Chair Profile: Knoll Life Chair

 

Overall, the Life is an excellent task chair. Knoll offers loads of customization options and the final product is an excellent one. It is not cheap, but considering how much chair you are getting for the money, it can be an excellent investment. The chair is comfortable, durable, and customizable. Recent changes from the original design mean that even after years of use there is no sqeaking coming from the bearings/joints and all the parts stay secure.

There are not many complaints with the Life chair, but the adjustment arms tend to become loose over time (allowing for some wiggling) and the casters can be very tough on wood flooring. It does not come stock with lumbar support or a headest (this is not even an option) so those can be the most serious concerns buyers will have before choosing this model. Lumbar support can be added (it is under $100 and can be done after ordering) but the support is simplistic and has limited adjustment options).

These are the major complaints and they are things that are addressed by other chairs in the price range, but the Knoll still has a lot to offer. For instance, its combination of style and performance is rivaled by few other models, especially if you opt for the aluminum, clear casters, the more expensive arms, and a nice fabric (even the leather).

From a warranty standpoint, Knoll is competitive. Expect a 10 year warranty on the Life Chair's "seating structural and operational parts, controls, casters, pneumatic cylinders, seat and back mesh". This does not include seating upholstery, finishes and labor, these come with a three year warranty.

The chair is not particularly cheap, especially compared to an option like Knoll's Chadwick, but it has excellent build quality and it is undeniably one of the better chairs available today.