Humanscale Freedom Chair with Headrest (Build Your Own)
Humanscale Freedom Chair with Headrest (Build Your Own)
- Self-adjusting recline, moves with you and keeps you in flow
- Engineered ergonomics to cut strain and extend focus
- Premium build, 15-year warranty, one investment, sit right for life
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Free US Shipping
Risk-Free 30 Day Returns
15 Year Warranty
Product Description
Product Description
The New York Times calls it “the gold standard in office seating.”.
World leaders and visionaries from Apple’s Tim Cook to President Obama, have trusted this chair while shaping history. It’s also a fixture in Hollywood power offices, seen in Succession and How to Get Away with Murder.
It’s a chair built for clarity and control... which makes it painfully clear when yours does the opposite.
By mid-afternoon, your back is tight, your focus is fading, and the fog sets in. You keep grinding, but the truth is your chair is quietly working against you.
Most “ergonomic” chairs are full of knobs and levers that look technical but keep you static. You either ignore them or waste time adjusting…
Over months, that stillness grinds down posture, drains focus, and eats into productivity.
Freedom was designed to fix that. Created by Niels Diffrient, the father of ergonomics, it ditches the levers and springs for something smarter: your body weight and physics.
The chair adjusts as you move, giving you natural support that feels custom-made every time.
Sit down and you notice it. Cushions sculpted to match your body ease pressure without collapsing.
Recline, and the headrest glides to cradle your neck, smooth and quiet. No jolts, no fiddling, just support that disappears into the background while you work.
If your desk is your cockpit, this is the seat that belongs in it. Built for founders, executives, and high-performers who spend hours at the controls, it’s not furniture, it’s a performance essential.
You’ve tried the so-called ergonomic chair with 12 knobs you never use. Or the budget one that sags after a year.
Freedom is different. It adapts automatically and is backed by a 15-year warranty. Most chairs don’t last that long in the corner of a showroom, let alone under daily pressure.
And the science…
- Dynamic seating cuts pain recovery time: Postural shift designs can reduce neck and back pain recovery from ~3 months to 1 month.
- Headrest support eases strain: Reduces neck muscle fatigue and tension while reclining.
- Movement boosts productivity: Allowing posture changes improves computer-task performance by ~6–7%.
- Adaptive ergonomics reduce fatigue: Reviews show chairs that adjust to the user lower strain and improve comfort over long hours.
A poor chair doesn’t just cost comfort. It drains focus, feeds fatigue, and sends money to physios and chiropractors. That’s thousands lost over the years.
If your time is worth $200 an hour, losing just 30 minutes of focus a day costs you $25,000 a year.
Add the $2,000+ most people spend on physio and chiropractor visits, and the math is clear: Freedom pays for itself in months, then keeps compounding for the next 15 years.
Spread across its warranty, the daily cost is less than your coffee, but the return shows up in sharper focus, better posture, and consistent performance.
You’ve optimised your systems, your workflow, even your recovery. Don’t let your chair be the weak link.
Freedom isn’t just where you sit…It’s where your best work gets done, day after day, for the next 15 years…
The chair that pays you back every day you sit in it.
And if you’ve been waiting to upgrade, every day you don’t is another day your chair is costing you more than it’s giving back.
Specs
Specs
Recline Mechanism: Weight-sensitive self-locking recline (no levers or dials)
Backrest: Pivoting lumbar support with automatic tension balance
Armrests: Synchronous arms with one-hand vertical adjustment
Headrest Type: Dynamic, self-adjusting neck and head support
Headrest Adjustment Range: 5” vertical travel
Headrest Width: 21.25”
Headrest Height (from top of backrest): 10.5”
Headrest Tilt Range: 11° forward / 16° backward
Seat Cushion: Contoured foam with waterfall edge and pressure-relief cutout
Seat Height Range: 16.0”–21.0” (standard cylinder)
Recline Range: 20° with automatic 7° back tilt
Armrest Height Range: 5.85” vertical travel
Chair Width: 26.75”
Chair Depth: 17.4”–19.85”
Chair Height (with Headrest): 48.2”–53”
Weight Capacity: 100–400 lbs
Chair Weight: 34–38 lbs (depending on configuration)
Base Finish Options: Graphite, Titanium, or Polished Aluminum
Textile Options: Four-way stretch fabric, leather, or Technogel seat
Caster Options: Hard floor, soft floor, or locking casters
Sustainability: TRUE Zero Waste certified, 97% recyclable content
Warranty: 15-Year, 24/7 Use
Download the product brochure here
Scientific Evidence
Scientific Evidence
The Science of Ergonomic Seating
1. Reduced Back and Neck Pain, Faster Recovery
A randomised trial found that dynamic seating that encourages postural shifts cut recovery time for office workers with neck and low back pain from around 3 months to just 1 month. Chairs that move with you, like the Freedom, help reduce recurrence and keep you working pain-free.
2. Higher Productivity Through Posture Shifts
Research shows that even small posture changes can boost computer-based task productivity by 6–7%. Freedom’s physics-driven recline and moving arms encourage those shifts automatically, helping you stay sharper for longer.
3. Less Muscle Fatigue with Head and Spine Support
Studies confirm that headrests and spinal support reduce muscle strain during long sitting sessions. Freedom’s dynamic headrest and pivoting backrest do exactly that, lowering fatigue so you can focus instead of fidget.
4. Ergonomic Adaptation Lowers Fatigue and Improves Comfort
A systematic review of ergonomic furniture found that chairs which adapt to the user reduce strain, improve comfort, and protect posture across long hours. Freedom was designed on this principle — to adapt to you, not the other way around.
Sources
- van Dieën, J.H., van der Veen, R., Kingma, I. et al., 2024. Effectiveness of a dynamic seat cushion on recovery and recurrence of neck and/or low back pain in office workers: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25, 171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07947-4
- Straker, L., Mathiassen, S.E. (2009). A systematic review of research on sitting and working furniture ergonomics. Applied Ergonomics, 40(3), 293–311.
- Robertson, M.M. et al., 2023. Quantifying the impacts of posture changes on office worker productivity: Exploratory study using sit-stand desks. BMC Public Health, 23:17100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17100-w
- Bridger, R.S., 2003. Introduction to Ergonomics. CRC Press.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Shipping is completely free, no surprises at checkout.
Your Humanscale Freedom Chair ships fast, fully assembled, and ready to use. Most Quick Ship chairs leave the warehouse within 2 business days once your order is confirmed.
- Quick Ship chairs - usually delivered within 7–10 business days.
- Textile Grade 1–2 chairs: Made to order, usually delivered within 2-3 weeks.
- Leather and Textile Grade 3–4 chairs: Premium made-to-order items, usually delivered within 4-6 weeks.
Returns & Warranty
We offer a 30-day return window on Quick Ship chairs only. Because every other chair is made to order or specially configured, we don’t accept change-of-mind returns. This applies across all seating products.
However, you’re fully covered by Humanscale’s industry-leading 15-year warranty. If anything isn’t right due to a manufacturing fault, we’ll help get it sorted, whether that’s a replacement part or a full chair replacement.
Engineered For Long Workdays
For High Performers Who Value Focus
Made for the Long Game
The Chair That Works As Hard As You Do
Ergonomic design that keeps pace with performance.
Dynamic support reduces back and neck strain, cutting recovery times from months to weeks. Less pain means fewer physio bills, fewer sick days, and more days performing at your peak.
Reduces Pain, Protects Your Spine
Studies show even small posture shifts improve task performance by 6–7%. A chair that moves with you keeps you in flow, so you’re not bleeding 30 minutes of focus a day... that’s $25,000+ a year in lost output for most high-performers.
Improved Focus and Productivity
Pressure-relieving cushions and adaptive support improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Instead of crawling to the end of the day, you finish with energy left for the gym, the family, or the next big idea.
Comfort That Sustains Energy.
A premium chair costs more upfront because it lasts 10–15 years while cheaper ones collapse in two. Over its lifespan, the daily cost is less than your coffee, yet it pays back in focus, health, and consistency. For serious operators, it’s not an expense... it’s the smartest investment they’ll ever make.
Long-Term ROI on Health and Output.
Looks Good. Works Better
Explore the Features
Designed by Niels Diffrient
Created by the father of ergonomics, the Freedom Chair is recognised globally as the “gold standard in office seating.” It’s not just a chair, it’s an icon built for serious operators.
Self-Adjusting Recline
Uses your body weight and physics to adapt automatically, eliminating knobs and levers. Every shift is seamless, so you stay supported without losing focus.
Dynamic Headrest
Moves with you as you recline, giving instant support to your head and neck. Cuts tension and reduces fatigue, especially during long calls or deep work blocks.
Durability with ROI
Built to perform 24/7 and backed by a 15-year warranty. While cheap chairs collapse in two years, Freedom costs less in the long run and pays back in focus, health, and output.
Synchronous Arms
Armrests are attached to the backrest, so they move in perfect alignment as you recline. Easy to adjust with one hand, always where you need them.
Pressure-Relieving Cushions
Sculpted to mirror your body’s natural contours, easing pressure points and improving circulation. Less fidgeting, more consistency, and energy that lasts beyond your workday.
Designed by Niels Diffrient
Created by the father of ergonomics, the Freedom Chair is recognised globally as the “gold standard in office seating.” It’s not just a chair, it’s an icon built for serious operators.
Self-Adjusting Recline
Uses your body weight and physics to adapt automatically, eliminating knobs and levers. Every shift is seamless, so you stay supported without losing focus.
Dynamic Headrest
Moves with you as you recline, giving instant support to your head and neck. Cuts tension and reduces fatigue, especially during long calls or deep work blocks.
Durability with ROI
Built to perform 24/7 and backed by a 15-year warranty. While cheap chairs collapse in two years, Freedom costs less in the long run and pays back in focus, health, and output.
Synchronous Arms
Armrests are attached to the backrest, so they move in perfect alignment as you recline. Easy to adjust with one hand, always where you need them.
Pressure-Relieving Cushions
Sculpted to mirror your body’s natural contours, easing pressure points and improving circulation. Less fidgeting, more consistency, and energy that lasts beyond your workday.
High Performance Starts with your Space
Engineered with premium materials and craftsmanship that stand the test of time.
Every product comes from brands trusted by professionals who expect results.
Recover faster, stay consistent, and perform at your best every day.
Performance-grade comfort that supports the body and mind without compromise.
Create a space built for focus, efficiency, and calm, where great work happens.
Your Success, Our Guarantee
Free US Shipping
No hidden fees. Tracked and delivered safely. Low-cost shipping to Canada.
Support In Every Step
We're here to save you time and answer any questions you have.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
If it’s not the right fit, send it back, hassle free.
Multi-Year Warranty on All Products
Built to last. Covered for years.
Other Pieces Built to Perform
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Humanscale Freedom Chair – Elle Ivory Edition (Headrest, Premium Wool Bouclé)
No reviewsRegular price $2,219.20Sale price $2,219.20 Regular priceUnit price / per$3,419.56Local stock. Ships in 24hrsSale -
Humanscale Freedom Chair – Elle Taupe Edition (Headrest, Premium Wool Bouclé)
No reviewsRegular price $2,219.20Sale price $2,219.20 Regular priceUnit price / per$3,419.56Local stock. Ships in 24hrsSale -
Humanscale Freedom Chair – Quick Ship Edition (Black with Headrest)
No reviewsRegular price $1,477.60Sale price $1,477.60 Regular priceUnit price / per$1,743.00Local stock. Ships in 24hrsSale
Frequently Asked Questions
Freedom eliminates the knobs and levers most “ergonomic” chairs depend on. It uses your body weight and physics to adjust automatically — giving you natural support that moves with you, not against you.
Designed by Niels Diffrient, the father of ergonomics, it’s been praised by The New York Times and trusted by Tim Cook and Barack Obama. It set the benchmark for intelligent, human-centered design.
Balanced, weightless, and quiet. The cushions adapt to your body’s pressure points, and the headrest glides to support your neck automatically. It feels effortless — like the chair disappears while you work.
Freedom’s recline is weight-sensitive, using your body as the counterbalance. The heavier you lean, the more support it gives — perfectly smooth, no adjustments required.
They’re attached to the back, so when you recline, your arms stay aligned with your body. No shoulder hunching, no reaching — just natural movement and posture.
Yes. Freedom promotes healthy micro-movement, reducing stiffness, neck tension, and fatigue. Studies show adaptive seating can boost productivity by 6–7% over static chairs.
Yes. The adaptive recline and adjustable seat depth support users from 5’0” to 6’6”, providing consistent lumbar and neck support across body types.
Freedom includes a 15-year warranty (even under continuous 24/7 use). It’s designed to perform like new a decade from now — not just look it.
Yes — and it’s proven. Studies show dynamic seating improves computer task performance by 6–7%, and reduces recovery time from neck and back pain by up to 66%.
Not at all. The chair requires minimal setup and adjusts automatically as you move. You’ll spend zero time fiddling — and all your time focused.
Freedom is one of the few chairs that’s climate, water, and energy positive — meaning every unit manufactured leaves the planet better off. It’s sustainability without compromise.
Absolutely. Freedom’s sculpted lines and minimalist engineering make it at home in modern workspaces and executive settings alike — from Hollywood sets to the Oval Office.
Yes. The headrest reduces neck strain and muscle fatigue, while dynamic lumbar support encourages healthy posture — helping reduce pain and recovery time for most users.
That usually means it’s second-hand, refurbished, or missing its manufacturer warranty. Humanscale tightly controls pricing — all authorized dealers must match the Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) set by the brand.
Anyone selling below that is not an authorized partner, and buying from them voids the 15-year warranty and support.
Our pricing comes directly from Humanscale, matched across all official partners, ensuring your chair is brand new, fully warrantied, and built to last for the next 15 years.
Because it’s an investment in daily performance. A poor chair drains focus and sends money to physios and chiropractors. Freedom pays for itself in comfort, posture, and productivity — often within months.
Humanscale is a New York–based design company and global leader in ergonomic office furniture. For over 40 years, they’ve built products that simplify, not complicate — using physics, not plastic levers, to create natural comfort. Their chairs are used by Fortune 500 companies, top architects, and design studios worldwide, and are known for combining engineering precision with timeless aesthetics.
Niels Diffrient (1928–2013) was the pioneer of modern ergonomics — an industrial designer who believed furniture should adapt to people, not the other way around. His work for Humanscale redefined office seating through weight-sensitive mechanics and human-first design, earning global recognition and museum placement at the Smithsonian and MoMA. The Freedom Chair was his masterpiece — a chair that moves like you do.
Humanscale chairs are used in Apple, NASA, and Netflix offices worldwide. It’s the same chair found in Hollywood sets and the Oval Office — a design icon built for performance.
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Delivery was delayed, but no regrets now
Great design, good chair. Gives very good lumbar support which I need and is the reason I selected this chair. The headrest tends to slide down which is a little annoying. I would have liked it to be removable but this does not seem to be an option.
This is the most comfortable office chair I've used. I love it so much, I got three more for the family!
This chair provides the greatest comfort without the pretension of meaningless extra functions. All-around enjoyable experience.