The Balans chair is the family — Variable, Thatsit, Wing, Multi, and Gravity. Designed by Peter Opsvik, made in Norway, the original active-sitting line since 1979. “Balans” is the Norwegian word the Variable, Thatsit, Wing, Multi, and Gravity all share — a family of designs around active sitting and the open hip angle. This page sits alongside the broader ergonomic kneeling chair hub.
What “Balans” actually means
“Balans” is Norwegian for balance, and it is the family name Peter Opsvik gave his active-sitting chair line beginning in 1979. The name points to the principle: a chair that lets the body find its own balance through micro-correction, rather than holding a single supported posture. Each Balans chair applies that principle in a different format.
The chairs in the Balans family
- Variable Balans — the 1979 original kneeling chair.
- Variable Plus — the Variable platform with a backrest.
- Thatsit Balans — adjustable backrest, taller frame.
- Wing — wider seat with contoured back.
- Multi Balans — multi-position kneeler.
- Gravity Balans — zero-gravity recliner with kneeling-to-reclined range of motion.
The Move stool and Ekstrem accent lounge sit alongside the Balans family but are not strictly Balans chairs. The Variable Balans is the canonical entry point.
Heritage and origin
1979. Designed by Peter Opsvik. Norwegian. The Balans family has been continuously produced ever since — through every transfer of production rights, the design language has stayed intact under the Opsvik attribution. The Variable started it. The Thatsit, Wing, Multi, and Gravity extended it. Varier carries the family forward today.
Frequently asked questions
Is “Balans” a brand?
No. Balans is the family name within the Varier line. Varier is the brand; Balans is the product family.
Is every kneeling chair a Balans chair?
No. Balans is the specific Opsvik family; mass-market kneelers are not Balans chairs even when they share the format.
Which Balans chair should I start with?
The Variable Balans, for most buyers. The Thatsit if you are tall or want a backrest. The Variable vs Thatsit page covers the choice.
How does the Gravity Balans fit the family?
It extends the active-sitting principle into a zero-gravity recliner format. Same Opsvik design lineage, different use case.
Is the Move stool a Balans chair?
No — the Move is a sit-stand stool in the Opsvik design language but outside the Balans family. The Variable, Thatsit, Wing, Multi, and Gravity carry the Balans name.
