Quick Verdict: Knoll Generation
The Generation is built for the way people actually sit: sideways, leaning back, perched on the edge, even facing backward. Its flexing elastomer back bends in almost any direction, its seat edges flex down, and its arm supports wrap around so you can sit sideways comfortably. It is rated for 300 pounds, offers seat depth adjustment and carries a 12-year warranty. It is a great match for restless sitters, collaborative spaces and people who change position constantly. Focused, forward-facing typists who want structured support will usually be happier in an Aeron or Leap V2.
What Is the Knoll Generation?
Knoll, the American design company known for iconic modern furniture, developed the Generation with New Zealand studio Formway Design. Formway's research looked at how people really behave at work, and the answer was that they rarely sit still facing forward. They slouch, turn to talk, lean back to think and sit sideways. The Generation is designed to support all of those postures rather than discourage them.
Knoll also makes the lighter, simpler ReGeneration, a related chair with a similar flexing philosophy.
Generation Specifications
| Designer | Formway Design for Knoll |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 17.25"–22.5" |
| Seat depth | 15.75"–18.75", adjustable |
| Seat width | 21" |
| Back | Flexing high-performance elastomer back |
| Arms | Height-adjustable or high-performance arms |
| Recline | Flexing back and seat that move with you; the top of the back bends rearward |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Chair weight | 37 lbs (plastic base) or 39 lbs (aluminum base) |
| Materials | Cast aluminum or plastic base, molded urethane foam seat, elastomer back |
| Warranty | 12 years |
Specifications are from Knoll's published product information through its retail partners.
Design and Build
The Generation's back is a perforated elastomer whose pattern controls how much it flexes in each area. The top of the back can bend rearward, so you can stretch and lean far back, and the sides flex so you can twist. The seat has a flat center with edges that flex down into a supportive lip. The arm supports wrap toward the back of the chair, leaving room to swing your legs to the side. Independent reviewers describe the chair as sturdy and well calculated rather than flimsy.
Comfort and Support
Multiple Postures
This is the Generation's specialty. You can sit forward and type, lean back to read, sit sideways with an arm draped over the back, or turn around and lean on the top of the backrest. Few task chairs support that range of positions comfortably.
Back Support
The flexing back supports you through movement rather than holding you in one position. There is no dedicated adjustable lumbar knob, so people who want firm, targeted lower-back support should compare the Leap V2 or see our lumbar support guide.
Seat
The seat is dense foam with a flat shape, which makes sideways sitting possible. The trade-off is that some people find firm spots during long, forward-facing sessions. Seat depth adjustment helps fit a range of thigh lengths.
Arms
The arms adjust easily in height and give solid support. Their wraparound mounting is what enables sideways sitting.
Scale 14" to 23". Manufacturer-published ranges.
Scale 14" to 20". Manufacturer-published ranges.
Generation vs. Fern vs. Embody
| Knoll Generation | Haworth Fern | Herman Miller Embody | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Constant position changes, sideways sitting | Flexing back, edgeless seat | Long sessions with frequent movement |
| Back | Flexing elastomer | Wave Suspension | Pixelated matrix |
| Seat height | 17.25"–22.5" | 16.5"–21.5" | 16"–20.5" |
| Capacity | 300 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Check price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
All three are designed around movement. The Fern has a softer, edgeless seat, and the Embody is the premium choice for marathon sessions.
Who Should Buy the Generation?
- Restless sitters who shift, twist and change position often.
- Collaborative offices where people turn to talk.
- Taller sitters: the 22.5-inch maximum seat height is higher than many chairs. See our office chairs for tall people.
- People who like to lean back and stretch.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Focused typists who sit forward all day and want structured support.
- Shorter users: the 17.25-inch minimum seat height may be too high.
- People who want soft cushioning.
Things to Know Before Buying
- Fabric grip: the elastomer back has some grip, and one reviewer noted it can tug on shirts.
- Arms: choose high-performance arms if you want more adjustment.
- Base: the aluminum base adds a little weight and a more premium look.
Generation Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports sideways, reclined and perched postures
- Flexing back encourages movement
- Seat depth adjustment
- High maximum seat height
- 12-year warranty
- Sturdy build
Cons
- No adjustable lumbar knob
- Firm, flat seat
- High minimum seat height for shorter users
- Back material can grip clothing
- 300 lb capacity
Is the Knoll Generation Worth It?
Yes, if you are a mover. It supports the real-world ways people sit better than almost any other chair. If you mostly sit forward and type, a chair with structured, adjustable support such as our #1 pick, the Herman Miller Aeron, is a better use of your budget.
Choosing a Generation Configuration
| Option | Choices | Our Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Arms | Height-adjustable or high-performance | High-performance if you type a lot |
| Base | Plastic or polished aluminum | Aluminum for a more premium look |
| Frame | Light or dark | Personal preference |
| Seat and back colors | Many combinations | Darker seats hide wear better |
How to Set Up the Generation
- Seat height: feet flat, thighs level. Shorter users should check that the 17.25-inch minimum works for them.
- Seat depth: leave two to three fingers between the seat edge and your knees.
- Arms: set them to desk height so they support your forearms when you face forward.
- Recline tension: set it so the back flexes easily when you lean but still supports you.
- Experiment: try sitting sideways and leaning back; the chair is designed to support it.
What Reviewers Commonly Mention
Reviewers praise the Generation's flexibility, sturdy build, easy arm adjustment and how comfortable it is for sideways sitting, reclining and watching content. Common criticisms include the firm, flat seat during long forward-facing sessions, the back material's tendency to grip clothing and the fact that typing while sitting sideways is awkward. Customer feedback summaries also mention some reports of seat cushion and tilt durability concerns.
Generation vs. ReGeneration
| Generation | ReGeneration | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Multiple postures | Light, simple, sustainable |
| Seat height | 17.25"–22.5" | 16.4"–21.6" |
| Chair weight | 37–39 lbs | About 28 lbs |
| Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Warranty | 12 years | 12 years |
| Check price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
The ReGeneration suits shorter users and people who want a lighter chair; the Generation suits taller users and constant movers.
Knoll Generation FAQs
Who Designed the Knoll Generation Chair?
Formway Design of New Zealand, in collaboration with Knoll.
What Is the Generation's Weight Capacity?
The Generation is rated for 300 pounds.
Is the Knoll Generation Good for Tall People?
Its seat rises to 22.5 inches and its seat depth extends to 18.75 inches, which suits many taller people.
Generation or ReGeneration: What Is the Difference?
The ReGeneration is a lighter, simpler and typically less expensive Knoll chair with a flexing back net. The Generation offers more flexibility for multiple postures.