5 Office Chair Alternatives to Test Drive

Now that many of our workspaces are a simple commute from our kitchen to our home office, it’s easy to tire of the chair you sit in all day, five days a week. Why not get the perfect chair to support you as you strategize, dream and calculate each day. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these:

You can invest in the best of the best, like Herman Miller’s Aeron chair (as seen above), which boasts great ergonomic design and is extremely comfortable. One of our most popular requests – my clients with back issues really love this chair!

However, the chair isn’t everything… If your overall posture is challenged and not supported well, there could be a hefty physical price to pay. Luckily, there are several office chair updates and alternatives that are making workdays more healthy and comfortable- if you have an open mind! Here’s a look at five of my favorites:

We all know the plethora of health benefits gained by standing over sitting — you burn more calories, improve your posture and avoid fatigue. Plus, these workstations like Flexispot or Varidesk add fun and futuristic vibe to your office space and also take up much less space. Another bonus? They’re generally less expensive than a desk and chair duo, which is a welcome change for your company or your pocketbook. The downside…aesthetically, they’re not as cohesive a look as the black metal apparatus sits atop an existing desk.

On the upper end of the scale, we LOVE Uplift’s options for a combination sit/stand desk. It offers anything from a melamine top to a solid walnut that’s just breathtaking. It’s one of the few with a smooth electric button lift and offers a feature for the entire L-shape to raise and lower together up to 84” in each direction. Talk about maximizing your surface space!!

Let’s be honest: Sitting on a big round ball all day seems at first like an uncomfortable or even strange experience. However, today’s balance ball desk chairs not only engage your core muscles and improve your balance through the circular nature of the chair, they also are a great choice for people who suffer from backaches and improve your posture. There are two options with a fitness ball chair: An actual fitness ball, which can be purchased for less than $20; or a balance ball chair, which includes a roll-free frame (and is a better choice for first-time ball sitters.)

Who knew a stool in the shape of a saddle could be so comfortable? Better yet, that it is wonderful for anyone with hip issues, as it opens the hips and lowers the thighs, which supports the natural curve of your spine? The saddle seat checks all these attributes off your list. From a design standpoint, these seats lend a unique equestrian vibe to your office space — and come in a variety of colors.

Another office stool option is the balance stool, which features an unstable seat. This instability is a constant reminder to tighten your core muscles and sit upright. Plus, the stools tilt and swivel to add an even greater emphasis on the importance of balance. These chairs are a great choice for those with neck issues, as they promote better neck alignment. From a design standpoint, I love the petite balance stool for small space offices, especially a home office in a tight space.

If you’ve ever received a portable massage at an event, you’ve probably used a kneeling chair. This unique seat promotes an open and dynamic sitting position that keeps your spine in its natural curvature, and your back and abdominal muscles constantly engaged. All of this leads to improved breathing and circulation. Like the balance ball, saddle seat and balance stool, the kneeling chair is another terrific “active sitting” option. Try this in your office for a natural conversation starter!

So, what do all of these office chair alternatives have in common? Many users claim they help concentration and creativity — and of course, they can be a fun design addition to your office! But most importantly, each has its own health benefits that are aimed at keeping you healthier wherever you set up your office space.