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Introducing: Varier

Step into the world of our newest member, Varier, where sitting takes on a whole new meaning.

Good design doesn’t stand still – and neither should you! Meet our newest addition Varier, the Norwegian brand that makes movement part of every seat.

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE is a well-known saying that also resonates with our latest arrival, Norwegian furniture brand Varier. Guided by the idea that the human body is meant to move, Varier creates chairs that are designed to support natural movement and adapt to you, not the other way around.

So forget stiff seating positions and discover chairs that invite you to sit, sway, and stretch your way!

Varier's collection features several iconic designs from the 1970s and '80s, including the striking Ekstrem lounge chair by Terje Ekstrøm.

The chairs challenged the conventions of their time by rethinking the traditions of Scandinavian design and introducing a new approach to sitting.

A perfect example is Varier’s vibrant Ekstrem lounge chair that isn’t just an ordinary chair: it’s a conversation starter, a design rebel, and an icon of Norwegian creativity with a bold personality to match. Designed by Terje Ekstrøm in 1984, the playful lounge chair challenges conventions with its sculptural, peculiar form.

More than a seat, Ekstrem invites movement and experimentation. Sit straight, sideways, or swing your legs over the arms – there’s no one way to enjoy it! When sitting in this chair, rules are made to be broken.

The Ekstrem chair invites you to settle in, no matter the position.

The lounge chair features a durable steel frame.

The steel frame is padded with foam and upholstered in a vibrant wool fabric.

The Ekstrem chair features a sturdy steel frame padded with soft foam for lasting comfort. The foam is wrapped in a breathable wool upholstery that’s as cozy as it is comfortable, perfect for lounging any way you like.

The Variable kneeling chair offers an ergonomic alternative to the traditional office chair.

The chair’s curved wooden runners allow gentle rocking and dynamic sitting throughout the day.

Varier’s most iconic design was designed by Peter Opsvik, whose groundbreaking Variable kneeling chair has been redefining the way we sit since 1979. As the world’s first kneeling chair, Variable encourages a naturally upright posture with its forward-tilting seat that offers ergonomic comfort at both home and office workstations.

Opsvik also created another Varier favorite: Multi, a versatile kneeling chair that adapts to your needs with four different seat angles. The chair's adjustable height makes it easy to find the perfect position, even one that closely resembles standing.

The Multi kneeling chair features a sturdy beech wood frame. The seat is upholstered in premium Kvadrat fabric.

The seat angle can be adjusted to four different positions.

The chair folds flat for easy storage and portability in smaller spaces.

The kneeling chair offers an ergonomic and easily adaptable alternative to a traditional office chair, whether at home or at work. The chair also fits seamlessly into any space where an active, relaxed, and versatile seating option is needed.

See also:

All products by Varier >
What's new at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Johanne Nyborg Models: Maria BrinchSunniva Hartgen

Published on 14 Jul, 2025

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Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.