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Many people all over the world practice meditation and feel its benefits. It’s a hugely beneficial practice, helping to lower anxiety, stress, and much more.
Unfortunately, for some, it can also be uncomfortable. But finding the best meditation chair with back support can really change that.
Think about meditation, and what comes to mind. Sitting cross-legged on the floor? Kneeling for a long period of time? Exactly. These positions don’t usually lend themselves to comfort for many people.
So what’s the answer? Well, your meditation room furniture should always include a specialist stool or seat.
The top meditation chair for you and your practice will be something that works for your preferred meditation style, to make meditation easier and much more comfortable.
In a hurry? Click here to see my top pick now!
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Best Meditation Chair Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best meditation seats reviewed in this article.
Name | Meditation Position | Foldable | Our Rate (/5) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gaiam Rattan Meditation Chair | Sitting | No | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
Friends of Meditation Yoga Chair | Sitting | Yes | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
Malu Luxury Floor Chair | Sitting | Yes | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
BonVIVO Easy II | Sitting | Semi | 4.5 | See price on Amazon |
BackJack Floor Chair | Sitting | No | 4.4 | See price on Amazon |
BonVIVO Floor Chair | Sitting | Yes | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
Friends of Meditation Buddha Chair | Sitting | Yes | 4.3 | See price on Amazon |
Zaisu Japanese Meditation Chair | Sitting | Yes | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
Friends of Meditation Vipassana Chair | Sitting & Kneeling | Yes | 4.5 | See price on Amazon |
Benefits of Meditation Chairs
Meditation has been around for centuries, and as long as people have been practicing it, they’ve needed meditation back support for just as long.
It’s widely acknowledged that the best meditation position is the lotus (or half lotus), i.e. sitting cross-legged on the floor. This position should allow you to relax and connect to your mind for the perfect meditation session.
It’s not quite so easy though, as the best posture for meditation is not always the best posture for your back or neck. Sitting in one position, even for an hour, can be really hard on our bodies, so we need a comfortable meditation chair to help us out, and support us properly.
An ergonomic meditation seat allows you to fully sink into your thoughts, without worrying about any pain or discomfort you might be feeling. You get all the mental benefits of meditation, with none of the physical issues.
So remember, when setting up your space, your meditation gear should always include a yoga meditation chair to relieve the pressure on your joints so you can have the best meditation sitting posture for an enhanced experience.
Different Types of Meditation Chairs
So we know meditation chairs are really useful, but how do you know which type to get? Do you get a meditation floor chair, a meditation kneeling stool, or even a meditation sofa?
It can feel overwhelming, so don’t worry, I’ll talk you through the different types of meditation seats below and you can decide which is best for you.
Meditation Benches
If you prefer to meditate in a kneeling position, rather than the more traditional lotus, then a kneeling meditation bench could be the right option for you.
When we kneel on a hard floor, our knees quickly begin to press into the floor, cutting off our circulation and making it hard to stay in that position for a long time.
A meditation bench cushions your legs, meaning you can meditate for longer.
If you want to travel with your chair then you should look for a folding meditation bench, which will fold up and fit nicely in your suitcase.
Meditation Floor Chairs
When you think of meditation equipment, chances are the floor chair is what you’re picturing. This type of meditation pad sits you directly on the floor, with cushioning to save your back and joints from aching.
If you prefer the more traditional lotus position when meditating, a floor chair is a good option. It allows you to sit comfortably for longer periods, so you can really concentrate on your meditation space.
These are usually just made from fabric and cushioning, so they are easy to move around and store, making them a great option for those with busy households.
Adjustable Meditation Stools
An adjustable meditation stool isn’t just a one-trick pony. Not only can it help with meditation, but you can also use it for yoga poses, or even breastfeeding.
So, if you’re looking for a meditation cushion with back support, an adjustable model can be your best bet. The back sits in any number of positions, so you’re always the most comfortable you can be.
Most adjustable models can be used for sitting or kneeling, which is great if you prefer to mix up your meditation style, or if more than one person in your house will be using the stool.
How to Choose the Best Meditation Chair for You
So how do you pick your meditation chair? Ultimately, it’s a personal choice based on how you like to meditate, but there are a few features you should be looking out for. I’ll take you through these now.
Design
The way your meditation chair looks may not seem like an important consideration, but the design of your chair is really important in how you use it.
When looking for meditation furniture, you should think about how it will look in your space. A lot of the time, being able to see your chair will remind you to meditate so having it out all the time can be a positive thing.
However, if you want to be able to put it away when you’re not using it, it could be worth looking for a folding meditation chair.
It’s all about how you live. Some people even look for a meditation office chair, so they can do meditation sessions during their lunch breaks.
Design isn’t all about looks though. The design of your chair dictates how you’ll use it. Will you be able to sit or kneel for long enough without pain? If you can’t, it’s not well-designed or fit for purpose.
Material
Think about your lifestyle. Do you have kids or pets that could ruin fabric chairs? If so, you may want to think about a wooden meditation chair or bench that’s more hard-wearing.
Or, do you want to be able to meditate outside in nature? In this case, a waterproof, outdoor meditation chair could be the one for you.
Meditation chairs come in all shapes, colors, and materials. Which you choose is a personal preference.
Would you prefer a natural chair? A cruelty-free, vegan chair? Think about what you want to gain from your meditation space, and pick the material that speaks to you.
Portability
Think about what you need your chair for, and when. If you only meditate in your house and just want it to be easy enough to move around the house, then it doesn’t necessarily need to fold up, but it will need to be lightweight and easy to move.
Meditation can take a long time to get right, and it can be easily disrupted by changes in our environment. Having a portable meditation chair can help us adjust to new spaces by having something familiar around us when we travel.
If you travel a lot or are going on a yoga retreat, then a more portable model will be more useful for you. Look at the features of different chairs and see how they would fit your lifestyle, for example, a travel meditation bench will fold up to fit in a suitcase, and be lighter than a regular one.
Your Preferred Meditation Position
Again, this is a personal preference, but you’ll definitely need to think about your preferred position when buying a meditation chair.
If you are a more advanced practitioner, or even studying to become a yoga and meditation teacher, and prefer the traditional lotus position for meditating, then a sitting meditation chair could be the right option for you.
However, if you prefer to be on your knees during your sessions, then you should look for a meditation kneeling chair, over a sitting variety.
If you’re just getting into meditation, and you’re not sure which position you like the most, then look for a chair that can be used either sitting or kneeling, so you can try both without being uncomfortable.
Your Physical Needs
Do you have any physical needs? A bad back, weak joints, etc. These are just some of the physical issues that can hinder your meditation sessions. A good meditation chair can help alleviate any pain or discomfort you might feel when meditating.
Not all chairs will help with all needs though, so think about your body and look for a seat that will support you. For example, if you have a bad back and struggle with sitting upright for a long time, then it’s probably worth looking at meditation seats with backs, to offer you more support.
Don’t buy a chair that will make your physical problems worse. Ask around, read reviews, and don’t be scared to try more than one type.
Best Meditation Chairs With Back Support
Take a look at my meditation chair reviews to help you choose which one is the best for your personal situation. When looking for a meditation chair, Amazon has a lot of options, so I’ve included a link below each review to make them easier for you to find.
Friends of Meditation Yoga Chair with Back Support
Designed by a yoga teacher, this fully foldable meditation chair is especially helpful for people who suffer from back pain. The foam seat helps avoid pain and numbness when sitting cross-legged.
It’s perfect for beginners who are just getting used to the meditation positions, and for older people who need a bit more support. It’s also one of the biggest on the market, so if you’re taller, it’s perfect for you.
The rich maroon color is beautiful and would look gorgeous in any meditation space.
- Fully foldable, with carry bag
- Dimensions – 74 x 60 x 25 cm
- Weight – 6.1kg
Click here for more info and price.
Gaiam Rattan Meditation Chair
The Gaiam Rattan Meditation Chair looks more like a piece of beautiful furniture than a tool for meditation, but its extra thick cushion is comfortable enough to keep you meditating for hours.
The fabric on the cushion is all-natural, and can be removed to wash in a machine, which is always a good thing! While the back of this rattan meditation chair isn’t the highest, it’s tall enough to keep your back straight and upright during your session.
Gaiam is well known for its quality products, and this Gaiam meditation chair is no different. It’s not foldable, or especially portable, but it’s quality and it looks so good, you’ll never want to put it away.
- All natural materials
- Dimensions – 86.4 x 63.5 x 48.3 cm
- Weight – 12.7kg
Click here for more info and price.
Malu Luxury Floor Chair
The best meditation seat will not only help you with your meditation journey, but it will also be useful in everyday life. That’s exactly what this chair does. The cushioning, adjustable back and soft fabric all make it perfect for meditating, but that’s not all.
It comes with an adjustable carry strap, so it’s easy to move around and take to different places, even a picnic in the park!
The adjustable back means it’s great for kids and adults alike. Want a comfortable seat for your kids to play video games in? This is your seat.
Overall this seat is durable, comfortable, and best of all, machine washable.
- Fully foldable, with carrying strap
- Adjustable back to six positions
- Dimensions – 47 x 15.5 X 54.5 cm
- Weight – 2.9kg
Click here for more info and price.
BonVIVO Easy II
Another meditation lounge chair, this padded seat is comfortable and supportive, with an adjustable backrest which helps with posture and back pain. The padding is dense and good quality, and can hold weights up to 100kg.
It’s easily cleaned (just wipe down with a damp cloth or remove the cover and throw it in the machine), and the backrest can be locked into five positions, so not only is it perfect for meditation, but general life too.
The fabric is super soft, so it’s a great option for kids too.
It doesn’t come with a carry bag, but it’s super lightweight and is easy to take apart and assemble again if you’re traveling.
- Semi foldable
- Adjustable to five positions
- Dimensions – 18.8 x 42.9 x 54.1 cm
- Weight – 2.27kg
Click here for more info and price.
BackJack Floor Chair
When looking for meditation chairs for sale, you could do a lot worse than this Back Jack meditation chair. With its dense foam seat, it’s supportive and comfortable to sit on for long periods, although the back could do with a little more padding.
It’s easy to assemble, and although it doesn’t fold flat, it’s easy enough to take apart to make it easier to travel with, and is super light to carry.
As it’s made from cotton duck, it’s not machine washable, but you can easily wipe it down with a damp cloth if anything gets on it. The frame is steel, so is strong and sturdy for holding your back straight.
- XL version
- Dimensions – 55.4 x 41.9 x 5.7 cm
- Weight – 1.86kg
Click here for more info and price.
BonVIVO Floor Chair
Very similar in looks to the Easy II, the BonVIVO Easy III nevertheless offers an upgrade on the earlier version. The padding is still dense and supportive, but the Easy III comes with much more durable fabric (which is still machine washable!).
This model doesn’t come with an adjustable back, which is a shame, but its seating position is pretty much at a 90° angle, which is perfect for keeping your back straight during meditation.
For those looking for a more portable option, this seat is perfect. It folds fully in half and has a handle to make travel even easier.
- Fully foldable, with carry handle
- Dimensions – 56 x 47 x 52 cm
- Weight – 3kg
Click here for more info and price.
Friends of Meditation Relaxing Buddha Chair
When looking for a meditation chair online it can be difficult to gauge the size of them. If you are on the hunt for something small and lightweight, then this chair is the perfect size.
It may be bijou, but there’s no compromise on comfort or quality. The cushion is comfortable but firm, and the back is sturdy and holds your weight well so you can concentrate fully on your meditation session.
The chair folds up flat and has a little handle to make it easy to carry around, although it does come with a carry case as well. If you’re looking for a portable meditation bench or seat, this is one of the best out there.
- Fully foldable, with carry case
- Dimensions – 36.8 x 33.02 x 50.8 cm
- Weight – 1.15kg
Click here for more info and price.
Friends of Meditation Vipassana Chair
If you’re a beginner to meditation and aren’t sure which position you prefer yet, then this is a great option for you. Designed to work for either a kneeling or sitting pose, it’s comfortable and supportive for both your knees and your back.
I admit, it’s not the prettiest of seats, but it does the job well, and makes your meditation session so much easier. The cushion is firm and hard-wearing so it should last you a while.
The carry bag that it comes with isn’t the best, and you may want to think about buying a replacement, but the fact that it folds down into a carry case is definitely a positive for traveling.
- Can be used in kneeling or sitting position
- Fully foldable, with carrying case
- Dimensions – 49.8 x 32 x 19.6 cm
- Weight – 5kg
Click here for more info and price.
Zaisu Japanese Meditation Chair
This wooden meditation chair is a gorgeous addition to any meditation space. Well-made, with a sturdy backrest and soft padding, it’s the perfect seat for meditating, as well as being comfortable enough to use in everyday life.
It’s ergonomically designed to fit your body, so your bones and muscles are evenly distributed, leading to less fatigue and pain during long seated sessions.
A Japanese meditation chair is probably one of the most recognizable, although probably more from everyday living than meditation purposes. Despite this, it’s one of the most useful, and this model can be folded flat for easy storage.
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Fully foldable
- 52 x 43.3 x 45 cm
Click here for more info and price.
How to Sit for Meditation
If you’re new to meditating, you may be wondering how to sit in meditation position. Well, there are a number of different meditation positions.
As we’ve already talked about, the most common meditation position is the cross legged meditation pose, or the lotus, which has easy, half or full variations.
The easy pose involves sitting on the floor, with your legs crossed and your back upright and straight, so your mind and body are alert and focused. You should be comfortable and not in any pain. If you need, feel free to lean against a wall or chair.
Comfortable meditation positions can be difficult to master, and some people find they are too uncomfortable and fidgety when sitting cross-legged. If this is you, then you could try the kneeling position.
In this position, you are on your knees, with your bum resting on your feet. Again, your back should be upright and straight, which should be much easier in this position.
This is another popular choice, and one that can help alleviate pain in your back, although it does come with issues of its own, especially if you have bad knees.
In a meditation sitting position, you are supposed to be comfortable, alert, and relaxed so you can fully focus on your session. Learning how to sit in any yoga meditation position can be hard, and even after trying for long periods of time, it just may not work for you.
If you find you can’t do that, then standing or lying down could be the best option for you.
Conclusion
When we first start meditating it can feel overwhelming, like you’ll never get the hang of it. This is especially true if you have trouble with the positions, as you’ll be too focused on your body to let your mind go.
Sitting meditation can be painful for your back, and so it’s always worth trying a meditation seat with back support to see if it helps you. Likewise, kneeling meditation comes with its own issues for your body, so a comfortable bench can really help.
Meditation is something that should help ease stress and anxiety, not add to it. So, if you find you’re struggling, try one of the seats we’ve reviewed in this article. They’ll help your body so you can fully focus your mind on meditation and achieving your calmest self.
Think about your body, and your needs, and pick the right chair for you. Happy meditating.
Click here to see my top pick for the best meditation chair with back support!
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