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Your working situation could use an upgrade, so consider the leather office chair.
There’s plenty to be said about fabric and chair materials. Most office chairs have a wooden frame, aluminium base (often with wheels) and are upholstered with mesh or a mixed material fabric. Leather office chairs are a step above; they provide comfort and ergonomic support thanks to their structure yet have an elevated style due to the material. Genuine leather chairs are made with real leather, and they tend to be more expensive due to the material and the upkeep required. (You’ll want to research how to clean them before you wipe them down.) There are other types and subtypes of leather, including bonded leather, leatherette, and faux leather, all of which make the style more accessible. Bonded leather and leatherette fabrics are part genuine leather and part polyurethane leather; both look like the real thing but are a bit softer and can be made in a wider range of colors. Faux leather, of course, is not real in any way; it’s a PU alternative that feels almost like vinyl and is popular among vegans or eco-friendly clients.
When it comes to shopping for an office chair, you know what you like best. We all have different desires, and how you work and when you work may impact your ideal features. Consider how you move at your desk; you may want a swivel chair if you’re looking at multiple monitors or a chair on wheels if you have a large desk area. Depending on your desk height or office dimensions you may look for a chair with low armrests or no armrests at all. Some other features you’ll want to consider are headrests, reclining abilities, and adjustable heights in case you share your desk area or need more support. My ideal desk chair won’t look the same as yours, but regardless of what’s on your checklist make sure to look for high-quality materials, durability, and a chair that will allow you to sit with proper posture while you get your work done. If you are shopping for something with vintage style, check out these mid century modern office chairs.
This Eames office chair is a classic with its beautiful leather construction and tiny footprint. While a good office chair provides comfort, when more features are included the chair can become large and bulky. If you have a small space—like a dorm room, or a shared office space at home— the Eames Aluminum Chair is lightweight and simple with a square shape and a ribbed back. The chair is made of Vicenza leather, which is available in 10 different shades.
Dimensions: 33.75"H x 23"W x 23"D
For those who want to depart from the boxy silhouette, Geiger's Clamshell Task Chair is a sleek, modern alternative. The curves of the chair mimic nature, providing a polished look and a durable chair. The chair has foam padding for all-day comfort and is upholstered with black or white genuine leather. You can also decide between a Walnut and Ash wooden frame to contrast with your choice of leather. The Clamshell Chair swivels and is on wheels for added mobility.
Dimensions: 26.75"H x 26.75"W x 27"D
This executive office chair — yes, that’s a style — is great for someone who spends a lot of their workday seated in front of their computer doing work or attending meetings. The quilted padding design looks great but also provides additional comfort, keeping you comfortable all day. The chair features a built-in headrest, slight lumbar cushioning, padded armrests, and wheels for mobility. The chair’s material is made of bonded leather, which is a combination of genuine and faux leather scraps. It’s cheaper than chairs made of genuine leather and is easier to clean.
Dimensions: 29"H x 28"W x 44.75"D
If I had to pick an office chair over again, I’d purchase this vintage-inspired swivel chair in a heartbeat. It has a rounded shape that provides comfort all day long, as well as wheels and a swivel for more practical ergonomics. The seat in made of genuine leather and has both a mid-century modern and vintage feel without looking dated. And one of the perks of genuine leather is that it looks better as it wears. The chair comes in a “coffee” leather and a darker shade called “coca” leather for a little variety.
Dimensions: 37-42"H x 24"W x 28"D
This top-notch gaming chair from Staples has over 4,000 5-star reviews. It checks all the boxes for a serious gamer: adjustable arms that flip down, a padded headrest, lumbar support, a tilt lock—so you don’t tip over while streaming—cradling design, and a 120-degree reclining. Whether you’re a professional or amateur, this chair will support you. At its highest seat height, the chair sits at almost 50 inches tall. The faux leather material is lightweight and easy to clean, and the chair weighs less than 45 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and transport when needed.
Dimensions: 45.9-49.7"H x 28.4"W x 30.1"D
Minimalists tend to love the look of a clean slate, office chair included. This white, bonded leather swivel chair is great for someone who wants to keep their office neat and minimal. The chair has a structured, rectangular shape that also provides back support, including lumbar support. The chair rolls on caster wheels, swivels, and features a tilt lock. This chair has an adjustable height from 18 inches to 22 inches, which is great for shorter people. The chair only weighs 28 pounds, so it’s a great candidate for someone who rolls around often or works in a collaborative space. One of the most desirable features, though, is the waterfall seat which is the edge that one’s legs would rest on; instead of a flat cut, the seat tapers down to provide a bit of support under the thighs.
Dimensions: 18-22"H x 23"W x 24"D
Pottery Barn Teen makes products that are for everyone —not just teens— including this wingback desk chair. This chair swivels, rolls, and is made of vegan leather: a combination polyurethane fabric. I like how the wheels and chair base have a bronze finish as opposed to some other chairs that have silver and black hardware. Overall, it’s a solid option for those with ethical shopping on their mind.
Dimensions: 29.5-32.5"H x 23"W x 24.5"D
This tall, executive chair is great for tall folks, especially because it has an adjustable set height ranging from 18.75 inches to 21.75 inches. The chair is equipped with an Ergonomic Synchro-Tilt feature that makes reclining smooth, which we can all agree is important to not tipping over or panicking mid-meeting. Made with genuine Brazilian leather, this chair is comfortable and sleek. It also has foam padding throughout for support and comfort, as well as padded armrests. It weighs 55 pounds, which is on the higher end for an office chair, but it’s sensible since the chair’s upper is built for taller people and therefore adds a few extra pounds.
Dimensions: 50-53"H x 28.75"W x 26"D
Editor's Note [3/9]: The Serta Air is currently out of stock. As an alternative, we recommend the OFM ESS Collection Leather Office Chair with its quilted leather exterior, excellent lumbar support and padded armrests.
You might recognize this brand, Serta, for its reputation for quality comfort mattresses. Like mattresses, this office chair delivers on comfort and is designed to alleviate back pain using an AIR Lumbar feature that supports your low back even as you swivel, recline, and do your midday stretches. This model is also equipped with a supportive headrest, a memory foam interior, and flip-up armrests. The chair is upholstered in bonded leather and gives off a homey, rustic, and lived-in style.
Dimensions: 39.25-42.25"H x 26.5"W x 28.5"D
If you’re searching for a chic office chair, you can end your search with this white leatherette swivel chair. It has a tall chairback, great for tall individuals or extra back support. The headrest mimics the ergonomic design and lumbar support, making the chair symmetrical and polished rather than just ergonomic. The cushion is upholstered in smooth leatherette that mimics genuine leather but is less expensive and requires less upkeep. The chair is W 28.15" / D 27.36" / H 47.64" and weighs about 38 pounds.
Dimensions: 47.64"H x 28.15"W x 27.36"D
Everything you need to know to find an office chair best suited to your needs, including ergonomics, price, aesthetics and features.