Are Leather Dining Chairs a Good Idea?

With planet-friendly practices high on the global agenda, good-quality, sustainable materials are all the rage. So, if you’re conscious of your carbon footprint and are doing a home refurbishment, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re wondering if leather dining chairs are a good idea.

When it comes to choosing the perfect furnishings, there are a wealth of options, each with their own blend of elegance, comfort and functionality. Among these, leather dining chairs have evolved as a timeless, classy option, making them one of the most popular choices this decade. 

With their extravagant appeal and luxurious aesthetics, they are the perfect way to enhance your dining spaces or kitchens, making them a must-have choice for style enthusiasts. 

Different from fabric upholstery, leather chairs come with their own unique set of attributes which you will need to be aware of before you embark on a shopping spree. 

In this article, we will discuss their elevated status, figure out if they’re suitable for your home and provide useful tips for buying and caring for them.

Why are leather dining chairs so popular?

Leather dining chairs are a top décor choice in Britain’s high-end homes and restaurants, adding a sense of luxury and prestige to modern-day spaces.

Known for their classic aesthetics, they also come in a wide variety of contemporary styles, making them a versatile choice in both traditional and avant garde settings. The Agata dining chair by Italforma, for example, creates a chic, minimalist aesthetic when paired with either glass or wooden tables.

Here are some of their other amazing benefits:

• Leather is known for its durability, withstanding wear and tear better than many other materials. When properly cared for it can last for decades, giving you a dining chair that will stand the test of time. 
• It is resistant to spills and stains, making it an ideal material for use around food and drinks.
• Breathable, thermally insulating and soft, it is incredibly comfortable, allowing you to sit at ease for long periods. 
• Because it comes in a wide range of colours and styles, finding a dining chair to suit your home’s aesthetics is a cinch. Take a look at the beautifully considered Astrid dining chair for inspiration.

Explore Our Luxury Dining Chairs Collection

• Many leather dining chairs can be customised to match your specific preferences, so you can create a unique, personalised space. 
• Ever-popular, they have proven themselves to be more than a passing fad, making them a future-proof option for the modern homeowner. 
• One of our favourite benefits of these stylish seats is their easy maintenance. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and regular conditioning will keep them looking good as new for years to come.

What are the different types of leather used in furniture?

There are several different types of leather used in furniture. Knowing how they differ from each other will help you understand their polarising price points. Here’s a rundown:

• Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality of all and is not sanded or buffed to remove imperfections.
• Top-grain leather: A top-notch product that has been sanded to create a smoother surface. 
• Corrected-grain leather: Not as superior as the other two, this undergoes buffing and sanding to remove imperfections and is treated with chemicals to make it more resistant to stains. 
• Aniline leather: This leather has been dyed with aniline. It is very soft, has a natural look and becomes more supple with age.

Advantages and disadvantages of leather dining chairs

Before you make a decision about your dining chair upholstery, let’s explore the pros and cons of leather:

Advantages

• It is strong and durable, so high-quality versions can last upwards of 15 years if properly cared for.
• Stains and spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, making it easy to maintain.
• It is resistant to dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.
• Leather ages very well and looks better as it gets older.
• Biodegradable and sustainable, it is one of the most environmentally friendly materials you can choose for your dining room furniture.

Disadvantages

• Good-quality leather upholstery is very expensive compared to other fabrics. 
• It is available in limited colour options.
• Leather is highly prone to scratches making it a bad choice for households with pets.

Faux leather vs real leather: what’s the difference?

The most obvious difference between leather and faux leather (often called “leatherette”), is that one is derived from animal hide while the other is synthetically manufactured. Here are some other things that set them apart: 

• Price: When doing a cost comparison, you will find that faux leather is a fraction of the price. However, this is for good reason, so if you can afford the real thing, we recommend you make the investment.  
• Durability: In terms of wear and tear, there is no comparison between the two. Real leather chairs, like the stylish Callas collection by Leolux, will last for decades while fake counterparts may need to be replaced in a few years. 
• Texture: Full-grain leather has a natural look that reflects the scars and marks sustained by the animal during its lifetime whereas faux leather will display consistent patterning.  
• Comfort: Leather is breathable and keeps you comfortable in any climate conditions. The synthetic version, on the other hand, can make you feel sticky and sweaty in warm conditions. 
• Allergies: All pure leathers are hypoallergenic while their fake counterparts can induce certain adverse reactions. 
• Ethical considerations: Because leather is an animal-based product, it does raise some ethical concerns that are not synonymous with synthetically produced upholsteries. 

How to care for your leather dining chairs

There isn’t a lot of fuss involved in the maintenance of leather dining chairs. To keep them looking their best, follow these simple tips:

• Practice regular vacuuming to remove dust and dirt. 
• Use a damp cloth to wipe off any stickiness or grime that may have accumulated on the surface. 
• We recommend conditioning your seats every six months to refresh the material, keeping it supple and preventing it from drying out. You can find good, professional leather products at most department stores. 
• Finally, position your chairs away from direct sunlight. As with most upholstery, any heat can cause fading and cracks over time. 

These simple practices will keep your leather chairs looking like new for years to come.

In Conclusion

Leather dining chairs are trendy, durable and stylish, making them a popular choice for contemporary British homes. And at FCI London, we have a range to die for. From contemporary styles to traditional profiles, you’re sure to find something you love.

To explore our offerings, get in touch today or pop into our spectacular showroom for a one-on-one with our expert design team.