Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and to maximize the ergonomic benefits of your chair.
Safety Information
Always follow these safety guidelines:
- Do not stand on the chair.
- Do not use the chair as a step stool.
- Ensure all components are securely fastened before use.
- Do not exceed the maximum weight recommendation of 400 pounds.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts during adjustment.
Assembly
Your Steelcase Gesture chair ships ready to assemble. Follow the steps below for proper assembly.
- Unpack Components: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging. Verify all components are present against the packing list.
- Attach Casters: Insert the hard floor casters into the base. Press firmly until they click into place.
- Attach Gas Lift: Place the gas lift cylinder into the center hole of the chair base.
- Attach Seat Mechanism: Align the seat mechanism with the pre-drilled holes on the underside of the seat. Secure with the provided screws.
- Attach Backrest: Connect the backrest to the seat mechanism according to the instructions provided in the separate assembly guide (if applicable).
- Attach Headrest (if applicable): Slide the headrest into the designated slot at the top of the backrest.
For detailed visual instructions, refer to the assembly guide included with your product or visit the official Steelcase support website.
Operating and Adjustments
The Steelcase Gesture chair is designed with intuitive controls for personalized comfort. All primary adjustment controls are located on the right side of the chair for easy access.
Video demonstrating various adjustments of the Steelcase Gesture chair, including seat height, seat depth, recline tension, variable back stop, optional lumbar support, and arm adjustments.
1. Seat Height Adjustment
To adjust the seat height, lift your body weight slightly off the seat and pull the lever located on the right side of the chair upwards. Release the lever at your desired height. To lower the seat, remain seated and pull the same lever upwards, allowing your weight to lower the chair. Release the lever when the desired height is reached.
Ensure your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at approximately a 90-degree angle for optimal ergonomic posture.
2. Seat Depth Adjustment
To adjust the seat depth, remain seated and turn the knob located on the front right side of the seat mechanism. Turn the knob away from you to extend the seat forward, and towards you to retract it backward. Adjust until there is a 2-3 inch gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
3. Arm Adjustments (360 Arm)
The Gesture's 360-degree arms offer extensive adjustability:
- Arm Height: Lift the lever under the armrest to adjust the arm height. Push the arm up or down to the desired position and release the lever to lock.
- Arm Width: Push the armrests in or out to adjust the width.
- Arm Cap Position: Grasp the arm caps and slide them in any direction (forward, backward, inward, outward, pivot) to find your preferred support.

Image showing the multi-directional adjustment of the Steelcase Gesture armrests. The armrests can be moved up, down, in, out, and pivoted to support various postures.
4. Recline Tension Adjustment
The recline tension knob is located on the right side, towards the back of the seat mechanism. Turn the knob forward for more recline resistance or backward for less resistance. Adjust to your body weight and preference for smooth reclining.
5. 4-Position Recline Lock (Variable Back Stop)
The variable back stop allows you to lock the chair's recline at four different positions: upright, mid-recline, and full recline, with an additional stop in between. Use the lever located near the recline tension knob to select your desired recline position.
6. Adjustable Lumbar Support (Optional)
If your chair includes optional lumbar support, grasp the handles on both sides of the backrest and slide them up or down to position the lumbar support at your lower back for optimal comfort.

Image of the Steelcase Gesture chair's backrest, highlighting the adjustable lumbar support mechanism. This feature allows users to customize lower back support.
7. Headrest Adjustment (if applicable)
To adjust the headrest, grasp the headrest pad and move it up or down to adjust its height. To adjust the angle, grasp the supports and pivot the headrest pad forward or backward.

Image of the Steelcase Gesture chair featuring an adjustable headrest. The headrest can be moved vertically and tilted to provide neck and head support.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps prolong the life and appearance of your Steelcase Gesture chair.
- Cleaning Fabric: For general cleaning, vacuum the fabric regularly. For spills, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution, testing on an inconspicuous area first.
- Cleaning Frame: Wipe the frame and plastic components with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Casters: Periodically check casters for hair or debris and clean as necessary to ensure smooth movement.
- Moving Parts: No lubrication is required for the chair's mechanisms.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Steelcase Gesture chair, refer to the following common solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chair does not raise/lower | Gas lift issue or lever not fully engaged. | Ensure the lever is pulled completely. If the issue persists, contact customer support. |
| Casters not rolling smoothly | Debris caught in casters. | Remove any hair or debris from the caster wheels. |
| Backrest does not recline | Recline lock engaged or tension too high. | Disengage the recline lock. Reduce recline tension by turning the knob backward. |
| Armrests are loose | Armrest mechanism not fully locked. | Ensure the arm height lever is fully released. If caps are loose, they are designed to slide, but should not feel wobbly at the base. |
Specifications
- Brand: Steelcase
- Model Name: Gesture
- Model Number: Gesture
- Color: Cogent Connect Canary
- Material: Textile (Cogent Connect fabric is 100% polyester), Foam fill
- Product Dimensions: 24.75"D x 27"W x 34.9"H
- Size: Low Height Range (14.5" - 18.25" seat height)
- Item Weight: 78 Pounds
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 400 Pounds
- Casters: Hard Floor Casters
- UPC: 749511902693
- Required Assembly: Yes
Warranty and Support
Steelcase Inc. warrants that Steelcase®, Turnstone®, Nurture®, and Details® brand products are free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. This warranty is valid from the date of delivery, regardless of shift usage, and covers the original purchaser for products delivered in the Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
For further assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please visit the official Steelcase support website or contact their customer service department.
Manufacturer: Steelcase
Manufacturer Warranty Description: Steelcase inc. (“steelcase”) warrants that steelcase®, turnstone®, nurture®, and details® brand products are free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. This warranty is valid from the date of delivery, regardless of shift usage, and covers the original purchaser for products delivered in the americas: united states, canada, mexico, latin america and the caribbean.





