12

Steelcase Amia Review

True Score

82
81
3

Experts

85
87

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Steelcase Amia’s simplistic design takes nothing away from its impressive adjustability and comfort. However, a headrest isn’t included by default, and its fabric cushioning is not the most breathable.

$999.00

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Steelcase Amia is a high-end office chair launched in 2012. The premium chair boasts a modern yet highly ergonomic design, which is typical of the best office chairs on the market. Weighing only 55 pounds, the chair is easy to maneuver and has an impressive 400 lbs weight capacity. It also features lumbar support, which is height adjustable and can be altered by about 4”, while seat height adjustments can be made within a range of 5”.

While its armrests are optional, owners can opt for the height-adjustable or fully adjustable ones. The chair is also available in a wide range of colors and fabric options.

Best For

  • Big And Tall

Consensus

our Verdict

The Steelcase Amia offers a wide range of adjustability options, which isn’t obvious given its simplistic design. Owners will be able to move their armrests up, down, left, or right, or even opt to have an option that doesn’t ship with armrests altogether. For back support, the chair is designed with a height-adjustable lumbar system, and for its height, owners will be able to adjust the chair within a range of 16-21”. The seat’s depth can also be adjusted within 2-3”, but it doesn’t ship with a headrest.

With a 400 lbs weight capacity, heavy-set individuals shouldn’t shy away from the Steelcase Amia. However, the cushion that covers its seat and backrest does not offer as much breathability as a mesh chair.

Reason to Buy

  • Good ergonomics and adjustability
    • The Steelcase Amia is a highly adjustable office chair. Although it doesn’t ship with a headrest by default, the chair allows seat height, depth, and armrest adjustability.

    • The seat height can be adjusted by 4”, the seat depth by 3”, and its armrests by about 4.3”.

  • Height-adjustable lumbar support
    • The lumbar support system on the Steelcase Amia is height-adjustable through two handles on each side. The chair’s back support also reacts to the posture of the individual sitting on it for optimum support.

  • Durable build quality
    • Made with high-quality plastic materials placed on a steel frame, the Steelcase Amia has a strong five-star base and can support individuals who weigh up to 400 lbs.

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited breathability
    • The chair’s fabric covering doesn’t offer good enough breathability for users who want to stay seated for long hours as the chair gets fairly warm.

Steelcase Amia Specs

Adjustable ArmrestsAdjustable Armrests4-Dimensional
Armrest Height MaxArmrest Height Max11.25
Armrest Height MinArmrest Height Min7.25"
Backrest HeightBackrest Height21.25"
Backrest WidthBackrest Width18"
Frame ConstructionFrame ConstructionAluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon
Has FootrestHas FootrestNo
Head PillowHead PillowNo
Head RestHead RestNo
Lumbar SupportLumbar SupportYes
Piston TypePiston TypePneumatic Cylinder
ReclineReclineYes
Seat DepthSeat Depth24"
Seat Height AdjustmentSeat Height Adjustment16.5 – 20.5"
Seat Padding MaterialSeat Padding MaterialFoam
Seat WidthSeat Width27.3"
UpholsteryUpholsteryFabric, Leather
Weight LimitWeight Limit300 lbs
Wheel TypeWheel TypeCasters

All Specs

Test Results

Max Recline (Degrees)0
Min Seat Height (inches)16
Max Seat Height (inches)21

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Product Comparison

Steelcase Amia Review

True Score

82
82
88
82

Ranking

#

12

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31

#

16

/

31

#

4

/

31

#

13

/

31

Market Context

The Steelcase Amia is a high-end office chair launched in 2012. The premium chair boasts a modern yet highly ergonomic design, which is typical of…

The Steelcase Amia is a high-end office chair launched in 2012. The premium chair boasts a modern yet highly ergonomic design, which is typical of the best office chairs on the market. Weighing only 55 pounds, the chair is easy to maneuver and has an impressive 400 lbs weight capacity. It also features lumbar support, which is height adjustable and can be altered by about 4”, while seat height adjustments can be made within a range of 5”.

While its armrests are optional, owners can opt for the height-adjustable or fully adjustable ones. The chair is also available in a wide range of colors and fabric options.

Even though the Steelcase Amia has 360-degree rotating armrests, they are still not as adjustable as those on the Steelcase Gesture. Another difference is that…

Even though the Steelcase Amia has 360-degree rotating armrests, they are still not as adjustable as those on the Steelcase Gesture. Another difference is that the Amia weighs 55 pounds, making it slightly lighter than the Steelcase Gesture, which weighs about 70 pounds. The Amia’s seat cushion is also slightly more padded than the Gesture’s, but in case you’re interested in the latter, we’ve covered it in our Steelcase Gesture review.

While the Steelcase Amia only offers height-adjustable lumbar support, the Steelcase Leap uses LiveBack technology to offer dynamic lumbar support, where its contoured backrest also…

While the Steelcase Amia only offers height-adjustable lumbar support, the Steelcase Leap uses LiveBack technology to offer dynamic lumbar support, where its contoured backrest also adjusts in response to the body movement when seated. Check out what else the Leap has to offer in our Steelcase Leap review.

The Steelcase Amia lacks an adjustable recline, which the Herman Miller Aeron office chair has. The Amia also has a fabric-covered backrest and seat, which…

The Steelcase Amia lacks an adjustable recline, which the Herman Miller Aeron office chair has. The Amia also has a fabric-covered backrest and seat, which makes it different from the Herman Miller chair’s mesh backrest and seat. In terms of adjustability, the Steelcase Amia’s lumbar support is height adjustable, while that of the Herman Miller chair is only depth adjustable. However, if you want to stick with the Steelcase brand and get a mesh backrest, then our Steelcase Series 2 review might be helpful.

Adjustable Armrests

4-Dimensional

Yes

4-Dimensional

Yes

Armrest Height Max

11.25

32"

31"

30"

Armrest Height Min

7.25"

22"

22"

22"

Backrest Height

21.25"

24"

‎10.25"

20.5"

Backrest Width

18"

17"

18"

n/a

Frame Construction

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Metal and Plastic

Steel and Plastic

Has Footrest

No

No

No

No

Head Pillow

No

No

No

No

Dig Deeper

Steelcase Gesture Review →

Steelcase Leap Review →

Herman Miller Aeron Review →

All Stores

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  • $999.00

    Availability

    Usually ships within 11 to 12 days

    Free Shipping

    No

Score Card

E

Expert Score

81

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

85

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

82

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Techgear Lab
    68.49

    Category Trust Score

    81
    The Steelcase Amia stands out as a top-tier office chair, delivering a premium level of… read more

    By:

    Benjamin Hickok
  • BTOD
    49.33

    Category Trust Score

    NR
    The Steelcase Amia is a very well-built chair from the biggest manufacturer in the world…. read more

    By:

    Joe Micholic
  • Chair Institute
    19.18

    Category Trust Score

    90
    An attractive, robust design filled with well-implemented ergonomic features, and backed by Steelcase’s impressive warranty…. read more

    By:

    Unknown

Customer Score Breakdown

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