Best Meditation Chair Reviews 2024

I had heard about the benefits of meditation for several years but only recently started my own practice (Headspace is a pretty great app to get you started!).

As I devoted more and more time to meditating, I noticed that my back would fatigue before my mind would. I tried different places - my reading chair, at the kitchen table and even my bed (meditating before going to sleep really helps after a long day at work).

You don't necessarily need a meditation chair but I found that it helps me to dedicate a specific time and place for my practice. Since I find it hard to form new habits, this definitively helped me a lot.

Ok so let's take a look at what I learned from my research before I bought my own chair (more on that later).

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

What is a Meditation Chair?

A meditation chair is a seat that is specifically designed to help a person during meditation. Sitting on the floor, or even on a sofa, can be uncomfortable for a longer period of time.

Many who meditate suffer from back or knee concerns, so the support offered by a meditation chair is ideal. Meditation chairs come in a variety or shapes, sizes and designs.

Finding the best meditation chair for you may take a little trial and error, but in the end, these chairs are the ideal way to grow your meditation practice in the most comfortable way possible.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Meditation Chair

The best meditation chair is one that you will actually use. Here are some things to consider when choosing a meditation chair:

Backed or Backless

The best chair for meditation is one that helps you feel supported and comfortable while practicing. Meditation chairs are available with and without backs, and it is up to personal preference which one will be most comfortable for you.

I highly recommend trying both styles before purchasing one or the other.

Space/Storage

Some meditation chairs are actually in the form of a small cushion or bench, making them easy to store in your home or take along to a meditation class.

Others are a little more cumbersome in size, making them difficult to store. Take the time to think about how you will store your chair when it is not in use.

Materials

Meditation chairs made of natural materials lend themselves to a more organic, grounded practice. Wood, organic cotton and organic cushion materials are all ideal when choosing the best chair for meditation.

How to Use a Meditation Chair

Stupid question? Well, it's not as simple as just plopping down in your recliner!

Try Not to Lean

It may be tempting to hunch your shoulders or lean too much into the back support of your meditation chair, but try to resist the urge to do so. Maintaining a spine that is in proper alignment is the healthiest way to sit.

Your spine should just touch the back of your chair, so it is supported without you leaning into it. You may need to adjust the back of your chair (or place blankets between your spine and the chair) to achieve this.

Raise the Earth to You

Whether you prefer to keep your legs bent at a ninety degree angle or crossed at the ankles, is it important that your legs, ankles and feet are supported.

You can bring the Earth up to you through the use of blankets, towels, yoga blocks or any means of easy support.

Props can be placed under your feet, knees, ankles or thighs to ensure that no part of your lower body is without contact to the ground below.

Offer Support for Your Arms and Hands

When you find a comfortable sitting position, you will want to ensure that your hands, wrists and arms are supported. They can rest softly on your thighs or across your lap. Hands can be open in a sign of reception or placed down on the knees for grounding.

Your hand and arm placement may vary every time you sit down to meditate. Take the time to listen to your body and do what feels most comfortable.

Settle In

Take a few breaths once you are seated and supported to fully settle into your meditation practice. If you feel any stress or strain in the body, a few light stretches may be appropriate. You want to take this time before starting to ensure that your practice won't be interrupted by physical limitations if possible.

Prior to starting a meditation practice, I had no idea that such a thing as a meditation chair even existed. Luckily, there were videos geared specifically to beginners like me that were incredibly helpful.

Watching a person demonstrate how to use a meditation chair takes some of the guesswork out of how to incorporate one into your own practice.

5 Best Meditation Chairs

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

Joy is Within You Padded, Dual Height Meditation Bench

Joy Is Within You Fixed Legs Meditation Bench Soft Top (Made in USA) (Zen Black,...

Designed and handmade in the USA since 2001; Rotate meditation bench 180 degrees to change height and seat geometry; Ergonomic and comfortable; Fixed legs for stability; Hand-rubbed oil finish
9 x 18 inch seat with our ultra comfortable multi-density pad; Large seat and broad legs provide comfort and stability; High quality woven fabric; Lifetime guarantee on woodwork; 30 days for refund or exchange

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 20:23 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The "Joy is Within You padded bench" is a traditional meditation bench that supports the back of your thighs and holds your spine in proper alignment.

Many find this meditation bench to be comfortable for long periods of time, while others have found that it is not comfortable on their knees.

Sleek, modern design.
Padding is comfortable.
Provides proper spinal alignment.
Available in different sizes to accommodate varying heights.

Not ideal for those with knee problems.
Lack of back support.
May wobble when changing positions.

Zen Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion

WELOVE LM-02188 Black Strapless, Self Adhesive Backless Dress, Reusable Silicone...

WELOVE Strapless Bra, Self Adhesive Invisible Bra for Backless Dress, Reusable Silicone Push Up Invisible Women Bra (FBA)

If your meditation practice is done sitting in a chair or on a soft carpet, this Zen Comfort cushion may be one to consider. I found that when using it on tile or hardwood floors, it provided very little support and cushioning, but on a softer surface it held up much better.

Comes with carry case for easy travel.
Great for those with sciatic nerve pain.

Filled with memory foam.
Not supportive on a hard floor.

Sage Kapok or Buckwheat Filled Cosmic Cushion

Buckwheat Hull Cosmic Cushion - Sage Green

Select "Kapok Fill" or "Buckwheat Fill" from the Size option above
Kapok or Buckwheat Hull Fill

This naturally angled cushion helps to keep the spine in alignment while providing a cushioned seat for the rest of the body. It is available with either a kapok or buckwheat filling. I preferred the buckwheat, as it seemed to hold its shape better than the fluffy kapok.

The shape is designed to support the thighs. This may be ideal for you, but I found the shape of this cushion to be a little uncomfortable under my legs.

Filled with natural materials.
Easy to store and travel with.
Washable cover (buckwheat version only).

Shape/design of cushion may not be comfortable for all users.
Not available in sizes.

Bean Products Zafu Meditation Cushion

Bean Products Purple - Round Zafu Meditation Cushion - Yoga - 10oz Cotton -...

For Over 32 Years Bean Products has been making products for all Your Yoga & Meditation Levels and Styles
Modern Round and Oval Extra-Large Designs are made with your choice of 10 oz. Traditional Cotton Duck, 16 oz. Eco-Friendly Hemp or 10 oz. Organic Cotton.

The Bean Products Zafu cushion comes in a variety of colors as well as the standard round shape of the large oval shape. I have the large oval one and it has done wonders to keep me sitting up straight, comfortable and relaxed during my meditations.

I do hope that the company will start using more durable zippers as I have had a few buckwheat hulls fall out of my cushion when I picked it up to move it.

Other than that, I have used this cushion for many hours every week and it greatly supports my meditation practice.

Made of Earth friendly materials.
Carry handle makes transport easy.
Available in 2 sizes/shapes.
Offers superior support and comfort.

The filling can shift at times.
Zipper is not sturdy enough.

Back Jack Floor Chair

Original BackJack Floor Chair – Portable - XL Size - Purple

CONVENIENT - Lightweight and portable-take it anywhere! Backrest is 16" wide x 23" tall.
NO MORE UNCOMFORTABLE SEATING – The BackJack is an ergonomic chair that provides back support and lumbar support so you no longer have to be slouched over when sitting on the floor.

The Back Jack is a backed meditation seat with a cushioned bottom and back support. This chair wasn't ideal for me as I have learned that I prefer a backless cushion while meditating.

Friends who use the Back Jack warn me that you have to encourage your body to sit up straight while meditating to prevent your spine from curving and relaxing into the back.

Back support.
Available in a variety of covers.

Back support may lead to unhealthy leaning.
Chair needs to be taken apart for easy travel.

Since adding a meditation chair to my home practice I have noticed that I have much more stamina and am able to go deeper into my meditations without worrying about any physical discomfort that may arise.

I actually think this will become less of an issue though the more I get into my yoga practice. But unlike Andee I am still a "newbie" so I will give myself a bit more time here.

The Zafu from Bean Products is one of the most-used items in my home and I am thrilled with the results that I have achieved thanks to it. I use it just about every day for meditating, and will often pull it up to use as a seat to read or enjoy a cup of tea.

Compared to the backed seats, I found that the Zafu kept my spine in its proper alignment without adding any extra stress to my hips. I love that I can take it with me when I take a meditation class or workshop at my local yoga studio.

I needed a chair that would be supportive, comfortable and easy to travel with, and I am happy to say that I have gotten all of those things with my Bean Zafu .

Best Meditation Chair – Full Reviews + Our Complete Shopping Guide

What is a Meditation Chair?