Meditation Stools

Emily Hilton Interior Design Expert

Emily is a young, talented designer, whose professional interests gravitate towards kitchen and dining spaces. She prides herself on her attention to detail, obsession with functionality, and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Updated 04/05/2021

Common in Buddhist culture, a meditation stool is a way to find enlightenment without your legs falling asleep. They are always made of high-quality materials so they will last an incredibly long time, usually the lifetime of the person using it. Seeking enlightenment doesn't necessarily require a stool but it certainly doesn't hurt. Take a look at our collection of meditation stools and find your center.

Buying Guide

Meditation is an ancient practice that has been rediscovered by the modern world. It's a big help for relaxation and relieving stress. Since meditation practice requires you to sit for a good amount of time, comfort and support are paramount. After all, it would require extra effort if you are not in a comfortable position.

For many, a meditation stool is a perfect companion. Keep in mind that meditation stools come in many varieties. If you are not sure what to look for, you'll likely end up confused. To help you with that, this article is going to be a buying guide for meditation stools.

What types of meditation stools are there?

There are three basic categories for meditation stools including the standard, folding, and toadstool.

The standard comes with a platform and two supporting legs. It's the basic type, and it's straightforward to use.
The folding meditation stool is similar to the standard except the legs can collapse. This allows the meditation stool to have a thinner profile when folded, making it easier to store and more portable. It's an excellent choice if you are fond of going to a different place to meditate.
The toadstool has a different look as it comes with a platform and only one supporting leg. It's an excellent choice if your preferred meditation position is kneeling.

What are meditation stool cushions filled with?

When choosing a cushion for your meditation stool, the most significant factor to consider is the filling. Below are some of the popular meditation stool cushion fillings:

Buckwheat Hulls - For many experienced practitioners, this type of filling is perhaps the most popular. As the name suggests, the filling comes from the hull of a buckwheat grain. The reason why it's prevalent is it features a distinct feel. It's as if you are sitting on sand. The filling also allows the cushion to conform to the shape of your body. However, it may be a bit firm compared to other types of fillings for meditation stools.
Kapok Fiber - This type of filling is a bit firmer than buckwheat hulls. Nevertheless, it's a natural fiber, it’s mildew resistant, mold resistant, and hypoallergenic. On the downside, Kapok fiber tends to compress over time.
Wool - This type of filling does not compress, and it's also lightweight. It's durable while being comfortable. Since it's softer, it may allow for blood to flow even as you sit and meditate. However, some practitioners find wool as too soft.
Cotton - A filling that is perhaps the most economical choice. It's also soft and comfortable. On the downside, it's not a very environmentally friendly material. It also clumps and flattens after a while.
Inflatable - This type of cushion requires air. You can either blow the air in or use a pump. This type of cushion has the advantage of being very portable.