Leather VS Fabric: Which is the Best Material for Chair?

Media ASKT
5 days ago
4 min read

By Sunbin Qi, CEO of ASKT Furniture

Why the Chair Material Matters More Than Ever

Over the past two decades working with leading furniture retailers and wholesalers in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, I’ve seen one question repeatedly surface in buyer consultations: "Should I choose leather or fabric for my chairs?" And it's not a simple answer.

For furniture professionals like you, the choice between leather and fabric isn’t just a matter of looks or price – it impacts logistics, longevity, customer experience, and brand positioning. In this article, I’ll unpack both materials in depth, sharing industry-specific insights and real-world considerations backed by data, years of experience, and ASKT's R&D.

Understanding the Buyer Context

At ASKT, we serve B2B clients across Europe, many of whom are:

Offline supermarkets sourcing large volumes
E-commerce platforms like OTTO, Amazon, or Wayfair
Restaurant chains and hospitality groups
Project-based buyers for engineering and real estate development
Wholesalers and importers focusing on cost-to-value optimization

Each of these stakeholders has unique expectations from a chair—be it ease of maintenance, durability in commercial spaces, eco-compliance, or aesthetic adaptability.

Leather Chairs: Luxury, Durability & High-End Appeal

1. Material Composition & Types

At ASKT, we work with both genuine leather and PU synthetic leather. Genuine leather is a natural material derived from animal hides, while PU (polyurethane) leather is engineered for performance and affordability.

We source top-grade leather and PU from verified suppliers who meet EU REACH compliance and environmental standards.

2. Advantages of Leather Chairs

a. Long-Term Durability

Leather ages gracefully. A well-cared-for genuine leather chair can last 10+ years with only minimal fading. Our internal tests at ASKT show leather withstands more than 80,000 cycles in abrasion resistance testing.

b. Premium Perception

Leather evokes class. For businesses looking to elevate their brand perception, particularly in boardrooms, boutique restaurants, or executive lounges, leather is a winning choice.

c. Easy to Clean

Spills and dust can be wiped off with a damp cloth. This is a major plus in hospitality and high-traffic zones. We’ve tested our leather seats using the seat impact and static load test, confirming its strength even after stress cycles.

d. Hygienic Option

Unlike fabric, leather doesn’t trap allergens, odors, or dust mites. This makes it suitable for clients prioritizing hygiene – medical practices, nursing homes, and cafes included.

3. Challenges with Leather

Higher cost upfront: Quality leather adds to your COGS. But the ROI is evident in longer replacement cycles.
Not ideal for hot climates: It retains heat, making it uncomfortable in poorly ventilated spaces.
Prone to scratches: Especially when placed in environments with pets or rough use.

Fabric Chairs: Versatility, Color Options & Breathability

1. Material Composition

At ASKT, our fabrics go through rigorous scrutiny. We use materials such as:

Polyester and linen blends
Velvet suede for high-end looks
Tweed and cotton for textured aesthetics
Pet-resistant, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified recycled fabric

All are tested for abrasion resistance, color fastness, and breathability in our 1,200 m² in-house R&D lab.

2. Advantages of Fabric Chairs

a. Design Flexibility

With 100+ colorways and patterns, fabric offers unmatched customization. Retailers benefit from seasonal rotations, while e-commerce sellers enjoy trend adaptability.

b. Breathability

Fabric surfaces are more comfortable in warmer months and better suited for coastal and southern European buyers.

c. Budget-Friendly

Fabric chairs generally offer a more economical price point, ideal for bulk purchases or entry-level market segments.

d. Sustainability Edge

Our exclusive recycled fabric, made from PET bottles, not only passes European green policy audits but also helps reduce plastic tax liability.

3. Challenges with Fabric

Stain absorption: Unlike leather, fabric absorbs spills quickly unless treated.
Maintenance required: Needs regular vacuuming or upholstery cleaning.
May fade over time: Particularly in direct sunlight or high-use areas.

Leather vs Fabric Chairs: Quick Comparison Table

Characteristic	Leather Chair	Fabric Chair
Durability	10+ years (with care)	5-7 years average
Maintenance	Easy, wipe clean	Requires cleaning agents
Cost	Higher upfront	Budget-friendly
Design Variety	Limited	Wide color/pattern options
Comfort in Heat	Less breathable	Highly breathable
Eco Compliance	Moderate	High (with recycled fabric)
Pet-Friendliness	Moderate (prone to scratches)	High (scratch-resistant fabrics available)

How ASKT Elevates the Leather & Fabric Chair Experience

1. R&D and Testing Excellence

We invested $20,000+ in 12 industry-specific testing equipment. These include:

Armrest durability
Seat impact test
Static load testing for chair legs
Color fastness and breathability for fabrics

Every batch goes through rigorous quality inspection by 11 dedicated professionals, each equipped with video recorders to document the process for transparency.

2. Fast, Custom Sample Delivery

With four R&D centers across Bazhou, Anji, Huizhou, and Zhangzhou, we can produce custom samples within 10 days, thanks to our 20-year veteran pattern cutter.

3. Eco-Friendly Packaging

Our zero-plastic packaging initiative helps our partners:

Reduce plastic-related customs risks
Pass environmental audits
Improve logistics efficiency by 30%
Save 15% on packaging costs annually

4. Human-Centric Production

Our factory is BSCI certified, ensuring ethical labor and safety protocols. Workers are trained, protected with cut-resistant gloves, gas masks, and environmentally friendly adhesives.

Use Case-Based Recommendation: Which Chair Material Should You Choose?

Choose Leather If:

You're targeting premium customers in the executive, hospitality, or boutique retail sectors.
Durability and brand image outweigh upfront cost.
Hygiene is a top priority (e.g., clinics, food-service).

Choose Fabric If:

You need frequent design refreshes or seasonal trend alignment.
The chairs will be used in warm/humid environments.
You require high volume at budget-friendly rates.
You want to showcase your eco-credentials.

Hybrid Models?

We also provide hybrid solutions—leather seat + fabric backrest combinations, for clients looking to merge durability with breathability.

Conclusion: Your Buyer-Centric Decision Guide

There’s no absolute winner in the leather vs. fabric debate. What matters is how the material aligns with your customer's needs, your positioning, and your supply chain capabilities.

At ASKT, we design and deliver both materials with meticulous attention to performance, compliance, and customization. Whether you're curating a high-end executive showroom or supplying value chairs to restaurants across Europe, we have a solution tailored for you.

Let’s talk. I’m here to share my 20+ years of experience and help streamline your procurement journey.

Get in Touch

Sunbin Qi, CEO, ASKT

Email: sales@sinoaskt.com

Website: www.asktfurniture.net

WhatsApp: +86 18912605997