If you are shopping around for a new seat, you may be considering office chairs with mesh vs fabric. The best office chairs, after all, come in a wide variety of designs, each made from different materials. Keep reading to learn more about these two types of office chairs.
Key Takeaways_
- Mesh chairs are more breathable than fabric chairs, which can come in handy during hot and humid days.
- Fabric chairs offer more design and aesthetic options, and the ability to reupholster if the desire strikes.
- Both types of office chairs can become damaged over time, but the fabric is easier to fix than mesh office chairs.
Differences Between Mesh and Fabric Office Chairs
The primary difference here is the materials used to coat the exterior of the chair itself. Mesh office chairs feature a whole lot of mesh, which is typically made from some sort of hardened synthetic material. On the other hand, fabric chairs are usually covered in decorative fabric. This main contrast leads to a number of other differences, such as when you are comparing mesh vs cushioned office chairs.
insider tip
Be sure to try out any chair before you commit to a purchase and experiment with all of the adjustment options.
Here are more differences between mesh chairs and fabric chairs.
Design
Exploring Chair Types
To ensure your office chair provides maximum comfort and support, explore various chair types and their benefits. Check out the differences between drafting chairs and office chairs, as well as the comparison between kneeling chairs and office chairs. For those who prefer different back supports, see the pros and cons of a mid-back vs high-back chair. If you are considering portability and space-saving options, compare a folding chair vs an office chair.
Mesh chairs come in a variety of colors, which is nice, but fabric chairs up the design ante even further. Not only do fabric chairs come in a wide variety of colors, like mesh chairs, but also tend to be available in a wide variety of design options. No matter your tastes, you can likely find a fabric chair to suit your preferences. Even cooler? It is extremely simple to reupholster or cover a pre-existing fabric chair, adding even more aesthetic options. The same certainly cannot be said when you are comparing vinyl vs leather office chairs or leather vs fabric office chairs.
STAT: Mesh office desk chairs are much cheaper compared to upholstered chairs or leather chairs. (source)
Breathability
Mesh is known for its superior breathability, helping to keep folks cool during use even throughout the most humid and hottest of days. If you work or relax in an environment that tends to get hot during the summer, you may want to check out a mesh chair over a fabric chair. All of those porous holes, after all, serve a purpose.
Chair Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can prevent common issues with office chairs. If your chair wheels are stuck or not rolling smoothly, find out how to remove hair from them or replace a wheel to keep them functioning properly. If you find yourself sliding out of your chair frequently, here’s how to stop sliding out of your office chair. Also, know how to remove blood stains from your chair to ensure it remains hygienic.
Maintaining your office chair in top condition is essential for longevity and comfort. Learn how to fix common issues like popping noises in office chairs, repair a chair that leans back, or get rid of squeaks.
Durability
Both of these chair types are susceptible to damage, though fabric chairs are much easier to fix. When mesh frays or becomes otherwise damaged, it is impossible to fix, due to the nature of the synthetic materials. If you are handy with a thread and needle, however, you can easily fix any small tears in the fabric or, worst-case scenario, just simply reupholster the chair.
warning
Be cautious of potential damage and hazards related to your office chair. If you notice scratches on your leather office chair or if it’s starting to peel, take immediate steps to repair it to prevent further deterioration, such as learning how to reupholster an office chair. Learn how to properly dispose of an old office chair to avoid environmental harm.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic Setup Tips
Proper ergonomic setup can greatly enhance your productivity and comfort. Consider whether armrests are good for ergonomics and explore alternative seating options, such as sitting on exercise balls at work. For specific seating needs, compare task chairs vs office chairs.
Both types of chairs tend to offer a decent array of adjustability and ergonomic options, with mesh chairs holding an ever-so-slight edge when it comes to ergonomic office chairs.
