If you're shopping for a new office chair, you've likely landed on this question: mesh or upholstered? Both are common in Australian workplaces, both come in ergonomic designs, and both have genuine strengths. The right choice depends on how you work, where you work, and what you need from your ergonomic chair over the course of a full day.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make a confident decision.
What is a mesh office chair?
A mesh office chair has a backrest made from a flexible, open-weave material stretched across a frame. Rather than a solid padded surface, the mesh flexes with the body and allows air to circulate freely throughout the day.
The material itself is typically made from woven polyester or nylon fibres, which gives it both its breathability and its structural resilience. High-quality mesh maintains its tension over time, providing consistent support without sagging. The seat on a mesh chair is usually upholstered with a foam pad, so it's the back that defines the material distinction.
Mesh chairs are closely associated with ergonomic design because the flexible back naturally contours to the user's spine, adapting to movement rather than restricting it.
What is an upholstered office chair?
An upholstered office chair has both the seat and backrest covered in fabric or other textile materials, with foam padding underneath. The foam and fabric combination gives an upholstered chair its characteristic cushioned feel, which many people find comfortable straight out of the box.
Fabric is the most common upholstery choice for office chairs. Foam density varies between models and has a significant impact on long-term comfort. Higher-density foam holds its shape over years of use, while lower-density foam compresses and can leave the chair feeling flat well before its time.
Upholstered chairs tend to have a warmer, more traditional look and feel than mesh, and they come in a wider range of colours and fabric finishes, making them a flexible choice for offices with a specific aesthetic.
Side-by-side comparison of mesh vs upholstered chairs
| Mesh | Upholstered | |
| Breathability | Excellent, as air circulates freely through the back | Limited as fabric and foam retain heat |
| Comfort feel | Firm and responsive, conforms to movement | Soft and cushioned, consistent surface feel |
| Durability | High-quality mesh maintains tension over time | Depends heavily on foam density and fabric quality |
| Maintenance | Easy to wipe down, dries quickly | Can absorb stains, may require more careful cleaning |
| Aesthetics | Modern, open, lightweight appearance | Warmer, more traditional, wider colour range |
| Temperature | Better for warm offices or users who run hot | Better for cooler environments |
| Best for | Long hours, warm climates, active sitters | Cushioned preference, cooler offices, formal settings |
The case for a mesh office chair
Mesh comes into its own in environments where people sit for extended periods and need a chair that keeps pace with them throughout the day. The breathable back prevents heat build-up, which makes a noticeable difference in warmer offices or during Australian summers. The flexible back also responds to shifts in posture rather than holding the user in a fixed position, supporting the kind of natural movement that reduces fatigue over a long sitting session.
Aesthetically, mesh chairs have a lighter, more open appearance that suits modern open-plan offices. The visible frame and open weave take up less visual weight than a solid upholstered back, which can help a workspace feel less cluttered.
Buro mesh chairs to consider
Buro Mentor
Uses Buro Dynamic Intelligence Technology™ to adapt to the user's weight and movement without manual adjustment. There are no levers to configure, making it a practical choice for shared desks or hot-desking environments where multiple people use the same chair throughout the day.
Buro Force
Combines a breathable mesh back with height-adjustable lumbar support, a depth-adjustable seat slide, and adjustable armrests. Built for users who want a more tailored ergonomic fit and all-day support.
Buro Elan
A mesh chair with a more refined aesthetic. Features a synchro mechanism, depth-adjustable seat slide, lumbar support, and an optional headrest. Available in black or light grey to complement a range of office interiors.
The case for an upholstered office chair
Upholstered chairs suit people who prefer a softer, more cushioned seated experience. Where mesh provides a firm, responsive feel, upholstered chairs offer a consistent, padded surface that many find more comfortable, particularly in cooler office environments where the warmth retained by fabric and foam is a benefit rather than a drawback.
Upholstered chairs also tend to suit more formal or traditional office settings. The solid back and fabric finish give a warmer, more substantial appearance than the open weave of a mesh chair, which can be a better fit for boardrooms, private offices, or workplaces with a more classic interior aesthetic.
Buro upholstered chairs to consider
Buro Tidal
An Australian-made upholstered chair built to strict local manufacturing and quality standards. Features high-density moulded foam, a high back upholstered in GECA-certified Carbon Neutral Sustainable Living Fabrics, and a highly adjustable seat designed to support a wide range of body types throughout the workday. Available in Mid Back or High Back.
Buro Mentor Upholstered
The upholstered version of the popular Buro Mentor, featuring the same Buro Dynamic Intelligence Technology™ that adapts to the user's weight and movement without manual adjustment. A good option for those who want the adaptability of the Mentor in a fabric finish rather than mesh.
For users who prioritise cushioned comfort, work in cooler spaces, or simply prefer the look and feel of a fabric chair, upholstered seating delivers a reliable and comfortable everyday experience.
Finding the right chair for you
Both mesh and upholstered chairs can be ergonomic, comfortable, and well-suited to a full workday. The difference comes down to your environment, your preferences, and how you sit. If you run hot, sit for long hours, or work in a modern open-plan space, mesh is likely the better fit. If you prefer a cushioned feel, work somewhere cooler, or need seating that suits a more formal setting, upholstered is worth considering.
Buro's range covers both. Find a Buro dealer to get the right seating for your workplace.
