Steelcase Leap Office Chair, Carpet Casters, Night Owl Review
A Steelcase Leap office chair in the Night Owl (Charcoal) finish, built with 3D LiveBack technology and a Natural Glide System, fitted with casters for carpet floors.
| Brand | Steelcase |
|---|---|
| Model | LEAP-1059-96-310-2-131-1029 |
| Color | Charcoal (Night Owl) |
| Caster type | Carpet floor casters |
| Dimensions | 21.75D x 27W x 38.5H inches |
| Weight | 45.4 lb |
| Best for | Long work sessions on carpet flooring needing customizable lumbar support that adapts to the sitter's own spine shape |
Product Overview
Steelcase builds Leap as its most classic ergonomic chair, designed to provide customizable support across different body shapes and working styles rather than a one-size-fits-all seat.
The chair centers on 2 core technologies: the Natural Glide System for recline movement, and 3D LiveBack for spine-contouring lumbar support, backed by what Steelcase describes as over 70 years of seating research.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
Mimics the natural shape of the spine.
Seat glides back and forth while reclining.
Customizes lower back support.
Smooth rolling on carpet flooring.
Built on 70+ years of seating research.
Design and Build Quality
This listing is finished in Charcoal, named Night Owl, and set up with casters specifically for carpet floors. The chair measures 38.5 inches tall, 21.75 inches deep and 27 inches wide, weighing 45.4 pounds, and carries part and model number LEAP-1059-96-310-2-131-1029.
3D LiveBack technology is built to mimic the natural shape of the spine, letting the chair contour to the sitter regardless of seating position, while a lower back firmness dial lets the amount of lumbar support be dialed in individually.
Performance in Everyday Use
The Natural Glide System lets the seat glide back and forth as the sitter reclines, aimed at keeping posture in check and staying closer to the work surface rather than drifting away from the desk while leaning back.
Because LiveBack technology adjusts to the sitter's own spine shape, the chair is designed to provide consistent lumbar support across different seating positions throughout a workday, not just when sitting upright.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiveBack technology | 3D spine-contouring | Listing states Featuring 3D LiveBack technology, Leap mimics the natural shape of your spine | 8.8 | Confirms the stated LiveBack technology |
| Glide system | Natural Glide System | Listing states designed with our Natural Glide System, allowing the seat to glide back and forth as you recline | 8.6 | Confirms the stated glide mechanism |
| Lumbar dial | Firmness dial included | Listing states Leap includes a lower back firmness dial | 8.5 | Confirms the stated lumbar adjustment feature |
| Dimensions | 21.75D x 27W x 38.5H inches | Listed size field is 21.75D x 27W x 38.5H Inch | 8.3 | Confirms the stated chair dimensions |
| Weight | 45.4 lb | Listed item weight is 45.4 pounds | 8.1 | Confirms the stated chair weight |
| Caster configuration | Carpet floor casters | Listing title states Carpet Floors | 8.0 | Confirms the stated caster configuration |
Who Should Buy It
- Long work sessions on carpet flooring
- Users wanting adjustable lumbar firmness
- Home or corporate offices
- Anyone needing spine-contouring ergonomic support
- Hard floor setups needing hard-floor casters rather than this carpet-specific configuration
- Casters are set up for carpet floors, not hard flooring, on this listing
- At 45.4 pounds, the chair is heavier than a basic task chair to move or ship
- Sold in the Charcoal (Night Owl) finish only on this listing
- Ergonomic adjustability has a learning curve to dial in fully
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | Steelcase | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumbar support | 3D LiveBack, contours to spine | Fixed, non-adjustable lumbar pad | Comparable adjustable-lumbar ergonomic chair |
| Recline mechanism | Natural Glide System | Simple tilt recline only | Comparable glide-recline chair |
| Firmness adjustment | Lower back firmness dial | No firmness adjustment | Comparable dial-adjustable chair |
| Caster type | Carpet-specific casters | Universal, less floor-matched casters | Comparable floor-matched caster chair |
| Brand heritage | 70+ years of Steelcase research | Newer, less established brand | Comparable established ergonomic brand |
Alternatives Worth a Look
A Steelcase Leap ergonomic chair with 3D LiveBack spine-contouring support, a Natural Glide recline system and a customizable lumbar firmness dial, set up with carpet casters in a Charcoal finish. It suits long work sessions on carpet flooring well, with the main consideration being this listing's casters are carpet-specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LiveBack technology?
A 3D design that mimics the natural shape of the spine for consistent lumbar support, per the listing.
What casters come with this chair?
Casters set up for carpet floors, per this listing.
Can I adjust the lumbar support?
Yes, a lower back firmness dial lets you customize it, per the listing.
What color is this listing?
Charcoal, named Night Owl, per the listing.
How much does the chair weigh?
45.4 pounds, per the listing.
How does the recline mechanism work?
Through the Natural Glide System, which lets the seat glide back and forth while reclining.
This review is based on the manufacturer's stated technology, materials, dimensions and caster configuration as listed. It is editorial analysis of the stated specifications, not independent hands on testing of this specific unit's long-term comfort or mechanism durability.