Textiles

Textiles are a major part of our daily lives.  We wear them, we sleep surrounded by them, we decorate with them, and we sit on them.  There are countless varieties all with different looks and feels.  They are designed for different purposes and are made of many different types of materials.  The difference between them can often be seen and can always be felt. 

Commercial Seating Textiles

Almost all modern office chairs are upholstered with some sort of material.  These fabrics can be vinyl, leather, cloth, and combinations of different materials.  They are designed with different looks, different feels, and in different styles.  Often when it comes time to pick out a new office chair, we get lost in all the choices out there.  Standard fabric upholstery comes in thousands of styles at numerous price points.  The difference can be hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars.  So, what is the difference between a simple entry level grade fabric verse a high-end luxury textile?  Higher end fabrics are made with higher end materials, and this makes a chair look better and feel more comfortable.  The material is softer and usually comes with more complex patterns adding to the high-end look.  Additionally, natural materials like genuine leather and synthetic materials like vinyl both offer a different feel and look at a drastically different price.  Understanding the type of textile a chair is upholstered in can be the difference between you liking your new chair opposed to loving it.

Leather vs. Synthetic

We are all drawn to the luxury of leather seats.  We want them in our homes, our cars, and even our office chairs.  However, there is a lot about leather seating that the average person does not know, realize, or care about.  A typical leather chair is constructed with a leather seat and inner back, but the outside and non-seated surfaces are offer upholstered with a matching synthetic.  This is done to keep the price down and because we really do not need a leather back.  Non-seated surfaces are rarely touched and to upholster them in high end material is just a waste.  Another thing to research when purchasing a leather chair is if the product is 100% natural or a blended material.  Most entry level leathers are made up of bonded materials.  This adds durability and keeps chairs affordable.  When you see a leather chair for $100-$200 you are buying a synthetic bonded material.  These synthetics have come a long way compared to the product available 50 years ago.  They last longer and look better, but they are still not quite on par with natural leather.  So, next time you are shopping for leather seats make sure to ask about what you are purchasing.  If you want genuine leather make sure to ask and be prepared to pay a higher price for it.

Vinyl

A unique material that is not fabric and not leather is vinyl.  This synthetic material is more prevalent now then it used to be.  This is because of improvements in making the vinyl material and the rise of the healthcare trend.  Vinyl upholstery is durable, affordable, and easy to clean.  Many companies make a healthcare rated vinyl that is anti-microbial and affordable.  This has caused us to see it used commonly in healthcare waiting rooms.  Vinyl materials serve a purpose.  That being said, it might not be the idea choice for an everyday work chair.  It lacks the comfortable feel for long-term sitting situations and has its place in the furniture world.  It is great for high traffic areas, and we should expect to see it in waiting rooms for years to come.

Decision Making

The hardest part when determining what to purchase is the decision.  Do you want to save some money and go for an entry level material, or do you want to take out all the stops and go high end?  This decision is based on personal preference and budget.  There is no right or wrong answer.  All that matters is that we are happy with the outcome of our decisions.  Do not be afraid to ask questions or for samples of the materials you are considering.  Any reputable company should provide you with these to ensure you get what you want and expect.  Just think about how much money you want to spend, what look you are going for, and where the chairs in question will be used.  Get what fits your needs and what is practical.  If you have any questions about seating textiles, feel free to email us at sales@furniturewholesalers.com