When choosing office chairs for your office or home, you will encounter a problem, which office chair type should you choose? Leather and mesh chairs are two popular office chair types on the market, but how do you choose? Don’t worry, here we will compare leather chair vs. mesh chair to help you make a wise choice.
What Is a Leather Chair?
Leather chairs are a type of seat that is partially or fully upholstered in leather. They range in style from traditional and classic to modern and contemporary and are often used as office chairs, dining chairs, or the chair of choice in the living room or bedroom.
Benefits of Leather Chairs
1.Durability
Leather is relatively more durable compared to other materials, with tear and wear resistance beyond other materials. Leather chairs are usually made with a sturdy frame, helping enhance the life of leather chairs. All interfaces and joints will be reinforced. The design is optimized according to the human stress points, helping evenly distribute weight and preventing wear and tear. A well-maintained leather chair can be used for a long time without compromising quality.
2. Elegance
Leather chairs have a business-like style as well as a natural elegance that makes them the perfect choice for many bosses and executives. Their smooth look and dark color palette add sophistication and luxury to any setting.
3. Comfort
Leather is a soft material that adapts well to the state of your body, and is often used in leather chairs. Many leather chairs make more functional adjustments for comfort, such as padded armrests, lumbar support (or lumbar pillow), and adjustable headrests. These features help fit the natural curves of your body and reduce your pressure points. A leather chair can provide you with a comfortable sitting experience.
4. Easy to clean
Leather is a smooth, non-porous material that does not absorb dirt and water stains as easily as fabric. Even if you accidentally spill a cup of coffee or pour a dish of sand on a leather chair, you can easily clean it up with a damp cloth and towel.
Cons of leather chair
1. Cost
Leather chairs tend to be more expensive than chairs made of other materials. That’s because leather is a high-quality luxury material, from the purchase price to the production costs. In addition, leather chairs usually use higher quality construction for safety, which will also increase its cost to enhance the ability of each part to withstand. Leather chairs in the production process are mostly made by professional office chair craftsmen, which will increase the detail control of the chair but also increase the price of leather chairs.
2. Sensitive to some people
Some people may be sensitive to the chemicals used in the tanning and finishing of leather, which can cause irritating reactions in some people. These chemicals are usually compounds that are designed to extend and protect the life of the leather, such as formaldehyde, chromium, and other chemicals. It is important to be aware of potential chemical sensitivities when choosing a leather chair. If this is a concern for you, consider shopping for a mesh chair.
3. Limited color options
The range of colors chosen for leather is usually quite small, with brown, black, and white being common. This will make it difficult to match it to your decorating style or interior design scheme. If you are looking for a quick leather chair in a niche color, we suggest that you consider purchasing additional chair covers or upholstery to change the color of your existing leather chair.
4. Temperature affects the use of experience
In winter, the temperature of the leather will be the same as the temperature of the room, and the process of using it is like sitting on an ice cube to make people shiver. In the summer or humid environment, sitting on the leather may stick to the skin to produce an unfriendly experience.
What Is a Mesh Chair?
A mesh chair is a chair where the seat and backrest are made of a mesh fabric material. The mesh allows for air circulation, which helps people keep in a dry, cool, and comfortable state.
Benefits of a mesh chair
1. Breathability
The use of mesh is designed more with breathability in mind, as the mesh determines that it allows air to flow through the seat and backrest, which helps keep you cool and comfortable while sitting in the chair. It is especially important for people who work long hours, which will help reduce sweating. Also, the materials used in mesh chairs are light, which can help reduce heat buildup, allowing your back and hips to reduce the bacterial distress caused by the increased heat over time.
2. Ergonomics
Ergonomics are more often found in mesh chairs, compared to leather chairs, mesh chairs are adjustable to give you a more personalized experience as well as a comfortable sitting experience, which can help you work with less tension and fatigue. If you are an office worker or a gamer, having a mesh chair may be especially important for your physical health. It is worth noting that not all mesh chairs are ergonomic, before buying you need to check and ensure that the seat is ergonomic and can be adjusted to your body state and size to best suit you.
Please also read What Should a Good Ergonomic Chair Look Like
3. Adjustability
If you need to lean forward at work, you can lock the mesh chair in the work gear and adjust the headrest to the neck position and the lumbar support to the maximum strength. Similarly, if you need to lie down to rest during your lunch break, you can easily adjust the chair to a semi-reclining state. Then, the headrest can be pulled up more to provide support for your head. you can also easily adjust the strength to a minimum, and adjust the chair armrests so that the arms are in a relaxed state.
4. Aesthetics
Mesh chairs on the market will be more fashionable than leather chairs in styles and colors. That’s because mesh chairs are now more popular with young people, and leather chairs are more popular among business people working in the workplace for a longer time. Every year there will be countless new mesh chair designs following the trend, offering more options for your needs.
Cons of Mesh chair
1. Damage
Usually, the back of the mesh chair uses mesh wrapping. However, many sharp tools can easily cause damage to it. Even if a very small hole is damaged, it will be enlarged and hurt your sitting experience.
2. Maintenance Difficulties
Many mesh chairs are made of traditional fabric, it is difficult to protect against dust and liquids. When the cushion is wet, you may not use it until it is dry. The good news is that Vaseat’s self-developed mesh can solve this problem. Special GT mesh for seat back, high strength, flame retardant, does not contain any heavy metal components. LY special fabric for seat surfaces, waterproof, and flame retardant. You don’t need to worry about the residence such as water bursts anymore.
3. Assembly
Although the assembly steps are now optimized by the manufacturers of mesh chairs. It is undoubtedly more complicated than leather chairs.
Leather Chair Vs. Mesh Chair: Differences
Feature | Leather Chair | Mesh Chair |
Material | Made from genuine or synthetic leather | Made from mesh fabric |
Breathability | Poor breathability; retains heat | Excellent breathability; allows airflow |
Comfort | Thick padding; conforms to body over time | Firm support; adapts to body shape |
Durability | Highly durable with proper care | Durable but may wear out faster in high-use areas |
Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning and conditioning | Easy to clean; typically just needs a wipe |
Weight | Generally heavier | Lighter, easier to move |
Aesthetics | Elegant and professional appearance | Modern and minimalistic design |
Adjustability | Varies by model; often ergonomic | Highly adjustable for better ergonomics |
User Preference | Preferred by those valuing luxury and comfort | Favored by users needing breathability and mobility |
Lifespan | From 7-15 years | An inexpensive mesh chair may need to be replaced every two years |
Leather Chair Vs. Mesh Chair: How to Choose Based on Costs
1. For People With Small Budgets
Choose mesh chairs if you have limited budgets. They are cheaper because they cost less to make. This makes them good for homes and offices. Although mesh chairs are not as durable as leather chairs, a quality mesh office chair is tough enough to handle daily use.
2. For Comfort Seekers
Leather chairs are comfy for long sits. They feel soft and look fancy, so they’re great for important rooms like meeting areas. These chairs make an office look nicer. Leather chairs cost more but last longer. If you take care of them, they stay good for many years, so they’re a good value even though they’re pricey at first.
Please also read A Deep Dive into Gaming Chairs vs. Office Chairs
Conclusion
Now you may have a clear understanding of leather chairs vs. mesh chairs, no matter their advantages, disadvantages, or differences. For those with limited budgets, a mesh office chair is always the first pick and a leather office chair may be more suitable for comfort seekers. Whether mesh office chairs or leather office chairs, Vaseat can satisfy your needs. And we can also help you design custom office chairs to help your brand stand out. Elevate your sitting experience with Vaseat office chairs.
FAQ:
1. Why Is My Leather Chair Peeling?
There are two common reasons. Using the wrong products to clean leather can cause peeling, such as those containing solvents and harsh chemicals. Additionally, peeling is often due to damage from body oils or cracking.
2. How to Restore a Leather Chair?
Leather chairs can get scratched by sharp objects. To fix scratches, use a leather conditioner. First, clean with mild soap and water. Then, apply the conditioner, let it soak for 15 minutes, and wipe it off.
3. Is Mesh Chair Good for Your Back?
Unlike traditional chairs that may offer a one-size-fits-all approach to back support, mesh chairs conform to the individual’s back shape. Most mesh office chairs are ergonomic, allowing you to customize the depth and height to reduce pressure points and alleviate back pain. Moreover, their curved backrests provide excellent adjustable lumbar support. This feature is especially important for those who spend long hours at a desk. Over time, it helps promote healthy spinal alignment and posture.