Rethink sitting

Rethink sitting

Open-Box Variable™ Kneeling Chair

Peter Opsvik, 1979

Price range: $359.00 through $379.00

Free US Shipping

10 Year Warranty

Made in Europe

30-Day Return

Product Information

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Variable™ is an instantly recognizable design icon. First introduced at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair in Copenhagen in 1979, Variable™ was one of the first prototypes derived from the balans concept. As its name suggests, the chair allows for variation between different positions. Its curved runners allow for gentle rocking motions while a tilted seat enables an open hip angle. The two cushions beneath the seat can be used to rest your shins, one foot, both or neither by placing your feet on the ground. You can also turn around or sit sideways if you so please. The chair is designed as an open construction, free of mechanical adjustment parts. It is lightweight and can easily be moved around.

Variable™ is available in a natural, warm or black finish and a wide range of upholstery fabrics and colors. The wooden components are made from layers of beech and ash veneer.

Variable™ is intended for use by standard height tables.

Chair Measurement:

20.47L x 28.4W x 20H inches

Box Measurement:

4 x 15 x 15 inches

Weight incl box:

15 pounds

Weight limit:

265 lbs

Variable™ is made from beech plywood. The plywood is treated through an iterative molding process where several veneer layers are combined and glued. Through the application of combined heat and pressure, the layers are given their characteristic shape. All wooden parts are flexible and strong, ensuring a sitting experience that is never static. For a beautiful and durable finish, our plywood is covered with an ash top veneer, manually sanded and coated with water-based lacquers.

Made in Poland.

Designed in Norway, made in Poland.

Wood – Romania & Estonia
Foam – Poland & Lithuania
Screws – Poland

  • Variable™ is intended for use by standard height tables.
  • Home office, Office, Work space

If you are unsatisfied with your order, you can return it within 30 days. However, we recommend using your new chair for at least 2 weeks to give your body time to adjust.

We stand by our furniture with a 3-Year Limited Warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Visit the Limited Warranty page for all warranty details. Free extended coverage of TEN (10) YEARS is available. For extended coverage, simply register your product within 30 days of your purchase.

Meet the Designer

Peter Opsvik

Peter Opsvik (1939 – 2024) was a Norwegian industrial designer, and stands as one of the most influential figures in ergonomic design. Throughout his career, much of which was spent as a freelance industrial designer, Opsvik shaped the way we think about comfort and functionality. Opsvik’s philosophy and design approach are integral to the Varier identity, and we continue to maintain a close collaboration with his team, working with one commitment – to reimagine the way we sit.

Customer Reviews

April 11, 2025

So glad I gambled, it was easy to put together, all lined up, tightened everything after assembly and no squeaks! comfy as I can put my tripod/writer between my legs and right in my lap to relieve some shoulder tension as I’m working and the rocking is going to be a nice distraction when I don’t get breaks every hour

Avatar for GG
GG
February 25, 2025

I work from home and upgraded to this chair a couple years ago… it’s exceeded my expectations.

Avatar for leah
leah
January 31, 2025

I use this chair while watching TV and eating. It is really helping tamp down an episode of sciatica. The chair forces you to sit up straight and rocking it strengthens muscles. The negatives: the chair was a little difficult to put together, particularly since the allen key to do so was not included. Fortunately, I have a full set of US and metric keys on hand, so I was able to assemble it with a metric wrench. Note that it requires quite a bit of torque to get the chair to not squeak. The proper size key is essential.

Avatar for Haird
Haird
December 18, 2024

I like being able to rock a bit to adjust the angle of my back/hips… I keep the kneeling chair and a desk chair in my office but usually use the kneeling chair (like 90%).

Avatar for Rebecca
Rebecca
December 11, 2024

I bought this kneeling chair some years ago and it is still in excellent condition however a few of the screws needed to hold the seat and kneeling pads have somehow fallen off and they are very difficult to replace.

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Jadis
November 13, 2024

I use this chair about 50% of the day… One need not be stuck in a rigid position.

Avatar for Lawyer Chic
Lawyer Chic
September 25, 2024

Beautiful wood, and fabric is soft. It was easy to put together, although I needed a rubber mallet to insert the wood dowels. It is tricky to align the seat and knee pads, as they rest on somewhat of a curve. It was very doable for a 68 year old woman with arthritic hands! I love this chair for meditating – easy to get into, super comfortable for long periods, and you can adjust your position from time to time without losing focus. I would really recommend this chair for meditation.

Avatar for Tucson Blue Hair
Tucson Blue Hair
April 12, 2024

I have struggled for years to find a chair that was comfortable to work in and allowed me to move around, or get up easily to go get books (my office is kind of small). I have tried almost every kind of chair and they either are too hard or too soft, and the arms are annoying and often are not conducive for me to type. most chairs can’t accommodate the desire i have to move my legs around and sit in different positions. The last one i ended up with was yoga ball which was ok for rocking but it started to hurt my hips and my upper back, let alone the material made me sweaty. So i looked around at options and that brought me to kneeling chairs, I saw that Varier Variable Balans rated very well and had a good warranty. They were listed as great quality. I had a chat with the consultant quickly – which was helpful. So i ordered my kneeling chair, it shipped pretty fast, and i am really super happy. I put it together easily and started using it right way. It’s super comfortable on my hips and back, it accommodates my long legs well, and it allows me to change position as much as i want and move about freely. I can easily wiggle the chair in and out of place when i need to get up or sit down. With no arms typing is super easy and in variety of positions. I love this chair and i am never going back to other types of chairs.

Avatar for KBJ
KBJ
March 12, 2024

After much research I decided to opt for the original Varier Balens. I have suffered from lower back pain for some time and became lazy and slouchy spending lots of time behind computers badly designed and fitted office chairs. Bad posture was significantly contributing to ongoing discomfort and exacerbating the condition. The Varier Balens is very easy to transition to and puts my back into a great upright and natural position. The quality of the maple wood rails and cushion pads allows great flexibility whereas cheap copies are fixed more rigid not allowing core movement and core muscle engagement. Absolutely love it.

Avatar for Andy M
Andy M
December 13, 2023

New, arrived about a week ago. Easy assembly, well designed to be stable and sturdy… I can get accustomed to this. Especially since the pads are otherwise very comfortable.

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granddreams
July 20, 2023

This chair has been a game-changer for me. Due to a childhood hip condition… I am truly grateful.

Avatar for J. Leahy
J. Leahy
November 24, 2022

I love this stool and it is a great investment for reducing/preventing muscle tension in the back from sitting for long hours… I simply love this chair!

Avatar for Pomai
Pomai
February 10, 2022

Everyone knows that all day sitting is horrible for the body… Bottom line – if you’re unsure, try it…worst case you give it a few weeks and return if it’s not the right fit for your body.

Avatar for Amber S.
Amber S.

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