Last updated: April 22nd, 2024
Do you want to add a dash of luxury to your office? A leather office chair can give you that posh look. We’ve sifted through hundreds of leather chairs to bring you eight of the best.
They look great, will keep you comfortable during marathon work days and will impress clients who pop into your office.
Just don’t let them get to your head. They’re only chairs 🙂
1. Humanscale Freedom Leather Chair.
I love the Humanscale Freedom. It’s the best leather office chair on the Australian market – by a long shot.
With a price tag between $2,500 and $3,000, it’s not an executive office chair that you buy on a whim.
They fall in love with the chair’s techno-wizardry, which, almost by magic, adjusts all of its functions without a single lever. Yes, this is a fully adjustable office chair – without any manual adjustments.
It makes all decisions for you.
(Related: Most Comfortable Office Chairs In Australia).
Pros.
- Abundance of ergonomic features.
- Handsome looks.
- Mind-bending engineering.
- Simple to operate.
- It’s probably the last executive leather chair you’ll buy.
Cons.
- Quite expensive.
(Related: Where To Buy An Office Chair In Sydney?)
2. Eames Replica Leather Mid Back Chair.
The Eames replica is one of the most popular leather executive chairs on the market. It’s been featured in countless movies, and I’m willing to bet that your accountant has one in their office.
The replica features a similar design to the original, but it’s made with a cheaper material that makes it more affordable.
- This design is very common.
You can get one from just about anywhere, but Temple & Webster offers one of the best versions for a very reasonable price.
Did You Know?
You can still buy the original Eames for about $5,000. I’m leaving the link here in case you get a larger-than-expected bonus in 2024. Just saying 🙂
I’m very surprised that an executive office chair that costs less than $300 is made from top-grain leather, but Temple & Webster swears this is true.
This is one of the best executive office chairs you can get at this price point, but keep in mind that it’s not designed with adjustability in mind.
(Related: Most Expensive Office Chairs You Can Buy).
Pros.
- Iconic good looks.
- Genuine leather in a choice of white, tan and black colours.
Cons.
- Not as well-made as the original Eames.
- You’ll hang your head in shame whenever someone asks you, “is it real?”
- It’s very overdone. You can even buy an Eames replica at Bunnings.
3. Ergohuman Plus Elite V2 Full Leather.
Ergohuman loves to use hyperbole like “unparalleled support” and “smart fusion of art and science” in its marketing.
Thankfully, the Plus Elite V2 backs its promises with a professional design and full-grain leather upholstery that looks as good as it feels.
That said, its $800 price point puts it in an awkward spot.
It doesn’t have the aesthetic chops to compete with luxury, top-of-the-line chairs that start at about $1,000. Yet, it’s quite boring looking for a chair that costs $800.
Expert Tip.
Temple and Webster is the official distributor of Ergohuman chairs in Australia.
Pros.
- Highly adjustable.
- Clever single lever operates all of the chair’s functions.
Cons.
- I hate the chrome base. Chrome must be banned!
- “Waiting room” design.
4. X-Chair X4 Leather Chair.
There’s something very American about the X-Chair.
Maybe it’s the fact that you can option it cooling, heat and massage functions. Or maybe it’s because you can option it with memory foam and an extra wide seat?
Automatic lumbar support with tension adjustment, 4D armrests, adjustable backrest and headrest height and synchro-tilt mechanism make this the most ergonomic executive office chair in this review.
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can get the chair with Brisa fabric available in rose, brown or black colors.
It’s the ideal executive office chair for long hours of tasking, pondering and meetings. If you can stomach the $1,500 price, this is the chair for you.
Pros.
- Handsome looks.
- Highly ergonomic design.
Cons.
- Plenty of other options in this price segment.
- A hint of cheesy Americanism.
(Related: Best Standing Desk Chairs And Stools You Can Buy).
5. Evolution Executive Leather Chair.
This high-back executive office chair will look great in a modern boardroom or a fancy meeting room.
Meanwhile, the striking contrast of white aluminium back and tan leather will elevate the look of your office.
- This is the ideal executive office chair for tying together different visual elements of your office.
If your office design features a lot of white, cream and earthy tones, this is the chair for you.
A comfortable seat with tilt tension lock rounds out the package, but the headrest does not adjust.
Pros.
- Premium synchro-tilt mechanism.
- Striking design.
Cons.
- Fairly expensive.
- No ergonomic features.
6. President’s Chesterfield Office Chair.
Feeling like you’ve made it? Maybe you’re the kind of guy who owns a boat with a mahogany interior? At the very least you have a home with a library of books you’ve never read.
Crafted from Italian leather, it features a “stately” design to impress your golfing buddies.
Not quite sure if you’ll like it? A 30-day return guarantee means you can simply send it back, Mr President.
Pros.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Sumptuous leather.
Cons.
- Will look ridiculous in a typical home office interior.
- No ergonomic adjustments.
- Could be too formal for some offices.
7. Oren Office Chair.
Cheap and cheerful, the Oren from Freedom Furniture is the best option if you’re on a budget.
There’s no lumbar support, and the armrests don’t adjust – but at this point, you would be silly to expect them.
You do get a centre-tilt recline mechanism and height adjustment.
Expert Tip.
You can remove the armrests to make the chair slide under your desk.
I wouldn’t use this chair for long hours in front of the computer, but it would look great as an occasional chair in a home office.
Freedom can deliver this leather office chair to your door, but the delivery fee is $59 – roughly 30% of the chair’s $171 cost!
Pros.
- Funky and modern aesthetic.
- Cheap and cheerful.
Cons.
- Not as well-made as more expensive chairs.
- Not suitable for long hours of sitting.
- No ergonomic adjustments.
- Expensive delivery fees.
8. Artiss Wood & PU Leather Chair.
Artiss was famous for manufacturing very ordinary, boring, cheap office furniture. But they’ve turned a corner in recent years, and the Artiss Wood & PU Leather Chair is evidence of that.
While it’s not going to set the world on fire, this is a well-made, stylish chair that will elevate the look your home office with wood and PU leather accents.
Like the Oren office chair I mentioned above, it’s not a chair you should sit in for 8 hours per day due to its lack of ergonomic features.
Rather, it’s a chair you use for occasional tasking and adding a point of interest to your home or office interior.
Pros.
- Adds a splash of iconic styling for a cheap price.
- Unique wood and PU leather design.
Cons.
- Not comfortable for long tasking sessions.
- No adjustable arms.
Do Leather Office Chairs Need Special Care?
No, leather office chairs do not require special care. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth if they get dirty.
Expert Tip.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these may damage the leather.
What Are The Advantages Of Leather Office Chairs?
A leather office chair offers 3 main advantages over a fabric or mesh chair.
Firstly, leather is more durable than fabric, so it will last longer. Secondly, leather is easier to clean than fabric – simply wipe it down with a damp cloth if it gets dirty.
1. Superior Durability.
Office chairs made from low-quality plastics look shoddy, making your office appear cheap. They also can’t withstand frequent use, so you’ll need to replace them after 2-3 years.
Leather chairs made from top-grade materials will easily last for upwards of 7 years.
2. Superior Stain Resistance.
An additional significant advantage to buying leather chairs is that they resist stains and spills.
No matter how attentive you may be, it is bound to happen – your chair will get stained with food or a drink at some point, especially if you have kids nearby.
- Because cotton is absorbent, stains are difficult to remove.
- In contrast, leather simply needs a quick wipe with a wet cloth; then, when it dries, the chair will look new again.
3. Touch Of Luxury.
Leather office chairs can add a touch of luxury to an office.
However, it is important not to get carried away. Some styles are fleeting, so choose a chair that has a timeless design. Also, never sacrifice chair ergonomics to look good.
What Is The Highest Quality Office Chair In Australia?
There are a lot of different office chairs on the market, but not all are created equal.
If you’re looking for the best, then Humanscale Freedom is your office chair.
Executive Chairs vs Ergonomic Chairs: What’s The Difference?
Executive chairs and ergonomic chairs are both designed to be comfortable and supportive, but there are some key differences between the two.
In recent years, we’ve seen a blurring of boundaries, with some executive office chairs like the Humanscale Freedom and the X-Chair featuring an immense range of ergonomic benefits.
Is There A Downside To Owning A Leather Office Chair?
Yes. Leather isn’t as breathable as mesh, so you may end up with a sweaty backside.
- This is especially true in the context of Australia’s hot climate.
If you don’t run air-conditioning in your office all day and live anywhere north of Sydney, think twice before investing in a leather office chair.
That said, you can counter this issue by choosing an executive office chair made from real leather. It’s much more breathable than faux leather, leatherette or PU leather options.
Steven
