10 years on wooden and polypropylene parts and 5 years on upholstery seams, for chairs registered with Varier |
| Availability | In stock |
| Weight Limit | Tested for users up to 110 kg (about 242 lb) |
| User Height | 150–205 cm (about 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 8 in) |
| Dimensions | W 52 × D 72 × H 51 cm (about 20.5 × 28.3 × 20.1 in) |
| Seat Height | 50 cm (about 19.7 in), fixed |
| Desk Height | Standard tabletops of about 71–76 cm (28–30 in) |
| Materials | Beech plywood with an ash top veneer and water-based lacquers; foam seat and two shin cushions |
| Shipping Weight | 6.3 kg including the box (about 13.9 lb) |
| Design | Original Peter Opsvik (1979); designed in Norway, made in Poland |
| Price Protection | 6-Month Price Protection. Terms apply. See details. |
| HSA or FSA | Listed as HSA/FSA eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity; check your plan first. See our HSA, FSA, and financing guide. |
Looking to try this chair in person? Visit Our Stores to experience the original kneeling concept firsthand. Call ahead to confirm floor models.
What Showroom Visitors Say on Google
Selected 5-star Google reviews from our Bay Area and Roseville showrooms, quoted as written ("…" marks shortened text). Google ratings as of November 2026: Santa Clara 4.9 (354 reviews), Pleasanton 4.9 (135), Daly City 4.7 (43), Roseville 4.5 (21).
Variable Balans Reviews
Is The Variable Balans Kneeling Chair Right For Your Desk?
It fits users from 150 to 205 cm tall who work at standard 71–76 cm desks and want a compact kneeling chair with no levers. Look elsewhere if you weigh more than 110 kg (about 242 lb), need a backrest, or want an adjustable seat height, because the 50 cm seat is fixed.
You Tend To Slouch In A Standard Desk Chair
Standard chairs make it easy to slump toward the screen. The Variable Balans tilts the seat forward, which opens the hip angle so you sit more upright, with your shins resting on the lower cushions if you like. Outcome: a more upright way to sit, without levers or settings.
You Want To Keep Moving While You Sit
The Active Sitting concept behind the Variable Balans allows for subtle, constant movement. The curved runners rock with your body’s shifts, so the chair moves with you instead of holding you still. Outcome: long work sessions feel less "stuck."
You Value Iconic Design and Sustainability
Designed by Peter Opsvik in 1979, this is the original kneeling chair that started the category. It is built from beech plywood with an ash top veneer, finished with water-based lacquers, and made in Poland. It fits seamlessly into modern home offices without the bulky look of traditional task chairs. Outcome: a professional setup that enhances your living space.
Key Features
- Original Balans Concept designed to encourage an upright sitting posture
- Curved Runners allow for gentle rocking and easy movement
- Tilted Seat creates an open hip angle so you sit more upright
- Two Shin Cushions that you can use with one leg, both, or neither
- Lightweight Construction at 6.3 kg including the box, so it is easy to carry and move
- Beech Plywood With Ash Veneer using wood from Romania and Estonia
- Versatile Positions—sit forward, sideways, or even turn around
- Compact Footprint of 52 × 72 cm for standard 71–76 cm desks
How The Open Hip Angle Works
When the seat tilts forward, your hips open wider than the usual 90 degrees and your pelvis tips forward. Your back can then settle into a more upright position. This is the core of the balans concept that Peter Opsvik introduced with the Variable in 1979.
Active Sitting: Movement Is The Goal
The Variable Balans isn't just a chair; it's a tool for movement. Because there are no mechanical adjustment parts, your body provides the adjustment. Every shift of weight rocks the chair on its curved runners to a new angle, so you keep moving throughout the day.
Quick Spec Snapshot
| Feature | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Curved Wood Runners | Rocks gently as you shift your weight |
| Shin Cushions | Two lower cushions rest your shins; use one, both, or neither |
| Open Construction | No restricted movements; sit in multiple ways |
| Water-Based Finish | Beech plywood with ash veneer, finished with water-based lacquers |
| No Mechanical Parts | Nothing to adjust; the 50 cm seat height is fixed |
Interested in exploring more ergonomic solutions? Compare the Varier Move stool for standing desks or the Varier Gravity Balans for kneeling-to-recline lounging, or Visit Our Stores to browse our full collection.
What You’ll Notice In Your First Week
- The forward tilt may feel unusual for the first few days.
- You may notice yourself sitting more upright at the desk.
- You find the seat position and desk distance that feel right to you.
- You’ll enjoy the freedom of rocking while thinking or on calls.
- Transitioning between tasks feels more fluid and less rigid.
Desk Setup Tips
To get the most out of your kneeling chair, set your desk height so your arms rest comfortably at about a 90-degree angle. Varier designed the Variable for standard tabletops of about 71–76 cm (28–30 in). Change positions often and take short standing breaks; the NIOSH page on workplace ergonomics covers more workstation basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Variable Balans suitable for all-day use?
It can be, with an adjustment period like any new sitting style. The Variable is designed for movement and variety, so switch positions often and alternate with standing or another chair.
What are the Variable Balans dimensions?
Varier lists the Variable Balans at W 52 × D 72 × H 51 cm (about 20.5 × 28.3 × 20.1 in). The seat height is a fixed 50 cm (about 19.7 in).
How tall and how heavy can a Variable Balans user be?
Varier recommends the Variable for users from 150 to 205 cm tall (about 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 8 in). It is tested for users up to 110 kg (about 242 lb).
What warranty comes with the Variable Balans?
Varier gives a 10-year warranty on wooden and polypropylene parts for chairs registered with Varier, plus 5 years on upholstery seams. Normal wear, such as foam softening, is not covered.
Is the Variable Balans the original Varier kneeling chair?
Yes. Peter Opsvik designed the Variable in 1979, and Varier calls it the Original Kneeling Chair. It is designed in Norway and made in Poland.
Does it work with a standard desk height?
Yes. Varier designed the Variable Balans for standard tabletops of about 71–76 cm (28–30 in), which suits most home and office desks.
Do I have to rest my shins on the cushions?
No. Varier notes that you can rest one leg, both legs, or neither on the two lower cushions. Comfort on a kneeling chair varies from person to person, so try it in person if you have knee concerns.
Is assembly difficult?
No. The Variable has only a few parts and ships in one flat box, and Varier provides assembly instructions and a video. Ask us if you would like help at pickup or delivery.
Can I use this on hard floors?
Yes. The curved wooden runners rest directly on the floor, so ask us about floor protection options for sensitive hardwood or tile before you buy.
Where can I find an ergonomic showroom near me?
Massage Chairs & More has showrooms in Santa Clara, Pleasanton, Daly City, and Roseville. Call ahead to confirm floor models, then Visit Our Stores to try the Variable Balans in person.
Last updated: October 28, 2026.
