Steelcase Gesture Vs Think: Which One is Better for You?

by Andrew Smith| Last Updated: May 16, 2022

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Steelcase Gesture Vs Think

Torn between Steelcase Gesture Vs Think chair? No trouble, I’ll help you know which model is ideal for you and your business. To help you successfully, I’ll explain the key differences and similarities between these two models.

Besides their cost, the main difference between Steelcase Gesture Vs Think chair is that the Think has customizable lumbar support while the Gesture lacks one. Also, the armrests on the gesture chair adjust to 360 degrees while the Think chair features armrest depth, height, and width adjustment.

Even so, I noticed that both Think Vs Gesture chairs have a huge similarity in that the seat depth, recline tension, and pneumatic seat height, are all adjustable. 

Herein, you’ll find all the differences, similarities, and factors to consider when choosing your perfect chair and its features.

Table of Contents

Steelcase Gesture Vs Think: What are Their similarities and Differences?

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair - Ergonomic Work Chair with Wheels for Carpet - Comfortable Office Chair - Intuitive-to-Adjust Chairs for Desk - 360-Degree Arms - Graphite Gray Fabric
Steelcase 3D Knit Think Chair, Platinum Frame, Wasabi
Steelcase GestureSteelcase Think 
Seat Depth18 1⁄4 inches15.5 to 18 inches
Seat Height from Floor16 to 21 inches16 1⁄2 to 21 1⁄2 inches
Seat Width20 inches20.25 inches
Overall depth21 to 23 ⅝ inches22 to 24.25 inches
Arm height from Seat7¼ to 11½ inches7 to 11 inches
Width between arms10¼ to 22½ inches7 to 11 width
Arm cap pivot range15 degrees inward and outward30 degrees
Product Weight66 pounds78 pounds
Chair Dimensions‎23.63 x 29.05 x 44.5 inches24.5 x 28.5 x 42 inches
ColorMultiple colors Multiple colors
Max Weight capacity400 lbs400 lbs

Wheels and Casters

If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair that you can use on carpeted flooring, either Steelcase Gesture or Think is ideal. This is because their wheels are designed for carpet flooring.  

When you use your chair on carpeted flooring, you can be sure that the casters will last long. Plus, the chair rolls smoothly as long as you’re using it on the recommended flooring. 

Price

While Gesture and Think chairs come at a high cost, their prices range so you simply order the one that you can afford. So, Steelcase gesture vs think, which is cheaper?

Well, the price of the Steelcase Gesture chair and that of the Think model is a key distinction between the two chairs in that Gesture is slightly on the higher end than the Think.

So, with a low budget, Think would be your ideal chair to buy. 

Comfort

Wondering which chair is comfortable? The good news is that Think and Gesture chairs are comfortable. Let me explain. To stay comfortable all day long, you need a chair that conforms to your back. Such is the Gesture chair whose back and seat align with your body as you make any sitting position all day. This is possible because the chair’s back and seat move in a well-synchronized system.  

Think chair, on the other hand, features the Integrated LiveBack technology. Consequently, your body posture and the seatback blend well.  In addition, your spine gets excellent support so you can work for 8 hours straight without any back strains and pains. 

With both chairs, therefore, you can change your sitting posture anytime you wish and get unlimited comfort all day. What’s more? You won’t ever worry about fatigue associated with your office work. 

Quality

A chair’s quality heavily depends on the materials used during construction. One co-similarity between the Steelcase Gesture and Think is that you’ll find plastic, mesh, fabric, and leather material. 

While plastic material may make you believe that these are cheap, non-lasting chairs, Steelcase Gesture and Think would prove you wrong. Here’s what I mean: with the ability to withstand heavy usage, both models are made of strong plastic material that withstands heavy, daily usage. 

Besides, the plastic used on the backrest helps to make the back of the chair flexible to conform to your back posture. The plastic material has also been used to cover the metal sections of the chair. 

Without a doubt, you would only expect these models to last for over ten years. So, if you’re looking for a good chair that can withstand 24/7 use, then these two models are perfect. 

But here’s a major concern, Steelcase think vs gesture, which one has a better quality over the other? 

It’s common knowledge, that a chair that holds a high weight is strong and well built. That’s to say that Steelcase Gesture and Think models are well built as they both support a weight limit of 400lbs. 

Adjustability

Armrests

In my view, Steelcase did an excellent job in regards to designing adjustable armrests for both models. Steelcase gesture vs Steelcase Think chairs feature armrests that make work stress-free.

Let me explain further.  With the Steelcase think chair, the armrest height, depth, width, and pivot are adjustable while the gesture’s armrests feature a 360 degrees adjustment.

What’s more? When working on the Steelcase Think chair, your arms will be at a level position to keep your arms fully supported. So, whether you’re working in an upright or reclined posture, your arms will have all the support they deserve. 

On the other hand, when using the Gesture chair, the full-range motion makes the chair’s armrests support your arms at whatever angle you want. Plus, you can also move your chair closer to your working table since they won’t stand in your way.  

With the armrests staying at a parallel angle to your working table, your comfort will be as per your desire — hence, making it easy to achieve your daily working targets. 

Tension

Thank God, Think and Gesture chairs allow adjustment of the tension for a comfortable sitting posture. Nonetheless, the chairs are unique. In other words, a noticeable difference between the Steelcase Think chair vs gesture is that the Think chair features an automatic tension adjustment while Gesture features a manual one. 

Nonetheless, the Gesture has more to offer: There are four available tension adjustment options that you can make use of and take your comfort to a new level. 

They include;

Lumbar Support

Though the Steelcase Gesture comes highly recommended, one downside that I noticed is the non-adjustable lumbar support. 

The Think chair, though, features adjustable lumbar support. Hence, regardless of how long you’ll remain in your seat, your lower back will fit well in the lumbar. 

This is a vital factor because it eliminates lower back strains and pains, which would otherwise cost you an arm and a leg.  

Seat 

One of the major similarities between the Think and Gesture chairs by Steelcase is that they both feature adjustable seat depth. This is a vital factor as it means both short and tall people can comfortably fit in this chair. 

However, a key difference between the Steelcase gesture vs Think seat depth is that the Think seat depth adjusts to 18 inches from 15.5 inches, while the Gesture adjusts to18.5 inches from 17.75 inches. 

On the other hand, the Think model also features an adjustable seat height. It’s a plus to get the Think chair, therefore. 

Gesture VS Think: The Pros and Cons

While Steelcase company is reputable in making high-quality chairs, there are a few things I’ll point out about their chairs. While at it, I’ll talk about what I liked and what I felt needed some changes. Have a look.

Steelcase Think Chair

What I like 

Quality:
From time memorial, Steelcase chairs have had a record of being top-notch quality products – it’s non-deniable. 

Think chair isn’t an exception. To confirm this, Steelcase Think chair has conducted an additional 8 tests from the recommended 20, which are a requirement by the BIFMA Testing Standards. 

In their tests, they used higher weight capacities than the recommended maximum weight chair limit, 400 lbs. In all the tests, the chair was said to be of great quality. 

Comfort:
Considering that you can adjust the armrests, seat depth, and seat height, the Steelcase Think chair is a comfy chair. 

Liveback System:
With the Liveback system, anytime you lean back, the seat senses your movement and responds back. How? The backrest assumes the shape of your spine. Consequently, you don’t need to adjust the backrest when a new person sits on it, the chair will take their shape and support their spine fully.

Weight Activated Mechanism: Remember the automatic tension I mentioned earlier in this guide? Well, it’s made possible by the weight-activated mechanism. So, depending on your body mass, this mechanism automatically applies backrest tension. 

Customization:
Think chair is easy to customize. You can customize most of the parts, for example, armrests and seat depth based on your sitting position preference.

Good Seat Edge:
Like is the case with a waterfall seat edge, the Think chair seat edge also prevents pressure on your thighs. How? The seat’s edge flexes down — thereby, eliminating unwanted pressure on the backside of your legs. 

Beautiful Chair:
With lots of colors to pick from, for example, concord, wasabi, blue jay, tangerine, and licorice, among others, you won’t have to buy a chair that doesn’t match your working table or other furniture. 

What’s more, the price changes not regardless of the color you choose. 

What I Don’t Like 

Cost:
Though it’s not just the Think, but all of the Steelcase chairs, this chair features a high price tag. So, while many people may fall in love with the Think chair, not all can carry it home or to their office due to budget strains. 

Sadly, the chair doesn’t offer the value and performance that’s equivalent to its price as the Gesture chair does. 

Huge Seat:
For the big people, a huge seat is a plus, but is that the case with slender people like myself? This is a huge drawback in that slender people also struggle to have their hands on the armrests as they’re way too far for them. 

Steelcase Gesture Chair

What I like 

Armrests:
The armrests adjust up to 360 degrees, which is good for people who love supporting their arms at different angles. So, if you multitask like me and have different gadgets on your working table, consider making your order today. 

Fits Everyone:
Unlike the Think chair which isn’t so comfy for slender people, the Gesture chair is ideal for everyone. I mean, whether short or tall, slender or big, there’s a size for you. Besides, you get full back support and the chair feels very comfortable that you would think you’re working from the best home or office recliner.

Top-Quality:
The chair is sturdy and lasts many years as long as you give it the recommended care. From the plastic, the mesh, and the fabric, everything was well selected, thus the chair won’t wear out soon. 

Comfortable Chair:
Due to the ability to fully adjust the armrests, you enjoy maximized comfort while keyboarding, using the mouse, or any other gadget. Moreover, you can also adjust the seat depth and it’s really easy to do so – just turn the knob until the depth is suitable for your height. 

Tension:
The gesture chair beats the Think model in that it’s characterized by a 4-lock recline position. 

Comes Fully Assembled:
If you fear assembling new products because you tampered with new gadgets in the past, then don’t fear to order the Gesture Steelcase chair. The manufacturer had you and me in mind and decided to assemble the chair prior to shipping. 

Luxurious Appearance:
With so many colors available, you can add style to your modern or home office. Interestingly, there are not less than 70 fabrics with different colors to pick from. 

Warranty:
The manufacturer, Steelcase, gives not less than 10 years warranty. So, if any part gets damaged, you can always contact them for a replacement or repair at no cost. 

What I Don’t Like 

Lumbar Support:
Too bad, the Gesture chair, regardless of its high cost, doesn’t feature adjustable lumbar support. This may mean that it may be unsuitable for certain people. 

Cost:
Again, as I said, you have to get a little deeper into your pocket when you want to buy this chair. Its price is on the higher end, thus a good budget is necessary. Thankfully, it’s an ergonomic chair that is worth every penny. 

Steelcase Think Vs Gesture: How To Choose And Buy The Best?

Though Steelcase company has a name out there in regards to quality and long-lasting products, not every chair is wired for you. Better put, one chair isn’t perfect for two different people. There are aspects, therefore, to look out for when deciding between Steelcase Gesture Vs Think chair. 

Below, I’ll list and explain them so you can make an informed decision. 

Adjustment:

What sitting position makes you comfortable? Can the chair you want to order today adjust fully to make you sit in that position? If not, you may have to rethink your decision. If you’re not sure what you get in the above models, check the table below and decide what is best for you. 

Steelcase GestureSteelcase Think
ArmrestsAdjusts (360 degrees)Adjusts (depth, height, and width)
Lumbar SupportDoesn’t adjustAdjusts
Seat Depth AdjustsAdjusts
pneumatic seat heighAdjustsAdjusts
recline tension adjustmentAdjustsAdjusts

Comfort:

In most cases, how far a chair goes in regards to adjustment is what determines how far it goes in regards to comfort. Simply put, no adjustment is equal to no comfort! That said, both Steelcase Gesture and Think have numerous adjustment options, but each has a drawback. 

I mean, while the lumbar support isn’t adjustable on the Gesture chair, the Think model doesn’t feature a 360 degrees armrests. Apart from that, either chair is just fine. 

Can You Afford It?

We cannot ignore the fact that money is a key factor in determining what we can own and what we can add to our wishlist for future reference and purchase. 

Therefore, if everything else suits you well in regards to buying the Gesture or Think chair, make your order. If your budget is limited, add it to your ‘wishlist’ until you have enough to make an order.

Warranty:

During shipping, a chair that was in good condition before packaging would get damaged. 

Without a warranty, you would count your losses and move on. Bearing in mind that the cost of Steelcase chairs exceeds that of most ergonomic office chairs, it would be wrong to ignore the warranty. 

On the other hand, one of the parts may get damaged within the first few years of purchase. Without a warranty, you would have to cater for the repair. Another thing to note is that the terms and conditions of the warranty may differ depending on your region. So, check what terms and conditions apply to your location before you order any of the chairs.  

FAQs

Is Steelcase Gesture Worth It?

Absolutely, Steelcase Gesture is worth it. I can’t find enough words to emphasize that the Gesture chair is a durable chair built with top-quality material. 

What’s more? It’s a comfortable chair with enough options to customize it so as to keep you working 8 hours, straight. So, if you weigh not more than 400 lbs, don’t fear spending your hard-earned money on this chair.

Do Steelcase Chairs Come With A Warranty?

Yes, Steelcase chairs have a warranty. Based on which Steelcase chair you’re buying, the warranty could be anywhere between seven to fifteen years. Steelcase chairs warrant is valid from the date of delivery. 

Even so, note that the warrant becomes null if you mishandle the product. Mishandling means you’ve violated the warrant terms and conditions. Besides, the warrant isn’t transferable to other Steelcase chairs that were bought earlier or later. 

How Long Will A Steelcase Chairs Last?

Basically, most Steelcase chairs last for not less than ten years. That’s why Steelcase chairs feature warranties based on the chair model. 

So, some chairs may have a shorter warrant than others and that explains that some models are more durable than others. 

Steelcase Gesture Or Think: Which Chair Is The Best?

No one answer is fit for this question. However, if you have no specific requirements for your ergonomic office chair, the Steelcase Gesture chair would win today’s medal.

Reason? It allows you to customize it more than you would in a Think chair. From the armrests to the seat depth, you have a lot of options when you buy it.

Are Steelcase Chairs Made In The USA?

Most of the Steelcase chairs are made in the USA, specifically in Kentwood, Michigan. This also means that Steelcase is an established company. 

The Final Word

Steelcase Gesture Vs Think? You can buy any of these chairs as long as your budget allows and the features are great. However, from my research, I would recommend the Gesture chair as it has a higher warranty, which definitely means the product has better quality than the Steelcase Think chair. 

Besides, though you need to have a higher budget for the Gesture chair, you also get more customization options. 

However, be warned that the lumbar support isn’t adjustable. So, if this is your major concern, please consider buying the Steelcase Think chair.

Author

  • Andrew Smith

    Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

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