Buying guide for best kneeling chairs

According to the Arthritis Foundation, between 50% and 80% of American adults experience some kind of back pain, and experts attribute a fair amount of this to excessive sitting. A kneeling chair can help you avoid back pain and other related issues, especially if your work requires you to sit for long periods of time.

The world of kneeling chairs can seem daunting, however, especially if you're in the market for your very first one. How do you find a kneeling chair that's comfortable for you? What kinds of materials are preferable? We at BestReviews intend to answer all these questions and many others in our thorough guide to the best kneeling chairs. We do the research, consult the experts, and test products so you don’t have to. You can trust our objective reviews and recommendations.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the information below, you'll be armed with all you need to know to select your perfect kneeling chair. When you're ready to buy, scroll up to see our top five picks.

While you're getting used to your kneeling chair, it's advisable to have a regular chair around that you can use should you become fatigued or uncomfortable using your kneeling chair.

Benefits of kneeling chairs

To the casual observer, kneeling chairs can look a bit strange, and you might wonder what they're all about. The fact is, kneeling chairs have a range of benefits and are generally considered better for your health compared to regular chairs. Here are some of the advantages of kneeling chairs.

• Kneeling chairs help address the issue of poor posture. Many people who work seated at a desk tend to slouch. A kneeling chair forces you to sit in a more upright position, engaging your core and strengthening your muscles.

• Kneeling chairs can help lessen back pain. This is because the posture you must adopt when sitting in a kneeling chair promotes the spine's natural alignment and takes pressure off the back muscles.

• Kneeling chairs reduce the pressure on the thighs and buttocks. These chairs may be more comfortable for people with coccyx issues.

• Kneeling chairs can help promote productivity. You may find you're more productive while sitting on a kneeling chair, particularly when engaged in tasks in which you'd naturally learn forward, such as sewing or drawing.  

Kneeling chair features to consider

Materials

The materials used to make your kneeling chair can mean the difference between a quality, durable model and a flop.

• Frame: The frame of a kneeling chair is usually made of wood or metal. Metal frames may be coated to prevent rust. While both types of frame are similar in durability, wooden kneeling chairs tend to look more attractive.
• Upholstery: A kneeling chair seat and knee rests are usually upholstered in leather, faux leather, or hard-wearing fabric.
  
  While leather is durable and looks smart, it's not particularly breathable. It can feel unpleasant to sit on leather with bare legs, and it tends to be quite pricey. Faux leather is a cheaper alternative that's also suitable for people who want to avoid using animal products for ethical or religious reasons.
  
  Heavy-duty fabric, such as woven nylon, is a popular choice. It’s affordable, comfortable, and comes in a range of colors.
• Padding: The seat and knee rests on a kneeling chair should be padded for your comfort. The padding material is usually regular foam or memory foam. Chairs with memory foam padding tend to be more expensive, but they're usually much more comfortable. However, some people find they get too hot when sitting on memory foam because it isn't very breathable. The thickness of the padding also plays a role in how comfortable a kneeling chair is.

Adjustability

Kneeling chairs are usually used as desk chairs. As such, it's important that they have a large degree of adjustability so that you can get yourself into just the right position to comfortably and safely work at your desk.

The best kneeling chairs allow you to adjust the seat height, seat tilt, and knee pad(s), since all of these are important for sitting in the correct posture in your chair and at the right height for your desk.

Look not only at which parts of each kneeling chair are adjustable but also at how you adjust them. Some chairs are easy to adjust with the use of a lever, while other require some kind of tool to adjust them, which can be inconvenient.

Dynamic seating

It's unlikely that you sit as still as a statue on any chair, but you're even more likely to regularly shift your weight while using a kneeling chair. Models that feature dynamic seating have a small amount of give to them and will automatically adjust as you change positions. Dynamic seating is better for your posture and helps you stay comfortable even when you use your kneeling chair for longer stretches of time.

Appearance

Some kneeling chairs have a no-nonsense, practical appearance, with a metal frame and casters at the bottom, a bit like a kneeling version of a standard office chair. Others have a more attractive, streamlined style with sleek wooden frames that look almost like they're part sculpture, part chair. The latter type might look great, but they don't tend to be very adjustable, so you might struggle using one if you're not of average height.

Kneeling chair prices

Just how much should you pay for a kneeling chair? These are the average prices of kneeling chairs and what you should expect to get for your hard-earned cash.

• $40 to $60: You can find basic kneeling chairs in this price range. While they do what they're designed to do, these chairs generally aren’t the most durable options and may not be comfortable for extended use.

• $60 to $80: You can find some excellent models in this price range, though they're not as functional as the most expensive options.

• $80 to $125: High-end kneeling chairs are made from the most durable materials and tend to have several points of adjustment for ultimate comfort.

Tips

• Make sure you're comfortable in your chosen kneeling chair. Whether you'll be using yours throughout the working day or just a few hours here and there, you want to be comfortable.

• Check the seat size. Some seats are larger than others, so check the measurements in the product specifications to ensure the kneeling chair is the right size to accommodate you.

• Consider whether a kneeling chair is suitable for you. Experts don't recommend kneeling chairs for anyone who suffers from knee problems. Check with your doctor if you're unsure whether a kneeling chair is suitable for you.

• Give your kneeling chair some time. Don't expect to fall in love with your kneeling chair right away. Allow yourself some time to adjust to this new way of sitting.

Since a kneeling chair keeps your legs confined to one position, it's important to get up and move around every 30 to 45 minutes to keep your circulation flowing.

FAQ

Q. Can I sit in my kneeling chair for long stretches of time?
A. Yes, it's perfectly fine to sit in your kneeling chair for a full working day (as long as you take an appropriate number of breaks). That said, most people find that it takes a little while to adjust to this new way of sitting. Start out by spending no more than 20 to 30 minutes on your kneeling chair, then switch to a regular chair or standing desk for a while. Once you feel comfortable in your chair, increase the amount of time you use it each day.  

Q. Are kneeling chairs difficult to assemble?
A. While a few kneeling chairs come fully assembled, most require a small amount of assembly before they're ready to use. The chairs tend to be fairly simple to assemble and don’t require any special knowledge or do-it-yourself skills. Many models come complete with the tools you need for assembly (an Allen key, for instance), though some may require some basic tools, such as a screwdriver. Be sure to check what you need for assembly before you get started.

Q. Is there a maximum weight limit for my chosen kneeling chair?
A. Yes, all kneeling chairs have a maximum weight limit. This is usually between 250 and 300 pounds, but it varies for different makes and models, so check the product specifications before buying. It's important that anyone who exceeds the weight limit not use the chair, since they could break it and get injured. Specialist retailers may offer kneeling chairs designed for larger individuals.