Best Ergonomic Stools

I recently made the switch to an adjustable standing desk in my office, and it has made a world of difference. That said, I soon realized that my regular desk chair just wasn’t going to cut it anymore. With a more active desk I needed a more active seating option — and it turns out that the medical community agrees. Active seating — specifically ergonomic stools — helps to strengthen core and back muscles, while allowing the spine to achieve its natural curve. The result is a healthier body and a mind that stays alert and awake at work. Today I’m testing out three ergonomic stools from all ends of the price spectrum: they are sure to keep you healthy without being an eyesore in your office.

Varier sent me their move stool to test out about a month ago, and I’ve used it almost every day. It allows me to stay dynamic at my desk — not fully sitting and not fully standing — but constantly swiveling, pivoting, balancing, and stabilizing. The saddle base is meant to keep the back straight and core muscles engaged, and the adjustable height makes it ideal for a variety of body types. While it’s certainly on the more pricy end of the spectrum of ergonomic stools, it’s worth the investment if you’re looking to reap the health benefits of active seating.

We’ve all seen exercise balls used as a seating alternative, and ErgoErgo has taken it to the next level. The inventor was inspired to create a better version of the exercise ball chair — one that wouldn’t deflate, roll away, or detract from the room’s aesthetic. Replacing the circle with a tube with flexible bellows, he realized he could make a dynamic seating option that would allow the body to make small, constant movements on a stable (but flexible!) base. We have several of the ErgoErgo stools in different conference rooms here in the office in bright orange — but they are also available black, blue, red, white, and even in kids’ sizes.

And of course, we had to include an IKEA option. The Nilserik is simple, adjustable, and great for small spaces. While it may not have the same technology behind it as the ErgoErgo or the Move, it definitely does the trick. The green will add a nice pop of color to the office, but if that’s not your vibe you can always go with black or grey.