Advertisement
Little Kids

7 Best ADHD Chairs Experts Swear By

Better focus is within reach in an expert-approved ADHD chair.

By Amanda Lauren

7 Best ADHD Chairs Experts Swear By

Merchant

ADHD can be challenging for both children and adults. While there are many approaches to managing the various symptoms, one of the newest trends is using an ADHD chair.

There are several different types of ADHD chairs, but they all have one thing in common. They allow the user to move or shift to different positions without physically getting up from the chair. This helps people with ADHD to release their energy yet stay on task.

Here’s what you need to know about ADHD chairs as well as some of the best options currently on the market. Be sure to check out our guide to the best ADHD planners while you're at it.

What are ADHD chairs?

One of the most common and easy-to-find types of ADHD chairs are swiveling chairs. A basic office chair is a great example of this. One that allows the user to sit cross-legged is even better.

Kneeling chairs are another good option for people with ADHD who don’t find a standard chair conducive to productivity. This may be a smart choice for teens and tweens who sit in a regular chair all day long at school. Wobbling stools may also be good for people with ADHD, especially younger children who find it difficult to sit still.

How do ADHD chairs help?

Psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Jeider of Nevada Mental Health tells me while there’s no research-backed data to support the use of an ADHD Chair—if patients or families think it will help—it’s worth a try.

“The ability to change positions in the chair might decrease the need to get up entirely and/or wander around,” explains the doctor. “Having access to different positions in the chair can yield a sense of moving around while actually staying in your work area.”

Advertisement

Keep in mind that the best ADHD chair isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. “You don’t want to break the bank on an excessively expensive chair. Find one that fits your budget and offers the kinds of sitting positions you typically use.”

The best ADHD chairs to try now

Best overall

Pipersong Meditation Chair

pipersong meditation chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

There’s a good reason the Pipesong Meditation Chair went viral on TikTok. This chair supports lots of different positions including sitting with legs crisscrossed, which is a preferred position for some people with ADHD. Use it for kneeling or squatting.

This chair is also super comfortable. Made from high-density foam—the cushion is a generous 3.7 inches thick while the footrest is 1.5 inches thick. Still, it offers plenty of support for the hips, feet, knees, ankles and lower back.

Better yet, there’s a swivel making it easy to move around and have conversations.

Advertisement

"I meditate, also fidget and incessantly crawl around chairs, which is why I meditate," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Cassia. "This chair is heaven-sent. Cross-legged is my primary sitting position, most comfortably from a zafu (those little round meditation cushions) on the floor, in front of a low coffee table and the computer."

Pros

  • Great for a variety of positions
  • Two seat sizes are available
  • It has a backrest

Cons

  • Pricier than some other options



Best for kids

Studico ActiveChairs Kids Wobble Chair

studioco kids wobble chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

Having ADHD is challenging for kids. So having an ADHD chair can make life a lot easier. The Studico ActiveChairs Kids Wobble Chair is an excellent choice for younger children. This chair is ideal for kids with a natural inclination to move around and fidget.

It helps movers and shakers get out excess energy without disrupting their classroom or homework flow. Designed for kids ages 7 to 12—it lets them release their energy and focus at the same time. Because it’s backless, it also encourages building strength and good posture.

The fun-to-use design and moderate price point make choosing a chair for kids with ADHD a breeze. Made of lightweight plastic, this active chair moves around with ease. Choose from six different colors including black, red and purple. It's clever sensory seating at its best.

Advertisement

"I bought these after seeing a teacher discuss getting a couple for her ADD/ADHD students to bring home during quarantine. We saw a huge improvement with focus when my children switched from an adult office chair (spinning one) to this," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Dominic.

"It was easy to assemble. My boys helped me put it together, I just had to snap it in place. I recommend this product to other parents."

Pros

  • The price is affordable for most parents
  • Used this model for five or more years without worry
  • Smart value buy
  • For kids ages 7 to 12
  • Helps kids stay focused and engaged
  • Modern take on balance ball chairs from yesteryear

Cons

  • Some kids may need more physical support than this chair has to offer
  • Not ideal for long hours in front of screens


Best for adults

Corrigan Studio Mercier Task Chair

corrigan studio chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

The Corrigan Studio Mercier Task Chair is an excellent choice for many reasons. The design is ideal for anyone who needs a little movement yet needs to sit comfortably at the same time. The seat is adjustable so it's an ergonomic choice for a range of heights and weights. A generously padded seat makes it comfortable to sit for longer work and study sessions.

Advertisement

Because this chair lacks an armrest, some people can sit cross-legged. There is also a 360-degree swivel. So it’s also easy to move around and fidget.

This chair also wins points for aesthetics. It's available in seven colors. Choose from pink, light blue and yellow, which makes it great for home offices as well as juvenile bedrooms. It fits into any decor scheme and won’t look out of place during video calls and conferences.

Pros

  • Easy assembly takes less than ten minutes
  • Tilt lock
  • Stylish design blends in nicely to any room or office

Cons

  • The lack of armrests may be uncomfortable for some users

Best budget

AFO Ergonomic High Back Office Chair

afo ergonomic chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

ADHD chairs are often expensive, but the AFO Ergonomic High Back Office Chair is proof you don’t need to overspend. While this chair looks like a traditional chair it has a lot of features that are great for people with ADHD. With an ergonomic design, it also offers the best in comfort.

One unique feature of this chair is the retractable footrest—and we love it. So it’s easy to sit in a legs up position ideal for reading and studying. There’s an adjustable headrest for extra support. Lastly, it has a padded lumbar pillow to relieve lower back pressure.

Advertisement

Choose from four colors of this handsome seating option—black, teal, grey and green.

"Great chair," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Rian. "I sit in it for long hours during work and in the evenings and it is super comfortable. Very simple to put together and overall worth every penny. I love the footrest and the recline, it also has outdone itself in comfort as my past chairs have given me major back pain and this one is perfect!"

We think it's great for gaming, working or just about anything else.

Pros

  • Chair can swivel
  • Mesh back is ideal for anyone who gets hot while working
  • The back of the chair tilts between 90 and 135 degrees
  • Added lumbar support

Cons

  • The chair is 18 pounds, making it a bit on the heavy side

Best for offices

PUKAMI Armless Office Desk Chair

pukami office chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

The Pukami Armless Office Desk Chair is a great ADHD chair for offices. This chair, which has been highly praised on TikTok has a lot going for it. Not only does it swivel, but it also doesn’t have armrests, making cross-legged positions more comfortable.

Advertisement

This chair also wins points for style and comes in a choice of several colors including brown, grey, mint, and light blue—so tweens and teens may want to consider it.

It’s also ergonomic with a U-shaped seat designed to take pressure off the hips and back.

"I love this chair—it went viral for a reason," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Sarah."All of my friends are jealous and love sitting in it when they are over. It's very comfortable to sit in for work and leisure."

Pros

  • Can hold up to 350 pounds so it's a smart choice for a variety of body types
  • The back angle tilts
  • Parents will appreciate the accessible price point
  • Chair designed to increase focus while maintaining physical comfort

Cons

  • Doesn’t have wheels

Best for desks

Vivo Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

vivo ergonomic chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

Some people with ADHD have found that kneeling chairs are a fantastic choice, especially if you work at a desk. This kneeling position is a game changer for anyone who can’t sit down for longer work sessions.

Advertisement

In addition to ADHD, this chair is ideal for anyone with back pain. It’s height-adjustable for a custom feel with extra padding for comfort.

One great feature of this chair is that it has wheels. This makes it easy to move it around and work just about anywhere, whether you’re at an office or simply working from home. We love this model for the office, home office and classroom settings.

"This stool has been a great way to start my day with better posture and to switch out the traditional backed desk chair when I catch myself slumping," writes verified purchaser, Tess. "Both cushions are thick and comfortable. Worth every penny."

Pros

  • Heavy-duty design is built to last
  • Available in black, grey and white
  • Non-traditional sensory chair keeps minds and bodies engaged

Cons

  • Requires assembly

Best luxury

Sleekform Austin Kneeling Chair

sleekform kneeling chair, best adhd chairs experts swear by Merchant

If you’re looking to invest in a luxury ADHD chair, the Sleekform Austin Kneeling Chair is worth considering. While it isn’t cheap, it isn’t entirely out of reach. With a cool design, it will have visitors to your home or office asking, “What is that chair?”

Advertisement

Designed for “active sitting,” it’s not only a kneeling chair, but also a rocker. This makes it easy to fidget and release excess energy—something those with ADHD say often need.

The Austin Kneeling Chair also offers plenty of ergonomic body support—aligning the back, shoulders, and neck. The reinforced four-inch pad is comfortable yet easy on the knees. Users will appreciate the memory foam cushion. We love the clever, modern design and easy use for tweens, teens and adults.

"I found the rocking feature to help make sure I wasn't sitting in the same position for too long," writes verified Amazon purchaser, P.Gem. "I also know that with kneeling chairs (as with any chair) it is important to take regular breaks, which I did. I'm 5'9" and have long legs, and I found the chair was the perfect height for my legs."

Pros

  • Use for work, gaming and studying
  • 20-ply wood is strong and durable
  • Clever sensory input design
  • Chair works to soothe and focus the mind with rocking movements
  • A favorite of teens with sensory processing disorders

Cons

  • Kneeling and rocking aren’t ideal for video conferences

Experts:

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

This article was originally published on Sep 22, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

FILED UNDER:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement