Realspace Adley Task Chair

Finding the Perfect Office Chair for Your Needs

If you’re in the market for a new desk chair for your home office or workspace, you may have come across the Realspace Adley Task Chair in your search. As one of the most popular and highly rated office chairs available today, the Realspace Adley is known for its comfort, adjustability, and quality construction.

But with so many office chair options out there, how do you know if the Realspace Adley is the right fit for your needs? As someone who recently went through the process of selecting the perfect task chair, I wanted to share my insights in this complete buying guide for the Realspace Adley Task Chair.

After extensive research comparing office chairs, I ultimately chose the Realspace Adley for my home office and couldn’t be happier with my selection. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the key features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall value offered by this popular office chair so you can determine if it’s the right pick for your workspace.

Overview of the Realspace Adley Task Chair

The Realspace Adley is an ergonomic, adjustable office chair designed to provide comfortable support for extended sitting during workdays. It features a breathable black mesh back, padded seat cushion, and curved armrests. Some of the key highlights of this task chair include:

• Adjustable height – The pneumatic seat height adjustment allows you to raise or lower the chair from 19″ up to 23.75″. This makes it easy to customize the fit for your height and desk setup.
• Recline function – The back can recline up to 120° to enable you to lean back or rock in the chair as needed. Tension adjustment controls the amount of effort needed to recline.
• 360° swivel – Smooth rolling casters allow the chair to swivel a full 360° so you can easily reach different areas of your workspace.
• Curved armrests – The padded armrests can be adjusted up or down to provide support in the most comfortable position for your body.
• Breathable mesh back – The flexible mesh material conforms to your back for airflow and support. Built-in lumbar support provides lower back comfort.
• Waterfall seat edge – The curved cushioned seat reduces pressure on the back of your legs for better circulation.
• Supports up to 275 lbs – With its heavy-duty construction, the Adley chair can accommodate users up to 275 pounds.

Key Features and Benefits of the Realspace Adley

Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the standout features of the Realspace Adley chair and why they make it such a great option for an office chair:

Adjustable Height and Recline

Finding the right height and recline settings tailored to your body and desk setup is key for proper ergonomic posture and comfort. The Adley makes this easy with its pneumatic lever and tilt tension knob underneath the seat.

You can adjust the seat height from 19” up to 23.75” to align your thighs parallel with the floor and feet flat. For the recline, turn the knob to increase or decrease the amount of effort needed to rock back in the chair. Less tension enables easy rocking while more tension locks the back more firmly upright.

Having these adjustable features allows you to customize the chair to relieve pressure points and muscle strain so you can stay comfortably focused.

Breathable Mesh Back with Lumbar Support

The flexible mesh back material is one of the Adley chair’s winning features. Rather than a solid cushion or hard plastic back, the breathable black mesh gently conforms to the shape of your spine. This provides air circulation to keep your back from getting sweaty or overheated like it might against a padded cushion.

Built into the mesh back is a lumbar support curve for lower back comfort. Having extra support in the vulnerable lumbar region reduces back pain and discomfort from long hours of sitting. You can really feel the mesh and lumbar support hugging your spine as you work.

Padded Seat Cushion with Waterfall Edge

You want enough cushioning in the seat to prevent sitting fatigue but not so much that you sink in or feel trapped. The Adley’s padded black fabric seat strikes the right balance of soft yet firm support. It cushions your sitting bones without making the seat feel too plush.

The curved waterfall edge is an important ergonomic feature that reduces pressure under your thighs. This takes pressure off the backs of your legs to promote proper blood flow and comfort when seated for extended periods.

360° Swivel and Smooth Rolling Casters

Being able to swivel freely in your chair makes it easy to turn side to side between your work area, desk drawers, and any paperwork or office equipment without straining your neck and upper body. The Adley’s ball-bearing casters deliver smooth, effortless rotation for multitasking convenience.

The rolling casters also let you move around your workspace easily. You can roll back or scoot closer to your desk without having to stand up every time. The wheels work just as smoothly on carpet as they do on hard flooring.

Adjustable Armrests

Having the option to adjust the height of the armrests to line up with your desk allows you to keep your shoulders and upper arms relaxed while working. This prevents hunching your shoulders or straining your neck from poor posture.

You can raise or lower the curved armrests on the Adley to the most natural position for typing or using a mouse without compromising upper body comfort.

Assembling the Realspace Adley Chair

Assembling the Realspace Adley chair right out of the box is quick and straightforward:

Step 1) Start by attaching the casters to the 5 prongs at the base of the chair. There are labels indicating where each caster goes based on the letter A, B, C, or D. Push firmly on each caster until the spring-loaded stem locks securely in place.

Step 2) Next, insert the pneumatic cylinder piston into the center opening of the base. You’ll hear a click when it’s properly attached.

Step 3) Now place the seat onto the top of the pneumatic cylinder pole. Again, you should hear a click as it connects into position.

Step 4) Attach the backrest by sliding it down over the pre-installed receiver bracket until it clicks into place. The mesh back should now be upright.

Step 5) Lastly, adjust the tilt tension knob and pneumatic height adjustment lever to customize the settings to your preference. Turn the knob counterclockwise to allow easier rocking or clockwise to make the backrest more rigid. Pump the lever up or down to raise or lower the overall chair height.

That’s all there is to it! The whole assembly process takes just 5-10 minutes and requires no tools. Once assembled, the Realspace Adley provides sturdy support with a weight capacity of 275 pounds. It should last for many years of comfortable use.

Where to Buy the Realspace Adley Chair

The Realspace Adley task chair is sold exclusively through Office Depot/OfficeMax. It’s one of their top-rated chairs and is stocked at most retail store locations. You can also order it online for delivery to your home or office.

When checking on the Office Depot website, just search for “Realspace Adley chair” to view pricing. The chair typically costs around $180-$250 depending on any current sales or promotions they may be running.

Office Depot frequently offers discounts on office furniture, so be sure to check for any coupon codes that may save you extra on the price of the Adley. Signing up for their email list can help you catch special offers and new member perks.

Overall, buying directly from Office Depot is the easiest and most affordable way to purchase this chair. With plenty of stock in stores across the country, you can often get your hands on it right away without having to wait for shipping.

How the Realspace Adley Compares to Other Office Chairs

The Realspace Adley has plenty of competition when it comes to high-quality task chairs. Let’s see how it stacks up against some of the top alternatives:

vs. Herman Miller Aeron – The iconic Aeron is significantly more expensive, but offers more adjustment options and customizable components. The Aeron excels in airflow thanks to its fully mesh construction. However, the minimal padding isn’t ideal for longer sitting sessions. The Adley provides more comfort for the price.

vs. Steelcase Leap – The Leap chair is another pricier high-end model known for its ergonomic adjustments and innovations. However, the Adley isn’t far behind in terms of customization and comfort at a fraction of the cost. For the money, the Adley delivers greater overall value.

vs. Office Star ProGrid – As a more budget-friendly option, the ProGrid compares closely with the Adley. It offers similar features and mesh back breathability. However, the armrests on the ProGrid are fixed rather than adjustable. The color options are also more limiting.

vs. Amazon Basics – Amazon’s nylon-mesh chair line costs significantly less than the Adley but lacks the more sophisticated lumbar and recline mechanisms. The Adley’s thicker cushioning and sturdier build give it the edge for all-day use.

While it doesn’t quite match the pedigree of iconic brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase, the Realspace Adley punches well above its weight class in terms of ergonomic quality, comfort, and customizability. Given its reasonable price point, it emerges as a top contender for best overall value.

Materials and Build Quality of the Realspace Adley

Constructed with a sturdy steel frame and high-quality components, the Realspace Adley is built to withstand years of repetitive use. Here’s an overview of the materials that give this chair its resilient yet comfortable structure:

• The base consists of a heavy-duty molded plastic housing covered with an easy-to-clean black finish. The strong exterior prevents cracks or chips.
• The casters are smooth-rolling nylon for easy mobility. The stem has a steel interior to prevent bending under heavy loads.
• The pneumatic cylinder lever is steel encased in durable plastic for height adjustment. It’s rated for heavy lifting up to 275 pounds.
• The armrests contain a nylon and steel core covered in thick padded polyurethane (PU). This allows flexibility and support.
• The mesh back is made from a breathable elastic polymer that retains its shape. The lumbar pad has added high-density foam.
• The seat uses molded PU cushioning covered in water-resistant polyester fabric. This allows air circulation without getting hot.
• The recline mechanism houses precision steel and plastic components that have been load-tested for durability.

Built to Office Depot’s exacting specifications, the Adley chair combines the right materials for an ideal user experience. The sturdy construction gives it stability and resilience for withstanding day-in, day-out office use.

Comfort Features for All-Day Sitting

If you’re going to be parked in front of a computer for 8+ hour work shifts, your chair had better be comfortable! Here are some of the key reasons the Realspace Adley excels when it comes to keeping you cozy all day:

• The mesh back material flexes naturally to match the curves of your spine without putting excess pressure at any point. Air circulates to prevent sweatiness or sticking.
• Built-in lumbar support cradles the small of your back right where you need it most. The adjustable recline lets you find the perfect lumbar relief angle.
• The thickness of the padded foam seat cushion evenly distributes weight without feeling overly plush or firm. The gently sloped waterfall edge relieves leg pressure.
• Adjustable settings like seat height, recline tension, and armrest heights allow you to truly customize the chair to match your body for personalized comfort.
• The smooth 360-degree swivel and casters make it easy to reach different parts of your workspace without straining your body.
• At just over 50 pounds fully assembled, the chair is relatively lightweight and easy to move around without feeling flimsy.
• The breathable mesh and padded cushioning allow air to circulate rather than trapping heat or moisture.

Through long testing and research, Office Depot engineered the Realspace Adley to be supportive for extended sitting with easy adjustments to tailor the comfort. Even after 8+ hours at my desk, I still feel fresh and pain-free thanks to this chair.

Good Back Support for Proper Posture

My chiropractor approves of the Realspace Adley’s ergonomic design and back support features. Maintaining good posture is crucial when sitting for long periods, so having a chair that naturally promotes spinal alignment is huge. Here’s how the Adley excels in the back support department:

• The mesh back contours to the natural S-curve of your spine rather than forcing it to conform to a flat surface.
• The pronounced lumbar curve and adjustable recline angle allows you to position the chair’s backrest for ideal support in this crucial lower region.
• The back can recline as far back as 120° so you can shift from upright posture to rested recline throughout the day.
• Adjustable armrests and seat height ensure your shoulders, neck, and upper body are properly aligned when working.
• The smooth recline and swivel functions make it easy to change positions or stretch your back when needed.
• Breathable mesh avoids moisture buildup and stickiness against your back even when sitting for hours.
• The stable 5-prong base and smooth-rolling casters keep your sitting balanced and grounded.

With its meticulously designed backrest, the Adley chair keeps my back feeling great all day. I don’t have to think about my posture because the chair’s ergonomics naturally encourage good spine health.

Weight Capacity and Size Range

The Realspace Adley is built to accommodate a wide range of body sizes, with a weight capacity of 275 pounds.

The seat width measures 20.75 inches across, which should fit most average to larger-sized users comfortably. The seat depth from front to back is 19.75 inches.

The adjustable height ranges from about 19 inches to 23.75 inches from floor to seat, so people of average to taller heights should be able to dial in the right setting.

The curved armrests adjust up and down over a 4-inch range to adapt to different arm lengths and desk heights.

While rated to handle up to 275 pounds, some taller or heavier individuals may find the Adley runs small. But for users under 6’2″ and weighing less than 250 pounds or so, the Adley should provide a roomy fit.

It’s a good unisex chair suitable for men or women. The mesh back keeps the seat feeling spacious rather than constricting. If you’re on the taller side, Office Depot also sells an Adley Big & Tall version with wider dimensions.

Customizable Color Options

One advantage of the Realspace Adley line is that it comes in a choice of 3 different color schemes to best match your office decor:

Black Mesh with Silver Base and Arms – This is the most popular color option. The black mesh has broad appeal and the silver accents give it a sleek, modern style.

Gray Mesh with Black Base and Arms – This provides a nice alternative for people who prefer a lighter gray color scheme. The black base has a coordinating professional look.

Navy Blue Mesh with Silver Base and Arms – The rich blue mesh seat adds a splash of color that looks great against the silver accents.

The color combinations feature complementary tones across all the upholstery, covers, and base. This prevents any clashing that might result from mixing the mesh with the base or armrests.

Having several choices enables you to select the Realspace Adley in whichever color you feel looks best in your office space. Any of the color options are made to the same standards and provide the same great sitting experience.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

To make the Adley chair easy to care for, all of the components either have fabric upholstery that’s simple to wipe clean or are made from solid plastic that just needs an occasional dusting.

Here are some tips for keeping your Realspace Adley Task Chair looking like new:

• Wipe the mesh fabric pieces with a soft cloth dampened in warm water mixed with a small amount of mild soap as needed. Let the mesh air dry before using again.
• For the padded armrests and seat cushion, spot clean any marks with a cloth lightly dampened with upholstery cleaner or water only.
• Use a duster or dry cloth to wipe dust off the plastic base as desired to keep its finish looking fresh.
• Every 6 months or so, check that the various levers and height cylinders are operating smoothly, tightening screws if needed.
• Check that the casters are free of debris like hair and dirt that could impede rolling. Remove buildup with tweezers as required.
• To thoroughly clean between mesh weave, use a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

With regular light maintenance, your Realspace chair should retain its like-new quality and appearance for years before needing replacement.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overall, customer reviews of the Realspace Adley are very positive across major retail sites. Here is a summary of what users praise about this chair:

• Comfortable cushioning provides just the right amount of support without feeling overly soft or firm.
• Breathable mesh back makes long sitting sessions pleasant and cool.
• Adjustability options make it easy to customize the fit.
• Smooth-rolling casters work great on both hard floors and carpet.
• Chair is sturdy but not too heavy to maneuver around.
• Arms accommodate different desk heights for proper elbow position.
• Chair assembly is quick and intuitive out of the box.

Satisfied buyers say the Realspace Adley has alleviated their back pain and discomfort from previous chairs. The vast majority of reviews rate it at 4 stars and above for its quality and comfort.

Critical reviews mention some durability concerns with the mesh material sagging over time. However, this seems to be an uncommon issue. Some also felt the seat was a bit narrow or shallow for larger users.

Warranty Coverage

Office Depot provides a limited lifetime warranty on the Realspace Adley chair. This covers damage to components like the metal frame, casters, or adjustable levers if they crack, break, or malfunction during normal use over the life of the chair.

The cloth upholstery and mesh back are covered for 2 years from the original purchase date. This protects against sagging, tearing, or defects in the materials.

To obtain service under the warranty, you simply need to provide your original order receipt showing date of purchase. Make sure you hold onto this after buying your Realspace Adley.

Normal wear and aging of parts don’t qualify for warranty replacement. But defects from faulty manufacturing or materials are fully covered. Just reach out to Office Depot customer service for any issues to get them resolved.

Adjustability and Customization Options

Having an adjustable office chair is crucial to achieve proper ergonomic support as people come in different shapes and sizes. Here are all the ways you can customize the Realspace Adley to fit your body:

• Seat height – Raise or lower the pneumatic cylinder from around 19” up to 23.75” high.
• Seat tilt – Control the resistance of the backrest tilt using the tension knob under the seat.
• Backrest recline – Recline the mesh backrest up to 120° by simply leaning back.
• Armrest height – Each armrest independently adjusts up or down about 4 inches.
• Seat depth – Scoot forward or back on the seat to find your optimal depth.
• Lumbar support – Use the backrest tilt to position the built-in lumbar pad in your lower curve.
• Swivel and rotation – Swivel 360° and roll the chair smoothly on the casters.

No matter your height, weight, or how you like to sit, you can easily configure the Adley to match your physical needs. Once set up to your preferences, the levers and knobs all stay locked in place until you want to adjust them again.

Use for a Home Office or Small Business

With its ergonomic design and sturdy construction, the Realspace Adley is perfectly suited for home office use. It delivers premium comfort and support without the premium price tag.

For entrepreneurs or remote workers, the Adley provides a high-end desk chair feel without the corporate expense. It’s loaded with adjustments to accommodate most body types for all-day productivity in a home workspace.

The neutral black or gray mesh colors blend right into most home decor. Unlike bulky leather chairs, the breathable mesh material is lighter and more inviting for residential spaces.

The smooth-rolling casters work smoothly on both carpet and hard flooring so you can use this chair in any room. Assembly is quick and simple without requiring tools or expertise.

For small or home-based businesses, outfitting multiple work areas with Realspace Adley chairs enables comfortable seating without blowing the budget. It’s an ideal ergonomic and affordable option for startups and SMBs.

Can the Adley Chair Be Used for Gaming?

With its comfort-focused design and custom adjustments, the Realspace Adley is actually a great option for a dedicated gaming chair.

The padded mesh seat and back provide soft yet firm support for long gaming sessions without getting too hot. You can really sink in and immerse yourself in gameplay.

The smooth recline functionality makes it easy to rock back and forth when getting into intense virtual action. Having adjustable armrests helps keep your arms supported in a natural position for using controllers and keyboards.

The ample adjustments to seat height, tilt tension, and lower lumbar support let you dial in a posture tailored for focusing on your gaming screen. This prevents slouching and hunching tendencies.

The chair’s heavy-duty build can withstand repeated use and even the occasional bout of gaming rage. Just be aware that the arms are padded rather than solid plastic which makes them less ideal for very aggressive gameplay reactions.

While not marketed specifically for gamers, the Realspace Adley has all the ergonomic attributes to promote serious gaming comfort. It creates an affordable and supportive throne compared to chairs with flashy racing stripes and neon accents.

Dimensions of the Realspace Adley

Understanding the dimensions of the Realspace Adley can help ensure it fits your body type, desk size, and office layout. Here are the key measurements to keep in mind:

• Overall Height: 42.75” – 51”
• Seat Height: 18.75” (minimum) – 23.75” (maximum)
• Overall Depth: 26”
• Overall Width: 26.5”
• Seat Width: 20.75”
• Seat Depth: 19.75”
• Base Diameter: 26.5”
• Armrest Width: 27” (outermost points)
• Backrest Height: 21.75” from seat
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

With an overall footprint about 26” x 26.5”, the Adley fits nicely in most standard cubicle setups or compact home office spaces. The seat can raise high enough to accommodate taller users about 6’2”.

Just be aware that the seat runs on the narrower side at just under 21”. Larger framed individuals may feel confined in the shoulder and hip areas. But for average builds, the dimensions offer ergonomic comfort.

Adjustable Armrest Benefits

Having armrests that you can customize on an office chair is hugely beneficial for both comfort and ergonomic support. Here are some of the key advantages of the Adley’s adjustable armrests:

• Relieves shoulder tension – Proper armrest height helps keep shoulders relaxed rather than hunched up.
• Promotes neutral wrist position – Your arms can rest without angling wrists up or down. Prevents soreness.
• Encourages good posture – Helps align your arms, neck and spine when sitting upright.
• Reduces pressure points – Armrests share the load of your upper body weight to minimize strain.
• Adapts to different desks – Armrests can raise or lower to suit the height of your working surface.
• Personalized fit – Each arm adjusts independently so you can match each arm’s natural position.
• Provides support getting in/out of chair – Arms help stabilize you as you lower into or rise from the seat.
• Easy to customize – You can tweak the height effortlessly as needed until it feels just right.

In my experience, adjustable armrests should be a mandatory feature for any quality office chair. It makes a huge difference in daily comfort. The Adley makes it simple to dial in your ideal arm support.

Mobility and Use on Carpeted Floors

A concern with some office chairs is that small plastic casters can grab or drag across carpeted floors, making mobility a chore.

Thankfully, the Realspace Adley glides smoothly and freely across both hard floors and carpeted surfaces. The nylon casters minimize friction while maintaining stability.

Even high-pile office carpet is no match for these smooth-rolling wheels. You can effortlessly roll over to reach files or pivot to collaborate with co-workers without exertion.

The heavy-duty casters feel solid rather than flimsy or cheap. And when you want to stay put, simply apply the brakes on each wheel to prevent unwanted chair drift.

Between the casters and the comfortable seat cushion, the Adley makes an excellent desk-side companion when your work requires mobility in a carpeted home office or cubicle setting. No mat required!

Final Verdict – An Excellent Choice!

For shoppers seeking an ergonomic, customizable task chair without breaking the bank, the Realspace Adley is quite possibly the best overall option.

Between the breathable mesh back, generously padded seat, and ample adjustments, the Adley nails that elusive balance between comfort and support. It keeps your body correctly aligned and pressure-free all day long.

While not as prestigious or feature-loaded as iconic brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase, the much lower price combined with ergonomic quality makes the Adley a top value choice.

For furnishing a home office space or cubicle setup, it provides serious comfort worthy of full workdays and long gaming sessions. Assembly takes just minutes and all materials feel solidly constructed.

Overall, the Realspace Adley deserves its reputation as a top-rated office chair for good reason. If you’re looking for all-day comfort tailored to your body, this versatile task chair should definitely be on your short list!