Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair Review

Finding the right office chair isn’t easy. Whether you’re a student or working professional, you’re likely a high achiever who wants to get more out of their day. That means sitting more comfortably or being more productive during your working hours. 

From your research online, you may have heard of the Steelcase Series 1. Despite its minimalistic design, it packs a lot of innovative features that will help ensure proper posture support, reduce pain, and boost productivity. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Steelcase Series 1, who it is for, and other Steelcase alternatives you can choose from. 

About Steelcase Office Chairs

Steelcase is the largest office manufacturer globally and has manufactured some of the most popular chairs in the market, such as Steelcase Leap, Gesture,  Karman, Amia, Series 1, Series 2, and Think. Many of their chairs are on the pricier side compared to other office chair brands. However, their durability is top-notch, and their ergonomic features let you sit for long hours without feeling any pain. 

Their chairs are best known for it’s an adaptive approach to office chair design. Most traditional office chairs take a basic 2D approach to adjustments. For example, you can only adjust the armrests, back angle, seat height, etc. Steelcase office chairs use internal mechanisms inside the seat cushion and backrest that adapt to micromovements in your body. As you fidget or move your body in the seat, the chair will bend or flex to ensure you’re always supported.  

Steelcase Series 1 Highlights:

The Steelcase Series 1 is an all-around office chair that distills many essential ergonomic features that Steelcase chairs are known for at a compact and affordable price. Below are some of the highlights of what we like and don’t like about this model. 

What We Liked

• Adjustable seat pan ensures users of different heights are properly supported 
• LiveBack technology conforms to your movements and spinal shape to promote active sitting and prevents back pain 
• 4D adjustable arms prevent shoulder and neck strain while also keeping arms parallel to desk height 
• Air pockets under the seat cushion enhance comfort while relieving pressure in your hips and buttocks 
• Many upholstery colors to choose from to match the interior design of your workspace 

What We Didn’t Like

•  The chair ships unassembled 
•  Only able to adjust the height of the lumbar support, not the amount of support it offers 

Steelcase Series 1 Review: Specifications & Features

• LiveBack flexor system mimics and adapts to your body’s movements to support your spine as you change positions 
• Height-adjustable lumbar support allows you to fit it into the curvature of your spine 
• 4D adjustable armrests let you raise the arms up and down, side to side, forward and back, and pivot in and out 
• Weight-activated tilt mechanism automatically adjusts the tension and resistance as you recline 
• Pliable seat foam with air pockets eliminates pressure and conforms to your body 
• The synchro-tilt mechanism ensures the backrest and seat work in harmony so that the seat raises 1 degree for every 2 degrees the back reclines. 

Dimensions	23.75 x 27 x 41.25 inches
Product Weight	37.3 pounds
Material	Textile
Weight Capacity	300 pounds

Steelcase Series 1 Review: Our Insights

The Steelcase Series 1 has the look and feel of a high-end chair. They are constructed with meticulous detail from top to bottom. Here are some of the insights we’ve gathered from evaluating the chair. 

Build Quality

The Steelcase Leap Series 1 has a lightweight and slim profile that supports up to 300 pounds. Its frame and base are sturdy to ensure users feel stable and secure during seating. However, it is made with a plastic frame and base. But surprisingly, we haven’t seen many complaints about build-quality issues such as any wear and tear of the chair. 

Typically BIFMA testing standards only require 20 tests for office chairs. However, Steelcase went a step further with Series 1 by performing over 80 tests at higher weight capacities. This means that it offers extremely high-quality standards to ensure safety and optimal performance for users. 

Ergonomics

Steelcase Series 1 has plenty of high-end ergonomic features to keep you comfortable and productive. Its signature feature is the LiveBack technology. These are independent flexors that bend and flex as you move throughout the day. 

This encourages your body to move, thus providing healthy blood circulation. More blood flow circulating throughout your body helps to increase focus and reduce pain. The LiveBack flexor system will support you as you change postures while you sit. Consequently, it provides your spine with the reinforcement that it needs to keep your spine in alignment. 

Another standout ergonomic feature is the innovative synchro-tilt mechanism. The seat and back work in harmony as you recline. Typically, it can be difficult to work or remain in a healthy posture as you recline with traditional office chairs. That’s because it becomes harder to see and reach your desk. 

With the synchro-tilt mechanisms, the seat tilts by one degree for every two degrees that the backrest reclines. This ensures that the thighs remain parallel to the floor and the hips remain in a healthy alignment. As a result, you can recline comfortably without leaving your optimal zone for reaching and seeing your work. 

Adjustability

Steelcase Series 1 comes with a wide range of adjustments that allow users to customize their seating experience. Also, the chair comes with a convenient adjustment guide that shows you how to adjust the seat to your liking. 

Height Adjustment

Every office chair should include a seat height adjustment. Steelcase Series 1 allows you to adjust the seat height. Simply lift or pull the lever below your seat to raise or lower your seat. This ensures that your seat is planted on the floor while maintaining eye level with the display monitor. Users can adjust the seat height between 16.5 to 21.5 inches. 

Backrest Adjustment

The Steelcase Series 1 has one control to adjust both the back recline and the back tension. Simply turn the comfort dial, and it will click at each setting. This dial lets you set the back angle allowing you to stay upright or recline back. As you recline back, the tension further decreases in your spine and lower back. As a result, reclining is helpful to reduce lower back pain and other health conditions like Scoliosis. Furthermore, you can adjust the tension, meaning how much force is needed to recline. 

Armrests

While sitting, your arms should rest naturally from the shoulders to reduce pressure and strain from your spine. Having your arms at the same height as your workstation allows your arms to rest naturally. This prevents straining your wrist and reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

To adjust the armrest height, squeeze the button under the arm cap by lifting or lowering the armrest. You can adjust the arm width, pivot, and depth by grasping the arm caps and sliding them. You can slide the armrests in or out, forward or back, and side to side. The proper arm positioning is when you sit with your arms at your side, your forearm parallel to the ground without your shoulders being hunched. 

Seat Pan Depth Adjustment

The adjustable seat pan accommodates different leg lengths to reduce pressure behind the knees and provide better lower back and leg support. This prevents cutting off circulation at the knees or needing to slide back in your chair to reach the backrest. 

To adjust the seat depth, first release your weight off the chair. Then pull the handle under the seat pan and slide the seat forward or back. You’ll know when the seat depth is properly adjusted when you sit with your lower back against the backrest. In addition, there should be two or three inches of space between the seat edge and the back of your knees. 

Lumbar Adjustment

The adjustable lumbar provides additional support to your lower back. When sitting upright, your spine has a curve in the lower back. This lumbar support fills the gap between the chair and the curve in the lower back, thus preventing poor posture. 

To adjust the lumbar, lean forward slightly and slide the back handle up or down. It should feel comfortable and keep your posture upright. Unfortunately, the Steelcase Series 1 doesn’t have a depth adjustment for the lumbar support, meaning you can’t control the firmness or amount of support you receive. 

Comfort (Seat, Back, and Arm)

Comfort is an important ingredient in choosing the right chair for your needs. If the seat or backrest is too hard, it can cause pressure build-up and pain throughout your body. Also, if the chair isn’t supportive enough, that could compromise your posture. 

The seat features a strong yet pliable foam with air pockets underneath the foam. This adaptive bolstering seat is cored in specific areas enabling more compression in certain areas. The foam better adapts to the users, size, shape, and movements, eliminating pressure for maximum comfort.  

Sitting in a warm seat can be extremely uncomfortable. That’s why Series 1 features a 3D micro-knit upholstery on the seat and back that is soft to the touch. However, it has tiny pockets of holes that allow air to pass through the chair to keep you cool and ventilated. The adjustable lumbar support helps keep your posture upright and prevents you from hunching over, thus eliminating lower back pain. 

The armrests have a soft cap that reduces pressure in your forearms and elbows. In addition, the wide range of adjustments lets you comfortably rest your arms in a position that is conducive to working. Keeping your arms relaxed and parallel to the desk lets you work on your computer comfortably without needing to strain your wrist, shoulder, or neck. 

Value

Considering the Series 1 is much more affordable than its other chairs while still maintaining many of the ergonomic features, it’s one of the best-valued chairs in the market. Series 1 appeals to the consumer’s wallet while still providing high-end adjustable options. This chair is best suited for consumers with limited floor space but want to maximize adjustability and comfort. 

Steelcase Series 1 Review: Policies and Additional Info

Now that you know all the features of the chair, you should also be aware of the logistics of buying the chair. Oftentimes, customers may purchase an office chair only to be disappointed that they can’t return or receive any warranty for the item. Luckily, Steelcase offers very generous shipping, assembly, warranty, and return policies for its customers. 

Shipping

Typically, the product ships within 3 to 5 business days, which is quite standard among chair manufacturers. They’ll deliver straight to your specified address. Since the product weighs below 150 pounds, they use FedEx Ground to ship to regions in the United States. Different shipping carriers will be used for other countries. 

Users may choose to receive professional installation. If this option is selected, a delivery agency will come to the designated location to unload, assemble and arrange the chair for you. In addition, they’ll help to remove and eliminate all the packaging materials for you. Steelcase utilizes trusted third-party installers in your local area to perform these installation services. As a result, it may take an additional 3 to 5 days if you choose this option. This allows the local installer to take the receipt of the chair and schedule a delivery appointment to your location. 

Assembly

Some high-end office chairs come pre-assembled; however, the Steelcase 1 does require assembly. However, the advantage is that this minimizes the risk of damage during shipment. Luckily, the assembly process is quite simple, and the chair comes with an easy-to-follow picture assembly guide to follow. 

1. Start with the five-star base and attach the vertical gas lift cylinder to it. 
2. Twist and lock the swivel tilt control seat mechanism onto the gas lift cylinder. 
3. Slide the seat pan cushion on top of the swivel tilt control mechanism. 
4. Lock the backrest into the bracket of the swivel tilt control mechanism. 
5. On the backrest, there is an armrest holder on each slide. Slide each armrest into these holes to complete the assembly process.

If done properly, the assembly can take you a few minutes to complete. 

Warranty

Most office chair manufacturers offer between a one-year to five-year warranty. Steelcase offers an impressive 12-year warranty on their office chairs, including the Series 1. Under their warranty, they will replace or repair the component or part that fails under normal use free of charge. ‘

For the Steelcase Series 1, they offer a 12-year warranty on mechanisms, lumbar support, pneumatic cylinders and gas lifts, foam cushion, arm caps, glides, and casters. In addition, all surface materials like wood veneer, laminate, and surface textiles also receive a 12-year warranty. The Series 1 has a lifetime warranty for the base, arm frame structure, outback, seat shell, and frame. 

If replacement or repair isn’t practicable, Steelcase will provide a credit or refund for the chair. It’s important to note that Steelcase has rules where the warranty doesn’t apply to prevent customers from purposely taking advantage of their generous warranty. For example, the warranty doesn’t apply to normal wear and tear, misuse, abuse or accidents, and chair modifications. 

Return Policy

Steelcase is a reputable brand that offers world-class customer service to its consumers. They offer a return policy allowing customers to return their products purchased online within 14 days after receiving them. However, the chair must be returned in the same condition that it was delivered without damages from wear or tear. 

First, you’ll have to complete their return policy form and send it to their customer service email. You’ll arrange a time and date to have the product collected from your home. Once the chair is checked by their team, they will issue a full refund within 14 days after receiving the return policy form. 

Steelcase Series 1 Review: Is It Worth It?

The Steelcase Series 1 provides some of the best features from high-end models at a lower price point. From a budget perspective, the Steelcase Series 1 is well worth the money and may make a significant difference in terms of comfort and ergonomics. If you’re currently sitting in a traditional office chair with not many adjustment options, the Series 1 will be a big upgrade. 

When comparing the Series 1 to other mid-priced office chairs, the Series 1 excels in its adjustments and ergonomic categories. Its ability to encourage fluid and dynamic motion separates Series 1 from its competitors. Other chairs in the same price range don’t have adaptive features customized to your body shape and movements. 

Steelcase Series 1 Alternatives

Steelcase Series 1 is designed for users who want an affordable option. However, if you have the budget and want to experience the full capabilities that Steelcase has to offer, we recommend checking out these alternatives. 

Steelcase Series 1 Vs Steelcase Leap

The Steelcase Leap is perhaps their most signature office chair. There are a few key advantages to choosing the Leap over Series 1. The Leap offers a height and depth adjustable lumbar support system. It has a lower back firmness control that allows users to set their preferred level of support for their lumbar spine. This is essential for people with lower back pain because you can increase the support for more comfort. 

In addition, the Leap features a patented Natural Glide adjustment, where the seat slides forward, allowing you to recline while still maintaining an optimal position for work. It’s similar to the synchro-tilt feature of the Series 1, except it glides forward instead of raising upwards.  

Steelcase Series 1 Vs Steelcase Amia

When comparing Series 1 versus Amia, we like Series 1 better. However, the Amia has a few unique features that differ from Series 1. For example, it has a passive seat edge that automatically flexes to alleviate pressure on the back of the legs when you lead forward or recline. This helps blood flow through your legs rather than cutting off circulation. 

However, the Amia doesn’t allow you to lock in different reclining positions. You can unlock the backrest giving you a greater range of motion to rock back and forth. Also, Amia doesn’t have a lumbar support system either. Most of the other features are quite similar between Series 1 and Amia. However, the downside of choosing Series 1 over Amia is that it’s more compact, which may not be suitable for bigger individuals. 

Steelcase Series 1 Vs Steelcase Gesture

The most high-end model of the ones mentioned is the Steelcase Gesture. We recommend the Gesture over the Series 1 if it fits within your budget. The Gesture offers a unique 360 Armrest adjustment giving you a full range of motion. This allows you to work with multiple interfaces and tech devices. For instance, if you’re using a tablet to the side of your desk, you can rotate the arms diagonally and upwards to suit your needs. 

Furthermore, the armrests are attached to the base, allowing the arms to remain parallel to the workstation as you move. Whether you’re reclining or need to work on multiple devices, your arms will always rest in the optimal position for productivity. 

In addition, the Gesture offers a passive seat edge, just like the Leap and Amia. Not to mention it offers a 400 lb weight capacity. The Gesture is best suited for people with underlying conditions such as back pain and needs to switch between different devices or frequently sit in unusual positions. 

The Bottom Line

Steelcase Series 1 is an excellent entry chair for students or young working professionals. They are relatively affordable yet still provide most of the benefits you’d receive from luxurious chairs. The Series 1 adapts to a wide range of postures. Thus, as you move and change positions throughout the day, the chair is intuitive and adapts to your needs. We’ve hoped you’ve gained a high-level understanding of what Series 1 provides and whether it’s right for you.