Why are leather office chairs such an ideal option for an office chair as compared to task chairs? Leather office chairs tend to offer enhanced durability, lasting longer than traditional mesh office chairs. Additionally, leather office chairs tend to feature more cushioning — not just in the seat, but throughout the seatback.
Another nice feature that can make leather office chairs more appealing is the fact that they feature durable upholstery that’s easy to maintain. And of course, we can’t ignore the fact that leather chairs — often in executive chair designs — look luxurious and can create a more sophisticated effect in your corporate or home office. This is why they are regarded as the best office chairs. Keep reading our leather office chairs buying guide to learn more.
Top Leather Office Chairs
#1 Homall H001 Leather Office Chair
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This striking leather seat features excellent padding and multiple adjustment options to keep your body comfortable. With a great build quality and a high weight capacity, this full-length chair will stand up to hours of continuous use.
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- Incredibly customizable
- Great weight capacity
- Comfortable padding
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- Removable cushions are sub-par
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The Homall H001 leather office chair is a fantastic choice for users looking to maintain their comfort and focus over an extended gaming session or workday. This gamer-centric chair features a full leather back and adjustable neck and lumbar pillows that help support users’ neck, back, and shoulders. While the removable back and lumbar pillows aren’t as comfortably padded as the seat, they are removable, and users can replace the padding with a more preferable material.
In addition to padding and support, the Homall H001 leather office chair features a five-point base with 360-degree spinning wheels with rubber casters. The steel frame supports up to 300lbs, and the pneumatic height adjuster lets users raise or lower the seat for an optimal knee position. Additionally, when users need a break, this rotating seat has a rocking function and tilt function that lets you recline between 90 and 180 degrees.
#2 Furmax T-OCRC Leather Office Chair
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chair features a design that fits in at the office or an LED-lit gamer’s room. The versatility extends to the breathable material and supportive padding that will keep users focused and comfortable during a long workday.
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- Excellent padding
- Elegant design
- Good breathability
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- Not a full-back chair
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The Furmax T-OCRC office chair features a racing-style design that’s subdued enough to fit in at the office or in a dedicated gaming space. The exterior is a mix of mesh and PU leather to keep users cool, and the padded seat and back offer comfort over hours of use. While the chair doesn’t feature a full back, it remains a supportive seat thanks to height adjustment and a sturdy five-point base with high-quality caster wheels.
For users looking for an adjustable seat, the Furmax T-OCRC leather office chair has plenty of options. In addition to the pneumatic gas-powered height adjustment lever, this seat features a reclining back and a tilt-tension knob to find an ideal body alignment. Also, for when you need to think, this seat allows for rocking in place. Lastly, the stable five-point base features 360-degree swivel wheels that can keep you seated and mobile during a busy workday.
#3 Amazon Basics GF-9390M(02) Leather Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR CONFERENCE ROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This classic-looking rolling seat features a premium leather back that offers comfort during a long day at the office. With a tension knob and rocking function, this chair helps you stay focused and relaxed while you take care of serious business.
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- Fantastic upholstery
- Great padding
- Stellar design
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- No reclining function
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The AmazonBasics GF-9390M(02) is an excellent choice for a shared workspace or casual home office. This mid-back chair features comfortable contoured padding that is upholstered in PU bonded leather. The padded armrests and wide back let users sink into the chair and concentrate on their work or enjoy some casual gaming. While there isn’t a reclining function, you can adjust the height, seat tilt, and rock in place when you need to loosen up a bit.
In addition to comfort and adjustability, the AmazonBasics GF-9390M(02) leather office chair features clear instructions and included tools to make assembly simple for most users. In addition, this chair stands up to hours of use, and the sturdy five-point base features a BIFMA-certified pneumatic cylinder. Lastly, this seat offers rolling caster wheels that smoothly move over hard surfaces for when you need to be mobile or quickly rearrange your workspace.
#4 NEO B07DFG47K9 Leather Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This professional and stylish-looking chair offers the comfort and reliability that you need during a long workday or intense online games. In addition, the metal base and sturdy wheels keep you mobile and productive even while you’re seated.
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- Stellar comfort
- Strong five-point base
- Wide seat
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- Needs maintenance over time
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The NEO B07DFG47K9 leather office chair is a compelling pick for professionals looking for a lightweight executive-style seat. The leather upholstery and the wide, cushioned backing and seat provide a comfortable reprieve from the stresses of a busy day. Additionally, this chair offers a BIFMA-certified metal base with sturdy wheels for a stable seat. While this seat gets creaky over time, the included assembly tool makes maintenance like tightening screws quick and easy to perform.
In addition to comfort and style, the NEO B07DFG47K9 office chair touts decent ergonomics for proper spine and hip alignment. The contours offer slight lumbar support and the padded head and armrests help ease tension in your neck and shoulders. Additionally, the height adjustment and tilt lock function let you find the perfect knee positioning to keep your joints feeling fresh. Lastly, with smooth-rolling wheels and a 360-degree swivel, you can easily move between devices or workspaces.
#5 BestOffice B084KJZMBF Leather Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This feature-rich seat offers comfort and performance that complements any setup. With customization options and multiple adjustment features, this model is poised to keep you focused on the game, and give you support where you need it.
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- Incredible featureset
- Exciting design
- Good support
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- Not suited for work environments
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The BestOffice B084KJZMBF leather office chair offers great customization and features to keep users supported and comfortable during long sessions of competitive gaming. With a 135-degree reclining functionality and extendable footrest, users can even take a nap or stretch out when they need a break from the action. Additionally, the high-density padding offers a supportive-but-firm seat to keep your joints feeling fresh. While the design doesn’t fit in a typical office environment, this chair is still a compelling option for a home office or reading lounge.
For users concerned about ergonomics, the BestOffice B084KJZMBF leather chair has a full back with a racing-style design for proper alignment while you go for the win. In addition to a removable neck pillow, this model features a removable lumbar pillow with massaging motors that can be plugged into your PC or game console USB port. Additionally, the gas-powered height adjuster and tilt functionality ensures that you’ll find the perfect position to stay in the game.
#6 Flash Furniture GO-2286H-BR-BK-GG Leather Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR CASUAL WORKSPACES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This sophisticated rolling seat brings a quaint look to any modern home office or community workspace. The padded armrests and sturdy metal frame make this an excellent choice for a small writing or bookkeeping space.
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- Elegant design
- Good lumbar support
- Soft upholstery
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- Sub-par featureset
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The Flash Furniture GO-2286H-BR-BK-GG leather office chair is an excellent pick for users looking for a signature piece for their home office or reading nook. The soft leather upholstery features a slotted design that keeps you cool and relaxed while you work on your latest project. In addition, the subtle lumbar support and thick padding provide comfort when time gets away from you. While there aren’t many features, the height adjustment and sloping seat are more than enough to find your ideal position.
In addition to comfort and style, the Flash Furniture GO-2286H-BR-BK-GG offers a stable and durable seat that won’t sag as you work. The sloped upper backing and padded armrests help you maintain your posture and take weight off your neck and shoulders. In addition, the five-point base features rolling wheels and 360-degree rotation so you can quickly grab a book or move to a different workstation. Lastly, the tilt function lets users kick back for a break after a busy morning or job well done.
Beginner’s Guide to Leather Office Chairs
What is a Leather Office Chair?
A leather office chair is a chair that features a leather or faux leather upholstery. As compared to traditional task office chairs, leather office chairs usually offer full coverage throughout the seatback and seat cushion. Depending on the design you can get a tufted or smooth leather design.
The leather office chairs category includes genuine leather and faux leather. Both tend to be far more durable than a traditional mesh or fabric task chair. But if you’re shopping on a budget, faux leather will give you more bang for your buck. Both faux and genuine leather is easy to maintain and can often be quickly cleaned with a damp cloth. As compared to fabric upholstery, leather chairs don’t retain odors.
The main benefit of opting for a leather office chair is that you’ll get full cushioning throughout the seatback. This means that along with a plush experience, you’ll also usually get enhanced lumbar support. For people who sit for extended periods, this can be a major selling point.
Leather Office Chairs vs. Office Chairs
Leather office chairs tend to be viewed as a premium option as compared to traditional office or task chairs. A standard task chair usually features a ventilated mesh backrest that’s paired with a mesh fabric upholstered seat. While you can easily raise or lower the seat height, have built-in lumbar support, and usually have slight rocking support, functionality can be limited depending on your budget.
Because both faux and genuine leather office chairs feature more upholstery, they are by default a more expensive option. The entire backrest is usually fully cushioned and upholstered. Additionally, you’ll often find more premium features such as a deeper recline range, padded armrests, and a headrest. It’s also possible to find leather office chairs that come with retractable armrests or built-in massagers.
But one of the biggest differences between traditional task office chairs and leather office chairs is that leather office chairs tend to look more lux or sophisticated while task chairs are considered a standard option for general office use.
How Leather Office Chairs Work
Leather office chairs work similarly to traditional task chairs in terms of functionality. You’ll still have access to key features like seat height adjustment and tilt/rock. If you opt for a leather office chair that’s set on wheels, you’ll have added mobility that includes rolling from one place to the other as well as 360-degree swivel support on the wheelbase.
Additionally, if you have a leather office chair with armrests, you might have additional adjustments such as raising and lowering the armrest height, flip-up armrests, or even the ability to shift armrests in or out to give you more seating space. Other features like recline, adjustable headrests, and even footrests are possible.
The one big difference between a leather office chair and a traditional office task chair is that you usually can’t adjust the lumbar support as it’s built-in under the cushioned and upholstered backrest. So, it’s important to test out the chair in advance to ensure that it’s comfortable for you to use.
Why You Should Buy a Leather Office Chair
Leather office chairs are a great choice for a wide range of people. One of the biggest benefits is that it can elevate the look of your corporate or home office. Because both faux and genuine leather office chairs are considered premium picks, they instantly look more sophisticated than a basic task chair.
But they’re also great buys for people seeking a more comfortable seat. While you shouldn’t sit for extended periods without breaks, the added upholstery usually found in leather office chairs makes them a smart option for anyone that wants to reduce discomfort.
Are Leather Office Chairs Worth Buying?
You Dislike the Look of Task Chairs: Task chairs are popular, but they also look utilitarian. If you’re trying to elevate your office decor, a leather office chair can go a long way towards looking like you’re an executive.
You Like a Padded Backrest: Leather office chairs usually come with padded backrests, which can be ideal for people who need more cushioning and find traditional task chairs lacking in this department. In some cases, you can find leather office chairs with intuitive cushioning that features memory foam for a more comfortable experience.
You Want a Chair That Will Last: Leather office chairs tend to be fairly durable — even if they’re made using faux leather. The upholstery can withstand more wear than fabric-based task chairs.
Why Leather Office Chairs May Not Be for You
You Need Breathability: For as nice as leather office chairs are, the biggest drawback is that these chairs have limited breathability. A fully upholstered backrest and seat can trap heat and leave you uncomfortable if you sit in them for extended periods. If you want an office chair that offers you much more breathability then you should opt for fabric office chairs.
You Dislike Executive Chair Styles: One of the most common designs for leather office chairs is the executive chair style. While it’s a nice classic option, some people may feel that it looks too bulky or stuffy.
You’re Shopping on a Budget: Not all leather office chairs are extremely expensive. But even the cheapest faux leather office chair is going to be more expensive than the cheapest mesh task office chair. If your budget is tight, a leather office chair might be beyond your means. If this is the case, you are better off finding top-rated mesh office chairs that will not cost you an arm and a leg.
How Long Will Leather Office Chairs Last?
A lot of factors impact how long office chairs will last. The short answer is, it depends on the quality of your chair, and how you use it. In general, office chairs can last anywhere from five to eight years before needing to be replaced.
But you’ll need to think about how frequently you’re using the chair and the material quality. For example, if you’re sitting in a budget faux leather office chair for eight or more hours a day, five days a week, it might be unrealistic to think you can go nearly a decade before it needs to be replaced.
Likewise, if you don’t heed weight restrictions and insist on sitting in a chair that’s not rated for your weight, the chair is going to need to be replaced much sooner as you’re wearing out key elements much faster than they were tested to endure.
And of course, other aspects of user behavior will impact a leather office chair’s lifespan. For example, roughly adjusting the seat height or recline angle, and abusing the upholstery will all dramatically shorten the intended life span.
How to Choose the Best Leather Office Chairs
Leather office chairs are a great addition to any commercial or home office space. Along with offering a more comfortable sitting experience, they can come in impressive designs that evoke strength, professionalism, and sophistication. And if you thought that the only option was a classic executive chair design, know that leather office chairs have come a long way.
But finding the right chair is about more than simply picking the slickest looking chair in the furniture store. Along with concerns like price, you want to think about functionality and the features that are most important to you — especially if you’re going to be sitting in that chair for extended periods every day.
Leather Office Chairs Key Factors to Consider
1. What’s your budget?
Even leather office chairs can be found at affordable price points. If you’re willing to compromise by opting for faux leather rather than genuine leather, you can easily find a leather office chair that fits your budget.
2. What kind of upholstery do you want?
As we mentioned earlier, the leather office chair category covers both genuine and faux leather. Hands down, genuine leather will give you the most longevity, but at a price. If you’re trying to give a leather-like look, faux leather is ideal while still being affordable. You’ll usually find that bonded or PU leather will be the most popular choices when shopping for a faux leather office chair.
3. What kind of style do you prefer?
Again, leather office chairs don’t all have to look like dated executive overstuffed styles. These days you can pick mid-century designs that are sleek and modern, understated racing-style chairs, or simple models that don’t have that classic tufted leather look. The right design is going to depend on your decor schemes and which option most appeals to your tastes.
4. What is the seat height adjustment range?
Leather office chairs tend to offer a wider seat height adjustment range than standard task office chairs. In some cases, you can get as much as eight or 10 inches for the seat height range. You’ll want to consider your height, as well as the height of your desk to ensure that you’re picking a seat height range that allows you to work comfortably so that your feet are flat on the floor and your arms can maintain a neutral 90-degree angle.
5. What other features do you want?
Along with seat height adjustment, you should also consider if you want a larger recline range or a chair that simply supports tilt/rock. Other key features which are sometimes common with leather office chairs include armrests and headrests (sometimes adjustable). While not quite as common, you can also find leather office chairs that include a retractable footrest or have premium options such as built-in massagers.
