Steelcase Gesture vs Haworth Fern

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 16 published reviews

Steelcase

Gesture

The Steelcase Gesture offers standout adjustability, broad fit, and a durable build, but its premium price, mixed lumbar support, and heat limit its appeal.

Best for: Shoppers prioritizing adjustable arms, broad fit, and long-session comfort.
Skip it if: Buyers seeking strong lumbar support, cooling, or a lower price.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Steelcase Gesture

Haworth

Fern

The Haworth Fern is a premium chair praised for long-session comfort and responsive support, but its high price, headrest limitations, and configuration trade-offs may deter some buyers.

Best for: Long-session work seeking adaptive support, customization, and durability.
Skip it if: Budget-sensitive buyers wanting full mesh or a highly adjustable headrest.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Haworth Fern

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Specs side by side

Spec	Steelcase Gesture	Haworth Fern
Holds	400 lb	–
Lumbar	–	Adjustable
Armrests	4D adjustable	–
Mesh	No	Yes
Style	Ergonomic	Ergonomic
Headrest	No	No
Footrest	No	No

Rows where the two differ come first.

Where only one fits

height: GestureUnder 5′4″Over 6′
build: GestureUp to 350 lbOver 350 lb
must-haves: Gesture4D armrests; FernAdjustable lumbarBreathable mesh

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Steelcase Gesture

Exceptionally versatile armrests suit many tasks and body types. 1 2 3 4
Wide adjustment range supports varied users and postures. 2 3 4 5
Many users report comfort during long sessions. 2 3 4 5
Premium, sturdy construction supports durability. 1 4 5 7
Fully assembled arrival simplifies immediate setup. 2 5 7
Very high pricing makes value difficult to justify. 1 2 3 4
Lumbar support and upright positioning frustrate some users. 1 2 4 5
Cushioned upholstery can feel hot in warm conditions. 3 4 6
Its heavy build can hinder moving through tight spaces. 1 7

Haworth Fern

Exceptional long-session comfort with adaptive, responsive back support 1 2 3 5
Fully assembled on delivery, backed by a 12-year chair warranty 1 2 3 4
Multiple configurations accommodate different arms, lumbar, and headrest preferences 2 3 5 6
Premium, distinctive design with strong build quality 1 2 4 6
Smooth recline and flexible back support varied postures 4 5 6 7
Premium price makes the chair a significant investment 1 2 3 4
Headrest can feel underwhelming, firm, or clunky to adjust 1 4 6
No full-mesh configuration; some buyers may prefer one 2 3
Personal fit varies, with tall users reporting seat-back gaps 4 5 6

Ranked in our guides

Guide	Gesture	Fern
Best office chairs for tall people	#2	–
Best big and tall office chairs	#1	–
Best ergonomic office chairs	#7	–
Best office chairs for short people	#1	–

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 16 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.