Vinyl vs Leather Office Chairs

If you are looking around for a new workplace seat, you may be comparing vinyl vs leather office chairs. The best office chairs, after all, ship in a wide variety of styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the differences between leather and vinyl office seats.

Key Takeaways_

• Leather office chairs are more visually striking than vinyl chairs, which could be useful in the workplace.
• Leather chairs require regular maintenance, while vinyl chairs are easier to maintain. Leather chairs should be kept away from direct sunlight.
• Leather furniture is usually much more expensive than vinyl chairs, so consider that regardless of your personal preference.

Differences Between Vinyl and Leather Office Chairs

The primary difference here is the material that makes up the exterior of the chair, leather or vinyl. Both materials offer some unique use case scenarios and some considerations to be on the lookout for, such as when comparing mesh office chairs vs fabric office chairs. Additionally, there’s a wide difference between a leather vs mesh chair. They’re not all alike in material and quality.

Here are more contrasts between chairs made from vinyl and leather.

Durability

Leather chairs are exceptionally durable, though they will require regular maintenance. Vinyl seats are not quite as durable, as they are prone to tears and peeling, but do not require the same type of maintenance as leather chairs do. If your vinyl chair tears, it could necessitate a complete replacement of the exterior, which could be a huge headache, though some seats can be patched. If you are comparing drafting chairs vs office chairs, you will find that only the latter is available in vinyl or leather.

insider tip

Both vinyl and leather chairs are not exactly breathable, which may be something to consider if you work in a hot or humid environment.

Cleaning

Leather chairs are more difficult to clean than vinyl chairs. Always take care to avoid direct sunlight when it comes to a leather chair. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to the letter, typically using just a damp cloth and warm water. Sometimes, leather can react poorly to certain cleaning liquids and the like. Additionally, you may want to learn how to fix leather office chair scratches if you have pets. The same cannot be said for vinyl, as you can use just about anything to clean it. For both chair types, be sure to get on potential stains or spills as soon as possible.

Cost

Real leather chairs will be pricier than vinyl chairs, though the same may not hold true when it comes to faux leather. Make sure to price out a variety of models before choosing your favorite.

Aesthetics

For prestige in the workplace, nothing beats genuine leather executive chairs. Vinyl chairs just are not up to snuff when it comes to aesthetics, though they are typically available in a variety of colors and designs than leather office chairs. For home use, a vinyl chair would be a fine choice. For a boardroom, go for a leather office chair. Plus, you’ll want to look into both high-back or low-back office chairs, for complete comfort and style.