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The Steelcase Karman is quite unique compared to the other chairs on my “best office chair” list. This chair is mostly mesh, it has a flexible frame, and it conforms and moves to my body – it’s like a physics lesson in chair form, because Steelcase is there to help respond to whoever is sitting. Uses weight activation, allowing for the best seating position. possible.
unboxing and first impressions
Unboxing the Steelcase Karman couldn’t have been a smoother experience. I opened the box and found the chair fully assembled, ready to use without any tools required. I pulled back the box flap and immediately saw that the product was fully assembled and ready to use. I was personally impressed with the red/blue color, as I didn’t expect it to look so unique.
When I was taking this chair out of the box, I noticed that it was very flexible. I’m about 6 feet 1 inch and about 210 pounds, and this is my first time sitting in this chair, admittedly the first four or five times I’ve sat in it I haven’t gotten used to the flex. After sitting in the chair for about the fifth time, I relaxed and let the chair do what it was designed to do.
Design & Build Quality
Glasses
DIMENSIONS: 39 – 43.5 x 26.125 x 26.125 inches
seat Height: 15.875 – 20.375 Inch
Maximum Burden: 350lb
The steelcase in the Karman chair is called a “liveback” built into the back of the chair. This technology balances the user’s body weight on the chair while supporting their spine, providing comfort and fit that a standard, rigid seat cannot. Part of how the Steelcase does this is through the flexible frame mentioned earlier, which allows you to fold the chair toward you instead of turning it. While sitting, I felt as if I became one with the chair, as it became an extension of me, not something I rest my body on.
Steelcase makes the Karman from a unique blend of mesh and fabric that the company calls its “Intermix Hybrid” blend. There are many different colors out there, and all have a unique look. In addition to looking great, this mix of materials helps the chair breathe while remaining incredibly strong amid the bendable frame.
In use
After sitting on several chairs (even in just the last year), some have been incredible, some have been incredibly disappointing. However, most of them have a rigid frame with cushioning all around to soften them, or the frame will arch back with some flexibility and comfort through the mesh in the middle. The Steelcase uses a flexible frame that contours to my body, contorting itself. It’s hard to put it into words, but having a chair that leans into you while supporting you is very impressive. I can only describe it by saying that when I sit the chair almost presses against my spine and back.
Another positive feature of the Steelcase Karman is its comfort dial. It controls the resistance of the backrest as I push it to recline. After a few minutes, I was able to make it great for my back and preferred settings.
Moving on, the 4D armrests are helpful and not too loose. Often, we have seen that weapons with this much mobility are very flexible and hence, not enjoyable to use. However, these armrests are a good balance of mobile and sturdy. I can adjust my arms wherever I want and trust that they will stay there unless I move them intentionally.
Overall, this chair took some getting used to, but once I’ve had some time dialing things in, I really enjoy it. It’s very comfortable, and although very different from my other chairs, it has quickly become one of my favorites to lounge in or use all day. The ability to bend and fold this entire chair to suit me is something I would not have expected from an ergonomic chair, but it is a welcome feature.
final call
The Steelcase Karman chair is a unique piece of furniture. It remains supportive and comfortable while bending and bending with your movements. The chair is stylishly unique, lightweight, and comes pre-assembled for hassle-free setup. Overall, it looks and feels great while providing excellent back support, but it all comes at a high price.
