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Whether you’re working from home or elsewhere, maintaining good posture and staying comfortable should be key. Originally conceived in 1979 by Peter Opsvik—a designer in MoMA’s collection who is known for his ergonomic seating innovations—the Variable Balans is a sophisticated kneeling chair that offers optimal comfort while gently switching between kneeling and a more traditional posture. The seat of this new version of Variable Balans Kneeling Chair is upholstered in fabric produced from 100% post-consumer polyester that’s made from recycled plastic bottles. Designer Shane Schneck put a modern spin on the look of the chair by selecting fresh colors for the monotone chair. The Variable Balans Kneeling Chair measures 29h × 20w × 20"d. Weight limit: 240lbs.
Why We Chose This
The original Balans Chair was first introduced in 1979 at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair in Copenhagen as the world's first kneeling chair. The chair allows a variety of seating positions and encourages subtle movements—the user is meant to shift positions until the ideal balance point of their body is achieved. Sitting in the Balans Chair, you can choose a gentle rocking motion—thanks to the design's curved legs—and also an open hip angle, enabled by the chair's tilted seat.
Norwegian industrial designer Peter Opsvik (born 1939) is known for creating problem-solving ergonomic chairs and his philosophy around these designs: his book Rethinking Sitting was published in 2009. His Tripp Trapp Chair (1972–1973) is an object in the Museum's collection, and his work was featured in MoMA's 2012 exhibition Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900–2000. Opsvik is also a member of the bands Christiania Jazz (since 1972) and Christiania 12 (since 1993). His father was the jazz bass player Eivind Opsvik.
