Leather dining chairs have long been seen as the furniture of choice in restaurants. It is easy to keep them looking their best and they are very functional in a busy, rigorous environment.

However, in starting up a new venture or undertaking a huge refit, many businesses have to think very carefully about their expenditure and leather can sometimes be more expensive than others such as fabric or canvas.

So what do you get for your money?

Durability

Leather chairs can outlast other materials by years simply because of the cleaning factors noted above. Spillages that would stain - and ultimately, ruin - other materials can often just be wiped away with a damp cloth. Anything a little more serious would just need a simple treatment and a good airing.

Leather is also strong and can take much more wear than most fabrics before it starts to show the effects. Then, even when its age does start to show, well-worn leather has a certain character to it that other materials in such a state just cannot compete with.

Comfort

Leather is very a supple material. It stretches and moulds to fit the person, so is comfortable when in use, but then returns to normal once the diner gets off. It is also hypo-allergenic, so shouldn't make you alienate anyone from your premises on that factor alone.

Style

Leather is a hugely sought-after material and has long been associated with prestige and success. It can say a lot about your business even before any menu or wine list has been touched. It is often visible from outside and one of the first things a person sees when they walk in through the door.

Furthermore, leather is a very versatile material. Taut black leather can look refined and minimalist whereas softer brown or tan leather can appear warm, inviting and older-world. Few other materials can evoke such disparate aesthetics with just a few minor tweaks.

So with all this in mind, leather dining chairs are an investment more than a purchase.