The largest selection of in-stock Variable Balans chairs on the planet.
Quick-ship chairs ship within 1-2 business days. Below we have included swatches for upholsteries that qualify as quick ship.
If you are interested in an upholstery not listed as quick ship, please visit our
special order Variable page.
The Variable Balans encourages movement and supports the body through each movement made. Body and chair, action and reaction, in a cycle of continuous motion that energizes and enlivens the body and mind. Not only does it make you comfortable, it makes you feel good. After 30 years, the Peter Opsvik balans concept has become a classic. Considered "the Original Kneeling chair", the Varier Variable Balans chair has become the benchmark for all kneeling chair designs. The Variable Balans was originally manufactured by Stokke and was known as the Stokke Variable Balans chair. Several years ago the Stokke company decided to divide its brand and the Balans concept and designs were transferred to the Varier name.
As versatile in design as in concept, the Variable Balans is the perfect instrument for the ever-changing demands of today's work places and lifestyles. Work becomes a breeze as the upright, "alert" posture promotes concentration and activity.
The benefits are not just for adults, as the posture, breathing, and energy enhancements of active sitting have been directly correlated with improved homework performance in adolescents.
Humans were created to move, not to sit still.
"I believe that the spine is happiest when it can adopt the natural curvature that it has when we stand upright" -Peter Opsvik
Recent studies show that the human body operates to its fullest potential when allowed to remain fluid and open. Actually, there has never been any scientific evidence that can support the Western upright seating style is "correct". The angle of the knees and pelvis should be opened, allowing freedom of movement and circulation.
The Varier Variable Balans helps to achieve just that. Forward-sloped seats on curved runners support the body in a seated, kneeling position. This allows the angle between the thighs and torso to increase, allowing the body to naturally adopt the same spine curvature as when standing, relieving pressure from the vertebrae and letting you breathe more deeply and freely.
The Variable Balans promotes constant natural movement, keeping the back and abdominal muscles active at all times. While sitting, the user is actually strengthening the core muscles of the abdomen and back while preventing tension in the neck and shoulders.
Some seating options also incorporate a backrest that is ideal for extended periods of tasking that requires the user to be seated. Tilt forward for labor-intensive activities, and rock back for relaxation breaks. Regardless of the position, the spine will always be supported perfectly.
This "active sitting" improves circulation and oxygen levels, boosting energy, concentration, and overall well-being.
- Original Balans chair design by Peter Opsvik
- Handcrafted in Norway by skilled artisans
- Seven-year guarantee on wooden parts
- Five-year guarantee on mechanisms
- Three-year guarantee on foams and upholstery
- Available in a large range of fabrics, colors, and finishes
- Many colors and options available for quick ship
- Optional back for extended seated periods
- Optional extension block reduces the distance between seat and leg cushions
- Polyurethane foam cushion
- Previously known as the Stokke Variable Balans chair
- All wood is harvested from highly sustainable forests
- Oak and beech woods are native to Europe and all walnut is harvested in the USA
- Assembly required
- Overall dimensions: 28.35"D, 20.47"W, 20"H
- Shipping dimensions: 20" x 28" x 4" 13lbs
- Shipping dimensions for back: 37" x 6" x 4" 5lbs
Upholstery and Finish Options
Ergo Depot stocks the largest selection of Variable Balans chairs in North America. Below we have included a list of upholsteries that qualify as quick-ship. Please note that monitor settings can vary greatly and we encourage all clients to request free upholstery samples to insure the correct upholstery and color are ordered.
Many more upholstery options are available for Varier seating.
Click here to visit our Varier upholstery page.
If you are interested in an upholstery not listed as quick ship please visit our
special order Variable page.
Quick-ship frame colors:
- Natural
- Mocha
- Black
- Ice White
Variable Back (Optional)
The optional Variable Balans back is ideal for users that will be spending extended periods of time in their chair. The back is easily removed and installed and is available in all four finish options.
Extension Block (Optional)
The optional extension block is a small, non-upholstered insert that reduces the distance between the seat and knee pads. This option is ideal for children or shorter adult users. The extension block is easily installed and is available for quick ship.
Soft Tape (Optional)
Soft tape is recommended for chairs that will be used on wood floors or other hard surfaces. The tape easily attaches to the bottom of the chair and helps to protect both the chair and the floor during use. Soft tape is in stock and available for quick-ship orders.
Varier Furniture offers an extended warranty to customers who register their products in their product database. The warranty is limited and covers only manufacturing defects and does
not cover misuse, normal wear and tear and defects caused by exposure
to sunlight. Registration gives the right to the following guarantee:
- 7 years guarantee against fabrication faults on wooden parts
- 5 years guarantee against fabrication faults on the mechanism
- 3 years guarantee on upholstery and foam
This requires a successfully completed registration of the product in Variér's Extended Warranty database, and that the warranty certificate is
submitted together with the original receipt (proof of purchase).
Once registration is completed, proof of guarantee can be printed from
the Variér web site and will also be sent to you via email.
Click here to visit the Varier warranty registration page.
Great Chair! 
