Diffrient World Chair by Humanscale
designed by Niels Diffrient
Body Fit
- Size adjustable to fit more than 95% of the population
Self-Adjusting Recline
- Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism automatically provides the right amount of support through the full range of recline motion, regardless of user size and weight
- No tension springs to adjust
- No recline locks to set/release
- During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function
- User maintains near-constant eye level during recline
- 17 degree recline
Pivoting Backrest
- Extra motion of the backrest during recline automatically adjusts to the changing needs of the spine
- Provides additional lumbar support as needed
- 8 degree backrest tilt
Armrest Options
- Fixed Armrests
- Height Adjustable Armrests with 5 inches of movement
Form-Sensing Mesh
- Made specifically for our tri-panel, mesh-backed chairs, Monofilament Stripe fabrics have an elastic composition that achieves strength through its distinctive weave structure to provide unmatched support. Its classic stripe pattern is available in various striking colors.
- Tri-panel, non-stretch mesh construction creates body-fitting contours and self-adjusting lumbar support for a customized fit
- No external lumbar devices to adjust, break or lose
- Low-abrasion mesh protects clothing
- Modular for easy replacement
Non-Stretch Seat
- Designed with a four-way stretch, Corde 4 fabrics provide sitters with ultimate comfort as they adjust positions. Its intricate weave structure, dimensional surface and wide array of neutral and vibrant shades are visually appealing and engaging to the touch.
- Fourtis fabrics are four-way stretch fabrics that easily conforms to our cushions for the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. While still adjustable, its satin crepe weave structure is highly durable and creates a strong, high-performance fabric.
- Automatically sculpts to match body contours
- Frameless front edge eliminates contact stress under the thighs
Casters
- Casters for Carpet
- Casters for Hard Floors (hardwood, tile, laminate, stone, etc.)
Cushion Pan, Back Frame, Five-Arm Base
- Non-stretch, tri-panel mesh back. Non-stretch mesh seat
External Frame
- Injection-molded, structural, integral color glass-filled Nylon 6
Diffrient World Chair by Humanscale
designed by Niels Diffrient
Diffrient World marks Humanscale’s first foray into all-mesh task seating. Like its mesh-backed forerunner, Liberty, Diffrient World’s tri-panel backrest hugs the body to provide tailor-made lumbar support, while its mesh seat eliminates contact stress under the thighs. But Diffrient World’s major innovation is its mechanism-free recline action, which leverages two parts of the chair’s frame, the user’s body weight, and the laws of physics to provide automatic and balanced support throughout the full range of recline. No chair is more intuitive, creating the ultimate user-friendly sitting experience.
Body Fit
- Size adjustable to fit more than 95% of the population
Self-Adjusting Recline
- Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism automatically provides the right amount of support through the full range of recline motion, regardless of user size and weight
- No tension springs to adjust
- No recline locks to set/release
- During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function
- User maintains near-constant eye level during recline
- 17 degree recline
Pivoting Backrest
- Extra motion of the backrest during recline automatically adjusts to the changing needs of the spine
- Provides additional lumbar support as needed
- 8 degree backrest tilt
Armrest Options
- Fixed Armrests
- Height Adjustable Armrests with 5 inches of movement
Form-Sensing Mesh
- Made specifically for our tri-panel, mesh-backed chairs, Monofilament Stripe fabrics have an elastic composition that achieves strength through its distinctive weave structure to provide unmatched support. Its classic stripe pattern is available in various striking colors.
- Tri-panel, non-stretch mesh construction creates body-fitting contours and self-adjusting lumbar support for a customized fit
- No external lumbar devices to adjust, break or lose
- Low-abrasion mesh protects clothing
- Modular for easy replacement
Non-Stretch Seat
- Designed with a four-way stretch, Corde 4 fabrics provide sitters with ultimate comfort as they adjust positions. Its intricate weave structure, dimensional surface and wide array of neutral and vibrant shades are visually appealing and engaging to the touch.
- Fourtis fabrics are four-way stretch fabrics that easily conforms to our cushions for the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. While still adjustable, its satin crepe weave structure is highly durable and creates a strong, high-performance fabric.
- Automatically sculpts to match body contours
- Frameless front edge eliminates contact stress under the thighs
Casters
- Casters for Carpet
- Casters for Hard Floors (hardwood, tile, laminate, stone, etc.)
Cushion Pan, Back Frame, Five-Arm Base
- Non-stretch, tri-panel mesh back. Non-stretch mesh seat
External Frame
- Injection-molded, structural, integral color glass-filled Nylon 6
Dimensions & Measurements

Code | Description | Measurements |
---|---|---|
a | Seat Depth (from face of lumbar to front of seat) |
15.70" - 18.25" |
b | Seat Height (from floor to front center of seat cushion) |
15.63" - 20.75" |
c | Seat Width | 20.2" |
d | Backrest Height (from seat cushion to top of backrest) |
22.5" |
e | Backrest Width | 16" |
f | Armrest Height (from seat cushion to top of armrest) |
Fixed: 9.5" Adjustable: 7.2" - 10.75" |
g | Armrest Length (from face of lumbar to front of armrest) |
8.4" |
h | Distance Between Armrests | 18.75" |
i | Height | 35.625" - 40.75 " |
j | Base Diameter | 24 " |
k | Chair Width | With Arms: 25.75 " Without Arms: 21" |
Product Brochure
Diffrient World Chair Product Brochure
Product Options
For any custom options below, call or chat with a product specialist to build.
Back Fabric Color
- Monofilament Stripe Mesh
- Silver Check Mesh - Custom
- Pinstripe Mesh - Custom
- Dash Mesh - Custom
- Catena - Custom
Seat Fabric Color
- Corde 4 Fabrics
- Fourtis Fabrics
- Sensuede Fabrics - Custom
- Ginkgo Fabrics - Custom
- Pinstripe Fabrics - Custom
- Dash Fabrics - Custom
- Lotus Fabrics - Custom
- Catena Fabrics - Custom
Frame Color
- Black
- White
- Grey
Arm Adjustability
- No Arms
- Fixed Arms
- Adjustable Arms
- Fixed Arms with Matching Textiles - Custom
- Adjustable Arms with Matching Textiles - Custom
Casters
- Casters for Carpet (Standard Hard Casters)
- Casters for Hard Floors (Soft Casters)
- Non Rolling Glides for Fixed Location use (Glides) - Custom
Cylinder Height
- Standard 5 inch cylinder
- Low 3.75 inch cylinder (for users under 5 feet tall) - Custom
- Tall 3 inch cylinder (for users over 6 feet 4 inches tall) - Custom
- Height 8 inch cylinder with 18 inch Foot Ring - Custom
- Height 8 inch cylinder with 21 inch Foot Ring - Custom
- Extra-high 10 inch cylinder with 18 inch Foot Ring - Custom
- Extra-high 10 inch cylinder with 21 inch Foot Ring - Custom
Fireproofing
- Standard Plastics and Foams
- CAL133 Label Applied to Underside of Chair - Custom
PRODUCT DESIGN STORY
“If every chair was made the way the World Chair was, we would cut in half all the material used for task chairs.”
— Niels Diffrient, Designer
Drawing inspiration from the three dimensional approach tailors take when creating men’s suits, Niels Diffrient wanted to build a minimal mesh task chair with a back that automatically fits the user. He collaborated with textile designer Elizabeth Whelan to create a flexible but strong non-stretch mesh, so the backrest would take on the shape of the sitter. He also wanted World to be minimal but highly functional, so he worked to eliminate tension mechanisms, knobs and adjustment levers. The result is a task chair that is simple but beautiful, supporting each user instantly and changing the way people sit.
OFFICIAL HUMANSCALE RETAILER
We're an authorized Humanscale retailer. This means we're official. We sell new factory-direct items complete with Humanscale's own warranty. You can purchase confidently from Office Designs knowing you'll be receiving genuine Humanscale product.
BRAND STORY
Humanscale is the premier designer and manufacturer of ergonomic products that improve health and comfort at work. Our award-winning office solutions - including self adjusting seating, sit / stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting - inspire movement and support the user in their every posture.
Humanscale's Design Studio, based in New York City, abides by the philosophy that good design achieves more with less. We regularly partner with esteemed industrial designers and are known for our history of collaboration with the iconic designer Niels Diffrient. Our innovations have been honored with more than 200 prestigious awards since 2007 and featured in various museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art.
Sustainability of both design and materials is at the heart of what we do, and we solve functional problems as simply and elegantly as possible while consuming less of the Earth’s limited resources.
Adjustment Instructions
Diffrient World Chair Adjustment Instructions
Humanscale Warranty
General WarrantyCare Instructions
Chair Care InstructionsSelect from an array of colors and fabrics that coordinate with Diffrient World Desk Chair's seat fabric colors.
Made specifically for our tri-panel, mesh-backed chairs, Monofilament Stripe has an elastic composition that achieves strength through its distinctive weave structure to provide unmatched support. Its classic stripe pattern is available in various striking colors.
Select from an array of colors and fabrics that coordinate with Diffrient World Desk Chair's back fabric colors.
Designed with a four-way stretch, Corde 4 provides sitters with ultimate comfort as they adjust positions. Its intricate weave structure, dimensional surface and wide array of neutral and vibrant shades are visually appealing and engaging to the touch.
Fourtis is a four-way stretch fabric that easily conforms to our cushions for the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. While still adjustable, its satin crepe weave structure is highly durable and creates a strong, high-performance fabric.
Fixed Arms: Fixed arms attached to backrest
Adjustable Arms: Height-adjustable arms with 5 inch range of adjustment
Casters for Carpet: To be used on carpet
Casters for Hard Floors: To be used on hard floors such as hardwood, tile, cement, etc.