Variable™ balans® black wood base
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Variable´s unique design and functionality makes it an icon that is instantly recognizable. First introduced at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair in Copenhagen in 1979, Variable was one of the first prototypes derived from the balans concept. Ever since then, Variable has continued to deliver an unparalleled sitting experience.
As the name Variable indicates, the chair allows variation, where the kneeling posture is one of many. The chair encourages subtle movements – shifting between positions and finding the ideal balance point for your body. Curved runners allow for gentle rocking motions, while a tilted seat enables an open hip angle. The two cushions beneath the seat can be used to rest your shins, one foot, both or neither by placing your feet on the ground between them. Turn all the way around or sit sideways if you please, with Variable there is no right or wrong.
Dimensions: W 20.4" / D 28.3" / H 20" / 11.94 lb.
- Flexible runners offer increased movement
- Kneepads to keep from sliding and to rest feet in back positions
- Compact
- Suitable for children and adults
- Follows natural body movement
- Promotes natural, upright posture
- Prevents tension in neck and shoulders
- Strengthens core and abdominal muscles
- Enhances deep breathing
- Improves concentration through increased blood circulation and oxygen supply
- Energizes and combats tiredness
- Reduces pressure on vertebral discs
The first chair to successfully challenge conventional sitting habits, Variable balans set new standards in chair design and functionality when it came to market in 1979. Designed by Peter Opsvik, Variable balans inspires movement. It’s the iconic kneeling chair.
Variable´s unique design and functionality makes it an icon that is instantly recognizable. First introduced at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair in Copenhagen in 1979, Variable was one of the first prototypes derived from the balans concept. Ever since then, Variable has continued to deliver an unparalleled sitting experience.
As the name Variable indicates, the chair allows variation, where the kneeling posture is one of many. The chair encourages subtle movements – shifting between positions and finding the ideal balance point for your body. Curved runners allow for gentle rocking motions, while a tilted seat enables an open hip angle. The two cushions beneath the seat can be used to rest your shins, one foot, both or neither by placing your feet on the ground between them. Turn all the way around or sit sideways if you please, with Variable there is no right or wrong.
How to sit on a Variable Balans?
It is important that most of the weight is on your hips and only about 10-15% is on your shins. Also, your kneecaps should not be touching the padding. This will help your back be more aligned and help you feel more balanced on the runners.
Supplementing with the optional backrest, adds to the range of possible sitting positions, allowing you to lean back and stretch out. Designed as an open construction, free of mechanical adjustment parts, Variable is light weight and can easily be moved around. When you’re done for the day, simply place the chair on the edge of your tabletop, keeping it off the floor and out of the way.
Variable is available in a natural or black finish, and a wide range of upholstery fabrics and colors. The wooden runners are made from layers of beech and ash plywood, which are laminated and given their characteristic shape through the application of heat and pressure. This traditional wood-working technique
allows for extreme shapes that endure continuous pressure. Enabling us to craft functional furniture based on creative designs, without the constraints warranted when using solid wood. All wooden parts are flexible and strong, ensuring a sitting experience that is never static.
Weight limit for the Variable Balans
The weight limit as far as warranty/defects are concerned is 240 pounds. (Another option is the Thatsit, which has a weight limit of 300 pounds)
Waranty for the Variable Balans
We are proud of our products and stand by all of them with a 7-year warranty against fabrication faults on the wooden parts, and 5-year warranty against fabrication faults on the mechanism. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your order, you can return it within 30 days. We do recommend however that you try it for at least 2 weeks, as it can take a bit to get used to.
A Norwegian industrial designer, Opsvik questioned the notion that there is just one correct sitting posture. Unlike his peers, Opsvik believed that our body intuitively seeks the ideal sitting position—the next position is always the best—and it’s this freedom of movement that defines Opsvik’s designs.
Designer: Peter Opsvik
The seat gently tilts the pelvis forward and encourages a natural, dynamic and upright spine. The muscles in the abdomen and back engage to keep the spine upright and the body balanced, which strengthens core muscles and prevents back and shoulder tension. The angle between the upper and lower body increases, greatly improving circulation. As the body moves from an active to a relaxed posture, the flexible runners respond with a gentle pendular motion. An optional backrest provides further support, if necessary.
RETHINKING MATERIAL
Varier maintains a commitment to a healthy lifestyle not only for our customers but also for our planet. Revive, one of our newest fabrics, is responsibly manufactured from post-consumer recycled polyester (PET) and is specially created with a focus on reducing the environmental impact both in production and natural resources. Not only does the PET come from used plastic bottles, but the production process behind Revive is much more efficient than for new polyester. Less energy and chemicals are used, while CO2 emissions are minimized. “We are all concerned about sustainability. So the thought that a recycled object can become a new textile on a chair is hugely satisfying for a designer.” – Georgina Wright, Revive Designer
Please contact us for special orders, color variations, and availability.
