Last updated: January 8th, 2026
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 2026. 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
Cody says:
Hi,
Do you know 9am HOME standing desks?
I want to know how about their desk.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Cody, I’ve never seen them before but I took a quick look for you and I’m 90% certain it’s another Jiecang desk. You can tell by the design of the feet and the lowest height (60cm). Desky, Omnidesk, Stand Desk are all pretty much the same.
Cody says:
Which one do you mean? Pesk or Robin series? I am interested in their Robin series, it looks unique and beautiful. I can’t find anyone like it in Desky.
Steven McConnell says:
I was talking about the Pesk Series. Robin series does look attractive and unusual, but I’m usually not a fan of tubular legs as they tend to be more prone to wobble. I can’t say whether this is the case in this instance, as I haven’t physically tested the desk myself. The 10 year warranty is reassuring, however. I wish they offered a risk-free trial to let you test out the legs!
Cody says:
Thank you very much, Steven; I will take your comments into consideration.
Erin says:
Do you know much about Kangadesks? There are Australian as well.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Erin, its another Jiecang standing desk. Same as Desky, Omni, Stand Desk etc. The design of the feet and 60-125cm height range gives it away. The desk appears to currently be currently on sale for $299, which is an absolute steal and I’m wondering why they’re selling their stock at 1/3 of RRP. Regardless, even if they’re about to go bust, I’d still buy one at that price.
EDIT: Be careful. Fakespot showed these warnings while browsing their website: “Multiple eCommerce scam experiences detected, Poor customer service”
Suzy says:
Hi – given all the desks are so similar, is it possible to mix a desk from one brand with a drawer accessory from another? I don’t like the UpDown desk metal drawer (hangs very low so likely to impede leg space) but don’t mind the Desky one – can these be mixed and matched?
Thank you for the reviews! Super helpful.
Steven McConnell says:
Yes, it’s possible to play switcheroo. But you may want to consider that UpDown design is curved, so it will hurt less if you do jam your thighs into it. Desky’s meanwhile, is quite angular. Pro tip: you can also find a bunch of inexpensive slimline desk drawers on Amazon.
jason says:
I’ve spent far, far too much time agonising over which desk to get haha, definitely more than a week. Very happy that you’ve added the omni-desk to your catalogue. That was the one I was considering the most untill you came you with a review saying that it was more wobbly!
Anyways, do you have an opinion on the new updown desk KLIK Series? Its advertises to be significanlty ligher while having better (on paper) specs
Thanks!
Evelyn says:
Hi Steven, great blog post – thank you! I’m also wondering whether you have any opinion or insights on the new UpDown Desk KLIK series…they come at $100 more expensive (for the same size/table top) but seem to be ‘better’ according to the UpDown website.
Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Evelyn, thanks! I will have a full review of the KLIK up around February 2025. It’s not necessarily a better standing desk – but it is lighter, less bulky and promises easier assembly.
Ben Clements says:
Hi. I’m interested to know more about whether I actually could fit the Desky cable management system in the Omnidesk? I’ve had a look at the omnidesks in person at the showroom and it looks like their cable management trays screw on (vs the clip in at the edges of the desk with the Desky tray). The desky system also has the power plugs that snap into place in the tray.
So I’m curious to know if you have you tried it, and if so how did you do it please? Or is your thinking that you’d just buy the power boards and plugs from Desky and rest them in the Omnidesk tray?
I’m stuck, because I prefer the Omnidesks but I really love the idea of a single power lead!
Thanks
Steven McConnell says:
I just had a new Omnidesk delivered to my house. Give me about two weeks to assemble it, test it out and report back.
Sunni says:
Thanks for your very helpful (and funny) review. I used the information to to buy a Desky standing desk in record time – no consumer agonising for weeks, as is my usual practice. It has a pneumatic up/down mechanism, so lets see how that goes.
Steven McConnell says:
Ha! You’re welcome, Sunni. Glad I helped you cut down on the agonising. The pneumatic mechanism is an interest choice – let me know what you think of it?
Amber says:
Hi Steven,
Really great and insightful review. It was refreshing to see something that wasn’t filled with ChatGPT affiliate link garbage!
I’m curious about your opinion on L-shaped standing desks? I know that Desky, UpDown and a few other retailers offer these types of desks and I would assume they are more strong and stable, but I’m not an expert and I can also imagine the opposite being true due to the irregular shape. I’ve been looking at these types of desks because I think their shape suits my space the best. Do you have any knowledge on this or do you only have experience with regular rectangular shaped desks?
Steven McConnell says:
Thanks, Amber. Did you know that I have a L-shaped standing desk review? Search for “arielle best corner standing desks” and you’ll find it.
Melissa says:
Hi Steven great article thank you!
I’ve spent way to much time on this, and I’m now leaning towards the Artiss thanks to your review.
I’m wondering if you have any insight into ergonomic chairs for the home office also?
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Melissa, thanks! The Artiss is a great budget pick. I’ve written numerous ergonomic chair reviews – Google “arielle best ergonomic office chairs” to find them 🙂
tania says:
hey are there any other manual desks apart from the ikea ones you don’t recommend, that you would recommend? I prefer the idea of not needing electricity to move between stand up and sit down but maybe that doesn’t really exist?
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Tania, all of the premium brands (UpDown, Desky, etc) offer a manual crank model. Definitely the way to go if you want to avoid electronics. But TBH I suggest you reconsider. Electronics are very reliable these days – and hand-cranking your standing desk is more annoying than you’d expect.
Adam says:
Hi, do you know much about the UpDown Klik vs Pro system?
Steven McConnell says:
The company has shipped their new Klik standing desk to me yesterday. Stay tuned!
Scott Long says:
You mention in your review of the Up Down Pro that you would get the cable holes and grommets done, but it looks like your (very pretty) Messmate desk doesn’t have them. Is your recommendation a hindsight reflection, or did you choose not to spoil the look of the desk with the grommets? Without the grommets can you can still run the cables behind the desk and into the cable management tray? Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Scott, I said in the review that grommets and holes are a great idea, not that I have them. They’re less important if your standing desk faces a wall. But if you have an open-plan style home office like mine, they’ll make your workspace look much cleaner. PS You can still run cables into the tray without the holes and grommets – the cables will simply run behind the desk.
Isaac Jenkinson says:
Hello,
Have you had a chance to try the new UpDown Lyft model? Curious about its stability vs the pro.
Steven McConnell says:
Isaac,
Not yet. On first glance, it looks like a budget alternative to the “big brothers”. It’s probably pretty good (UpDown has a reputation to maintain), but I’m of the opinion that buying cheap means you pay more in the long term. I’d save up another few hundred bucks and get the Pro. You can often get a melamine or bamboo-topped model on sale for around $900.
David says:
This is a great site and will help me decide on which desk to buy. Have you heard any good/bad reviews about the Blacklyte Atlas Lite or Ergo-Rise II from BDO furniture?
Steven McConnell says:
David, thanks for the kind words. Never heard of the Atlas Lite until you mentioned it. Looks like a decent gaming desk that borrows heavily from Secretlab Magnus – but why not just buy a real Magnus instead?
As for the Ergo-Rise – looks like a decent desk, but its height controller is outdated. The best standing desk brands have upgraded to OLED controllers.
Ben says:
Thank you for writing this review Steven; really helpful to break through the BS.
By any chance have you used or hold an opinion on Vertilift desks?
Steven McConnell says:
You’re welcome. God, I haven’t even heard of them – but thanks for the heads-up. There are too many standing desks on the Australian market. Obviously I haven’t used these in person, but I’m almost certain they’re yet another Jiecang variant (i.e., frames are identical to Desky). You can tell by the identical max and min heights, as well as the design of the foot.
Eloise says:
Hey Steven, I was recommended the Alwyn or Octavia (Living Fusion) 140cm sit and stand desks from Temple and Webster which don’t even get a mention in your review. Would you bother with any of their brands ? (I may have dodged a bullet by finding your review!)
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Louise, I haven’t had first-hand experience with the T&W standing desk (must add one to my list!).
However, I had a look through the specs for you.
It doesn’t look too bad, actually – considering the price. If you can’t stretch your budget to ~$950 for an entry-level UpDown or Desky, this could be a good option.
Jordan says:
Hi Steven, Thanks for the review! I am starting out with a home office set up and need a new chair and sit stand desk. I’m a student but I prefer to buy things I know will last, but I don’t have too much experience with sit stand desks. I initially thought to buy the Artiss but have considered buying the Acacia UpDown Pro+ so I know it lasts and I don’t have to buy another desk in a couple of years. Is it worth the price jump for me? Thanks!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Jordan, the Artiss and the UpDown desks sell at two very different price points. If you have the budget, I suggest you stretch to the UpDown standing desk – you won’t regret it.
jason says:
I know you’ve disqualified the flexispot e7 pro so the e7 max plus would probably also be disqualified, but a quad motor 4 column desk frame at a prices competitive with UpDown desk is incredibly tempting. Plus 15 year warrenty (if the company lasts that long)
Have you had a chance to take a look? Its like half the price of the desky quad!
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Jason, great observation. I haven’t included quad standing desks here because they’ve traditionally attracted a niche consumer – someone who needs to place a tonne of gear on the desktop and doesn’t mind paying 2X the usual price. But Flexispot’s sharp pricing on their quad desk certainly changes things. I haven’t seen one in the wild yet – but the specs look promising.
Steven