Office Chair Materials: Leather vs. Mesh vs. Fabric

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When it comes to furnishing your workspace, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right office chair. A comfortable and ergonomic chair not only enhances your productivity but also contributes to your overall well-being during long work hours. Among the myriad of options available, the choice of materials for your office chair is a significant factor to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of three popular office chair materials: leather, mesh, and fabric.

Before we dive in, let’s mention that the The Sleep Company provides an array of office chair options that cater to various preferences and needs. But, which material is right for you? Let’s find out.

Leather Office Chairs

Leather office chairs exude an air of sophistication and elegance. They are often associated with executive offices and boardrooms due to their classic and timeless appearance. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of leather office chairs:

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Leather chairs add a touch of luxury and professionalism to any office environment. They convey a sense of prestige and authority.

2. Durability: High-quality leather chairs are known for their longevity. They are less prone to wear and tear compared to some other materials.

3. Comfort: Leather chairs are initially firm, but they tend to mold to your body shape over time, providing a comfortable seating experience.

Cons:

1. Price: Leather chairs are often more expensive than their mesh or fabric counterparts, making them less budget-friendly for some.

2. Temperature Regulation: Leather chairs can get hot and sticky in warmer climates, which might be uncomfortable during extended periods of sitting.

3. Maintenance: Leather requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and conditioning, to maintain its appearance.

Mesh Office Chairs

Mesh office chairs are gaining popularity for their contemporary and breathable design. They are often the top choice for those seeking ergonomic comfort. Let’s explore their advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

1. Breathability: Mesh chairs allow for better airflow, preventing you from getting too hot during extended work sessions.

2. Ergonomics: They are designed to provide excellent lumbar support, making them a comfortable choice for long hours of work.

3. Lightweight: Mesh chairs are typically lighter than leather or fabric chairs, making them easier to move around.

Cons:

1. Aesthetics: While modern and sleek, mesh chairs may not have the same executive appeal as leather chairs in a traditional office setting.

2. Durability: The lifespan of mesh chairs can be shorter compared to leather or fabric chairs, especially if not well-maintained.

3. Comfort Over Time: Some users might find that the mesh material loses its initial comfort as it ages.

Fabric Office Chairs

Fabric office chairs are versatile and come in a wide range of colors and designs. They are often chosen for their comfort and affordability. Here are their pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Variety: Fabric chairs offer endless design possibilities, allowing you to choose a chair that matches your office decor.

2. Comfort: They are generally more cushioned and comfortable, especially for prolonged use.

3. Budget-Friendly: Fabric chairs are often more affordable than leather alternatives, making them a practical choice for small businesses or home offices.

Cons:

1. Stains and Maintenance: Fabric chairs are more prone to stains and may require more frequent cleaning.

2. Durability: The fabric can wear out faster than leather, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. Allergens: Fabric chairs can trap allergens like dust and pet dander, which might not be ideal for those with allergies.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between leather, mesh, or fabric for your office chair comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and what works best for one person may not be suitable for another.

The Sleep Company understands that the right office chair is essential for your comfort and productivity. They offer a range of office chair options, including leather, mesh, and fabric chairs, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your workspace.

Before making a decision, consider factors such as your budget, the climate of your workspace, and how many hours you typically spend sitting in your chair. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed choice that will enhance your office experience and support your well-being.

Must read: The Science of Sleep: How to Choose the Perfect Online Mattress from The Sleep Company

One of the biggest decisions when choosing an ergonomic office chair is whether you want a mesh or fabric chair. 

There's much debate about mesh versus fabric. Some people strongly prefer one over the other while some have no preference as there are other features of the chair they may be more concerned about. Here we consider the pros and cons of mesh and fabric chairs.  

What is the Difference Between Mesh and Fabric Chairs? 

Whether you like mesh or fabric back office chairs, it's a personal choice. But if you haven’t made up your mind, read on. 

Mesh Office Chairs

At Ergolink we stock mesh back chairs with padded fabric seats for the added protection we need when sitting for long periods. 

It’s important to buy a mesh chair from a reputable ergonomic office equipment store. A poorly made mesh chair can be uncomfortable but be much harder on the body when used for extended periods.  Look for an option that offers ergonomically acceptable adjustments & flexibility.

Pros of Mesh Chairs

• Many people find mesh chairs cooler than fabric options as the mesh allows for air circulation.
• Mesh can be easier to keep clean & are less likely to stain than fabric, and debris is less visible on the mesh

Cons of Mesh Chairs

• Damaged mesh is harder to repair or replace compared to fabric chairs.
• Poor-quality meshes are usually too hard or too soft or can stretch with use.
• Difficult to get the right balance between comfort and support
• Poor quality chairs don't have enough flex, so most of the pressure from the body weight ends on the tailbone.
• Some types of mesh can be harsh and cause skin abrasions or pilling on clothes. 
• Often designed to ‘look the part’ 
• Usually an imported product so options to customise are limited if offered at all

Ergolink stocks a wide range of ergonomic mesh chairs. Check out our range of mesh office chairs to find the one that best suits your requirements.

Fabric Chairs

Fabric ergonomic office chairs have been around for decades & are consistently a topic of research & design principle. The quality of foam used & contouring employed in seat back & seat pans has greatly improved, so it holds its shape and thickness even after hundreds of hours of use.  Body support in a well designed fabric should support the lumbar & hips to reduce stress and pressure.    

Pros of Fabric Chairs

• In Australia, fabric chairs tend to offer at least 4 points of ergonomic adjustment 
• Greater range of back size options
• Australia is well represented with reliable local manufacturers so we have huge flexibility to customise 
• Fabric chairs offer warmth for colder or air-conditioned environments
• Generally offer greater support for users who sit for long periods of time
• Less likely for the body to come into contact with the chair's frame with padded supports
• Colour your world - a much greater variety of colours & finishes

Cons of Fabric Chairs

• Some people find a padded back too hot, particularly in summer
• Cleanliness can be tricky with a fabric finish

Our range of fabric office task chairs is impressive. Find one that suits your needs. Many of these chair brands have a high, medium, or low back available to suit the various heights of most workers:

Why Choose an Ergonomic Chair?

The most important choice when buying an office chair is selecting a high-quality ergonomic chair that provides you with the right support. While looks are lovely investing in a new chair should support & protect your body,  Try to be conscience of features that will:

Be fully adjustable 

Having the option to alter the different parts of the chair including height, seat pan length and angle, back height and angle is essential. This way the chair can be customised to your body’s requirements and offer the posture support you need to remain in the correct sitting position. 

Help back pain

Many Australians suffer from back pain now or may do so in the future, so a backrest needs to support the natural curvature of the spine whether you’re tall or short. This is also an investment in your overall health.

Provide hip pressure relief

The right padding on the seat offers support to the hips and tailbone to reduce stress and pressure. 

Be a productivity booster

A comfortable chair makes for a productive team. When the body is supported and comfortable, the user is less likely to be distracted and move around in their chair.

Remember, whichever office chair you choose, nothing beats taking regular breaks, resting your eyes, walking around the office to get the circulation going and giving pressure points a rest while you stand.

Call Ergolink on (08) 9240 7066 to discuss a chair that’s right for you or visit our website, in person at our showroom, or contact us online.