When buying an office chair, you might need to choose between workstation office chairs and mesh chairs. The latter became an integral part of a typical office interior a relatively short while ago, while leather and textile upholstering have been used for furniture manufacturing for several centuries. In this article, we will analyze the merits and shortcomings of both types of seating and will try to figure out which one will suit best your individual tastes and demands.
Contents
The Strong and Weak Sides of Mesh Chairs
Typically, mesh chairs are more affordable than their fully upholstered counterparts. This is why you can often see them in the offices of startups and small businesses whose budget is limited at the early stage of development.
Such type of seating is very light. Thanks to its minimalistic construction, it is easy to move it around the office.
Mesh surfaces do not absorb dirt, dust or smell. Your cleaning staff will be grateful because this furniture will save their time and effort.
One of the biggest merits of mesh chairs is ventilation. It prevents sweating and contributes to relaxation. The heat will not be accumulating between your back and the back of the chair. Thanks to the free airflow, your skin will be able to breathe.
On the flip side, this kind of seating lacks a plush seat where you could sink. It does not adjust to the shape of the human body over time. Even though mesh chairs are flexible and supportive, you will still need to sacrifice your comfort a bit.
The variety of designs for this type of furniture is normally not too large. In most shops, your choice will be limited to a handful of grey and black models that look almost identical to each other. The best way out will be to search for chairs in shops that specialize in designer items, such as Room Service 360.
Last but not least, mesh might lack durability. If it is soft, it will better adapt to your body contours — and it will start sagging too soon. If it is firm, it will last longer — but you will feel less comfortable when sitting on it.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Workstation Chairs
Workstation chairs are normally upholstered with leather or textile. They look classy and contribute to the prestige of the organization. Some business owners might want to buy a chair made of expensive leather for themselves, to accentuate their status, and purchase more affordable textile models for their subordinates.
Mesh chairs might look cool in the offices of IT and creative companies. They might be spot-on for designer startups, manufacturers of eco-friendly nail polishes or website developer offices. If the team is young and cheerful and the premise is hip and not too formal, mesh would fit it much better than leather. But it is hard to imagine a lawyer, a politician or a doctor sitting on a mesh chair.
If compared to mesh, both textile and leather are much more durable. The more expensive they are, the longer they will last.
Pigmented leather does not absorb dust or dirt. If you pour a drink on it, it would be enough to wipe the surface with the cloth. Even if a piece of cream cake falls on the seat, it will hardly leave a stain. But fine leather, such as its aniline-dyed variety, is much more sensitive — you should avoid buying it for the office space.
With textile things might get a bit tricky. Modern fabrics that manufacturers use for office furniture are stain-resistant. But they might absorb smells and dust over time. If you are planning to use your chair for many years, discard monochrome textiles and opt for the one that has some pattern on it — it will preserve fresh looks for a longer time.
Nothing can compare with leather in terms of comfort. You can sink into the seat and your spine can relax. Besides, many workstation chairs with leather upholstery adapt very well to the temperatures inside the office. When it is cold, this material grabs the heat from your body and becomes warmer. When it is hot, you will be glad to sit on a chair with such a construction that stays permanently cool, provided there is an air conditioner on the premise. Some sorts of leather can even absorb perspiration.
Another sensitive issue is the quality of leather. If you lack profound knowledge in the sphere of furniture manufacturing, you might not always be able to tell the natural variety of this material from its faux counterpart. Faux leather might wear out faster. If you buy it for the reasons of prestige, the desired premium effect might not last long. Eco-conscious businesses, on the contrary, might be interested only in faux leather. If you make a mistake and someone discovers it, this will be a blow to your reputation.
Nevertheless, this type of furniture inevitably has some shortcomings too. First, it is pricey — especially if we are talking about the most high-end leather varieties. But you should mind that its remarkable longevity will make up for the surcharge.
Second, leather is prone to scratches. You should avoid putting sharp objects on it.
Third, both textile and leather should not be exposed to too much light. Otherwise, they might bleach out and the leather might crack.
Conclusion
Both workstation and mesh chairs have their meaningful merits and drawbacks. You might want to opt for the latter because it is more affordable, does not absorb dirt, is light and easy to move and provides excellent ventilation. However, you will need to sacrifice your comfort a bit. The range of designs might be limited and soft mesh might start sagging over time. Textile and leather are normally more expensive, but it pays off. These materials look more premium and contribute to the prestige of your business. They are durable, provided that keep them away from sunlight and avoid touching them with sharp objects.