Kneeling Chair
Thoughtful Design. Better Sitting.
A New Way to Sit
The modern kneeling chair began in Norway in the 1970s, when designer Hans Christian Mengshoel began exploring how furniture could encourage a more natural, balanced sitting position. His research led to the Balans concept, developed with Norwegian designers including Peter Opsvik, Oddvin Rykken, and Svein Gusrud. First presented publicly in 1979, the design introduced a forward-tilted seat and shin support that changed the way people thought about posture and everyday sitting.
Health Benefits
The angled design encourages the pelvis to tilt forward, which can promote a more upright posture and reduce slouching. This positioning may also help reduce strain on the lower back by creating a more open angle between the hips and torso. Kneeling chairs distribute body weight between the buttocks and the shins, which can reduce pressure on the tailbone and provide an alternative to traditional sitting positions.