Leather Chairs Are Outdated: What Material Is More Suitable for Making Dining Chairs?

As someone who has dedicated more than two decades to supplying furniture retailers and wholesalers across Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and beyond, I've observed first-hand how preferences in the furniture industry evolve significantly over time. One notable shift that has recently gained momentum is the decreasing popularity of traditional leather dining chairs.

Once considered a hallmark of sophistication, leather chairs have begun losing ground, replaced by modern, sustainable, and innovative materials. Today, I want to share my insights into why leather is becoming outdated and suggest superior alternatives that better meet contemporary demands and align with sustainability goals.

Why Leather Is Falling Out of Favor

Leather chairs have traditionally been prized for their luxurious texture, durability, and classic appeal. However, as tastes evolve and environmental concerns become more pressing, the limitations of leather have become more apparent. From my extensive experience working closely with European buyers, several key factors stand out:

High Maintenance Costs

Real leather requires consistent upkeep. It must be regularly cleaned, conditioned, and protected from direct sunlight and heat to prevent cracking and fading. This level of maintenance is increasingly seen as impractical, especially in commercial environments such as restaurants or hotels, where chairs undergo extensive daily use.

Temperature Sensitivity

Leather can feel uncomfortable in extreme temperatures—sticky in summer heat and chilly during winter. This lack of comfort can negatively impact the user experience, particularly in dining environments where customers seek relaxation and enjoyment.

Rising Environmental Concerns

Environmental awareness and stringent regulations in Europe have led to a preference shift towards sustainable materials. Genuine leather production is resource-intensive, involves harsh chemicals, and carries a significant carbon footprint. Coupled with increased plastic taxes and packaging regulations, buyers are gravitating towards more eco-friendly options.

Exploring the Alternatives: Modern Materials for Dining Chairs

Through continuous research at ASKT, our dedicated R&D teams in Bazhou, Anji, Huizhou, and Zhangzhou have extensively explored and tested various materials that can effectively replace traditional leather while providing comparable or superior advantages.

Performance Fabrics: The Ideal Solution

Performance fabrics, especially polyester blends and advanced synthetic textiles, are quickly gaining popularity in dining furniture. At ASKT, we conduct rigorous tests for durability, colorfastness, abrasion resistance, and breathability. These materials excel under the high-use conditions typical of commercial dining spaces and busy family homes.

Performance fabrics have several significant advantages:

• Durability: Our fabrics surpass industry benchmarks such as the Martindale abrasion test, routinely scoring above 25,000 rubs, ensuring they withstand extensive usage without visible wear.

• Stain Resistance: Advanced treatment methods mean liquids and spills are easily cleaned without permanent staining.

• Comfort: These fabrics provide excellent breathability and temperature regulation, offering a more comfortable experience than leather.

Sustainable Fabrics: Cotton Blends and Recycled Polyester

ASKT’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with European market trends and stringent environmental policies. Our innovative fabrics include blends of organic cotton and recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. These eco-friendly materials demonstrate impressive performance:

• Eco-Friendly: Our recycled polyester fabric significantly reduces environmental impact, contributing positively to corporate sustainability reports and brand image.

• Safe and Healthy: OEKO-TEX® certification guarantees the absence of harmful substances, making these chairs baby-safe and suitable for sensitive skin.

• Stylish Variety: Available in numerous textures and colors, these sustainable fabrics cater to diverse design aesthetics, from contemporary minimalism to classic elegance.

Velvet and Suede: Elegance and Comfort Redefined

In upscale dining and residential settings, materials like velvet and suede (both natural and synthetic) have emerged as luxurious alternatives to leather. Our experience at ASKT has shown that these fabrics can significantly enhance the aesthetic value of furniture collections.

• Velvet: Its soft texture and rich colors convey sophistication. Our velvet chairs are treated to resist fading and abrasion, ensuring longevity despite the fabric's delicate appearance.

• Suede: Offering a refined appearance and tactile luxury, our suede chairs are carefully tested for wear resistance and ease of cleaning, making them practical for everyday dining.

PU and PVC Leather: Practical Leather Alternatives

For clients who still prefer the leather look without its drawbacks, ASKT offers high-quality synthetic alternatives such as PU and PVC leather:

• PU Leather: Soft, breathable, and closer in feel to genuine leather, PU is ideal for commercial applications such as restaurants due to its excellent durability and ease of maintenance.

• PVC Leather: More robust and resistant to chemicals, PVC leather suits high-frequency use scenarios, although it offers slightly less breathability.

Both materials provide substantial cost savings compared to genuine leather, are easier to maintain, and meet environmental regulations more efficiently.

Structural Materials: Enhancing Durability and Design

Besides upholstery materials, the structural integrity and aesthetics of dining chairs rely significantly on the frames used. At ASKT, we've innovated our chair frames with:

• Advanced Welding Techniques: Our automated welding robots ensure frames have optimal strength and uniformity.

• Mixed Material Design: Combining metals, wood, or even recycled plastics for frames provides versatility in style and function.

ASKT's Commitment: Quality Assurance and Sustainable Practices

Our investment in twelve industry-standard testing machines, including static load tests, durability tests, and impact tests, underscores our commitment to product excellence. Each chair undergoes rigorous quality control managed by eleven dedicated professionals wearing video recording equipment to ensure process transparency and reliability.

Additionally, our ISO9001 certification reinforces our dedication to quality management. The implementation of eco-friendly packaging, such as honeycomb paper, helps our clients meet European environmental compliance standards and significantly reduces logistics costs.

Proven Track Record and Recognition

ASKT's exceptional R&D capabilities, stringent quality standards, and customer-centric approach have earned us recognition from leading European furniture industry authorities. In February 2025, as the CEO of ASKT, I was honored to appear on the cover of Germany's prominent furniture industry magazine, Möbelmarkt—the first Asian CEO to achieve this distinction. This recognition underscores our credibility and industry leadership, providing clients with additional assurance of our product quality and innovation.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Considering the shift away from traditional leather chairs, the choice of alternative materials should reflect your specific business context—whether for high-traffic commercial spaces, boutique hotels, or modern residential settings. Performance fabrics offer durability and ease of maintenance, sustainable materials enhance brand image and environmental compliance, while velvet and suede lend luxury and elegance to upscale environments.

To aid your decision-making, here is a brief overview:

Material	Ideal Use	Key Benefits
Performance Fabric	Commercial, family homes	Durability, stain-resistance, comfort
Recycled Polyester	Environmentally-conscious buyers	Eco-friendly, certified safe, versatile design
Velvet and Suede	High-end residential, boutique hospitality	Luxurious feel, sophisticated appearance
PU & PVC Leather	Cost-conscious commercial use	Leather-like aesthetics, low maintenance

Conclusion: Why ASKT Is Your Best Partner

Choosing ASKT means partnering with an experienced supplier deeply familiar with the European market’s unique demands and rigorous standards. Our commitment goes beyond mere furniture manufacturing—we offer comprehensive solutions, from material innovation and quality assurance to sustainable packaging and regulatory compliance.

As CEO, my 20 years of experience in European furniture retail and wholesale enable me to provide strategic insights and practical solutions tailored precisely to your business needs. By choosing materials aligned with current market demands—such as performance fabrics, sustainable textiles, and advanced synthetic alternatives—you not only enhance your product offerings but also position your business as forward-thinking and responsible.

Feel free to contact me directly at sales@sinoaskt.com or via WhatsApp at +86 18912605997 to explore how ASKT can contribute to your business's sustainable growth. Let's create dining furniture that resonates with today's environmentally conscious and quality-demanding customers, together.