I'm thinking of buying a Herman Miller set with matching ottoman in black. Obviously the vinyl version is much more affordable, but wanted to hear from owners/users which they prefer. Is vinyl more durable/practical over time? Pros and cons of each? I'd save for the leather if it was really worth it.
Thanks for your comments.
Polyester vs. cashmere?
That's a little extreme. A better analogy would be rayon vs. silk.
Charles Eames deliberately chose vinyl for the chairs; as far as I know, leather didn't become an option until after his death.
From the Eames Office's website:
"Naugahyde was not a random choice by the Eames Office. The Eames Office wanted to supply customers with chairs that weren't 'dust collectors' and Naugahyde was a good, dust repelling material for that purpose."
Personally, I like the Aluminum Group chairs in fabric more than in either leather OR vinyl.
http://www.eamesoffice.com/vintage/worksheet_detail.php?id=70
From the Eames Office's website:
do you have a direct link?
interesting about the dust, and materials choice. I just wonder which will stand the test of time more. Vinyl or leather. -- thinking leather may stretch more, but also mould better? where as Vinyl will keep its shape better but maybe not as comfortable?
Has anybody tried both to voice an opinion.. thanks again guys
PS only thing with fabric is isn't it hard to clean ?
"saving"/explain?
Hi, Sparkie--
I didn't mean to sound snarky.
🙂
1. IMHO, there's more value in leather -- it would be worth the wait.
2. Who could argue that saving's not virtuous? (Not that I practice what I preach -- no sales resistance over here.)
3. "If it's an option" -- Sadly, many of us are too short of cash to stash even a little of it away.
How's that?
.
For home use and how well it breaks in over time i would no question
want leather. (unless i found a nice minty vinyl one free)
I have the translucent mesh and stunning in front of a glass wall but i've
yet to get out a bad stain on the seat. Now covered with a half sheepskin.
Even if i found vintage vinyl in a magic dumpster, i doubt i would ever
use them exterior.
... in terms of comfort?, wearability?...
Well (and the Forum can correct me I'm getting too dogmatic), leather feels nicer to the touch. Smells better, too. It breathes. It gets better with age, acquiring character/patina. Even shabby leather looks/feels authentic -- dare I say "classy"?
Pleather gets shabby in less interesting ways. Compare leather shoes with plastic shoes.
Don't take my word for it: visit your Jaguar or Bentley dealership, and notice how much vinyl upholstery they offer.
I don't have a comparative life-cycle analysis handy, but I suspect that leather (from cows; biodegradable) is "greener" then vinyl (from petroleum; nonbiodegradable).
On the other hand, if you're a vegetarian, there IS an ethical dimension.
Whoever suggested buying vintage: great idea. Let's use up the stuff we have before making more.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com