Shopping guides
Help
Log in
What is faux leather or synthetic leather
Discover what faux leather is, how it is made and how it differs from leather
If you are looking for comfortable, hard-wearing furniture with an elegant look for your home or office, you have probably heard of faux leather or synthetic leather. This material is frequently used in armchairs, office chairs and gaming chairs because it offers an appearance similar to leather, but with easier maintenance and a usually more affordable price.
In this guide we explain what faux leather is, what its main characteristics are, how it compares with natural leather and what you should keep in mind before choosing a chair upholstered in this material. If you are considering refreshing your work area, you can also check out our selection of executive office chairs for the office.
Article index
- Discover what faux leather is, how it is made and how it differs from leather
- What is faux leather and where does it come from?
- How is synthetic leather made?
- Differences between leather, hide and faux leather
- How to tell hide and faux leather apart?
- Advantages and disadvantages of hide and faux leather in office chairs
- When is it worth choosing a faux leather chair?
- Faux leather or leather for your office chair?
Choosing the right upholstery for a chair is not only a question of aesthetics. The material affects comfort, breathability, cleaning, durability and the everyday feel of use. That is why, before deciding between leather, hide, fabric or faux leather, it is worth knowing the advantages and limitations of each option.
What is faux leather and where does it come from?
Faux leather is a synthetic material designed to imitate the appearance of natural leather. It is made by combining a textile base, which can be polyester, cotton or other fibres, with a surface layer of polymers such as PVC or polyurethane. This outer layer is what provides the visual finish, the texture and part of the material's strength.
It is also known as synthetic leather, artificial leather or eco-leather, although these terms may vary depending on the manufacturer and the exact composition of the product. Its main advantage is that it allows a finish similar to leather to be achieved without using animal hide, at a lower cost and with easier cleaning.
In the office furniture sector, faux leather is used especially in executive chairs, office armchairs and some models of office chairs for daily use, since it offers a professional and polished image without requiring the specific care of natural leather.
How is synthetic leather made?
The manufacturing process of synthetic leather starts from a flexible fabric base. A layer of synthetic material, usually polyurethane or PVC, is applied over that base, which is then treated to achieve the desired colour, gloss, relief and texture. Thanks to these treatments, the surface can visually resemble leather, even though its origin and behaviour are different.
During production, finishes can also be added to improve wear resistance, make cleaning easier or increase the flexibility of the upholstery. The final quality of faux leather depends greatly on the thickness of the layers, the type of polymer used and the finishing process. That is why not all faux leather chairs offer the same durability or the same feel to the touch.
If you are comparing upholstery before buying a chair, it may help to review this guide on materials and fabrics for office chairs, which explains the differences between options such as fabric, mesh, leather and synthetic materials.
Differences between leather, hide and faux leather
Leather, hide and faux leather are used in furniture, clothing and accessories, but they are not the same. The main difference lies in their origin: leather and hide come from natural materials of animal origin, while faux leather is a synthetic material created to imitate their appearance.
Knowing these differences is key to choosing the most suitable upholstery according to the use you are going to give the chair, the available budget, the level of maintenance you are willing to take on and the aesthetics you want for your workspace.
Leather is a natural material obtained by tanning animal hides. This treatment transforms the hide into a hard-wearing, durable material with a very characteristic texture. It usually has marks, grain and its own irregularities, which makes each piece different.
Its main advantage is durability. With good maintenance, leather can age well and develop an attractive patina over time. However, it requires specific care, such as regular cleaning, moisturising and protection against humidity or excessive heat. In addition, it is usually the most expensive option.
Hide, in many contexts, is used to refer to natural finishes that are softer, thinner or more flexible than thick leather. It can feel pleasant to the touch and offer an elegant look, but it can also be more delicate against rubbing, humidity or intensive use.
Because of its flexibility, it is common to find it in clothing or accessories, although in office furniture treated leather, faux leather, fabric or mesh are usually preferred, depending on the type of chair and the expected level of use.
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is an artificial alternative that imitates the appearance of leather without using animal hide. Its surface is usually uniform, easy to clean and available in a wide variety of colours and finishes.
Compared with natural leather, faux leather stands out for its more affordable price and simple maintenance. It is enough to clean it with a soft, slightly dampened cloth and avoid abrasive products. As a weak point, it can be less breathable and, over time, crack or peel if the quality is not good or if it is exposed to heat, direct sun or constant friction.
How to tell hide and faux leather apart?
Telling natural hide and faux leather apart can be tricky at first glance, especially because today's synthetic finishes are increasingly realistic. Even so, there are some details that can help you.
Natural hide usually has small irregularities, pores, texture variations and a warmer feel. With use, it tends to become more flexible and may change slightly in appearance. Faux leather, on the other hand, usually has a more uniform surface, with a repeated texture pattern and a somewhat cooler or more plastic feel to the touch.
Smell can also give clues. Natural leather has a characteristic aroma, while faux leather may have a more synthetic smell, especially when it is new. In addition, when the material is bent slightly, leather tends to form more natural wrinkles, whereas faux leather may mark more rigid creases.
Advantages and disadvantages of hide and faux leather in office chairs
When choosing between office chairs with a natural leather or faux leather covering, it is worth considering how you are going to use the chair. A chair for occasional use is not the same as an executive office armchair used for many hours a day.
The following table summarises the main aspects you should keep in mind:
| Aspect | Genuine leather | Faux leather |
| Durability | High, especially with proper maintenance. | Good in quality models, although it can deteriorate sooner with intensive use. |
| Maintenance | Requires cleaning and moisturising with specific products. | Easy to clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive products. |
| Price | Generally higher. | More affordable than natural leather. |
| Feel to the touch | Soft, flexible and with a natural texture. | Uniform, pleasant and somewhat less natural to the touch. |
| Breathability | Usually offers a better thermal feel. | Can feel warmer during prolonged use. |
| Aesthetics | Elegant, natural and with progressive ageing. | Modern, uniform and available in many finishes. |
When is it worth choosing a faux leather chair?
A faux leather chair can be a good choice if you are looking for an elegant finish, easy to clean and with good value for money. It is especially practical in offices, home offices, meeting rooms or spaces where you want to keep a professional image without investing in natural leather.
It can also be interesting for those who prefer to avoid materials of animal origin or need a chair that is easy to clean. In these cases, upholstered office armchairs and some executive faux leather chairs can offer a comfortable and aesthetic solution.
However, if you are going to spend many hours seated every day and are concerned about breathability, you may be interested in comparing faux leather with other materials such as fabric or mesh. During prolonged use, a breathable chair can be more comfortable, especially in warm environments.
Faux leather or leather for your office chair?
The choice between natural leather and faux leather depends on your priorities. If you are looking for maximum durability, a natural feel and you do not mind carrying out more careful maintenance, leather can be a suitable option. If you prefer a more economical alternative, easy to clean and with a similar look, faux leather is a very balanced solution.
Before deciding, consider the use you are going to give the chair, the climate of the room, the time you will spend seated and the level of maintenance you want to take on. For a comfortable workspace, it is also advisable to combine good upholstery with an ergonomic structure, suitable adjustments and a backrest that correctly follows your posture. You can see different options in our category of ergonomic office chairs.
If you are also comparing materials in gaming chairs, we recommend reading our guide on fabric or faux leather gaming chairs, where we analyse the advantages of each type of upholstery. And if you are worried about looking after your back during long gaming sessions, you can also check out the article on whether gaming chairs are good for your back.
In short, faux leather is a practical, aesthetic and functional option for many office and gaming chairs. Choosing it wisely will help you enjoy a comfortable chair that is easy to maintain and adapted to your real needs.
