Does this chair recline?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign InDoes this chair recline?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign InDoes this chair have 4 or 5 wheels?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign Inwhats the weight capacityby It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign In HomeRSS SyndicationSelecting the Best Office Chair Fabric for You Selecting the Best Office Chair Fabric for You It used to be that all there was to picking a fabric for your office chair was to choose the one that looked best. Yes, you can still choose that way, but to do so may mean sacrificing comfort or wear. Let's examine the typical options, what you can expect, and the pros and cons. Woven fabric - by and far the most common textile used for office upholstery, woven fabrics vary considerably in appearance, texture and durability.
Fabrics with higher abrasion ratings (measured in double rubs or d.r.) will stand more abuse. Fibers used may be manmade or natural. Many of the better ergonomic chair manufacturers offer choices made of recycled fibers. Fabrics marked "Greenguard Certified" do not emit fumes that can polute indoor air. Knitted fabric - A knit fabric has 3-way stretch that conforms to the cushions and gives when you sit. This can actually result in a chair that feels softer and we highly recommend it for any chair that has memory foam cushions. A knit can also breathe better than a woven fabric resulting in a chair less likely to get hot. Knits made for upholstery are durable, easy to clean and wear well. Vinyl - Vinyls will vary in texture and softness. The main advantage to vinyl is its ease of cleaning thus they are good for healthcare and industrial settings. They can get hot. Polyprolene fabrics are being manufacturered that offer the pluses of vinyl with improved durability.
Mesh - Mesh chairs have become increasingly popular as it offers a modern look and airflow to keep you cool. Many meshes conform to the body which can offer a personalized fit. Meshes vary considerably in texture. Nylon mesh is very durable but can be abrasive to clothing if used on a seat. Softer, knitted meshes solve that problem. In general a mesh seat will not distribute body weight as well as an upholstered seat which is why it may not be the best choice for someone who sits for long hours. A mesh back can be very comfortable. Ultraleather - Today's synthetic leathers feel great and wear very well, often longer than real leather. Ultraleathers are easy to clean and some are anti-microbial making them excellent for healthcare. Ultraleathers breath well offering a cooler chair than real leather. Good looks make this a great choice for the person who loves leather but wants to save some money. Ultraleather also gives with the cushion offering a softer "sit." Real leather - Leather is still viewed as a luxury and a leather chair can be very elegant.
Leather wears well if cared for properly. Leathers vary considerably in their thickness, as well as the dyes and treatments used thus prices can vary considerably. Leather gives and offers a comfortable "sit." Just beware of "bonded leather" which is not a true leather and will not wear well. We don't carry bonded leather chairs but cheap "leather" chairs found elsewhere may be. If budget is a concern, consider an Ultraleather or fabric instead. Check out our great selection of ergonomic chairs.When readers buy products and services discussed on our site, we often earn affiliate commissions that support our work. More On: Running a BusinessMesh ergonomic chairs are wildly popular, but are they comfortable and should you consider purchasing one if you’re seeking a good chair? Here’s what you should know before you buy. Mesh is popular for fairly obvious reasons: constant airflow keeps you cool, and mesh is a good-looking, modern style. What level of support you get depends on the mesh used and the overall design of the chair.
Let’s discuss chair backs first. A good ergonomic chair offers support for your lumbar region, either a mechanical lumbar support (Nightingale CXO, Knoll Life and the ErgoCraft USA ECO7 are good examples) or shape the chair back in such a fashion that it supports the lumbar region (Humanscale Liberty, Ergohuman mesh chair and the Eurotech Apollo MT9400). The best example of the latter type of lumbar support is the Humanscale Liberty Chair. The 3-panel shape and the stiffer mesh combine to offer excellent support that moves when you move. Compare this to the mechanical lumbar support of theNightingale CXO which offers an adjustable gel cushion you position where you want it to be. Either approach can be comfortable and supportive. When it comes to mesh seats, comfort is easier to discuss in ergonomic terms. A great chair seat contours to your body to spread your body weight across a larger area, reducing the pressure that your hips, buttocks and spine incur. A stiffer mesh will not spread your weight and is a poor choice for someone who sits for long hours each day.
A softer mesh will give better, but may stretch and sag over time. For these reasons, few of the better chair designers will produce a chair with a mesh seat, and most mesh chairs are offered with an upholstered seat. A bigger potential problem with a mesh seat lies with the plastic frame many use. When sitting in your chair your knees should be somewhat lower than your hips (raise or lower your seat height to accomplish this). However many chairs use a synchro-tilt mechanism that causes the seat to rock backwards with the chair back which raises the front lip of the seat. This can cause pressure on the back of your thighs and reduces blood flow to your lower legs. This hard edge can also be very uncomfortable if you like to perch forward in your seat. One mesh seat chair that does not have this problem is the Knoll Life which has a waterfall seat front and a flexible edge that moves downward as you lean forward. In summary an all-mesh chair can be a good choice for a conference room or home office where users are not often sitting for long hours on a daily basis.