Ergonomics

Owl-Shaped, For Human Bodies

Every curve, angle, and surface of the Owl Stool was shaped with one purpose: to make sitting better for your body. Our products deliver on that promise—supporting your spine, relieving sitting pressure, and holding up through the long hours of a working life.

The Design

One Stool. One Idea. Better Sitting.

Our human-focused design began with a single stool, shaped by hand until it felt just right. Inspired by how people adapt to their environment, our ergonomic design is built around the idea that furniture should enhance your experience—not just occupy space. The result is a patented design that supports the spine naturally, quietly, and effectively.

The Science

Designed by Intuition. Validated by Science.

In 2013, Owl Furniture received a grant from the Maine Technology Institute to fund an analytical study by US Ergonomics, putting the design to the test and confirming what years of intuitive shaping had already suggested.

  • The Problem

    On a conventional flat seat, pressure on the ischial tuberosities—the sit bones—causes most people to tip the pelvis back to find relief. The result: slouch, strain, and eventually pain in the lower spine. 

  • The Findings

    The study measured pressure distribution between a traditional flat seat and the Owl Stool. The study concluded that our designs significantly reduced peak pressure at the sit bones compared to conventional seating.

  • The Evidence

    The Owl seat’s patented curves create room for the sit bones, eliminating the urge to slouch and keeping the spine naturally aligned. The hole spacing proved to be effective across both male and female subjects.

The Seat

Two Approaches to Better Sitting

The Classic and Pro seat are two expressions of the same patented ergonomic design, each shaped to suit your distinct posture and style of work. Find the seat that suits you.

  • Classic Owl Seat

    • 4° forward tilt
    • Contoured hip and leg support 
    • Postural support holes 
    • Relaxed and passive

    The Classic seat features up-sloped sides and a concaved front support system that cradles the pelvis at the optimal angle for proper spinal alignment. A 4° forward tilting angle distributes weight evenly across the hips and legs, while postural support holes ease spine tension and relieve sitting pressure during long hours of use. This is best suited for those who sit passively, straight and tall.

  • Pro Owl Seat

    • 5° forward tilt
    • Greater range of leg motion 
    • Postural support holes 
    • Active and forward-leaning

    The Pro seat features rounded front corners and a 5° forward pitch that encourages a more active, forward sitting posture. The leveled outer corners allow a greater range of leg motion, making it well-suited for dynamic work environments. Postural support holes ease spine tension and relieve sitting pressure, consistent with the same ergonomic standard as the Classic seat.

Backed by Professionals

  • "Don't think stool. This is an ergonomically designed, doctor-evaluated postural support, which eases both spine tension and sitting pressures. An aesthetic balance has been struck between beautiful form and healthy spinal support."

    — Dr. Micahel W. Aker, Wellness Chiropractic, Blue Hill, Maine

  • "For the seated worker who wants to keep healthy tone and movement in the pelvis and spine, the Owl Stool supports a healthy ‘neutral’ for the pelvis in sitting. 'Sitting is the new smoking’ as the wags have it –  but many of us cannot avoid a lot of sitting time in our lives. If you have to sit, try an Owl Stool."

    — Tom MyersDirector, Anatomy Trains, Dynamic Education for Body-Minded Professionals

  • CRAFTED for COMFORT

  • CRAFTED for COMFORT

  • CRAFTED for COMFORT

  • CRAFTED for COMFORT

  • CRAFTED for COMFORT