Close-up of a modern black wooden chair with a curved seat and backrest, photographed against a plain white background.
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Microfiber Leather vs Genuine Leather: Which Is Better for Dining Chairs?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When shopping for dining chairs, many people automatically assume genuine leather is the premium choice. While genuine leather certainly has its advantages, modern microfiber leather has become an increasingly popular alternative thanks to its durability and easy maintenance.

At benssur, we use premium microfiber leather on many of our dining chair designs because it offers the practicality most households need without compromising on style.

What Is Microfiber Leather?

Microfiber leather is a high-quality synthetic material made from ultra-fine fibres and a polyurethane coating. Unlike traditional faux leather, premium microfiber leather is designed to closely replicate the look and feel of genuine leather while offering improved performance in many everyday situations.

The result is a soft, comfortable upholstery that is highly durable and easy to care for.

  • Three modern chairs with wooden frames are placed side by side against a white textured wall. The two outer chairs have black seats and backs, while the middle chair has a white seat and backrest.

How Is Microfiber Leather Made?

Microfiber leather is made by combining ultra-fine synthetic fibres with a polyurethane (PU) coating. Manufacturers first create a dense non-woven base from microscopic fibres, which are woven and bonded together to form a strong, flexible structure that resembles the internal fibres found in genuine leather.

A polyurethane coating is then applied to the surface and embossed with a leather-like grain. This finishing process gives microfiber leather its realistic appearance, soft texture and protective surface.

The combination of a durable fibre base and high-performance coating creates a material that closely mimics the look and feel of genuine leather while offering excellent resistance to scratching, abrasion and everyday wear. This is one of the reasons microfiber leather has become a popular upholstery choice for dining chairs and other frequently used furniture.

Why We Use Microfiber Leather

Dining chairs experience daily wear and tear, from family dinners and entertaining guests to accidental spills and constant movement. For this reason, we prioritise materials that are designed to last. Premium microfiber leather offers:

  • Excellent resistance to abrasion and wear
  • High resistance to peeling and cracking
  • Greater resistance to scratches than many mid-range genuine leathers
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Consistent colour and appearance
  • A soft, comfortable feel

Is Microfiber Leather Durable?

Yes. Premium microfiber leather is highly durable and designed to withstand everyday use. Its dense fibre structure and protective surface provide excellent resistance to tearing, abrasion, peeling, scratches and general wear.

Unlike natural leather, which can vary in quality from hide to hide, microfiber leather is engineered for consistent performance and long-lasting durability. It also resists staining and fading, helping it maintain its appearance over time. These qualities make microfiber leather a practical choice for dining chairs and other frequently used furniture. With proper care, it can retain its comfort and appearance for many years.

Is It Easy To Clean?

One of the biggest advantages of microfiber leather is its low maintenance requirements. Most everyday spills can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth, making it a practical option for families, entertainers and busy households. Unlike genuine leather, it does not require regular conditioning treatments to maintain its appearance.

  • A light wooden chair with a curved backrest and black seat cushion is placed next to a light wood desk with a laptop on it. The setting features a herringbone floor, a beige rug, and a green plant near a window.
  • A modern chair with black wooden arms and legs, white cushioned seat and backrest. Two closed notebooks are stacked on the seat. Sheer white curtains and light wooden flooring are in the background.

Does It Look Like Real Leather?

Modern premium microfiber leather has come a long way from traditional faux leather products. Many people are surprised by how closely it resembles genuine leather in both appearance and texture. It provides a clean, contemporary finish that works beautifully in modern Australian homes.

Can you guess which is which?

(Tap to find out)

  • Close-up of a modern chair with a curved, black leather seat and a metal frame, with sunlight casting soft shadows on the seat and white floor.
    Genuine Leather
  • Close-up of a black leather cushion with visible stitching in a square pattern and a textured surface, part of a modern chair or seat.
    Microfiber Leather

The Verdict

While genuine leather remains a popular upholstery choice, premium microfiber leather offers a compelling alternative for modern dining chairs. It combines the sophisticated look and feel of leather with practical benefits that suit everyday living, including excellent durability, resistance to wear, easy maintenance and consistent performance over time.

For busy households, microfiber leather provides peace of mind. It stands up well to daily use, requires minimal upkeep and is less susceptible to many of the issues that can affect lower-quality leather, such as cracking, fading and uneven wear. The result is an upholstery material that continues to look stylish and feel comfortable year after year.

For these reasons, many of our most popular dining chair designs feature premium microfiber leather upholstery. It allows us to offer furniture that balances aesthetics, comfort and long-term durability, making it a practical choice for contemporary Australian homes.

Shop Our Dining Chair Collection

  • SaleA modern wooden chair with a curved backrest and armrests, light wood finish, and a black cushioned seat, set against a plain white background.A close-up of a modern wooden chair with a curved backrest and black cushioned seat, set against a plain light-coloured background.
    On Sale

    ARLO Dining Chair

    Original price was: $539.00.Current price is: $404.00.
  • SaleA modern chair with a minimalist design, featuring a black cushioned seat, slim metal legs, and a curved wooden backrest, set against a plain white background.A modern chair with a black cushioned seat, slim metal frame, and a curved wooden backrest, set against a plain light background.
    On Sale

    ASTOR Dining Chair

    From $398.00
  • SaleA wooden chair with a curved black frame, a woven cane backrest, and a light-coloured cushioned seat, shown against a plain white background.A wooden chair with a black frame, a woven cane backrest, and a light-coloured cushioned seat, positioned on a plain light floor against a white background.
    On Sale

    BIRKA Bentwood Dining Chair (Set of 2)

    Original price was: $699.00.Current price is: $524.00.
  • SaleA wooden chair with a curved backrest and woven seat, featuring minimalist Scandinavian design with light-coloured wood and clean lines.A minimalist wooden chair with a curved backrest and woven natural seat, set against a plain white background. The design features smooth, rounded edges and clean lines, showcasing Scandinavian-inspired craftsmanship.
    On Sale

    COVE Dining Chair

    Original price was: $539.00.Current price is: $404.00.
  • SaleA modern wooden armchair with a curved backrest, angled armrests, and a smooth seat, set against a plain white background.A light-coloured wooden chair with a curved backrest and armrests is positioned next to a matching wooden table on a white background. The furniture features a minimalist and modern design.
    On Sale

    CROWN Dining Chair

    From $738.00
  • SaleA front side view of fen dining chair, natural colour solid ashwood with black microfiber leather seat.A wooden chair with a curved backrest and light wood finish, featuring a black upholstered seat, set against a plain white background.
    On Sale

    FEN Dining Chair

    Original price was: $339.00.Current price is: $305.00.

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