Designed by Niels Diffrient

World Meeting Chair with Fabric Backrest

Minimal design. Full performance. World uses a lightweight design and weight-sensitive recline to deliver effortless, self-adjusting support with less material.

Specifications

Variant

SKU

W26BAUTAU10ESNSC

Seat Textile Type

Fabric

Seat Textile Style

Autumn

Seat Textile Code

0101

Back Textile Type

Fabric

Arm Style

Fixed Height Arms

Frame Color

Black

Casters

Multi-Surface Caster for Hard or Soft Floor

Warranty

15 Years; Fabric/Cushions/Arm Pads/Casters/Wood: 5 Years

Dimensions

Width

25.75 in

Depth

25 in

Overall Height

35 in - 39.75 in

Backrest Height

22.5 in.

Seat Depth

16.1 in - 18.5 in

Seat Height

15 in - 19.75 in

Weight

Overall Weight

26 lb

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Materials & Sustainability

  • Product Materials

    World is constructed using die-cast aluminum, steel, engineered polymers, contoured seat cushion, multi-layer Duron arm pads, and upholstery textile. Die-cast aluminum and steel form the structural frame and recline mechanism. Engineered polymers are used for components requiring flexibility and impact resistance. The back features patented Form Sensing tri-panel fabric that takes on the exact shape of the sitter's back, providing a personalized fit and maximum adaptability.

Who It's For

For teams who want ergonomic seating that looks polished and interior-friendly.

- Ideal for meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces

- Great for client-facing spaces that need a softer aesthetic

- A strong fit for offices that want conference seating that is both comfortable and refined

Certifications & Testing
  • HPD
  • DECLARE® - Red List Approved
  • Living Product Challenge
  • CDPH
  • BIFMA LEVEL® - Level 3
  • SCS Indoor Advantage Gold
  • Green Tick
  • MID

Care, Maintenance & Longevity

  • Upholstery

    Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, wipe down with a damp cloth — no soap required for routine maintenance. For stubborn marks, a small amount of mild soap solution can be applied and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Allow to dry fully before use.

  • Frame, Base & Components

    Clean metal and plastic components with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Dry thoroughly.

Felt like the chair was protecting us from some of the more insidious side effects of sitting down.

Conforms to your back while weight-sensitive recline adjusts automatically - but barely noticeably - with each movement.

Blends an industrial minimalist design with a slew of feel-good features.

A perfect score for seat comfort and backrest comfort, and we were impressed to note that its 'tri-panel backrest' also provided exceptional lumber support.

A very comfortable chair.

The Humanscale Diffrient World chair has produced a seat that's brimming with effortless ergonomic comfort all contained in a sleek design that adds a touch of modernity to a workspace.

Niels Diffrient designing on board while sitting on Humanscale Freedom Saddle Stool ring base

Design By Niels Diffrient (1928–2013)

Niels Diffrient was a pioneering industrial designer known for his human-centered approach and belief that design should be intuitive and effortless. Often called “the last of the mid-century modernists,” he focused on simplicity, allowing form to follow function in its purest sense. A Cranbrook Academy graduate alongside Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, Diffrient went on to shape some of the most iconic products of the 20th century. His work at Henry Dreyfuss Associates helped define modern industrial design, while his research into human factors redefined how products support the body. His partnership with Humanscale introduced a new standard in seating, creating designs that automatically adapt to the user. Diffrient’s legacy lives on in products that are simple, timeless, and designed to improve the human experience.
View Design Story
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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5 reviews
  • Ximena H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Seat is a little firm

    Nice chair overall. Seat is a little firm, but support is excellent. Setup was simple even though I didn't see an instruction manual?

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  • Ximena O.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    We chose the fabric

    We chose the fabric back version because we wanted something that felt a little warmer and more refined in our conference room. Quality of the fabric (we chose blue) is awesome, tailored and professional. SO comfortable also!

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  • Zoe O.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    I'm a bit bigger

    I'm a bit bigger and I feel like these chairs were not build to support someone of my weight. Got these after our office suggested an ergonomic assessment and while my thinner colleagues seem fine with it, they're not my favorite.

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  • Rafael H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    They're lightweight and easy to rearrange

    I like that they’re lightweight and easy to rearrange. They feel like really high quality.

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  • Adriana M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    First saw these in

    I first saw these in a law office downtown and tracked down the brand afterward. The fabric back feels supportive but quieter when people shift around, which is great in meetings!

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