You're looking at the Thatsit Balans and trying to figure out two things: whether a kneeling chair with a backrest is the right fit for the way you sit, and whether the Thatsit is the right pick from the Varier range.
It isn't the entry point in the lineup.
The Variable Balans sits below it, the Wing and the Variable Plus sit alongside, and a few details separate them.
The choice usually comes down to how long you sit in one session, whether you want back support, and how much posture variation you need across a workday.
The Thatsit's design answers one specific version of those questions, and the differences from the Variable Balans show where the chair earns its position higher in the range.
Five key takeaways
- A kneeling chair with a backrest works differently from one without; the backrest changes which postures the chair encourages over a long work session.
- The kneeling chair geometry stays the same between models with and without a backrest, so the decision rests mostly on session length and whether you want back support.
- For sessions over 60 to 90 minutes, the option to lean back becomes a meaningful comfort lever rather than a small spec detail.
- Kneeling chairs work best when you cycle between several positions across the day rather than locking into one.
- Long-term comfort on a kneeling chair depends more on how often you change position than on the specific model you pick.
Who the Thatsit Balans was designed for
The Varier Thatsit Balans Kneeling Chair is built for people who want a kneeling chair as their main work seat rather than as a rotation piece. The fully supportive backrest is the design signal: it's there because the chair anticipates longer sessions, and a backless kneeling chair starts to feel demanding after 60 to 90 minutes for most users.
The Varier brand sits in a specific category: Norwegian active sitting design originated by founder Peter Opsvik more than 40 years ago, starting with the original Variable Balans. The Thatsit is the same family but built for users who treat the kneeling position as their default rather than as a break from a regular chair.
Buyer profiles where the Thatsit fits well
- Knowledge workers who sit for 4-hour-plus sessions and want active sitting throughout the day.
- People with lower back stiffness from prolonged seated work who want a forward pelvic tilt without losing back support.
- Users who already know they like kneeling chairs and are stepping up from a basic model.
- Buyers who want the chair to be a focal piece of a home office rather than a swap-in alternative.
How the Thatsit changes how you sit through a workday
The Thatsit's geometry tilts the seat forward and lowers the angle of the hips, which puts the pelvis in a forward-rotated position. That position changes a few things at once:
- The lumbar spine sits in a more neutral curve than on a flat office chair.
- The thigh-to-torso angle opens up past the closed angle of a regular chair, which Varier's spec sheet associates with easier breathing and better circulation.
- The core engages slightly to hold the position, adding low-level muscle work to seated time.
- The rounded base allows a gentle rocking motion when you shift weight, so the seat never feels locked.
How the seat lets you cycle through positions
The Thatsit's shin pads let you place your knees on, in front of, between, or beside them. The design intentionally doesn't define one "correct" position to settle into.
Across a full workday, this matters more than any single ergonomic spec. The body benefits from variation, and the shin pad geometry lets you change position without standing up or repositioning the chair. Most users cycle through several positions in a single session without thinking about it.
The Thatsit compared to the Variable Balans
The two chairs share the Varier kneeling-chair design language but answer different needs.
What they share:
- The same forward-tilted seat and rounded rocking base.
- The same shin pad system with multiple knee positioning options.
- Laminated wood base construction in beech and ash.
- A 7-year warranty on wood parts and a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts (Varier's standard kneeling chair warranty terms).
- The same range of fabric options (Revive, Reflect, Nitto, Re-wool, Fiord 2, Melange Nap, Vidar 3, Divina Melange 3, Divina 3, Hallingdal 65, Noir, Dunes).
The backrest
The Varier Variable Balans has an open construction without a backrest. The Thatsit adds a fully supportive backrest connected to the kneeling chair frame.
For shorter sessions (under 60 to 90 minutes), the open construction of the Variable Balans isn't a limitation; the user typically maintains an upright posture throughout. Past that mark, having something to lean against becomes a comfort lever the Variable doesn't offer.
The footprint and weight
The two chairs sit at different ends of the portability spectrum:
- Variable Balans: 52 cm wide, 72 cm deep, 50 cm seat height, weighs 6.3 kg. Compact and easy to move between rooms.
- Thatsit Balans: dimensions listed at 32 inches by 21 inches on Varier's spec sheet, weighs 30 lbs. The added backrest, the heavier base, and the more substantial frame all add presence to the room.
For a home office where the chair stays in one place, the Thatsit's heavier build isn't a drawback. For users who want to move the chair between rooms or fold it away easily, the lighter Variable Balans is the easier choice.
The use case fit
The Variable Balans is a rotation chair: a strong option in a setup that also includes a regular chair or a standing desk. The Thatsit is built to be a primary work chair on its own. Both serve the same kneeling-chair purpose; the right pick depends on whether the chair is one option in your day or your default seat.
Setting realistic expectations for a kneeling chair
A kneeling chair geometry has clear limits. The Thatsit changes how you sit, but it doesn't change a few things that some buyers expect when upgrading from a regular ergonomic chair.
What a kneeling chair won't do:
- Replace standing or walking time. Active sitting doesn't substitute for actual movement throughout the day.
- Build core strength dramatically faster than a backless kneeling chair. The low-grade muscle engagement is similar between the two formats.
- Eliminate the adjustment period. Most users still need one to two weeks to settle into a kneeling chair, regardless of backrest.
- Force good posture on its own. The geometry encourages it, but you can still slouch or lean off-axis if you're not paying attention. The chair won't correct bad habits on its own.
Things to know before buying a Thatsit Balans
The general kneeling-chair adjustment period applies. The first one to two weeks on any kneeling chair involve unfamiliar muscle engagement in the lower back, hips, and quadriceps. Building from 30-minute sessions to full-day use across two weeks gives the body time to adapt.
Floor protection
The Thatsit ships with Soft Tape included for floor protection. The tape attaches to the bottom of the rounded base to prevent scuffs or scratches on hardwood or laminate floors. Worth applying before the first use rather than after a few sessions on hard flooring.
Fabric and upholstery options
The Thatsit's standard configuration is a Natural base with Black fabric. Beyond the standard option, the chair is also available in Dark Blue, Yellow, and Red fabric (each paired with the Natural base), and the Black fabric is available with an alternative Black base. For broader fabric and leather options across the Varier range, see theVarier Custom Upholstery collection.
Who might prefer another model
Different needs point to different products in the range:
- For someone who wants the kneeling chair geometry without the backrest, the Variable Balans sits at a lower position in the lineup with the same core design.
- For users who want active sitting with full back-and-neck support, an ergonomic office chair with adjustable lumbar and headrest support fits a different posture format.
- For someone tight on space who needs the chair to move easily between rooms, the lighter Variable Balans is the easier pick.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thatsit Balans come assembled?
The chair arrives with a few parts to put together at the destination. The simple frame design means assembly is typically straightforward and doesn't require special tools.
Who should be cautious about a kneeling chair?
Users with significant knee injuries, severe knee arthritis, or specific lower-leg conditions should consult a physiotherapist before adopting a kneeling chair. The shin contact area is designed for healthy knee mechanics; users with sensitivity at the shin or knee cap may want to test a kneeling chair in person before committing.
Can the Thatsit be used at a standing desk?
The Thatsit is designed for use at a regular sitting-desk height, not a standing desk. For a standing or sit-stand desk pairing, a perching stool or sit-stand active chair fits the use case better.
Does the Thatsit have armrests?
The Thatsit doesn't include armrests. The design keeps the upper body free to move, which is part of how the chair encourages position changes throughout the day. For users who specifically want armrests as part of an active sitting setup, a more traditional ergonomic office chair fits that preference better.
How do you clean the upholstery?
Varier specifies that the surfaces are easy to clean, though the exact approach depends on the specific fabric chosen. For fabric-specific cleaning recommendations, thecontact page can confirm the right method for your purchase.
How do you register a warranty claim on a Thatsit Balans?
Warranty terms are listed in the chair's specifications. For warranty registration after purchase or to file a claim, the Active Goods contact page is the right starting point.
Is the Thatsit suitable for taller users?
The chair's geometry works for most adult heights. Taller users may find the fixed shin pad position less ideal than an adjustable kneeling chair; in-person testing is the most reliable way to confirm fit if you're at the upper end of average adult height.
Where to go from here
Browse theVarier Chairs collection to compare the Thatsit alongside the Variable Balans, the Wing, and the rest of the kneeling chair lineup. For active sitting in a different posture format altogether, the broaderOffice Chairs collection covers ergonomic seating that pairs with a regular desk setup.