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Steelcase Gesture Review

True Score

82
80
3

Experts

89
1,197

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Overall, the well-built Steelcase Gesture is a great pick for anyone who prioritizes comfort, good ergonomics, configurable lumbar support, and easy adjustability. However, breathability is limited.

$1,424.00

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Steelcase Gesture is a high-end office chair first announced in 2013. The premium chair is available in multiple color options and ships fully assembled for added convenience. As is typical with highly-rated office chairs, its armrests are fully adjustable, and the chair also features a height-adjustable lumbar support system for back support.

With a 400-pound weight capacity, the chair is good for heavy-set individuals, and weighing only 70 pounds, it’s easy to move around. Buyers can also choose whether or not to include the headrest. Its backrest and seat also both have seat cushioning.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Steelcase Gesture is a premium office chair designed with comfortable cushioning on both its backrest and seat. This is not as breathable as most typical mesh chairs, so it gets warm after sitting on it for some hours. On the bright side, it does have good ergonomics, as the seat height (adjustable by 5”), seat depth (adjustable by 2.75”), back tilt, and tilt tension are all easily adjustable. Owners can also easily configure the width, depth, height, and angle of the armrests and move around its lumbar support by about 4”.

Additionally, the seat can be reclined back up to 125 degrees, and with a seat height adjustment of 16” to 21”, it works out great for users, both tall and short.

Reason to Buy

  • Great ergonomics and adjustability
    • The Steelcase Gesture offers highly accurate adjustability and is ideal for users who want to find the perfect sitting position.

    • Owners will be able to adjust its height by 5”, its seat depth by 2.75”, and its lumbar support by 4”.

  • Height-adjustable lumbar support
    • The Steelcase Gesture has lumbar support that is height adjustable, but it is not very pronounced. The lumbar support is also adjustable by 4”.

  • Sturdy build quality
    • The Steelcase Gesture can accommodate individuals of up to 400 lbs, courtesy of its sturdy aluminum base. The chair’s materials also feel quite premium.

  • Poor breathability
    • The seat has a fabric seat and backrest, so it gets quite warm after using for extended periods.

Reason to Avoid

Steelcase Gesture Specs

Adjustable ArmrestsAdjustable ArmrestsYes
Armrest Height MaxArmrest Height Max32"
Armrest Height MinArmrest Height Min22"
Backrest HeightBackrest Height24"
Backrest WidthBackrest Width17"
Frame ConstructionFrame ConstructionAluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon
Has FootrestHas FootrestNo
Head PillowHead PillowNo
Head RestHead RestAdjustable Head Support
Lumbar SupportLumbar SupportYes
Piston TypePiston TypePneumatic Cylinder
ReclineReclineYes
Seat DepthSeat Depth15 – 18"
Seat Height AdjustmentSeat Height Adjustment16.5 – 20.5"
Seat Padding MaterialSeat Padding MaterialFoam
Seat WidthSeat Width20"
UpholsteryUpholsteryFoam
Weight LimitWeight Limit400 lbs
Wheel TypeWheel TypeCasters

All Specs

Test Results

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

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Product Comparison

Steelcase Gesture Review

Steelcase Series 2

Steelcase Series 2 Review

True Score

82
NR
82
80

Ranking

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16

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12

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22

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31

Market Context

The Steelcase Gesture is a high-end office chair first announced in 2013. The premium chair is available in multiple color options and ships fully assembled…

The Steelcase Gesture is a high-end office chair first announced in 2013. The premium chair is available in multiple color options and ships fully assembled for added convenience. As is typical with highly-rated office chairs, its armrests are fully adjustable, and the chair also features a height-adjustable lumbar support system for back support.

With a 400-pound weight capacity, the chair is good for heavy-set individuals, and weighing only 70 pounds, it’s easy to move around. Buyers can also choose whether or not to include the headrest. Its backrest and seat also both have seat cushioning.

The Steelcase Gesture has a fully cushioned backrest and seat, while the SteelSeries 2 has a mesh backrest. The adjustable armrests are also included by…

The Steelcase Gesture has a fully cushioned backrest and seat, while the SteelSeries 2 has a mesh backrest. The adjustable armrests are also included by default on the Steelcase Gesture but optional on the Series 2. If you’re interested, we’ve covered the latter in our Steelcase Series 2 review.

Weighing 70 pounds, the Steelcase Gesture is significantly heavier than the Steelcase Amia, which weighs 55 pounds. Both have a 400 lbs weight limit, but…

Weighing 70 pounds, the Steelcase Gesture is significantly heavier than the Steelcase Amia, which weighs 55 pounds. Both have a 400 lbs weight limit, but the Steelcase Gesture’s 360-degree rotating armrests allow for better adjustability than the Steelcase Amia’s, making it the more adjustable pick between the two. Here’s our Steelcase Amia review in case it sounds interesting.

The Steelcase Gesture has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, which is higher than the 300 lbs weight limit of the Herman Miller &…

The Steelcase Gesture has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, which is higher than the 300 lbs weight limit of the Herman Miller & Logitech Embody gaming chair, and it also ships with a headrest that the Herman Miller chair doesn’t. This makes the Herman Miller & Logitech Chair the more comfortable alternative. Check out what else the Herman Miller chair has to offer by going through our Herman Miller Embody review.

Adjustable Armrests

Yes

4-Dimensional

Yes

Armrest Height Max

32"

11.25

n/a

Armrest Height Min

22"

7.25"

n/a

Backrest Height

24"

21.25"

24"

Backrest Width

17"

18"

13"

Frame Construction

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Metal and Plastic

Has Footrest

No

No

No

Head Pillow

No

No

No

Dig Deeper

Steelcase Amia Review →

Herman Miller Embody Review →

All Stores

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  • $1,424.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

80

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

89

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

82

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Techgear Lab
    68.49

    Category Trust Score

    77
    Overall, the Steelcase Gesture performed a little lower in our tests than we expected. Some… read more

    By:

    Hayley Thomas
  • Wirecutter
    60.47

    Category Trust Score

    NR
    This is one of the most adjustable chairs available—anyone can make the Gesture comfortable, regardless… read more

    By:

    Melanie Pinola
  • BTOD
    49.33

    Category Trust Score

    89
    The bottom line is that the Steelcase Gesture is a solid chair. With the same… read more

    By:

    Greg Knighton

Customer Score Breakdown

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