Branch Verve Chair, Cobalt

Who makes it: Branch, not Steelcase

This listing is the Verve Chair from Branch, a furniture company whose own page says the chair was designed in San Francisco. The listing's brand and manufacturer fields both say Branch, and its model and part number fields both say Verve. The colour is Cobalt, which is one of the seven colours on Branch's product page alongside Galaxy, Coral, Mist, Mint, Wheat and Lunar.

Branch describes Verve as a work chair with a V-shaped suspended back wrapped in 3D knit, a high-density foam seat, a glass-reinforced polyamide frame and a powder-coated aluminium base. Its page says the synchronous base mechanism was engineered in Germany. The headrest is a separate accessory on Branch's page, and the listing's included-components field names only a caster.

Six adjustments, including seat depth

Branch lists six points of adjustment: tilt and tilt lock, seat height, seat depth, armrest height, height-adjustable lumbar and tilt tension. The listing's first bullet names the same set. The armrests adjust in height only in both descriptions, and Branch's details panel adds that the armrests are removable.

Branch's dimension panel gives a seat height of 16.5 to 20.5 inches, a seat depth of 16.5 to 19 inches, an armrest height of 27.5 to 30 inches and a tilt range of 20 degrees. The lumbar is height-adjustable, and Branch's product page rates its support as medium.

Built for 5 feet to 6 feet and up to 275 pounds

Branch's product page gives a recommended height range of five feet to six feet, and gives a maximum capacity of 275 pounds in both its benefits list and its FAQ. The listing's maximum weight field also says 275 pounds, so the two sources agree on the load limit.

Branch's warranty policy excludes damage caused by loading furniture above its weight capacity. If you are close to 275 pounds, or taller than six feet, this chair's stated range does not include you as Branch states it, so ask Branch before ordering.

The listing's size and assembly fields are wrong

Branch gives overall dimensions of 27 inches wide by 27 inches deep by 37 to 41 inches high, and a product weight of 40 pounds. Amazon's table gives 24.5 inches deep by 27 wide by 41 high, 39.9 pounds, and lists a seat depth of 24.5 inches and a backrest width of 27 inches. Those seat and back figures match overall dimensions rather than Branch's seat depth range of 16.5 to 19 inches, so use Branch's numbers.

Branch says the chair requires assembly and ships in one package measuring 29 by 25 by 15 inches at 48 pounds. The listing's assembly field says already assembled. Plan for assembly, and for moving a 48-pound box, rather than trusting the listing.

Materials and care

Branch lists the materials as 3D knit in 100% polyester, high-density foam, powder-coated aluminium and glass-reinforced polyamide. Its page says Verve meets the BIFMA standard and is certified Greenguard Gold; Branch does not explain either certification on the page, and neither do we.

Branch's warranty excludes textile pilling, stains, inks or dyes, finish and colour variation, and damage from cleaning chemicals. The listing's care field says wipe clean. Ask Branch for its cleaning guidance before using any product on the knit.

Seven years, or three: what an Amazon buyer must do

Branch's Verve page says the chair comes with a seven-year warranty. Branch's warranty policy lists seven years for the Ergonomic Chair, Ergonomic Chair Pro and headrests, and lists an open-box Verve Chair under three years; the policy table as we read it does not name a new Verve Chair in any row. Ask Branch in writing which term applies to your order.

The policy says warranty periods begin on the delivery date, and that buyers from an authorised third party such as Amazon need either warranty registration or proof of purchase. It asks you to activate the warranty within seven days. Coverage applies only within the continental United States and Canada, and is void for items bought through third-party sellers or marketplaces, outlet stores or clearance, so check the seller on the offer you select.

Branch's remedy is to provide the parts needed to get the furniture working again. The policy excludes normal wear and tear, abusive use, non-office environments, swapped or third-party parts, and third-party installation or assembly services.