What to Expect from Kneeling Chairs vs. Saddle Chairs

If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your posture and reduce the aches that come with sitting all day, you’ve probably come across two unique alternatives: the saddle chair and the kneeling chair. Both promise healthier sitting by challenging the conventional 90-degree seating angle of standard office chairs. But which one is right for you? Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and things you should consider before choosing.

What is a Saddle Chair?

A saddle chair takes its inspiration from a horse saddle. The seat is shaped to open your hips, angle your thighs downward, and encourage a natural upright posture. Instead of compressing your hip joints like a flat seat, the saddle design promotes an open hip angle that feels more natural.

Saddle chairs are popular among dentists, surgeons, and artists who need mobility and upright posture for long periods. They also work well in office settings, particularly when paired with a standing desk. If hip pain is a concern, a saddle chair for hip pain can be an excellent ergonomic upgrade.

Key Benefits of a Saddle Chair

• Open hip angle: Reduces compression in the hip joints and improves circulation.
• Spinal neutrality: Encourages the pelvis to tilt forward naturally, supporting the spine’s alignment. For extra lumbar comfort, you can also look into a saddle chair with back support.
• Mobility: Many saddle chairs swivel and roll easily, making them practical for dynamic tasks.
• All-day use: Generally more suitable than kneeling chairs for prolonged sessions, especially in professional environments. For example, the best saddle chair for dental hygienists supports long hours of seated work without sacrificing posture.

What is a Kneeling Chair?

Kneeling desk chairs were first designed in 1979 by Hans Christian Mengshoel. Instead of a flat seat, they use a forward-tilted cushion paired with shin supports, positioning your knees at about a 60–70 degree angle. This redistributes weight between the buttocks and shins instead of letting it all fall on the lower back.

The main purpose is to maintain the spine’s natural curve, reduce slouching, and ease strain on the lumbar region. For those struggling with lower back discomfort, kneeling chairs can provide noticeable relief by encouraging upright posture and core muscle engagement.

Key Benefits of a Kneeling Chair

• Posture support: Keeps the spine upright, reducing slouching and rounding of the shoulders.
• Lower back relief: By redistributing body weight, kneeling chairs can reduce lumbar strain.
• Core activation: Without a backrest, you naturally engage abdominal and back muscles.
• Focused tasks: Ideal for short-term, high-focus work like drawing, writing, or typing.

Saddle Chair vs Kneeling Chair: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

• Saddle chair: Best for people who sit long hours and struggle with hip or lower back discomfort. If you use a standing desk or need mobility, a saddle chair will likely serve you better for all-day use.
• Kneeling chair: Best for short, focused tasks and for posture training. It helps correct slouching habits but isn’t ideal as your only seating option. For prolonged sitting, alternating between a kneeling chair and a traditional ergonomic chair is recommended.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Choosing between a saddle chair and a kneeling chair comes down to understanding your body’s needs and your workspace setup. The first thing to think about is ergonomic goals. If your main issue is hip discomfort or tightness from sitting, a saddle chair with its open hip angle will likely be more beneficial. If you’re dealing with slouching or lower back strain, a kneeling chair can help promote better posture and core engagement. You may also want to explore the kneeling chair pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit.

Next, consider desk compatibility. Saddle chairs generally work with most adjustable desks, but kneeling chairs often require a slightly higher surface since you’ll be sitting at a lower angle. If you’re using a fixed-height desk, this may affect your choice. For context, understanding whether kneeling is better than sitting can also guide your decision.

Your budget also plays a role. Kneeling chairs are often more affordable, making them a good entry point into ergonomic seating. Saddle chairs usually cost more but are designed for long-term daily use, which may justify the investment.

Finally, keep in mind the adaptation period. Both options take time to get used to, but kneeling chairs in particular can feel unusual at first. Gradually easing into use and alternating with a standard ergonomic chair is often the best way to build comfort. And if you ever experience strain, simple habits like learning how to fix knee pain from sitting cross legged can provide additional relief.

Conclusion

Both saddle chairs and kneeling chairs are valuable ergonomic alternatives to traditional seating. A saddle chair is generally better for long-term, everyday use, especially if you’re dealing with hip issues or spend most of your day seated. A kneeling chair, on the other hand, is great for posture correction and relieving lower back strain during shorter tasks.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your body’s needs, your workspace setup, and your daily routine. For many, rotating between these options provides the best balance of comfort and posture support.