The primary difference between a Herman Miller chair finished in MCL Leather versus their standard Leather is durability and appearance over time. MCL Leather is genuine leather with a protective melamine coating for enhanced stain and scratch resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic environments. Standard Herman Miller Leather is an uncoated, natural material that has a richer feel and develops a unique patina with age, but requires more careful maintenance.
Here’s what you need to know to decide between these two premium upholstery options for your office chair.
Herman Miller MCL Leather
MCL Leather is Herman Miller’s high-performance leather option, designed to combine the luxury of real leather with the practical benefits of modern material science. It’s genuine leather at its core, but it features a proprietary melamine coating. This protective top layer is engineered to withstand the demands of busy offices and active homes where durability is a top concern.
- What it is: A genuine leather material with a protective melamine coating for increased durability.
- Key features: Highly resistant to stains, scratches, and daily wear, uniform surface appearance, easy to clean.
- Price: Often slightly more affordable than premium, uncoated full-grain leather options.
- Style: A consistent and modern finish that maintains its original look over time. Its uniform surface works well in contemporary or minimalist settings.
- Materials/Construction: A base of genuine leather finished with a resilient melamine top coat.
- Pros: Excellent durability and longevity. Easy to clean and maintain - often just a wipe with a damp cloth is needed. Highly resistant to spills and scuffs. Great choice for shared spaces or homes with kids and pets.
- Cons: Lacks the natural variations and markings of uncoated leather. Does not develop a traditional patina over time. May feel slightly less supple than high-end natural leathers.
MCL Leather is perfect for anyone who needs their furniture to look pristine in a demanding environment without requiring careful upkeep.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/design-resources/materials/textile-finder/
Herman Miller Standard Leather
Herman Miller’s standard Leather typically refers to high-quality full-grain or top-grain leather that celebrates the material's natural authenticity. Unlike MCL, this leather is not coated with a protective synthetic finish. It is chosen for its rich texture, softness, and its ability to age gracefully, developing more character and a beautiful patina as the years pass.
- What it is: Premium, uncoated genuine leather (often full-grain or top-grain).
- Key features: Natural surface variations, creases, and texture, develops a unique patina over time, soft and supple feel.
- Price: Tends to be more expensive due to its natural quality and authentic character.
- Style: Classic, luxurious, and timeless. It showcases the inherent beauty of genuine leather.
- Materials/Construction: Pure, natural leather designed to showcase its organic qualities.
- Pros: Rich, authentic look and feel with unique character. Ages beautifully, gaining a desirable patina. Extremely comfortable and breathes well.
- Cons: More susceptible to stains, scratches, and fading from sunlight. Requires regular maintenance like cleaning and conditioning. Not ideal for homes with pets or in environments prone to spills.
This traditional leather is a great fit for users who prioritize the natural beauty and evolving character of high-quality materials and don't mind the required upkeep.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/design-resources/materials/textile-finder/
MCL Leather vs. Standard Leather Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference lies in the finish. MCL Leather starts with genuine leather but is sealed with a manufactured melamine coating. This treatment standardizes the surface and locks in a layer of protection. It’s engineered for performance.
Standard Herman Miller Leather, by contrast, is left in a more natural state. Its top layer is the real grain of the hide, allowing it to retain its unique textures, imperfections, and breathability. It’s selected for its natural character and luxurious feel.
Durability & Maintenance
MCL Leather is the clear winner for durability and ease of care. The melamine coating acts as a shield against spills, stains, and scuffs from daily use. Cleaning is simple, usually requiring only a damp cloth. This makes it a practical, worry-free choice for commercial settings, shared workstations, or busy households.
Standard leather is an organic material and needs more attention. It can absorb spills if not wiped up immediately and is more prone to scratching. To keep it soft and prevent cracking, it benefits from occasional conditioning. While highly durable, a properly cared-for piece will last for an extremely long time - but it is not a "set it and forget it" material.
Style & Appearance
Your stylistic preference will play a huge role in your decision. MCL Leather offers a clean, uniform, and consistent look that doesn’t change with time. Its pristine surface complements modern and minimalist aesthetics where a clean line is desired.
Standard leather provides a rich, classic, and evolving appearance. Every hide is unique, so chairs upholstered in it have subtle, one-of-a-kind variations. It embraces a 'lived-in' aesthetic, where signs of use - like a softening of the texture or a deepening of the color - are seen as enhancements to its character. This appeal is key for those who appreciate traditional luxury or wabi-sabi design principles.
Who Each One Works Best For
MCL Leather is the sensible choice for high-use corporate offices, conference rooms, co-working spaces, and home offices where pets and children are present. It's for the person who wants the prestige of leather without the associated maintenance, prioritizing long-term aesthetic consistency and functionality.
Standard leather is best suited for private executive offices, personal home offices, or living spaces where the chair is a statement piece. It’s for the user who is a material purist - someone who values authenticity, is willing to invest time in care, and wants a chair that tells a story and matures alongside them.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both options offer the premium quality expected from a brand like Herman Miller, but they are tailored to different lifestyles and priorities.
Choose Herman Miller MCL Leather if:
- You need maximum durability for a high-traffic or commercial environment.
- You want easy-to-clean, low-maintenance upholstery.
- The chair will be used by multiple people or is in a home with children or pets.
- You prefer a consistent, uniform appearance that will not change over the years.
Choose Herman Miller Standard Leather if:
- You prioritize the authentic, luxurious feel of natural leather.
- You appreciate furnishings that develop a unique patina and character with age.
- The chair is for a discerning private office or a low-traffic adult household.
- You don't mind performing occasional cleaning and conditioning to preserve the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between MCL Leather and regular leather?
The main difference is the finish. MCL leather has a protective melamine coating for enhanced durability and stain resistance, while standard leather is an uncoated natural material that ages over time.
Is Herman Miller MCL Leather real leather?
Yes, MCL Leather is made from a genuine leather base. The melamine finish is a top coating applied to the real leather to enhance its performance properties.
Which leather is more durable?
MCL Leather is significantly more durable for everyday use. Its protective coating is specifically designed to resist scratches, spills, and stains, making it the superior choice for high-traffic environments.
How do you clean Herman Miller MCL Leather?
Cleaning MCL Leather is straightforward. For most spills and daily dust, wiping the surface with a soft, damp cloth is sufficient. For more stubborn spots, a mild soap and water solution can be used. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Which leather is better for a family with pets or kids?
MCL Leather is the far better choice for a family with pets or children. Its wipeable surface and resistance to scuffs and spills provide peace of mind and help keep the chair looking new for longer.
Does MCL Leather crack or peel?
Engineered for high-end contract furniture, MCL Leather is designed to be highly resilient and resistant to peeling or cracking under normal use. Its flexibility and durable coating ensure it holds up well over time, even with frequent use, unlike cheap or bonded leathers.
Does MCL Leather feel like plastic?
No. While it has a protective coating, Herman Miller designed MCL Leather to retain a soft and supple feel. It has a more uniform texture than uncoated leather but it does not feel hard or synthetic like plastic.
Which leather costs more on a Herman Miller chair?
Typically, the premium and traditional uncoated full and top grain leathers will cost more than MCL Leather offerings. It places an added emphasis on raw-material-perfection, and the costs are usually higher upfront in addition to their associated cost over their lifespan.
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