Leather vs Mesh Office Chairs: The Pros and Cons
When it comes to selecting the perfect office chair, you have plenty of options available on the market. The most common ones are usually leather and mesh office chairs. But these chairs come with their own set of pros and cons. So, how do you choose the right one?
In this article, we’ll delve into the two types of office chairs and their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision according to your needs. Whether you’re planning to use the chair at home or in the office, let’s find out which is best for you.
What are Leather Office Chairs?
Leather office chairs have long dominated offices due to their visual impression of great elegance and comfort. Thanks to their thick padding, they are also highly durable and can provide ample support for long hours of use at the desk.
Some leather office chairs even come with adjustable seats and armrests, allowing you to adapt them to different desk heights and body shapes. Besides, the plushness of the seats makes leather office chairs one of the best office furniture you could ever invest in.
That said, like any other office furniture with pros and cons, a leather office chair also has its own pros and cons. Let’s dive into them.
Pros
Comfort
Leather office chairs offer great comfort in many ways. Thanks to their thick padding, anyone who sits in one will feel instant comfort and relaxation. Leather office chairs are also designed to remain cool in air-conditioned rooms. Plus, they will absorb sweat and heat when used.
Durability
Depending on the leather quality you choose for your office chair, pure leather office chairs tend to last longer than those made of PU and half leather. They can be used for up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance, as leather has a more robust fabric that can withstand frequent use.
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A good leather office chair can leave a lasting impression on the office environment. If there’s one thing that can distinguish a company’s top management from the others, it’s the furniture quality in selected offices. Besides, it’s a good investment for the long run, especially if you have clients or prospective customers visiting the office.
Cons
Poor air circulation
Leather is a highly compact material with a porous structure. This causes minimal air circulation to the seat, leading to sweat when you spend long hours seated in the chair. It’s more apparent if your office is poorly ventilated, causing you to feel discomfort.
Susceptibility to scratches and bleaching
Despite their durability, leather office chairs are prone to scratches and bleaching if little care is paid to their use due to their finish. As such, if you want to see them last, pay extra care to the finish and ensure that your office has good ventilation.
Price
Leather chairs are known to be pricey, especially with high-quality leather. Suppose you have a low budget for your office; leather chairs aren’t a good option as they require considerable investment. But, the high cost is justified by durability over time.
What are Mesh Office Chairs?
Mesh office chairs offer a modern take on traditional office chairs with the latest ergonomic requirements. The mesh replaces the fabric, whereas the fabric seat is maintained for the best combination of materials.
They are generally designed considering your posture and technical adjustments so you can work better comfortably. Some even have lumbar support to limit the strain on your lower back.
Like any other office furniture with pros and cons, a mesh office chair also has its own pros and cons. Let’s dive into them.
Pros
Breathability
The most apparent strength of mesh office chairs is their breathability, allowing optimum airflow across your body as you work. This is due to the large spacing between the fabric’s structure. If you have a poorly ventilated office, mesh chairs are a good option.
Better ergonomics
Mesh office chairs are generally designed with well-defined contours, offering better ergonomics for long sitting hours. Some even include modern technology that allows you to adjust the ergonomics of your chair to support your skeletal structure.
Lightweight
Compared to leather office chairs, mesh office chairs have a lighter frame and simple mesh design, which make them easier to lift and move around. Consequently, they are a good option if you require excellent mobility from your office chair.
Cons
Comfort
While mesh office chairs offer better ergonomics, they are less comfortable than leather ones. You would not want to sit on it for a very long time. Plus, your discomfort could be due to the inability to sink into the plush seat.
Durability
The durability of mesh office chairs is different from leather office chairs, as the former doesn’t have a durable design. Besides, the mesh used for the chair tends to conform to various body contours and will start to sag over time.
Limited designs
The design of mesh office chairs is very limited in terms of style and appearance. They are usually available in black and grey mesh with colourful fabric seats. While these may appear vibrant in an office environment, they can be boring.
A Comparison of Leather and Mesh Office Chairs
While leather and mesh office chairs have their unique pros and cons, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your office. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing leather and mesh office chairs:
- Comfort – Both leather and mesh office chairs can be comfortable, but they offer varying levels of support. Leather tends to be more plush and soft, while the mesh is firmer and more supportive.
- Durability – Leather office chairs are generally more durable than mesh but can crack or fade over time without proper care. On the other hand, mesh office chairs are less likely to show signs of wear and tear but are susceptible to damage.
- Maintenance – Leather office chairs require more maintenance than mesh chairs, as they need to be regularly cleaned and conditioned to maintain appearance. Meanwhile, mesh chairs are easier to maintain.
- Style –Leather office chairs are often more stylish and professional, as they have a classic look that never goes out of style. Meanwhile, mesh office chairs have a modern minimalist look, which is more suitable for contemporary offices.
- Price – Leather office chairs are generally more pricey than mesh chairs, as leather is a premium material that requires time and resources to produce. On the other hand, mesh chairs are usually more affordable.
Read also: How to Choose the Right Office Chair
Looking for an office chair in Malaysia? Choose Maxim Furniture!
With extensive experience, Maxim Furniture has been in the industry since 1993. If you want a high-quality office chair for your workspace, we offer a wide range of office chairs in Malaysia. For more information, you can contact us or call us at 03-56350060.