There's a big question that bothers many people looking for a new office chair: mesh or fabric? What material is best for task chairs? It should come as no surprise that the answer is, 'It depends.'
Fabric and mesh office chairs have advantages and disadvantages that may influence your decision. Both are great for ergonomic office chairs, but it all depends on the quality of the material, manufacturer, and design.
As experts in the field of comfortable office chairs, Comfort Seating will offer insights that empower you to make decisions that will optimize well-being and productivity in the workplace.
It's time to unravel the fabric of office chair selection, exploring the possibilities that await.
Mesh fabric is a lightweight material with an open-weave or net-like structure. It’s created by interlocking yarns or fibres in a loose weave. The resulting pattern forms a breathable and flexible textile commonly used in various applications such as clothing, accessories, and, notably, office chairs.
Mesh is also sometimes called power mesh, tulle, or powernet. It’s an extremely strong and breathable fabric made from polyester, nylon, or spandex – durable synthetic materials
What is cloth?
There are various types of fabric and textile materials that can be used to upholster office chairs. The most common ones include nylon, polyester, and mixtures of these materials. It is very popular because of its durability and resistance to stains.
The foam padding on office chairs is usually layered and shaped and then glued to fabric. Foam density can vary – the denser the foam, the firmer and more durable it is.
Some fabrics are more comfortable and absorb sweat than others. The choice of material can have a significant impact on the appearance, quality and cleanliness of a chair, making it difficult to commit to a task chair.
The advantages of mesh office chairs
Mesh offers several advantages, making it a popular choice in ergonomic seating. Comfort Seating chairs, including the globally recognized Ergohuman Elite G2, use mesh upholstery.
Breathing
The breathable mesh material allows for good air circulation, preventing heat buildup during long periods of sitting. It's not only extra comfortable, but it also keeps you nice and cool.
Flexible
Mesh is a flexible material that conforms to the contours of the body, providing a supportive feel. This distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points and improving overall comfort. The mesh also moves with you, so when they make micro movements — like leaning sideways to reach a book — the mesh still supports the body.
Improve Body Posture
The premium mesh office chair supports various parts of the body and back to improve your posture. From sliding seats to adjustable waists, Comfortable Seating has provided ergonomic solutions to improve posture.
Ergohuman office chairs also use different woven strengths of elastomer for the back and seat, providing the right level of support for each area.
Anti-Slip
Mesh office chairs, including the Ergohuman office chair, often have anti-slip properties. The non-slip mesh provides constant support to the user, so they do not slide down or forward while in the chair. In fact, the Ergohuman chair is certified for 24-hour use, allowing you to sit comfortably during marathon work sessions.
Durability
High-quality mesh, like that found in Comfort Seating ergonomic chairs, is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, especially on sagging seats. You can expect longer chair life, even in high-traffic office environments.
Modern
Aesthetically, mesh office chairs are contemporary and sleek, and often come in a wide variety of colors, contributing to a modern and professional look in the office space. Mesh chairs also help the room feel more airy and open rather than looking like a solid textile block.
Easy to Maintain
Mesh office chairs are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy workspaces. You can easily wipe up stains and spills, such as tea or coffee stains, and they dry quickly so you can use them immediately without the risk of getting the bottom wet.
Ergonomic Adjustment
Mesh chairs, including Ergohuman chairs, often come with adjustable features, allowing you to customize the chair to your size and comfort preferences. These include seat height, depth, tilt, adjustable armrests, and lumbar support.
For extra adjustability, consider choosing a mesh office chair with a headrest, so your overall sitting experience is much more comfortable.
Environmentally friendly
Some mesh materials can be recycled, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts in office furniture production. The Comfortable Seating task chair uses recyclable mesh, making it one of the most recyclable office chairs on the market.
Anti-Static
Mesh office chairs are made from materials that have antistatic properties, such as polyester and nylon. In the workplace, static electricity can be a concern, especially when there is sensitive electrical equipment nearby.
Cons of mesh office chairs
Although mesh has many advantages, there are several disadvantages to be aware of:
Some mesh can be cheap or low-quality, which can be abrasive or lead to sagging and tearing over time. Comfort Seating’s mesh is soft to the touch, extremely high-quality and boasts a 10-year warranty.
Mesh chairs often have less padding than traditional upholstered chairs, which can be a drawback for those who prefer a more spongey seated experience during their working day.
Mesh office chairs are more modern and practical, but they might not appeal to those with more traditional office decor or workspace. Some models of mesh chairs are available in limited designs, colours, and textures, meaning they might not merge seamlessly into every office.
High-quality mesh chairs can be more expensive than traditional upholstered chairs, which can impact some buyers' decisions.
Mesh doesn’t provide insulation in the same way that traditional upholstery does. In cold offices, you might find mesh chairs are less comfortable during winter months.
The open design of mesh can make poor quality mesh chairs more prone to snagging on clothes or jewellery, potentially causing damage to the chair.
ADVANTAGES OF FABRIC office chairs
Fabric continues to be a popular choice in the work environment. Below are the main advantages.
Cloth chairs are at the white table. On the table there are notebooks, stationery, and a laptop. Behind the desk is a white bookshelf with several books.
Comfort
Fabric chairs contain soft and comfortable foam, providing a luxurious sitting experience. The upholstery can provide a soft feel, making it a preferred choice for some people.
Versatility
Fabric comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for a variety of design options. This allows you to match the chair to your office décor and workplace aesthetic.
Isolation
Fabric provides good insulation, especially in colder environments. Fabric chairs can be warmer because they retain heat, offering a more comfortable sitting experience.
Stain Resistance
As with mesh, many manufacturers treat their fabrics to be stain-resistant and easy to clean. In environments where spills are possible, cloth can be a good choice, although it cannot be cleaned like mesh.
Aesthetic Appeal
Fabric chairs often have a classic, professional look, making them perfect for traditional office settings. They can contribute to a more formal look.
Ergonomic Adjustment
Fabric chairs often come with hidden, adjustable ergonomic features like inflatable lumbar support, allowing you to adjust the chair for increased comfort and support.
Cost Effective Option
Fabric chairs may be more budget-friendly than high-quality mesh or leather chairs, making them popular for home offices or small businesses where cost is a priority.
Wide Availability
Fabric office chairs are widely available, making them accessible to businesses and individuals looking for an affordable seating option.
CONS OF FABRIC office chairs
While fabric is a great option for many people, it has important drawbacks to be aware of.
Close up of red cloth chair. The arms are silver and black.
Harder to Clean
Although some fabrics are stain resistant, overall they are susceptible to stains. Cleaning may be more difficult than with mesh, especially since the material is foamy, and spills can leave lasting stains.
Design Limitations
Due to the bulk of the foam padding, some fabric chairs have limited adjustability, which can result in the loss of valuable ergonomic functions such as seat slide, seat forward tilt, or back height adjustment. When choosing an office chair for healthy posture, it's important to prioritize features that improve blood flow throughout the body.
Durability
Over time, fabric chairs may show signs of aging, wear and tear. Chair upholstery can fade, become damaged, or wear out in frequently used areas, impacting the aesthetics of the chair. The foam filling in fabric chairs can compress over time, resulting in a hard, uncomfortable cushion and puddles of fabric.
Breathing
Compared to mesh, fabric does not provide the same level of breathability. In warmer environments, fabric chairs may become less comfortable due to reduced air circulation.
Allergen Accumulation
Fabric can trap allergens such as dust and pet dander, potentially causing discomfort for allergy sufferers⁽¹⁾. To overcome this problem, you must clean and maintain the chair regularly.
Heavy
Fabric chairs can be heavier than mesh office chairs, which can impact portability and ease of movement.
Odor Retention
Fabric and foam can absorb and retain odors over time, especially in the event of spills and accidents. Removing the odor completely can be difficult, affecting the freshness of the stool. If the chair is used in a communal workplace, this can be unpleasant.
Potential to Fade
Depending on the quality of the fabric and exposure to sunlight, the fabric may fade over time, impacting the appearance of the chair.
When deciding between a mesh chair or a fabric chair, it all depends on the quality of the chair. Overall, mesh office chairs are an excellent choice for busy, high-traffic workplaces. Ergonomic mesh chairs with high-quality materials are durable, easy to clean, and support the body's natural contours.
On the other hand, a fabric office chair may be a better choice if you're on a budget or looking for something that fits a particular aesthetic. But be aware that they break down more quickly, can trap allergens, and are very warm during the summer months.
If you're looking for an ergonomic mesh office chair, consider a Comfort Seating chair, like the Ergohuman Elite or Enjoy Elite. Our chairs are ergonomic enough to suit most users, regardless of height, shape or weight.
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