In the world of office furniture, two chairs have emerged as top contenders: the Steelcase Gesture and the Haworth Fern Chair. Both designed with ergonomics in mind, these chairs aim to provide maximum comfort and support during long hours of sitting. While the Gesture offers a wide range of adjustable features and intuitive design, the Fern Chair boasts its unique biomorphic shape and flexible back support. Join us as we explore the similarities and differences between these two renowned chairs, and discover which one might be the perfect fit for your workspace.
Design and Aesthetics
Overall appearance
Both the Steelcase Gesture and the Haworth Fern Chair feature sleek, modern designs that are aesthetically pleasing. They have clean lines and a sophisticated look that makes them suitable for any professional setting. The Gesture has a slightly more angular and contemporary design, while the Fern Chair has a more organic and fluid shape.
Color options
Both chairs offer a wide range of color options to choose from, allowing you to customize the look of your workspace. The Gesture comes in a variety of fabric, leather, and mesh options, including neutral tones and bold accent colors. Similarly, the Fern Chair offers a selection of different fabric options with various colors and patterns.
Materials used
The materials used in the construction of these chairs are of high quality, ensuring durability and longevity. The Gesture is made with a combination of steel, plastic, and foam, providing a sturdy yet comfortable structure. The Fern Chair incorporates materials such as aluminum and plastic, along with foam padding for added comfort.
Ergonomic design
Both chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind to provide optimal comfort and support during long hours of sitting. They feature adjustable seat heights, backrest angles, and armrest positions to accommodate a variety of body types and sitting preferences. The Gesture, in particular, is renowned for its intuitive ergonomics, which adapt to different seating postures seamlessly.
Comfort and Support
Seat cushion
The seat cushions on both the Gesture and the Fern Chair are plush and padded, providing a comfortable sitting experience. The Gesture offers a seat cushion with a mix of foam and fabric materials, while the Fern Chair’s seat cushion is made with high-density foam for added support.
Backrest
The backrests on both chairs are designed to provide excellent lumbar support. They contour to the natural curve of your spine, promoting good posture and reducing the risk of back pain. The Gesture’s backrest features a flexible, 3D LiveBack technology that automatically adjusts to your movements, providing continuous support. Meanwhile, the Fern Chair offers a synchronized recline mechanism that allows for a smooth, natural reclining motion.
Adjustability options
Both chairs offer a wide range of adjustability options to ensure a personalized and comfortable fit. The Gesture has adjustable armrests, seat depth, and back height, allowing you to find the perfect position for your arms, legs, and back. The Fern Chair offers similar adjustability features, including height-adjustable armrests and a synchronized tilt mechanism.
Armrests
The armrests on both chairs are designed to provide support and comfort for your arms and shoulders. The Gesture’s 4D adjustable armrests can be adjusted in height, width, depth, and pivot, allowing you to find the perfect position for your arms. The Fern Chair also features height-adjustable armrests with a swivel function, ensuring optimal support and flexibility.
Durability and Build Quality
Frame construction
Both the Gesture and the Fern Chair are built with sturdy frames that are designed to withstand daily use. The Gesture features a steel frame construction, providing robust support and stability. The Fern Chair, on the other hand, utilizes a combination of aluminum and plastic materials for its frame, ensuring durability without compromising on weight.
Upholstery
The upholstery on both chairs is of high quality and built to last. The Gesture offers a range of fabric, leather, and mesh options, each chosen for its durability and comfort. The Fern Chair also offers various fabric options, all designed to withstand wear and tear while providing a comfortable seating experience.
Warranty
The Gesture and the Fern Chair both come with generous warranties, ensuring peace of mind and protection against any manufacturing defects. Steelcase offers a 12-year warranty on its Gesture chair, while Haworth provides a 10-year warranty on the Fern Chair. These warranties demonstrate the confidence that both manufacturers have in the build quality and durability of their products.
Weight capacity
Both chairs are designed to accommodate users of different sizes and weights. The Gesture has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds, making it suitable for users of all body types. Similarly, the Fern Chair has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, ensuring that it can support users of various sizes without compromising its stability or durability.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
Range of motion
The Gesture and the Fern Chair offer a wide range of motion to support different working postures. The Gesture’s dynamic seating system adapts to various sitting positions, including forward-leaning, reclining, and perching. The Fern Chair’s synchronized tilt mechanism allows for smooth reclining, promoting movement and reducing the risk of muscle fatigue.
Lumbar support
Both chairs provide excellent lumbar support, minimizing strain on your lower back and promoting proper spinal alignment. The Gesture’s LiveBack technology allows the backrest to mimic the natural contour of your spine, providing continuous support as you move. The Fern Chair’s backrest is specially designed to provide lumbar support and encourage healthy sitting habits.
Headrest
While the Gesture offers an optional headrest that can be added for additional comfort and support, the Fern Chair does not come with a built-in headrest option. However, both chairs are designed to support proper neck and head alignment, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort during extended periods of sitting.
Pelvic support
Both chairs feature seat pans that are designed to provide optimal support to your pelvis, promoting a healthy sitting position. The Gesture’s seat pan is contoured to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points. The Fern Chair’s seat pan is also ergonomically shaped, ensuring proper weight distribution and comfort.
Size and Dimensions
Chair dimensions
The dimensions of the Gesture and the Fern Chair are designed to accommodate users of various sizes while fitting well in most standard office spaces. The Gesture has a width of 23.6 inches and a depth of 21 inches, making it suitable for users of average build. The Fern Chair has a similar width of 24 inches but has a deeper depth of 21.5 inches, providing slightly more room for larger individuals.
Compactness for small spaces
Both chairs are designed to be compact and space-efficient, making them suitable for smaller work environments. The Gesture’s slim profile allows it to fit nicely in tight spaces, while the Fern Chair’s sleek design ensures that it does not take up too much room. This makes both chairs an excellent choice for home offices or workspaces with limited space.
Weight and portability
The Gesture and the Fern Chair have different weights due to the materials used in their construction. The Gesture weighs approximately 74 pounds, while the Fern Chair is slightly lighter at around 58 pounds. While the Gesture may be slightly heavier, both chairs are still relatively easy to move around and reposition as needed.
Price and Value for Money
Price comparison
When comparing prices, the Gesture is generally priced slightly higher than the Fern Chair. However, both chairs offer excellent value for money, considering the quality of construction and the ergonomic features they provide. The Gesture’s higher price is justified by its advanced ergonomics and innovative design, while the Fern Chair offers a more affordable option without compromising on functionality and comfort.
Included features
Both chairs come with a range of included features that enhance their overall functionality and comfort. The Gesture offers standard features such as adjustable armrests, back height, and seat depth, while the Fern Chair includes height-adjustable armrests and a synchronized tilt mechanism. These features ensure that both chairs can be customized to meet individual seating preferences.
Long-term investment
Investing in a high-quality office chair like the Gesture or the Fern Chair is a long-term investment in your comfort and well-being. These chairs are designed to withstand daily use and provide lasting support. With their generous warranties, you can have confidence in the chairs’ durability and build quality, making them an excellent investment for years to come.
User Reviews
User satisfaction
Both the Gesture and the Fern Chair have received highly positive reviews from users. Many users have praised the comfort and ergonomic features of both chairs, noting a significant improvement in their posture and overall well-being after using these chairs for extended periods. The intuitive adjustability options and the high-quality materials have also been commended.
Common complaints or issues
While the majority of users are satisfied with their Gesture and Fern chairs, there have been some common complaints. Some users have mentioned that the Gesture’s armrests, while adjustable, may feel slightly wobbly at times. Others have noted that the Fern Chair’s synchronized tilt mechanism could be smoother in its operation. These issues, however, have not significantly impacted the overall user experience.
Reviews on comfort and ergonomics
In terms of comfort and ergonomics, both chairs have received positive reviews. Users have praised the lumbar support provided by the Gesture and the Fern Chair, noting that it has helped alleviate back pain and discomfort. Many users also appreciate the range of adjustability options that allow them to tailor the chairs to their individual needs and preferences.
Environmental Sustainability
Manufacturing processes
Both Steelcase and Haworth are committed to sustainable manufacturing processes. They adhere to environmentally friendly practices, including reducing waste, recycling materials, and using energy-efficient technologies. Both companies are dedicated to minimizing their carbon footprint and ensuring that their manufacturing processes are as sustainable as possible.
Material sourcing
Both companies prioritize responsibly sourced materials for their chairs. This includes using sustainable fabric options that are produced using eco-friendly methods and recycled materials. Additionally, both Steelcase and Haworth place a strong emphasis on selecting materials that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that their chairs are safe and environmentally friendly.
Recyclability
Steelcase and Haworth both offer recycling programs for their chairs, allowing customers to easily dispose of their old chairs in an environmentally friendly manner. These programs are designed to minimize waste and ensure that chairs reach the end of their lifecycle in a sustainable way. Both companies actively promote the recycling and responsible disposal of their products.
Certifications
Both the Gesture and the Fern Chair hold various certifications that highlight their commitment to environmental sustainability. Steelcase’s Gesture is GREENGUARD certified, ensuring that it meets strict chemical emissions standards. The Fern Chair, on the other hand, is BIFMA LEVEL certified, indicating that it meets rigorous sustainability and performance criteria set by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association.
Availability
Retail outlets
Both the Gesture and the Fern Chair are available at a wide range of retail outlets, including office furniture stores and specialty ergonomic retailers. Customers have the opportunity to try out these chairs in person and receive expert advice on the best chair for their needs. Retail outlets also provide the convenience of immediate delivery and the option for professional assembly.
Online purchase options
Customers can also purchase the Gesture and the Fern Chair online through various authorized retailers and the respective manufacturers’ websites. Online shopping offers the convenience of browsing and comparing different models and features without leaving your home or office. Many websites also provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and helpful support options to assist in the decision-making process.
Final Verdict
Comparison based on personal preferences
Choosing between the Steelcase Gesture and the Haworth Fern Chair ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Both chairs offer exceptional comfort, support, and ergonomic features. The Gesture appeals to those who prioritize advanced technology and cutting-edge design, while the Fern Chair offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality and functionality. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision.
Considerations for different work environments
Another factor to consider when choosing between these chairs is the specific work environment in which they will be used. The Gesture’s adaptability and versatility make it suitable for various work settings, including corporate offices, co-working spaces, and home offices. The Fern Chair, with its sleek design and affordability, is an excellent choice for smaller offices, startups, and remote work setups. Assessing your work environment will help you determine which chair best meets your needs.
In conclusion, both the Steelcase Gesture and the Haworth Fern Chair are exceptional options for those seeking comfort, support, and ergonomic design in their office chairs. With their thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and extensive adjustability options, these chairs offer an unparalleled sitting experience. Whether you prioritize advanced technology, affordability, or sustainability, both the Gesture and the Fern Chair are reliable choices that will undoubtedly enhance your productivity and well-being in the workplace.
