Quick Verdict: Steelcase Amia
The Amia is Steelcase's most cushioned task chair and one of the most comfortable padded office chairs you can buy. It pairs a LiveBack backrest with height-adjustable LiveLumbar support, a flexible seat edge, 4D arms on most configurations and a 400-pound rating, all backed by Steelcase's 12-year, round-the-clock warranty. It costs less than the Leap V2 and is simpler to set up. You give up lumbar firmness control and some recline range, but for people who want a soft, supportive seat without fuss, the Amia is a superb choice.
What Is the Steelcase Amia?
The Amia sits between Steelcase's mid-range Series 2 and its flagship Leap V2. It borrows LiveBack technology from the Leap, a backrest that changes shape as your spine moves, and combines it with a thicker, softer seat and a recline that adjusts with a single, easy-to-reach control.
Steelcase designed the Amia to adjust dynamically with fewer manual controls than the Leap, so it suits people who prefer to set a chair up once and forget it. It has also become popular in shared offices, because it fits a wide range of people with minimal setup.
See where it fits in the full lineup in our guide to Steelcase chairs.
Amia Specifications
| Seat height | 16"–21" (tall cylinder: 17"–24") |
|---|---|
| Seat depth | 15.5"–18.5", adjustable |
| Seat width | 19.25" |
| Back height | About 23.4" above the seat |
| Back | Upholstered LiveBack (Amia Air version offers a 3D Microknit Air LiveBack) |
| Lumbar | LiveLumbar: height-adjustable, flexing spring support built into the back |
| Arms | 4D (height, width, depth, pivot); height-adjustable or armless versions also offered |
| Recline | Synchro-tilt with adjustable tension and an upright lock |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime; 12 years, 24/7, on most parts and labor |
Specifications are from Steelcase's published product information and authorized-dealer spec sheets. Features vary by configuration.
Design and Build
The Amia looks understated: a softly shaped upholstered back, a generous seat and Steelcase's clean frame. That subtlety is part of its appeal for home offices, where it blends in more easily than technical-looking mesh chairs. Upholstery options include several fabrics and leather, and frames come in black or platinum. Steelcase tests the chair to 400 pounds and offers a CarbonNeutral version, and it carries indoor air quality certification.
The Amia Air variant swaps the upholstered back for a breathable 3D Microknit Air LiveBack, worth considering if you run warm.
Comfort and Support
Seat
The seat is the Amia's standout feature. It is thicker and softer than the seats on the Series 1 and Series 2, and its front edge flexes downward as you move, reducing pressure behind the knees. The seat depth slider lets you match the seat to your thigh length.
Back and LiveLumbar
LiveLumbar is a flexible, spring-like support built into the lower backrest. You slide it up or down to meet the curve of your lower back, and it flexes as you move. Its firmness is not adjustable, unlike the Leap V2's lower back firmness control. One long-form independent review found the lumbar support on the soft side; if you want strong, precise pressure, the Leap V2 is the better choice. Learn more in our lumbar support guide.
Arms
Most Amia configurations include 4D arms that adjust in height, width, depth and pivot, similar to the Leap's arms. Long-term independent reviews rate them highly. Check the listing, because some versions ship with height-adjustable arms only.
Recline
The Amia uses a synchro-tilt with a tension knob and an upright lock. The recline is smooth and quiet, and the back flexes slightly at every position, which encourages small movements while you work. The trade-off is range: there are no intermediate lock positions, and the maximum recline is more modest than on the Leap V2 or Gesture. If you like to lean far back between tasks, those chairs are more satisfying.
Scale 14" to 22". Manufacturer-published ranges.
Scale 14" to 20". Manufacturer-published ranges.
Amia vs. Leap V2 vs. Series 2
| Amia | Leap V2 | Series 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat feel | Thick, soft cushion | Supportive padded seat | Thinner foam |
| Lumbar | LiveLumbar, height-adjustable | Height + separate firmness | Height-adjustable |
| Arms | 4D (most models) | 4D | 4D |
| Recline | Tension + upright lock | Natural Glide, 5 lock positions | Weight-activated |
| Capacity | 400 lbs | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Check price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
The Leap V2 remains the most adjustable Steelcase for back support and recline control. The Amia is softer and easier to live with. The Series 2 costs less, with a thinner seat.
Who Fits the Amia Best?
Shorter Users
The 16-inch minimum seat height and 15.5-inch minimum seat depth make the Amia a strong option for petite sitters, and retailers have long recommended it for shorter people.
Taller Users
The standard 21-inch maximum seat height works for many tall people, and a tall cylinder option raises it to 24 inches for drafting heights. The seat depth extends to 18.5 inches.
Larger Users
The 400-pound rating and 19.25-inch-wide seat suit larger frames well. For even more room, see our big and tall office chairs.
People With Lower-Back Discomfort
The Amia's height-adjustable LiveLumbar helps, but people who want firmer support should compare the Leap V2 in our guide to office chairs for back pain.
How to Set Up the Amia
- Seat height: feet flat, thighs level.
- Seat depth: slide forward until two to three fingers fit behind your knees.
- LiveLumbar: slide the support to meet the inward curve of your lower back.
- Recline tension: turn the knob until the back supports you without pushing you forward.
- Arms: set height and width so your shoulders relax while typing.
Amia Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the most comfortable padded seats available
- Flexible seat edge reduces knee pressure
- Height-adjustable LiveLumbar
- 4D arms on most configurations
- 400 lb capacity
- 12-year, 24/7 warranty
Cons
- No lumbar firmness control
- Limited recline range and no intermediate locks
- Upholstered back runs warmer than mesh
- Some versions have simpler arms
Is the Steelcase Amia Worth It?
Yes, especially if you want a soft, supportive seat and simple controls. It delivers most of what makes Steelcase's premium chairs great, with a cushioned feel that many people prefer to mesh. If you want the most precise lumbar control and a deeper recline, the Leap V2 is worth the step up. And if you run warm, consider the Amia Air or our #1 pick, the Herman Miller Aeron.
Alternatives to the Amia
- Steelcase Leap V2: lumbar firmness control and Natural Glide recline.
- Steelcase Think: a breathable knit back and weight-activated recline.
- Steelcase Series 2: a lower-priced Steelcase with 4D arms.
- Herman Miller Sayl: a design-led alternative with a breathable back.
Choosing an Amia Configuration
| Option | Choices | Our Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Back | Upholstered LiveBack or Air LiveBack (Amia Air) | Amia Air if you run warm |
| Arms | 4D, height-adjustable or armless | 4D for desk work |
| Upholstery | Several fabrics and leather | Fabric for breathability; leather for a polished look |
| Cylinder | Standard or tall | Tall only for drafting-height desks |
| Casters | Carpet or hard floor | Match to your floor |
The listing we link to is the Steelcase Amia with adjustable back tension and arms. Many other Amia configurations are sold on Amazon, so compare features before buying.
What Reviewers Commonly Mention
Independent reviewers praise the Amia's soft, comfortable seat, excellent arms, smooth and quiet recline and cooler feel than the Leap. A detailed long-term review rated it the most comfortable Steelcase chair it tested. Common criticisms include soft lumbar support that can slide down, a limited maximum recline with no intermediate locks and hinges that may need lubrication if they start to squeak.
Durability and Warranty
The Amia carries a 12-year, 24/7 warranty on parts and labor plus Steelcase's limited lifetime warranty, and it is tested to 400 pounds. It has been in Steelcase's lineup for many years, and used examples remain popular, which speaks to its longevity. Buying new from an authorized seller keeps the full warranty.
Steelcase Amia FAQs
Is the Steelcase Amia Comfortable?
Yes. Its thick, flexible seat is one of the most comfortable padded seats in Steelcase's lineup.
What Is the Difference Between the Amia and the Leap?
The Leap V2 adds lumbar firmness control, Natural Glide and more recline positions. The Amia has a softer seat, simpler controls and a lower price.
What Is the Amia's Weight Capacity?
Steelcase tests the Amia to 400 pounds.
What Is the Amia Air?
The Amia Air is a version with a breathable 3D Microknit Air LiveBack instead of an upholstered back.
Is the Amia Good for Short People?
Yes. Its 16-inch minimum seat height and 15.5-inch minimum seat depth suit many shorter sitters.