Steelcase Amia Review

The Steelcase Amia would be an award-winning office chair if other more exceptional Steelcase models didn't outshine it.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Comfort is the most important factor when evaluating office chairs and our most heavily weighted test metric. Our team specifically compared and rated seat comfort, back comfort, armrest comfort, and the hours we felt you could sit comfortably in each chair. The Steelcase Amia did well in these evaluations and earned high marks for an exceptional level of comfort, on par with other top-rated chairs we've tested.

The Amia has a nice seat with medium-firm padding, which strikes a great balance of give and support. For our evaluation of back comfort, most of our test team found it excellent, earning higher marks than any other model we tested, with a notably comfortable and supportive lumbar. However, one of our taller and heavier testers had issues with limited backrest resistance, requiring him to stay upright while using this chair. Our general consensus is that the Amia offers plenty of backrest resistance for persons up to around 170 pounds but may not be as well suited to taller and heavier persons. The armrests feature an adjustable height, pivot, width, and depth, enhancing comfort for many sizes.

Finally, we took our testers' combined evaluations and opinions after sitting in each chair for long durations, establishing the reasonable amount of hours you can sit in each chair with an adequate level of comfort. We determined the Steelcase Amia to be a good chair for typical 8-hour days in a 40-hour work week. Bottom line, when it comes to overall comfort, the Steelcase Amia reigns in as one of the best our team has evaluated.

Adjustability

In the second test metric of our comprehensive assessment, we evaluated the overall adjustability of each chair. Specifically, we compared the Amia with other chairs, examining and rating how various components such as seat depth, backrest, armrests, and reclining position could be adjusted.

Our team specifically enjoyed the adjustable lumbar, which offers eight different height positions, although it, unfortunately, does not offer an adjustment for firmness. Also notable is the armrest adjustability that allows them to pivot, as well as move up and down, inward and outward, and forward and backward, and the easy seat pan depth adjustment.

Durability

In assessing durability, we focused our attention on each chair's construction quality and robustness. We thoroughly examined any indications of wear, tear, or notable damage throughout our rigorous testing procedures. Additionally, user reviews, particularly those highlighting common complaints and the duration of the included warranty, were considered to determine overall scores.

We found the Amia to be well made and durable, just as other consumers did. Less than seven percent of critical user reviews we examined expressed any durability issues and more commonly referred to unique quality control issues. We could not replicate issues or damage and are confident in the construction quality and longevity of this chair.

Ease of Assembly

Our last test metric evaluated the level of effort required to assemble each model before it could be sat in and used. The Amia arrives nearly completely assembled, only requiring the insertion of a gas cylinder and then setting the chair on its base. The hassle of dealing with packaging will consume much more of your time than the minute it takes to put this model together.

Should You Buy the Steelcase Amia?

The Amia is a premium office chair that offers exceptional comfort, durability, and ease of assembly. It is all-around one of the best chairs we've tested, with decent adjustability. However, it is rather expensive, and for just a little bit more, it would make good sense to acquire the top model we tested.

What Other Office Chairs Should You Consider?

While the Steelcase Amia is one of the top chairs in our lineup, it is nearly as expensive as the Steelcase Leap, which is a favorite among our test team. That said, the premium-level features, quality, and comfort come at a hefty price and may be beyond the reach of many. For those wanting to be a little more conservative when buying an office chair, the Steelcase Series 2 is a good option. It is less expensive than the Leap, but still offers great comfort and features, typically only present on much more expensive models, and is a great value overall. If you're on an even tighter budget, check out the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh, though you'll sacrifice a noticeable amount of comfort and adjustability for the budget price tag.