

While some of the other office chairs we tested merely offer adjustable seat heights and backrest angles, nearly every aspect of the Series 1 can be adjusted.

This is where the Series 1 really shines. The backrest, which has what Steelcase refers to as “Integrated Liveback Technology,” might not look as structured as some of the heavily padded backrests on the market, but it outperformed the cushioned backrests because it moves with you as you work and shift positions.Īs we learned throughout the chair testing process, backrest and seat comfort are negligible if a chair doesn’t allow you to customize it to fit your specific body. The mesh backrest was both flexible and supportive throughout the testing period. While we were initially concerned that the thick, plastic lumbar adjustment would feel stiff, it wasn’t an issue. After three days of sitting in the chair, we felt the seat had the perfect balance of cushiness and firmness (further long-term testing over the past year further supports this). We’re happy to report that with the Series 1, Steelcase marries function to that beautiful form. When compared with the other products we tested, which sometimes had sharp angles, oddly elongated backrests and unnecessarily large armrests, we found the Series 1 to be one of the better-looking office chairs in our pool.īut when it comes to chairs, it’s more important that they’re easy on your back than on your eyes. While all three of the Steelcase chairs received high marks in our testing pool, the Series 1, Steelcase’s most affordable option, blends exceptional comfort and value better than any chair we tested.Īt first glance, the mesh chair’s aesthetic is unassuming, with simple, clean lines and a compact size. After spending nine workdays testing three different Steelcase models, we feel safe in saying Steelcase knows what it’s talking about. The basics: It should “flex with you - helping you change postures while you sit fit the natural contour of your back move as you do,” while also allowing your arms to stay straight on your desk and your eyes level with your screen while you recline.

On its website, Steelcase offers a good deal of information about what makes a quality office chair. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
