Better focus is within reach in an expert-approved ADHD chair.
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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 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
Because this chair lacks an armrest, some people can sit cross-legged. There is also a 360-degree swivel and just the right dimensions for adult and teen use. 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.
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.
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. Simple to assemble 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.
The Pukami Armless Office Desk Chair is a great ADHD chair for offices. This chair has a lot going for it, and not just the millions of adoring TikTok users who call it, "amazing." Not only does it swivel, but it also doesn’t have armrests, making cross-legged positions more comfortable.
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.
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.
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."
If you’re looking to invest in a luxury ADHD chair, the Sleekform Austin Kneeling Chair is worth considering. It is a bit of a splurge, but we think it's worth every penny. With a cool design, it will have visitors to your home or office asking, “What is that chair?”
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."
Experts:
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Amanda Lauren is an interior designer, lifestyle expert, content creator and media consultant with over a decade of experience. In addition to Today’s Parent, she contributes to Forbes, Real Simple, and Yahoo among other publications. Amanda is based in Los Angeles and East Hampton.
After experiencing a miscarriage, three IUI procedures and two and a half rounds of IVF, Amanda naturally conceived her daughter, Carlin, who was born in April 2023. As a working mom, she embraces the challenge of balancing it all, sharing tips, tricks, ideas and products that make life easier.
A strong advocate for a non-toxic, aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, Amanda enjoys sharing her favourite finds and educating parents on the importance of “better-for-you” products.