Designed by Niels Diffrient

Liberty Ocean Task Chair with Fabric Backrest

A chair that moves with you. Liberty combines weight-sensitive recline with a tri-panel mesh back to deliver continuous, self-adjusting support.

Design Features

  • Softer upholstered support

    Softer upholstered support

    Fabric backrest adds warmth and comfort while maintaining ergonomic structure.
  • Hands-free recline

    Hands-free recline

    Weight-sensitive recline adapts automatically for smooth movement and consistent support.
  • Made with reclaimed ocean plastic

    Made with reclaimed ocean plastic

    Helps reduce marine waste by repurposing discarded fishing nets into durable chair components.
  • Comfort built for long sessions

    Comfort built for long sessions

    Supportive seat design helps reduce pressure during extended sitting.
  • Refined, furniture-like look

    Refined, furniture-like look

    A cleaner upholstered style that works beautifully in residential and client-facing spaces.

Specifications

Variant

SKU

L213AAUTAU10XFSSNSC

Seat Textile Type

Fabric

Seat Textile Style

Autumn

Seat Textile Code

0101

Back Textile Type

Fabric

Arm Style

Adjustable Height Arms

Frame Color

Polished Aluminum w/Black Trim

Casters

Multi-Surface Caster for Hard or Soft Floor

Warranty

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

Dimensions

Width

26.5 in

Depth

25 in

Overall Height

39.25 in - 43.625 in

Backrest Height

23 in.

Seat Depth

16.5 in - 18.75 in

Seat Height

16.6 in - 20.9 in

Weight

Overall Weight

34 lb

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Materials & Sustainability

  • Product Materials

    Liberty Ocean 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. Ocean plastic, including discarded fishing nets upcycled from ocean and coastal environments, is incorporated into select structural components.

  • Upcycled Ocean Plastic

    Select components in this product are made using up to 2 lbs of upcycled plastic from ocean and coastal environments, including discarded fishing nets. Each unit produced diverts material from marine ecosystems while delivering the same performance as virgin materials.

Who It's For

For people who want ergonomic performance with a softer, more residential upholstered finish.

- Ideal for home offices where you want the chair to blend into your space

- Great for client-facing offices that need comfort without a technical look

- Strong fit for sustainability-focused buyers who still want a warm, premium feel

Certifications & Testing
  • HPD
  • DECLARE® - Red List Free
  • Living Product Challenge
  • CDPH
  • BIFMA LEVEL® - Level 3
  • SCS Indoor Advantage Gold
  • 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.

A world-class ergonomic task chair with minimalist charms, this office chair projects versatility in both style and function.

The ergonomic designs are not just made for comfort, but also with the hope that they reduce the industry's footprint and use of potentially-harmful chemicals.

This chair looks as good as it feels, with sharp aesthetics centered around lined, tri-panel mesh.

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 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 6 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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6 reviews
  • Maya M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Easy

    I didn’t realize how much I adjusted my old chair until I got this one. With Liberty Ocean I just sit down and it sort of figures it out. The fabric back feels supportive but not stiff. I also like that it looks clean and simple, not overly technical. My lower back definitely feels better at the end of the day.

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  • Daniel I.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Tested both the mesh

    I tested both the mesh and the fabric version and ended up choosing fabric because it feels a little warmer and softer against my back. I work from home and my office gets cold in the mornings, so that actually matters. The chair still adjusts automatically when I lean back, which I love. No knobs, no guessing. And the recycled fishing net story honestly made it easier to justify the purchase.

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  • Megan H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Very comfortable chair overall

    Very comfortable chair overall. The fabric back feels more traditional than mesh, which I prefer. Support is consistent and I like not having to mess with settings. I did notice the seat feels firm at first but after a week I stopped thinking about it.

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  • Dev K.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love

    I’ve been using this chair for about two months now, long days, sometimes 9 or 10 hours. The fabric back has a softer feel than mesh but still holds you upright. I lean back during calls and it supports me without that sudden drop some chairs have. It’s subtle. Also, knowing each chair uses reclaimed fishing nets is pretty cool. Makes it feel like more than just office furniture.

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  • Logan H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    We ordered a few

    We ordered a few Liberty Ocean chairs for our conference room. I was skeptical about the “self-adjusting” part but it really does respond when you lean. The fabric back has a nice give without feeling loose. One of our team members is much taller than me and it fits him just as well. That range is impressive.

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