One of the factors to consider whenever you buy office furniture is which upholstery will best suit your needs. These days, office furniture is available in a huge range of different colours and patterns, and you can choose between leather, vinyl, breathable mesh and standard fabrics.
So which option is the best? In practice, each has pros and cons – and the ideal choice will depend on the environment and conditions under which the furniture will be used.
Leather
Leather is popular especially for executive office chairs, and it has several advantages. As well as giving a chair a distinguished look, it’s highly durable. It’s available in a range of colours, including black and neutral colours that blend well with almost any office décor.
The main disadvantage of leather is its cost. Typically it’s significantly more expensive than other upholstery options. Also, leather doesn’t let the body breathe, making for sticky backs in hot or humid environments.
Although leather is tough, it’s not immune to tears or to staining.
Before buying a leather chair, it’s important to note that not all leather is created equal. Leather is available in different grades, or qualities, and these affect its durability and the level of comfort it provides. Make sure that you don’t pay a top price for inferior grade leather. Generally the best leather is referred to as “top grain” leather. Some office chairs may include multiple types of leather, each of a different standard.
Vinyl
Vinyl is ideal in situations where office chairs or stools must be regularly cleaned, or where they’re vulnerable to spills. It’s less expensive and slightly less comfortable than leather, but can be wiped down without suffering any damage.
For example, vinyl is perfect in children’s centres and in break rooms, where drinks may be spilt and the seating is used by a large number of different people. Some types of treated vinyl can even withstand being sluiced down with a bleach solution, making them ideal for medical offices.
Vinyl is available in a wide range of colours and, like leather, is highly durable. Also like leather, it doesn’t encourage air circulation and may be sticky in hot or humid settings.
Mesh
Mesh chairs have grown hugely in popularity over the past decade. The advantage of mesh is that it’s designed specifically to encourage air flow, keeping your body at a comfortable temperature and avoiding the “sweaty back syndrome” common with leather and vinyl chairs.
Mesh also looks sleek and complements modern office décor. A mesh chair backing may be combined with a seat cushion that uses leather or another upholstery type, in any colour.
Cloth fabric
Cloth fabrics suitable for office furniture range from cotton to synthetic fibres, and include specially treated materials designed to resist wear and tear.
It’s important to choose a sturdy, breathable fabric for employees’ chairs. Furniture in reception areas isn’t typically used for long periods at a time and isn’t subject to as much wear and tear. Accordingly, you can choose a slightly less hardy fabric, focusing on aesthetic appeal.
Cloth fabric comes in a huge array of colours and patterns, so you can choose a cloth that perfectly matches your office environment and your preferences. You might choose brightly coloured fabrics to make eye-catching pieces perfect for setting against neutral backdrops, or go with the more neutral or dark colours associated with traditional office settings.
Cloth fabric typically provides a high level of comfort, allowing the skin to breathe more than leather or vinyl. Depending on the fabric you choose, it’s also generally cheaper than other options.
K-Mark can help with choosing the best possible upholstery for your office furniture. We can explain all the options and their pros and cons, and assist you in finding the type and colour of fabric that will best suit your needs.
