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Knoll · Office Chairs

Generation by Knoll

Designed by Formway Design · Introduced 2009 · Knoll

All-day, multi-posture desk work.

$1,653 – $1,886

  • Up to 300 lb
  • 12-year warranty
Check price on Amazon
Check price at Knoll ↗

Summary

A frameless, flexible Knoll task chair made for shifting and side-sitting rather than one fixed posture.

Best for

  • People who sit sideways or perch; the seat edge flexes through 270 degrees.
  • Those who want a back with no rigid frame (Flex Back).
  • Buyers who need 3" of seat depth adjustment.
  • Taller sitters who need a higher seat; it reaches 22½".

Good to check first

  • The store rates it to 300 lb.
  • The seat starts at 17¼", so shorter sitters may want a footrest.

The trade-off

Free movement in many postures, with a higher minimum seat height than most task chairs.

Value check

Lists from $1,653 at the US Knoll Store.

Price
$1,653 – $1,886
Load capacity
300 lb
Warranty
12 years

What Knoll highlights

  • Frameless Flex Back

    The back is an elastomer net on a figure-8 structure. Knoll says it moves in many directions to support different postures.

  • Frameless Flex Seat

    The seat has no hard frame, and its edge flexes through 270 degrees. It also offers 3" of seat depth adjustment.

  • Continuous lumbar

    Lumbar support carries through into the arm design. Knoll says this lets you move between upright, perched and side-sitting positions smoothly.

  • Arm choices

    Arms come as height-adjustable or high-performance versions. Knoll lists both as options when you configure.

As described by Knoll on its official pages; not a Chairpedia assessment.

What users say

Most-mentioned topics

  1. 1. Comfort6 mentions · 83% positive
  2. 2. Design5 mentions · 100% positive
  3. 3. Seat3 mentions · 100% positive
  4. 4. Adjustability2 mentions · 50% positive
  5. 5. Price and value2 mentions · 50% positive
  6. 6. Back support1 mentions · 100% positive
  7. 7. Breathability1 mentions · 100% positive
More details →

Who it suits, who it doesn't

  • Suits Users valuing flexibility: those who shift positions frequently or sit in varied postures appreciated the chair's adaptability across different working styles
  • Less suited to Some extended sitters: one user found it less suitable than alternatives for long sitting sessions, though duration details were not specified

Where users disagree

  • Overall suitability and comfort quality

    One side: Some owners describe it as extremely comfortable and supportive in diverse positions with a unique ergonomic feel.

    Other side: A few owners report it as their worst chair experience and question its effect on spinal health.

Detailed topics

  • Absence of arm width adjustment · mentioned in one discussion
    What users did: no fix reported
  • Leather version hard to locate or purchase · mentioned in one discussion
    What users did: no fix reported

Topic notes

  • Comfort: Most users highlight comfort in multiple positions from upright to reclined, with one describing the back support as feeling like a hammock, though a minority found it less comfortable than competing high-end models.
  • Design: The elastic and flexible design receives consistent praise for allowing unrestricted movement and adapting to different sitting styles, with styling described as attractive.
  • Seat: The sliding seat mechanism is noted as a useful adjustability feature, and one user appreciated being able to sit cross-legged in the chair.
  • Adjustability: Users mention the sliding seat and flexible back as key adjustments, though one specifically pointed out the lack of arm width adjustment compared to competitors.
  • Price and value: Price is mentioned as reasonable compared to alternatives, with one noting good value when buying secondhand, though another felt the cost was too high for what is offered.
  • Back support: Back support is discussed positively by most, with one user reporting relief after two days, though one criticized it as potentially problematic for the spine.
  • Breathability: The breathable back design is mentioned as a feature that works with the flexible material to enhance comfort.

After long-term use

Not enough long-term user data yet.

Before you buy

Fit (official)

  • Seat height 17¼"–22½".
  • 3" of seat depth adjustment.
  • Rated to 300 lb.

Delivery and setup

  • Ships fully assembled.
  • Weighs 37–39 lb depending on base.
  • 12-year warranty.

Returns (official policy)

  • Knoll store: 30 days to return your order.
  • Other sellers set their own return terms.

Sources: Knoll store, Generation Chair ↗ (checked Oct 11, 2026)

Check price on Amazon

Versions and options

  • Arm options
  • Lumbar option

Specs

Size and fit
Sizes
One size; seat foam Thin or Ultra; low / standard / high cylinder; with arms or armless
Seat height
16.5–21.75 in (41.9–55.2 cm (Thin); 43.8–57.2 cm (Ultra))
Seat depth
15.75–18.75 in (40–47.6 cm (Ultra, with arms))
Seat width
21 in (53.3 cm)
Back height
24.125 in (61.3 cm)
Load capacity
300 lb (136.1 kg)
Adjustments
Recline
Seat-to-back angle 96°–111°; back tilt range 15°; synchronized recline ratio seat:back 1°:4.4°
Arms
Arm height from seat 6.625–11.125 in (Thin) / 6.125–10.625 in (Ultra); High performance arm pads adjust 2 in width (1 per arm), 1.5 in depth and pivot 45°
Lumbar support
8.125–11.375 in (23.5 cm fixed; 20.6–28.9 cm optional)
Build and warranty
Warranty
12-year warranty (terms and conditions apply)
Chair weight
37 lb (plastic base); 39 lb (aluminum base)
Made in
USA (Knoll factory)

About Knoll

Founded
1938, as the Hans G. Knoll Furniture Company in New York
Part of
MillerKnoll

Hans Knoll started the company in a small space on East 72nd Street in New York in 1938. Florence Schust joined in 1943, and she and Hans married in 1946.

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Questions

How much does the Generation by Knoll cost?

It costs $1,653 – $1,886 at the US Knoll Store, depending on configuration, checked Oct 2026.

What is the Generation by Knoll's weight capacity?

It is rated for 300 lb in dimensions PDF, according to Knoll's official specifications.

What do owners say about back pain with the Generation by Knoll?

Back pain comes up in 1 owner review summaries. These are owners' own reports, not medical findings.

Where can I buy the Generation by Knoll?

You can buy it from Amazon or the US Knoll Store. Check the configuration, price and return terms before ordering.

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Where to buy

Amazon returns are typically 30 days of delivery but set per listing — check before ordering. Some links are affiliate links; Chairpedia may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (disclosure).

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Specs and prices come from the brand sources listed under Specs and next to the price; User Insights link to their originals. Confirm the exact configuration, seller and price before buying. Editorial policy

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