Knoll · Office Chairs
Design Within Reach Generation Chair
Lower concern for typical upholstered chair, but verify fabric treatment with Knoll directly.
The Generation Chair is a wood-framed upholstered seating product with no public PFAS disclosures from Knoll. The core structure (hardwood, foam) is inherently lower risk, but fabric finishes, particularly on stain-resistant or water-resistant options, may contain PFAS.
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upholstered seating with wood frame; fabric/leather finish unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Generation Chair combines a wooden frame with upholstered seating, typically using polyurethane foam cushioning and a synthetic or natural fabric/leather covering. Polyurethane foam itself is not inherently hazardous at rest, but the adhesives and flame retardants used in cushion manufacturing can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when new. The fabric or leather finish is the primary variable: synthetic textiles may contain formaldehyde resins or azo dyes, while genuine leather involves chromium tanning by default (unless specifically vegetable-tanned). Knoll does not publicly specify which finishes are applied to the Generation line, making direct inquiry necessary.
The brand's record and disclosure
Knoll is a mid-market furniture manufacturer owned by MillerKnoll and has not issued systematic public disclosure of flame retardant chemistry, formaldehyde testing, or chemical restrictions in upholstered seating. The company does not advertise third-party certifications like Greenguard or OEKO-TEX for the Generation line. No major product recalls or chemical controversies specific to Generation Chair are on public record. Knoll's silence on these details is typical for the commercial office furniture sector but leaves buyers without transparency.
How it compares in its category
The Generation Chair is positioned as a designer-branded, mid-premium office chair and sits above budget alternatives but below high-end ergonomic brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase, many of which disclose chemical restrictions more openly. Standard office chairs in this price range rarely publish flame retardant or formaldehyde data as standard practice. Competitors offering certified low-VOC or formaldehyde-free options (e.g., certain Herman Miller or Humanscale models) do so explicitly; absence of such claims here suggests Generation uses conventional foam and adhesive.
If you buy it
Contact Knoll directly before purchase to request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the foam, adhesive, and fabric/leather finish you select; ask specifically about flame retardant type and formaldehyde content in textiles. Unpack and air the chair in a well-ventilated space for 48-72 hours after delivery to allow any VOC off-gassing to disperse. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or high heat, as this can accelerate off-gassing and degrade upholstery. Inspect seams and cushioning annually for wear; replace the seat cover if fabric integrity fails, as exposed foam or adhesive may release particles.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam and adhesives
Polyurethane foam cushions in upholstered chairs commonly release VOCs (benzene, toluene, formaldehyde) during the first weeks after manufacturing. Knoll does not disclose foam supplier or density specifications for the Generation Chair, so VOC profile cannot be verified; airing after delivery is recommended.
Flame retardants (type unconfirmed)
U.S. furniture manufacturing requires flame retardants in cushioning by law. Knoll's fabric choice and foam treatment method are undisclosed; halogenated or chlorinated retardants are possible but not confirmed. Request specific flame retardant chemistry from manufacturer before purchase.
Formaldehyde in synthetic textile finishes
If the upholstery is synthetic (polyester, acrylic, or blended), formaldehyde-based resins may be used for wrinkle or stain resistance. Knoll's fabric supplier and treatment are not publicly specified. Natural leather avoids this hazard but introduces chromium tanning exposure if not vegetable-tanned.
Adhesive leachables into contact materials
Modern furniture adhesives are not typically listed as direct health risks in upholstered seating if unexposed, but adhesive type and volatile constituents are not disclosed for the Generation Chair. Damage to fabric that exposes adhesive warrants replacement.
Azo dyes in synthetic fabrics
Synthetic upholstery textiles may contain azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines under certain conditions (heat, sweat). No testing data is publicly available for the Generation Chair's specific fabric colorants.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 65% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More office chairs grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.