Steelcase Gesture vs Knoll Life Chair

Side by side from official specifications, sourced prices and User Insights. No written comparison exists for this pair yet.

Steelcase

Steelcase Gesture

$1,599 – $2,560

Knoll

Knoll Life Chair

From $1,947

$348

lower starting price for Steelcase Gesture than Knoll Life Chair at the brand stores

Differences at a glance

Steelcase GestureKnoll Life Chair

Price: $1,599 – $2,560From $1,947
Seat height: 16–21 in16.5–21.75 in (42-55 cm); 17" – 22.25"; 17.25–22.5 in (44-57 cm); 15.5" – 19.25"
Seat depth: 15.75–18.5 in (functional, 2.75 in adjustment); seat depth 18.25 in15–19 in (38-48 cm)
Recline: Seat-to-back angle 98°–125°Angle Between Seat and Back 95° - 119°; Tilt Range of Back 24°
Arms: Width 10.25–22.5 in between arms; height 7.25–11.5 in; pivot 15° in/out; depth 2.125 inArms available in fixed height, height-adjustable or high performance; high performance arms adjust 2.5" in armpad width (1.25" per side) and 3" armpad fore/aft movement; Arm Height from Floor 23.25" - 32.75" (height adjustable / high performance); 26.24" – 31.25" (fixed arm)
Headrest: Optional (integrated headrest)Optional headrest measures 9"W x 6" - 9"H
Lumbar support: Core Equalizer, with optional additional (height-adjustable) lumbarLumbar Support (Fixed) 7.5"; optional height adjustable lumbar (Exceeds 5.5" - 9.8"), 11.5" x 5.5"
Warranty: Steelcase Limited Lifetime warranty – 12 years, multi-shift, 24/7 parts and laborStructural components: 12 Years; Upholstery, textiles, leathers, finishes: 3 Years

From 117 Steelcase Gesture and 4 Knoll Life Chair user reviews, most mentioned first. Green is liked, orange is a caution.

Which is cheaper, the Steelcase Gesture or the Knoll Life Chair?

The Steelcase Gesture is cheaper to start: $1,599 versus $1,947 for the Knoll Life Chair at the brand stores (Sep 2026).

Which has a headrest?

Both: the Steelcase Gesture as an option and the Knoll Life Chair as an option.

What do owners mention most?

Comfort for the Steelcase Gesture, and design for the Knoll Life Chair, based on review summaries.