Freedom Task
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A Decade of Freedom
Explore the history and impact of the groundbreaking Freedom chair in its first 10 years.
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IN THE NEWS
AS SEEN IN
ERGO Info
Working in a reclined position reduces spinal loads and muscle fatigue. Arrange your work tools so you can work in this position without awkward reaching.
Winner of 10 design awards to date—including the Design Distinction Award in the prestigious ID Design Review 2000 competition—the Freedom chair by Niels Diffrient has revolutionized the task chair industry. Its weight-sensitive recline and synchronously adjustable armrests set new standards for task chair performance and functionality to keep the sitter exceptionally comfortable while also lowering the risk of long-term injury.
Reviews
“[The Humanscale Freedom] works without a half-dozen pumps and controls, so that sitting easy can be just that.”
— Abby Seiff,CNN.com
Designer

An industrial design legend, Niels Diffrient has been called “the granddaddy of the ergonomic revolution.”
Read the bio 
Responsible Design

Sustainability is the natural outcome of simple, elegant design.
Find out why 
Features
1) Automatic Headrest
2) Recline Action
3) Contoured Cushions
4) Responsive Backrest
5) Synchronous Armrests
6) Body Fit
7) Intelligent Mechanism
Standard Features
Self-Adjusting Recline
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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
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No recline locks to set/release
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During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function
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User maintains near-constant eye level during recline
Pivoting Backrest
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Extra motion of the backrest during recline automatically adjusts to the changing needs
of the spine -
Provides up to 1” additional lumbar support when needed
Synchronous Armrests
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Revolutionary armrests move in tandem to eliminate uneven arm positioning
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Natural lift and release action for immediate repositioning without buttons or locks
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6” range of vertical motion to accommodate all users and tasks
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Can be positioned below thigh level for close table or desk work
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Attached to backrest so arms stay in same relation to body during recline
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Duron arm pad for durability and comfort
Standard Cylinder
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Provides seat height range that accommodates 95% of the population
Contoured Cushions
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Carefully sculpted to match body contours
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Increased contact area reduces pressure points
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Modular for easy replacement
Body Fit
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Size adjustable to fit more than 95% of the population
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Adjustments for fit-to-size:
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Headrest: 5” vertical adjustment range
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Seat Height: 5” adjustment range
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Seat Depth: 2.25” adjustment range
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Backrest/Lumbar Support Height: 3” adjustment range
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Hard Casters
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2.5” double-wheel casters for carpeted floors
Optional Features
Dynamic Headrest
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Position-sensitive headrest moves into place when you recline and out of the way when you sit upright
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5” vertical adjustment to fit all users
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Moves in the natural arc of head/neck for perfect support through range of recline
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Contoured to cradle the head and neck in comfort
Gel Seat Cushion
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Non-degradable, non-compressible Technogel® layer on top of foam core
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Provides maximum pressure distribution
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Offers unmatched, long-term comfort
Arm Pad Option
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Flexible Duron
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Technogel® for optimal comfort
Cylinder Options
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Low cylinder for small users
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Tall cylinder for very tall users
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High cylinder with foot ring
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Extra-high cylinder with foot ring (Saddle seat only)
Foot Ring
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Chrome finish
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Height-adjustable
Caster Options
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2.5” soft double-wheel casters for hard floors
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Non-rolling glides for fixed-location use
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2.5” locking casters
Fireproofing
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CAL 133-approved
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Fireproof barrier between textile and foam
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Fire-retardant plastics
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Specifications

| CODE | DESCRIPTION | MEASUREMENT |
| a | Seat Depth (from face of lumbar to front of seat) |
16.25"– 18.5" |
| b | Seat Height (floor to compressed front center of seat cushion) |
16"– 21" standard 15.25"– 19" low cylinder 17"– 22.25" tall cylinder 20.5"– 28.5" high cylinder chair |
| c | Seat Width | 21" |
| d |
Backrest Height
|
18"
|
| e | Chair Width | 27.25" |
| f |
Armrest Height
|
5" - 11"
|
| g | Armrest Length | 13" standard 14.25" advanced |
| h | Distance between Armrests (front inside edge) |
20" standard 11.5" - 21.5" advanced |
| i | Height (no headrest) |
33.5" - 41.5" standard 32.75" - 39.5" low cylinder 34.5" - 42.75" tall cylinder 38" - 49" high cylinder |
| j | Height (with headrest) |
43" - 53" standard 42.25" - 51" low cylinder 44" - 54.25" tall cylinder 47.5" - 60.5" high cylinder |
| k | Headrest Height Adjustment Range | 5" |
| l | Base Diameter | 25" |
| m | Foot Ring Diameter | 18" or 21" |
| n | Foot Ring Height Adjustment (from floor) | 6" - 11" |
| o | Backrest Width | 21" |
Scope of Users
- 5’0” Woman to 6'4' Man
- 100 to 300 lbs.
Users outside the standard range can be accommodated by:
- Low or Tall Cylinder
- Advanced Armrests
Weight
42.9 lbs.
Backrest Recline
22° recline plus 7° backrest tilt
Reference Angle betwen Seat and Back
100° to 129°
Advanced Task Armrests
- Horizontal angle change from elbow pivot point
- 35° each armrest
- Lockable in 5° increments
- New arm assembly features clean aesthetic and improves efficiency of use,
allowing the user to adjust the arms with just one hand
Headrest Radial Motion (automatic motion during recline)
30°
Lumbar Support Increase in Recline
1"
Warranty Information
Sustainability
We work hard to ensure that our environmental philosophy is reflected in each product we create. With our Design for Environment protocol, our designers and engineers examine the environmental impact of every choice made throughout the design process—from initial concept through final production. We invite you to read more.
A selection of sustainability highlights for Freedom Task:
- Recycled content: 28% post-consumer, 18% pre-consumer
- Weighs as little as 43 pounds, minimizing resources used in shipping
- Modular cushions for easy replacement
- Learn more about how we work to extend the life of our products through both design and engineering so they won’t need to be replaced often
- Designed for easy disassembly with clear recycling instructions
- Ships in packaging that contains recycled content or blanket-wrapped, when feasible
- GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality and GREENGUARD Gold certified
- ANSI/BIFMA level® 2 certified
- Close the Loop program ensures that every product ends its useful life with a minimal environmental impact
Finishes
Frame Finishes
Graphite |
Titanium |
Polished Aluminum |
Trim Finishes
Graphite |
Titanium |














Graphite
Titanium
Polished Aluminum
Graphite
Titanium