The practice of meditation is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Meditation has been scientifically proven to have a variety of health benefits, including the reduction of stress and anxiety.
It can also help with insomnia and even lower blood pressure. Meditation’s primary concern is mindfulness: a state of consciousness which is thought to improve cognitive and emotional function.
However, despite the benefits, a common complaint from both first-time and habitual meditators is back pain.
In our day-to-day lives, we aren’t often required to maintain the neutral spine posture encouraged during meditation. This means that when we do so, it can be uncomfortable, or even painful, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to find inner peace.
If you suffer from back pain during meditation, don’t worry – there is a simple purchase you can make that will help you to meditate pain-free.
A meditation chair with back support can help guide and support your posture, taking some of the strain off your spine.
We’ve compiled a selection of the best supportive meditation chairs, together with a buyers guide and FAQ section, so you can (literally) sit back and relax.
Pressed for time?
Our top pick is the malu Luxury Padded Floor Chair. Here’s why:
- Foldable and portable
- Removable, machine-washable, microfiber cover
- Adjustable backrest
- Includes meditation guide ebook
- Supports weight under 220 lbs
Top 5 Best Meditation Chairs with Back Support
OUR TOP PICK
malu Luxury Padded Floor Chair with Back Support
EDITORS CHOICE
bonVIVO Easy III Padded Portable Floor Chair
BEST VALUE
No products found.Friends of Meditation Extra Large Relaxing Meditation
OUR TOP PICK
malu Luxury Padded Floor Chair with Back Support
If you’re looking to add a little bit of luxury to your meditation practice, this chair could be perfect for you. Sturdily built with a reinforced steel frame which supports weights up to 220lbs, the malu Luxury Padded Floor Chair is adjustable, with the backrest locking into five different positions according to your needs.
It is also fully portable, folding to a size of 20 x 18.3 x 6.1 inches. The design includes an adjustable strap which can function as a hand-held handle or shoulder strap, giving you some added flexibility in terms of transport.
This chair is beautifully designed, with a soft, microfiber cover in a stylish gray-blue shade.
The finishes are made from high-quality vegan leather. The cover is completely removable and machine-washable to ensure you can keep your meditation chair looking and feeling fresh.
If that weren’t enough, when you purchase this chair, you will receive a custom meditation guide in ebook form to guide you through your practice.
Pros
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Portable
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Stylish
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Adjustable backrest
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Removable, machine-washable cover
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Meditation guide ebook included
Cons
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Weight limitation (220 lbs)
EDITORS CHOICE
bonVIVO Easy III Padded Portable Floor Chair
This meditation chair prioritises comfort, practicality and style so you don’t have to compromise on anything!
The Easy III by bonVIVO features an adjustable backrest that locks into place, offering you sturdy support tailorable to your body.
The combination of upholstery filling and PE and PU foams in the seat supports you from underneath and is suitable for weights up to 220 lbs.
The Easy III is also foldable and portable, meaning you can store and transport it with ease. The backrest folds down parallel to the seat whilst the practical handle allows you to carry it much as you would a bag or briefcase.
Measuring just 22 x 18.5 x 3.9 inches when folded and weighing only 6.6 lbs, the Easy III is an ideal meditation chair for those who find time to meditate on the move.
This chair isn’t just comfortable and practical: it’s also aesthetically pleasing. Available in either dark blue or beige with cognac accents, the Easy III will make an eye-catching addition to your home.
Pros
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Portable
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Comfortable
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Adjustable backrest
Cons
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Weight limitation (220 lbs)
BEST VALUE
Friends of Meditation Extra Large Relaxing Meditation
No products found.If meditation is something you’re really committed to, it makes sense to invest in a chair that matches that commitment.
This large, extra-supportive meditation chair is comfortable enough to sit in for hours on end, so you’ll never have to cut your meditation short due to discomfort.
Complete with a detachable zafu and curved meditation block, this chair comes with everything you need to keep your spine, hips and legs in alignment during your practice, leaving your mind free of painful distractions.
It can even be used to practice yoga, should you feel so inclined. The thick, 40D foam padding ensures maximum comfort in a variety of positions and strikes the perfect balance between firmness and softness, so you can meditate comfortably in whatever position best suits you.
This chair is marketed as suitable for anyone under 6”2, although reviewers with taller measurements have reported satisfaction with the product.
The soft cotton cover, which is available in black or maroon, is durable and removable to facilitate the cleaning process. Despite its larger size (29.13 x 23.62 x 9.84 inches), the chair is foldable and transportable in the complimentary, water resistant bag provided.
Pros
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Detachable zafu and meditation block for added comfort
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Foldable
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Includes water resistant bag for transport
Cons
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Height limitation
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Reports of bag breaking
RUNNER UP
BackJack Floor Chair
The BackJack Floor Chair is one of the most popular meditation chairs with back support, although it is not exclusively designed for this purpose. It can also be used for a variety of activities, including gaming and camping.
However, this lightweight, study and affordable chair is an especially great product for meditators looking for a reliable, multi-purpose chair to give them that little bit of extra back support.
The chair adjusts into two positions: sitting and reclining. The 90% cotton seat padding ensures you’ll be comfortable in either. Moreover, weighing just 4 lbs and stacking easily after use, you’ll be able to carry this chair around without a fuss.
Although the design is simple, the BackJack Floor Chair cover is available in a variety of eye-catching colors, including royal blue, purple, forest green, and more!
For added convenience, the cover is removable for easy washing. The product dimensions are 24 x 16 x 23 inches.
Pros
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Lightweight
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Affordable
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Wide color range
Cons
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Only two positions
RUNNER UP
Adjustable NNEWVANTE Back Support Chair
Another multipurpose floor chair, the NNEWVANTE Adjustable Back Support Chair is ideal for meditation.
Adjustable to five different angles, ranging from 90° to 180°, this chair allows you to sit up straight or recline as far as you like.
The backrest is specially designed to allow you to arch your back slightly, relieving some of the spinal stress that can come with meditation. The design is also intended specifically to minimize cervical pain.
The sturdy alloy steel frame is padded with high-density foam for guaranteed comfort. Additionally, the chair is easily foldable and portable, folding up at 180° to a size of 30 x 18.9 x 3 inches, so you can take it with you anywhere!
If you like to be close to nature during your meditation, this chair will suit you, as the base is waterproof meaning it is safe for use outside. The stunning blue cover is removable and made of velvet, giving the chair a soft and luxurious feel.
Pros
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Adjustable backrest
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Foldable
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Waterproof base
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Designed to relieve back pain
Cons
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No handle for carrying
Best Meditation Chair with Back Support Buying Guide
If you practice meditation, it’s likely to be an important part of your day. In the modern world, taking time to focus on your mind and body is more crucial than ever for your physical and mental health.
Choosing a meditation chair that’s perfectly suited to you is the first step to ensuring a comfortable, stress-free meditation experience and increasing the benefits to your health.
That’s why we’ve put together this buyers guide of thighs to consider to help you choose the right meditation chair for your personal needs.
Back Support
All of the meditation chairs featured above are built with backrests for additional back support. However, one type of backrest might suit you better than another.
For example, if you suffer from more severe back pain, you may wish to choose a meditation chair with a curved backrest specifically designed for minimizing pain, or with a detachable meditation block for extra lower back support.
You may also wish to purchase a chair with an adjustable backrest so that you can adapt the chair to your preferred position. The more angles the chair can adjust to, the more flexibility and comfort you will have.
Foldability and Portability
One potential complication of purchasing a meditation chair with back support is that a backrest takes up extra space. For this reason, you might want to choose a meditation chair that is foldable for ease of storage and portability. This is especially important if you anticipate taking your meditation chair with you on holiday or to meditation retreats.
If you’re going to need to carry your meditation chair around, it’s wise to select a product with a handle or strap to make this process easier. A lightweight chair will be the best choice for portability, so make sure you check the weight and dimensions of your chair before you buy.
Weight and Height Limitations
Choosing the perfect meditation chair for yourself means ensuring it is compatible with your body. Some meditation chairs have height or weight restrictions, so before you settle on a product, check the specifications to make sure it is suitable for supporting your height and weight.
Water resistance
Many people like to do their meditation outside to help them to feel calm and connected to nature. If you’re one of these people, it’s a good idea to select a meditation chair with a waterproof base to reduce the risk of damage from rain, dirt or dew on the ground.
Water resistance is also an important feature for any bags provided with your chair for transportation purposes, as you don’t want your chair getting wet between locations.
Cleaning
When choosing your perfect, supportive meditation chair, you’ll also want to consider how you’ll clean it should the need arise. The best way to ensure an easy and stress-free cleaning process is to choose a chair with a removable cover. Most of the meditation chairs reviewed above feature removable covers.
Also, be sure to check the washing instructions of your chair cover (eg. whether it is machine-washable or hand-wash only) so you know how best to maintain its texture and appearance once it arrives.
Style
Like any other piece of furniture, you’ll want to make sure the meditation chair you choose fits aesthetically with both your home and your style. You’ll hopefully be spending a lot of time meditating in this chair, so while comfort and practicality are the most important things, your chair will also ideally be pleasing for you to look at.
Luckily, with the practice of meditation gaining popularity and recognition around the world, you shouldn’t struggle to find a meditation chair that you like the look of.
There are so many materials to choose from (cotton, velvet, leather and vegan leather, just to name a few), as well as an endless array of color schemes and structures, so be sure to take this into consideration.
Additional Features
Some meditation chairs come with additional features which can positively add to your meditation experience.
A detachable zafu, for example, is an excellent additional feature, perfect for those wishing to increase their comfort level during meditation, and especially useful for anyone suffering from leg and hip pain as it helps to keep these parts of your body in alignment.
A complimentary bag can also be a useful addition in lieu of an attachable strap or handle.
If you’re new to meditation, a meditation chair that includes a meditation guide with your purchase can be a great investment.
Whatever your needs, there are many meditation chairs that come with a variety of additional features to enhance your meditation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a meditation chair?
If you’re still a little confused about what exactly a meditation chair is, it’s essentially a chair that facilitates the practice of meditation by helping the meditator to maintain their posture.
There is no one specific structure for a meditation chair. The only requirement is that it provides support from underneath, usually with a cushioned seat and, ideally, also supports you from behind with some form of backrest.
Many meditation chairs also function as gaming or camping chairs, whilst others are specifically designed with the activity of meditation in mind.
Should I meditate on a chair?
The image most people have in their heads when they think about meditation is of a person sitting cross-legged on the floor in the lotus position. This is certainly a popular meditation position, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only or even the best way to meditate.
Ultimately, meditation is about reducing stress, releasing tension from your body and practicing mindfulness. If sitting in a chair helps you to do all of these things (i.e. by reducing the distraction of back pain or by helping to take some pressure off your spine) then you absolutely can – and should – do so.
Can I meditate lying down?
If lying down is how you feel most comfortable meditating, then absolutely! In fact, many people use meditation to promote relaxation, counteract insomnia, and help them fall asleep.
If you think lying down or reclining during meditation could help you, check the adjustability of your meditation chair before you buy.
Many chairs, like some of the options featured above, will facilitate this by allowing you to recline to a certain angle, with some even folding down to a flat 180°.
Is a meditation chair with back support worth the money?
A meditation chair with back support is an excellent investment for your mental and physical wellbeing. By guiding your spine into the correct position and providing support during your meditation, the chair will not only improve your posture but also minimize distractions such as spinal discomfort and having to correct your posture, leaving you free to relax, focus, and get the best out of your meditation.
There are plenty of reasonably priced meditation chairs on the market, so you can invest in your comfort and self-care without breaking the bank.
How should I clean my meditation chair?
Many meditation chairs have removable, machine-washable covers, making cleaning them an easy task. Always read the instructions that come with your chair to make sure you are cleaning it correctly as incorrect cleaning processes can damage or shrink the fabric of your chair cover.
Cleaning instructions will vary according to the fabric of the chair cover and whether or not it is removable. The majority of meditation chairs will come with some form of instruction regarding the cleaning process.
If, for whatever reason, you do not have such instructions to hand and are worried about ruining your chair cover, there are a couple of things you can do.
Your best bet is to research the type of fabric your chair cover is made of to find the recommended cleaning method. If still in doubt, use cool water and, if necessary, gentle soap and a soft-bristled brush to gently spot clean.