13 Of The Best Meditation Chairs For A More Comfortable Practice

Finally, after thousands of years of meditation practices in India, China, and Japan, Western civilization is tuning out in order to tune in.

Meditation and mindfulness practices are becoming more and more mainstream, with over 18 million adults and nearly a million children engaging in meditation in the United States alone according to research.

Various religions and recent Western medical studies affirm that meditation increases the quality of life by reducing anxiety, lowering high blood pressure, reducing chronic back pain, and bringing cholesterol levels back in line.

Ancient traditions suggest that if you meditate regularly, you can integrate the body and the mind with your spirit or soul.

But sitting on a floor mat can be a back-breaking lesson in achieving Nirvana.

Ask any meditator, and you’ll hear a story about mid-meditation back spasms and burning pain.

It’s much easier to reach a state of equanimity and balance when your body is comfortable, and for many meditators, the most comfortable way to practice is by sitting or kneeling on a meditation chair.

A meditation chair is an essential meditation tool for the people who are reaching Baby Boomer status or for those who need more back support.

If you have a minor injury or just don’t like sitting on the floor on a meditation cushion, you need to consider a meditation chair.

There is a wide range of meditation chairs, and not all of them fit the people who want to use them.

That’s why it’s important to do the research and check different meditation chair designs and the materials that make them meditation-worthy.

We did a little research for you, so you don’t get caught in meditation chair-choosing agony.

The Different Types Of Meditation Chairs

Picking a meditation chair can be frustrating unless you know what meditation position is right for you. Here’s where physical needs come before the mental journey.

Obviously, you don’t want to sit like a Zen master crossed-legged on the floor if it causes you pain, and you have a chair that can make meditating more comfortable.

  • You might prefer to kneel while meditating, and if that’s your style, a meditation bench might be best for you.
  • You might need extra upper or lower back support, and the right chair with proper ergonomics will help.
  • But you could need a portable seat cushion because you like to meditate when you travel or when you are on your lunch break at work.
  • You might like that full-body comfort so you go for a full-size chair.
  • The other factor is the money. Some meditation chairs can put a dent in your bank account. Some can retail for $400 or more and others are a bargain at $40.

The best advice when it comes to picking a comfortable meditation chair is to find one that can support your back.

That means choosing a chair that has the design features that give your upper and lower back the comfort it needs so you aren’t unduly distracted during meditation.

But if you’re a kneeler without back issues, then a bench will also work. Many of the meditation benches have an ergonomic tilt to them so you’re kneeling without putting pressure on your knees.

The full meditation chair is the chair that gives you the support you need when you are in various meditation positions. Full meditation chairs are the most expensive, and they are not portable, so there are some tradeoffs to consider.

The 13 Best Meditation Chairs

1. Alexia Meditation Seat

The Alexia Meditation Seat designers spent a lot of time studying the perfect way to sit so you support your lower back, knees, ischium, instep, and feet.

Even though the Alexia doesn’t have a traditional back, the chair raises the hips as well as angles them forward so you can sit up straight with your legs folded underneath your torso.

And the good news is your legs don’t feel the pressure of your body, thanks to the way the Alexia chair redistributes your weight.

PROS

  • Supports the lower back column, the ischial junction node, knees, and instep
  • There’s an internal metallic skeleton structure for excellent seat support
  • Natural vegan-leather color choices 

CONS

  • More expensive than other chairs
  • Not a high back
  • It’s a little bulky

2. Back Jack Floor Chair

The Back Jack Floor Chair does more than keep you off the floor and provide a very cushy place to sit.

This chair is a great posture mender over time and one of the floor chairs that will provide good support for your back. The chair is stable, and the design is cool.

PROS

  • Great back support
  • Excellent color choices
  • Easy to assemble

CONS

  • No Back Rest Adjustment
  • Color choices are less than natural
  • Could use more cushioning

3. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, Adjustable Stool

This adjustable height, double cushion, sleek foam kneeling chair puts a whole new spin on the word kneeling.

The chair designers thought combining pain relief with meditation would put this chair at the top of the ergonomic meditation chair list.

Amazon gives the chair four stars and in a world of one and two-star performers, this chair is a value.

PROS

  • Mesh seat with sleek foam cushioning
  • Works as an office chair
  • 90-day return and refund policy

CONS

  • Twenty percent of body weight sits on the legs
  • Not for people with weak knees
  • Only one pad adjustment

4. Modern Small Meditation Chair

This mid-priced meditation chair is adorable and practical. It supports your back when sitting in the lotus pose and folds flat for easy storage. It’s adjustable, specifically designed for meditation, and can help you practice comfortably for a longer time.

Pros

  • Cute, lotus-flower design
  • Indoor / outdoor use
  • Money back guarantee

Potential Cons

  • May not be big enough for some people
  • May not have enough back support for some people

5. Extra Large Meditation with Back Support

If you are into Yoga and meditation, this might be the chair for you. The chair designer is a registered Yoga teacher.

This portable meditation chair is a great tool because of the comfort and the way the chair fits the back. It’s a great chair for anyone under 6’2” tall.

PROS

  • Designed by an Osho meditation facilitator
  • Folds easily
  • Complimentary bag

CONS

  • Backrest quality varies
  • Size is too small for some people
  • Weighs twelve pounds

6. Padded Floor Chair With Adjustable Backrest

This all-purpose blue and beige chair is versatile, good-looking, and functional — and a great value for the money.

If you want to medite or just sit and read, the bonVIVO chair will support your back, and it gives new meaning to the words, “being close to the floor.”

PROS

  • Adjustable backrest
  • Great for traveling
  • Easy to put together

CONS

  • Seat padding may flatten out
  • Quality can vary
  • Fabric can get sticky

7. Gaiam Rattan Meditation Chair

The rattan base, tall back, generous seat with an extra-thick natural cotton cushion, is the ultimate meditation chair for some people.

This chair checks all the important meditation boxes like being comfortable when sitting cross-legged for a long period. It’s a perfect home chair, but some people use it as an office chair.

PROS

  • Cross-leg design
  • Has a 250 lb. weight capacity
  • Seat cushion is removable and machine washable 

CONS

  • The seat cushion may soil easily
  • Weighs 28 pounds
  • On the expensive side

8. Tatami Meditation Cushion and Backrest

This chair is planet-friendly. The bamboo frame and seat materials are all natural.

This multi-functional seat is a

great meditation aid, but it also serves as a kid’s seat and a TV-watching cushion.

The modern look and durable materials make this chair a five-star winner on Amazon.

PROS

  • Easy to assemble
  • Comfortable sponge seat cushion
  • Multi-functional

CONS

  • May be too light for some people
  • Canvas seat cover may stretch

9. Floor Meditation Chair

This meditation chair is floor adjustable and foldable for easy storage.

This ergonomically designed multi-purpose chair is easy to adjust to prevent back pain. It adjusts to 5 different angles and it’s rounded seat gives you plenty of sitting comfort.

PROS

  • Good back support
  • Washable
  • Multi-purpose chair

CONS

  • Cushion on backrest not as thick as seat
  • Canvas seat cover may stretch

10. Back Jack XL Floor Chair

The BackJack Floor Chair comes in four colors: burgundy, red, green, and sand. This 100% cotton duck chair over alloy steel is lightweight and perfect for either meditation or gaming. 

An ideal option for people with back issues, this XL model is two inches wider and three inches taller than Back Jack’s standard-size option, which provides more comfort for some body types.  

Pros

  • Only weighs four pounds, making it easy to transport
  • Indoor/outdoor use
  • High back
  • Made in the USA

Potential Cons

  • Not washable
  • Doesn’t fold completely flat

11. VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

This chair isn’t for everyone, but it’s terrific for folks working on their posture. 

Perfect for the office, it has four caster wheels and a comfortable saddle seat. Moreover, the design helps you to stop slouching over your computer, which helps improve your overall health. 

It supports individuals up to 250 pounds and has a sturdy metal base. 

You can use the Dragonn for either meditation or as an office chair. But if this is your first time using a kneeling chair, you may want to have another one on hand until you get the hang of it. 

Pros

  • Height adjustable
  • Helps strengthen your core
  • Compact for small spaces

Potential Cons

  • Doesn’t have a back
  • Taller people’s feet may touch the ground
  • May be a little too pricey for some budgets

12. Bamboo Meditation Bench

This classic meditation bench features a hinged top that provides ergonomic support during practice. It’s natural bamboo, eco-friendly, and priced wonderfully. 

The Sunshin isn’t only for meditation. You can also use it for yoga and traditional tea ceremonies. Plus, it comes with a cushion. 

The Sunhin holds individuals up to 250 pounds and should be hand-washed to keep it in good condition. 

Pros

  • Priced right
  • Versatile
  • Traditional design

Potential Cons

  • No back
  • Small


13. Pivotal Meditation Chair with Cushion

The Pivotal Meditation Chair is a great chair for sitting in the half lotus position.

According to the chair’s designers, there is less gravitational pull, and that helps the body sit in friendly posture positions and provides good back support.

That means your body can adjust to the chair so there’s less pressure on the spinal column.

PROS

  • Chair materials are durable
  • There are posture adjustments
  • Comes with a seat

CONS

  • May be too small for some people
  • Not a traveling chair

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The Benefits Of A Meditation Chair

Most meditation chairs are lightweight and compact, so they can go where you go without much effort. One of those legless, floor meditation chairs may be perfect when you travel.

If you have lower back pain or limited flexibility, you’ll benefit from the back aligning effect of some meditation chairs. Some styles have solid back support, and they are capable of relieving the leg and back pressure that tends to build up in those areas.

Some chairs have stress and tension relief built into their design, so sitting in one pose doesn’t send you into “the land of numb.”

Here are some additional benefits that are often overlooked but much appreciated when they occur.

  • Helps you maintain good body posture. 
  • Improves your sense of balance. 
  • Allows for more awareness and alertness. 
  • Allows you to sit for longer periods. 
  • Keeps pressure off your joints. 
  • Keeps your limbs from falling asleep. 
  • A great choice for beginning meditators. 

How To Choose The Best Meditation Chair For Your Needs

Every human body is different, and that means not all chairs will work for you.

The strong muscles and backs of our hunter-gathering forefathers are not as prevalent these days. Years of body abuse does take a toll on our skeletal system, so you might want to find a chair that has back strengthening attributes in its description.

Some people prefer a chair that is lower to the ground.

If you are the kind of person who feels comfortable in hero and lotus poses, low chairs can make the comfort happen.

If traveling is part of your job description, find a portable chair that has features that complement your meditation routine and schedule.

And if you are in your best mindful state when kneeling, well, the kneeling bench is the way to go.

Remember, good posture helps create a state of awareness while our bodies stay comfortable in the present. Your back should be straight in your chair. A curved back isn’t meditation-friendly.

Sitting on a meditation chair that fits your body the right way helps achieve good body posture.

Find a chair that has a little forward inclination. The inclination helps stop the back slumping that can cause a misfire in your meditation routine.

Your meditation time is a very personal experience based on your body and personal preferences. When choosing your chair, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I need back support, and if so, how much?
  • Does my meditation chair need to force me into the correct position or do I need that much support?
  • Am I partial to a particular color?
  • Do I want my chair to be organic and eco-friendly?
  • Do I have a preference for the type of material I sit on?
  • How much space do I have for my meditation chair?
  • Do I need a portable chair?
  • How much can I spend on a chair?

Conclusion

Finding the right meditation chair can be a challenge if you don’t know your personal needs and how your body responds to sitting in meditation.

We suggest you practice meditating before you purchase a chair, so you can see how your back and limbs feel while sitting with an erect posture for an extended period.

Try to replicate a kneeling position with a thick pillow under your ankles to see if you prefer kneeling.

Finding the right chair for your meditation practice can make the difference in your decision to stick with the practice. Set yourself up for meditation success by choosing a chair that is comfortable, supportive, and well-made.

Do you sometimes feel pain and discomfort when you meditate? Here are some of the best meditation chairs for a more comfortable practice.

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