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Knoll · Office Chairs

Knoll Life Chair

Designed by Formway · Introduced 2002 · Knoll

Office task work with a responsive back and suspension seat.

From $1,947

  • 12 / 3-year warranty
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Summary

Formway's Knoll task chair with a self-balancing recline, a knit back and a flexing seat edge.

Best for

  • People who want the recline to balance to their weight automatically.
  • Shorter and taller sitters; the seat depth adjusts 4" (15"–19").
  • Buyers who value repair; Knoll says almost every part can be replaced.

Good to check first

  • Height-adjustable lumbar and the headrest are options, so add them when you configure.
  • Choose fixed, height-adjustable or high-performance arms; only high-performance arms move in width and depth.
  • Seat height is 16.5"–21.75" with the standard cylinder; low and high cylinders are available.

The trade-off

Automatic recline and a deep seat-depth range, with key supports sold as options.

Value check

Knoll's April 2026 price list starts at $1,947 for the base configuration.

Price
From $1,947
Warranty
12 / 3 years

What Knoll highlights

  • Auto-balanced recline

    The synchronized recline balances its tension to your weight. A tension preference selector and an upright lock fine-tune it.

  • Flexing seat edge

    The front of the seat flexes, and the seat depth adjusts by 4 inches.

  • Knit back

    A knit fabric covers a flexible back frame.

  • Built for repair

    Knoll says almost every part can be removed and replaced.

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

Before you buy

Fit (official)

  • Seat height 16.5"–21.75" (standard cylinder, no seat topper).
  • Seat depth 15"–19"; seat width 18.75".
  • Seat-to-back angle 95°–119°.

Delivery and setup

  • Weighs 36.5–38 lb depending on base.
  • Warranty 12 years on structural parts; 3 years on upholstery and finishes (Knoll cut sheet).

Returns (official policy)

  • Knoll store: return within 30 days in original condition; a 10% restocking fee applies.
  • Custom, special-order and final-sale items cannot be returned.

Sources: Knoll, Life dimensions ↗ (checked Oct 11, 2026) · Knoll, Life cut sheet ↗ (checked Oct 11, 2026) · Knoll, Return policy ↗ (checked Oct 11, 2026)

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Versions and options

  • Headrest option
  • Lumbar option

Specs

Size and fit
Sizes
39.75–45 in (101–114 × 67 × 62 cm)
Seat height
16.5–21.75 in (42–55 cm)17–22.25 in (43–57 cm)17.25–22.5 in (44–57 cm)15.5–19.25 in (39–49 cm)
Seat depth
15–19 in (38–48 cm)
Seat width
18.75 in (48 cm)
Back height
25 in (64 cm)
Adjustments
Recline
Angle Between Seat and Back 95° - 119°; Tilt Range of Back 24°
Arms
Arms 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 movementArm Height from Floor 23.25" - 32.75" (height adjustable / high performance); 26.24" – 31.25" (fixed arm)
Lumbar support
5.5–9.8 in
Headrest
6–9 in
Build and warranty
Warranty
Structural components: 12 Years; Upholstery, textiles, leathers, finishes: 3 Years
Chair weight
36.5 lbs.38 lbs.

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 Knoll Life Chair cost?

It costs from $1,947 at the Knoll Office Seating Price List (April 2026) (Knoll published list price (dealer channel): from armless, plastic base, seat topper, no back topper, lowest grade ($1,947) to high-performance arms, aluminum base, seat and back topper, top leather grade ($5,633); excludes options (leather armpads, ultra seat topper, perforated leather, soft casters) and the no-seat-topper deduction; top of range not published clearly), checked Sep 2026.

Does the Knoll Life Chair have a headrest?

Yes, as an option. Knoll sells the Life Chair with or without a headrest.

What sizes or versions of the Knoll Life Chair are there?

It comes in 39.75" - 45" H × 26.5" W × 24.5" D.

Where can I buy the Knoll Life Chair?

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

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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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