21 Desk Chair Alternatives That Are So Much Better

Last updated on November 11, 2023

Here are 21 desk chair alternatives that better provide comfort in your home office and workplace. Let’s explore your options!

Do you spend hours sitting at your computer every day? If so, you need to find something better than a standard office chair. You can use one of these options as an alternative to a desk chair that’s better for your back health or simply cooler.

Let’s not forget that a good desk chair may also cost you a little fortune. Some of the alternatives listed below cost a lot less. And if you want to splurge, there are more functional and luxurious options than the humble office chair.

Note that many of the options below include examples and product links that earn our site a commission.

Balance Ball

balance ball desk

A balance ball is a great choice for anyone who wants to work out their core muscles while working at a desk. You can find balance balls in various colors and styles and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that suits your needs.

Balance Ball Chair

Gaiam 610-6002rtl Balance Ball Chair - Classic
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AN upgraded version of the balance ball is the balance ball chair. Essentially it’s a medicine ball fixed into a frame with a backrest. It’s more of a chair than just a ball and combines the best of both worlds. They usually feature wheels for mobility.

Saddle Stool

Saddle Stool Rolling Chair For Medical Massage
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If you work from home, you may be able to get away with using a saddle stool instead of a traditional desk chair. This option will allow you to sit comfortably and keep your legs up off the ground. It’s not a bad idea if you tend to develop lower back pain when sitting for long periods of time.

Lumbar Pillow

The Original Mckenzie Lumbar Roll By Optp - Low
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A lumbar pillow is designed to support your lower back by providing extra padding and pressure for spinal alignment. These pillows come in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the best one for your body shape and size.

Recliner Chair

Pawnova Pu Leather Chair With Massage Function
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You don’t always have to go out and buy a new desk chair just because you’ve been working for too many years. There are plenty of recliners and recliner alternatives available that are perfect for people who spend most of their days sitting down. Some models even fold into smaller packages, making them easier to store.

Adjustable Height Stool

Diwhy Industrial Vintage Bar Stool,kitchen Counter
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Any adjustable height stool can work as an alternative to a desk chair. The best part of it is that you can make yourself comfortable by choosing the right height. And it works great in small spaces.

Balance Stool

Adjustable Height Active Learning Stool - Padded
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Another option is to use a balance stool instead of a traditional chair. Balance stools are similar to a rocking chair but they provide more stability. They’re usually made from wood and metal.

Kneeling Chair

Ergonomic Kneeling Chair For Home Office Wood
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If you’re looking for a way to relieve some stress on your knees, consider getting a kneeling chair. Kneeling chairs are designed to help reduce knee pain by supporting your weight on your thighs rather than your lower back.

Bicycle Desk

Exerpeutic Exerwork 1000 Fully Adjustable Desk
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If you’re looking to make your workspace look cool, you might want to try having a bicycle-shaped desk. The design is meant to mimic the look of a bike seat, which makes it a fun addition to any office space.

Swiveling Task Stool

Kktoner Pu Leather Round Rolling Stool With Foot
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If you like to work while standing, you’ll love this swiveling task stool (it’s a form of task chair). It features four adjustable arms that let you position yourself at whatever angle you prefer. This stool is perfect for people who work from home and have limited workspace.

Swopper Stool

Aeris Swopper New Edition Ergonomic Stool -
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The swopper stool is a unique piece of furniture that is able to tilt and lets you move easily between sitting and standing positions. It has two handles on either side that allow you to hold onto the sides and stand up without straining your hands.

Hesed Chair

hesed chair
Source: hesed.design

Hesed is an innovative new way for people to sit without any discomfort. It’s made from high-tech materials designed specifically for the human body. It features a design that adapts to an individual body.

Gaming Chair

Respawn Rsp-110 Racing Style Gaming, Reclining
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If you spend a lot of time playing video games on your computer, you should definitely invest in a gaming chair. Gaming chairs are specifically designed to improve posture and comfort while gaming. But they can be a great alternative to a regular desk chair if a bit pricey.

Balance Board

Fezibo Standing Desk Mat With Anti Fatigue Bar,
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While a balance ball is an excellent choice for those with joint issues, a balance board may also be helpful. Like a balance ball, a balance board is a large foam block that supports your feet and legs. However, unlike a balance ball, a board doesn’t roll away when you get up.

Anti-fatigue Mat

Topo Comfort Mat By Ergodriven | The Not-flat
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An anti-fatigue mat is another great solution for relieving soreness in your body. These mats are specially designed to keep your body comfortable while you sit all day long.

Standing Desk

Shw 55-inch Large Electric Height Adjustable
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If you’d prefer to work while standing, then you’ll probably enjoy using a standing desk. Standing desks offer several benefits over traditional sitting desks, including improved circulation, better posture, and less back pain.

You can also use one of several alternatives to a standing desk too.

Treadmill Desk

Treadmill Laptop Desk,nexan Universal Ergonomic
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If you have limited space and would like to incorporate a treadmill into your office setup, you could do worse than investing in a treadmill desk. Treadmills come in many different sizes and models, making them ideal for small spaces as well as larger offices.

Lap Desk

Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Memory Foam Lap Desk
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A lap desk is an easy way to trade your home office desk to the couch or your bed. You can settle in with your laptop and work comfortably.

Giant Bean Bag Chair

Christopher Knight Home Waldo 5 Foot Bean Bag, 5
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If you want to add a little extra seating to your home office but don’t have enough space for a full-size sofa, bean bag chairs are a good option. Giant bean bags are usually big enough to accommodate two adults comfortably, although they tend to look more like giant pillows than actual chairs.

Buoy Stool

Steelcase Turnstone Buoy, Wasabi Fabric, White
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With its unique, contemporary design, the Buoy Chair adjusts with the user to provide maximum comfort and motion while at work.

Gravity Workstation

Levo G2 Rolling Laptop Workstation Stand Cart Desk
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A gravity workstation is a high-tech alternative to a regular desk. Instead of having to lift heavy objects, users can simply lean forward or backward to perform tasks such as typing or writing.

FAQ

What can I use instead of a desk chair?

You can use a standing desk if you’d rather stand than sit. You can also use a treadmill desk if you want to keep moving while working. And you can try a variety of cool alternative options that are everything but a desk chair.

What is an alternative for sitting?

Standing, kneeling, or squatting are all feasible alternatives to sitting at a desk. There are equipment options to accommodate these alternatives.

Are office chairs necessary?

Office chairs aren’t absolutely necessary, but they certainly make working easier. But you can choose a different alternative, or no chair at all (standing desk.)

Does a kneeling chair work?

Kneeling chairs are designed to provide a posture that is easier on one’s back muscles. They may work for some people to relieve back pain.

Why are office chairs so comfortable?

Office chairs are designed to be spent a lot of time in them. That’s why they are well padded and provide support for the correct posture.

How much should you spend on a desk chair?

The price tag on a desk chair will vary depending on what type of chair you choose. A simple, basic desk chair may cost $50; however, a luxury model might cost hundreds of dollars.

How tall should my desk chair be?

Your desk chair should be tall enough to allow you to keep your arms level to the desk and your feet flat on the ground. The height of your chair should also be adjustable.

Recap

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