Humanscale Saddle Stool | Ergonomic Active Seating by Niels Diffrient

$360.00 Sale Save $198.00
Style Saddle
Fabric Color Black (Woven Corde4)
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Need a hand? Call/Text: 816-360-9320

*Standard lead time: Made to order and typically ships in 2–4 weeks.

The Humanscale Saddle Stool lowers your thighs, opens your hips, and puts your spine in its natural S-curve — without a backrest telling it what to do. Designed by Niels Diffrient. Two sizes: full Saddle and compact Pony. Standard or tall cylinder for sit-stand desks and elevated worksurfaces.

If you've spent another day in a traditional office chair wondering why your hips feel like they've clocked out early, this is the fix.

Designed by Niels Diffrient — whose 60 years of posture research underpin most of Humanscale's seating line — the Saddle Stool uses a triangular cushion that drops your thighs below hip level, opening the hip angle and letting your lumbar spine settle into its natural curve. No levers. No lumbar pad to argue with. Your body does the work; the stool gets out of the way.

Two sizes: the full Saddle for a wider seat area and maximum ergonomic benefit, the Pony for smaller workstations or users who prefer a narrower profile. Standard cylinder for standard desk heights, tall cylinder (with foot ring) for sit-stand desks, labs, and elevated surfaces.

Upholstery in Woven Corde4 (Black, Parma Red, Peacock) or Polyurethane Lotus (Black, White) — Lotus is wipe-clean and disinfectant-friendly, making it the call for labs and clinical spaces.

31.8% recycled content. Red List Free. Planet Positive certified.

KCOD delivers and installs in Kansas City. 816-360-9320.

Key Features

  • Designed by Niels Diffrient — 60 years of posture research in the design heritage
  • Triangular saddle cushion — lowers thighs, opens hips, promotes natural S-curve spine alignment
  • Two sizes: full Saddle (22" wide) and Pony (16" wide) — same ergonomic benefit, different footprint
  • Standard cylinder (no foot ring) or tall cylinder (foot ring included) for elevated surfaces
  • 300 lb weight capacity
  • Lotus upholstery option — wipe-clean and disinfectant-friendly for labs and clinical environments
  • 31.8% recycled content — Red List Free, Declare Label, Planet Positive certified
  • No backrest required — saddle geometry supports upright posture naturally
  • Quick tool-free assembly

Specifications

Designer: Niels Diffrient
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Chair Weight: 14 lbs
Stackable: No
Recline: None

Saddle
Seat Width: 22"
Base Diameter: 22"
Seat Height (standard cylinder): 17.3"–22.1"

Pony Saddle
Seat Width: 16"
Base Diameter: 22"
Seat Height (standard cylinder): 17.3"–22.1"

Cylinder Options
Standard 5" — no foot ring — seat height ranges above
Tall 8" — foot ring included — for sit-stand desks and elevated surfaces

Frame Finish: Graphite
Country of Origin: USA
Assembly: Tool-free

Upholstery Options
Woven Corde4: Black, Parma Red, Peacock
Polyurethane Lotus: Black, White (wipe-clean, disinfectant-safe)

Recycled Content: 31.8% (8.6% post-consumer, 23.2% pre-consumer)
Certifications: Red List Free, Declare Label, Planet Positive

Environmental Impact (per unit)
2 kg CO2e net benefit | 7 gallons water-positive | 9 kWh energy benefit

• Swivel seat; no recline
• Upholstery designed for commercial environments
Country of Origin: USA
• Overall Mobility: Multi-surface casters
• Use Cases: Sit–stand desks, labs, medical environments, design studios, compact offices
• Assembly: Quick, tool-free

Why Choose This Stool

Open-hip posture that feels amazing — The saddle shape naturally aligns your spine and reduces pressure on your lower back, making long work sessions feel less like a full-contact sport.

Perfect for sit–stand desks — Slide in, slide out, glide around — this stool is basically the standing desk’s best friend.

Small footprint, big ergonomics — Ideal for tight spaces, mobile workstations, labs, health environments, or anywhere chairs get in the way.

Short adjustment period, long-term comfort — A few days of light use and your body embraces the new posture. After that, traditional chairs feel… flat.

Humanscale quality — Built for serious daily use with premium materials, smooth height adjustment, and a base that feels rock solid.

Graphite done right — We offer it in Humanscale’s most enduring, design-forward finish — a timeless neutral that plays nicely with nearly every palette.

Looking for related pieces?

Pair it with a height-adjustable desk from our Sit/Stand Collection.

Need something with a backrest? Explore our Ergonomic Seating lineup.

Want a compact task chair instead of a saddle? Check out Small-Space Seating.

WARRANTY & CARE

Humanscale Warranty

• 15-year warranty on structural components, mechanisms, and cylinder
• 5-year warranty on textiles and seat cushions

Care Instructions
• Corde 4: Vacuum regularly; spot clean with mild soap and water
• Lotus: Wipeable, disinfectant-friendly; ideal for sensitive environments
• Frames: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners

Standard lead time: Made to order and typically ships in 2–4 weeks.

Every item is made to order based on your configuration and ships directly from the manufacturer. Because of this custom production process, this product is final sale once the order is placed.

We currently cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or P.O. Boxes.

Shipping Method (Chairs + Small Items)
Orders of 1–2 chairs typically ship via standard parcel (UPS/FedEx). Orders of 3+ chairs typically ship via LTL freight.

Shipping Method (Desks, Tables + Large Items)
Desks, tables, and larger/heavier items typically ship via LTL freight.

Freight Delivery (LTL) Expectations
Freight deliveries are curbside. An adult must be present to receive the delivery and assist with unloading. Liftgate, call-ahead, and inside delivery aren’t included unless requested (and may add cost).

Delivery Timing
Delivery timelines may vary based on the items in your order. For the most accurate estimate, please refer to the shipping details shown at checkout.

Residential + Limited Access Deliveries
If your delivery location is residential or doesn’t have a dock/forklift, we’ll reach out to confirm the best delivery method. If needed, we can arrange liftgate or inside delivery for an additional charge.

Kansas City Area
For local Kansas City customers, white-glove delivery and installation are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — once your body adjusts to the open-hip posture, many users find it more comfortable than a traditional chair. We recommend alternating between sitting, perching, and standing for best long-term comfort.

WHAT PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT IT

“The saddle shape opens your hips and instantly takes pressure off your lower back.”

“Pairs perfectly with a sit–stand desk — you glide in and out without breaking focus.”

“After the short adjustment period, it becomes the most natural seat in the workspace.”

“Compact footprint, premium feel — easy to move, stylish enough for any modern office.”