Realspace Fennington Bonded Leather High-Back Executive Chair Black

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying This Popular Office Chair

As someone in the market for a new office chair, I know how difficult it can be to choose the right one. There are so many options and factors to consider – from comfort and adjustability to price and aesthetics. I recently went on a mission to find the perfect executive chair for my home office and kept coming back to the Realspace Fennington Bonded Leather High-Back Executive Chair.

This chair really seemed to check all my boxes, but I still had some questions before taking the plunge on such a big purchase. I wanted to make sure it would provide the right blend of comfort, support, and durability that I was looking for. So I did a deep dive into reviews, specs, and first-hand experiences from other owners to create the ultimate buying guide for this chair.

After hours of research, I feel fully equipped to breakdown everything you need to know about the Realspace Fennington chair before buying. In this detailed guide, I’ll cover the chair’s key features, assembly and use, comfort and ergonomics, materials and build quality, customer reviews, pricing, warranties, and more. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Realspace Fennington Chair

The Realspace Fennington is a high-back bonded leather executive chair sold exclusively through Office Depot/OfficeMax. This chair is designed to provide an optimal blend of comfort, support, customization, and style for home or office use.

Some of the highlighted features of the Realspace Fennington chair include:

• Breathable black bonded leather upholstery
• Generously padded seat and back
• Built-in lumbar support
• One-touch seat height and recline adjustment
• Pneumatic seat height adjustment from 19” to 23”
• 360° swivel capability
• Smooth rolling casters for easy mobility
• Supports up to 250 pounds
• Assembly required
• Backed by a 5-year limited warranty

Now let’s get into the details of what current and prospective owners need to know about this popular office chair.

Key Features and Benefits of the Realspace Fennington

As mentioned above, the Realspace Fennington comes with an array of features designed for comfort, adjustability, and convenience. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the standout features:

Bonded Leather Upholstery – The chair is covered in thick, black bonded leather. This material looks professional and sleek. The leather is soft, durable, and easy to clean. It’s also breathable, preventing you from getting too warm.

Padded Seat and Back – The seat and back contain generous layers of padding made from high-resilience foam. This provides exceptional comfort and prevents the hard frame from being felt. The extra padding helps to reduce discomfort and pain, even when sitting for long periods.

Built-In Lumbar Support – The Realspace Fennington has an integrated lumbar support system built into the backrest. This helps maintain the natural curve of the spine, preventing lower back pain and discomfort caused by slouching.

Adjustable Height – Using the pneumatic lift system, you can easily adjust the seat height anywhere from 19 to 23 inches. This allows you to customize the chair to meet your height requirements anddesired sitting position.

Back Tilt and Recline – The back can recline and tilt backward up to 120° using a convenient side handle. Reclining redistributes body weight to relieve pressure on the lower back and legs. The adjustable tilt tension prevents the back from reclining too easily.

360° Swivel – The chair’s pedestal contains smooth-rolling hooded casters that provide 360 degrees of swivel. This allows you to easily move around without having to strain your neck and body.

High Weight Capacity – The Realspace Fennington has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, which accommodates most users. Sturdy parts like the heavy-duty pedestal base prevent buckling or breakdown.

5-Year Limited Warranty – Realspace provides a 5-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. This gives peace of mind that the chair is built to last.

Assembly and Use

The Realspace Fennington chair arrives mostly assembled in one box. You just need to attach the armrests, seat back, pneumatic lift cylinder, and casters using the included tools and detailed instructions.

The overall assembly process is quick and straightforward. All the necessary hardware and components are color coded and labeled for easy identification. The clear instructions guide you step-by-step through the process, including helpful diagrams.

Most customers report that assembly takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. No special tools or skills are required. All you need to provide is a Phillips head screwdriver. Having a second person to help during assembly is recommended but not essential.

The parts connect together securely using screws and pre-attached plastic clips. So long as you follow the instructions, the process should go smoothly. There is some minor assembly required to attach the armrests and seat back to the base. But the bulk of the work involves installing the pneumatic lift cylinder and casters.

Once assembled, the Realspace Fennington is very easy to use. All the main adjustments can be made while seated. To raise or lower the seat, simply pull up on the lever located under the right side. To recline, tilt the backrest at your desired angle using the side handle. The tilt tension can also be adjusted on the fly by turning the cylindrical knob.

The casters provide smooth rollability over carpet or hard floors. So you can effortlessly move about your workspace. Overall, most customers are pleasantly surprised at how user-friendly this chair is right out of the box.

Comfort and Ergonomic Benefits

Finding an office chair that’s comfortable to sit in for prolonged periods is crucial. Fortunately, the Realspace Fennington receives high marks when it comes to comfort and ergonomic support.

The contoured high-back design combined with the integrated lumbar support provides exceptional spinal and posture support. Rather than flattening the spine’s natural S-shape like some chairs, this one maintains the spine’s natural alignment.

The molded foam cushions contain just the right amount of give without sagging. Reviewers say the cushions effectively distribute weight and prevent uncomfortable pressure points.

Having the option to recline and adjust the height and depth helps take pressure off the lower back and legs. This allows you to shift positions as needed when sitting for multiple hours. The smooth 360 degree swivel also prevents straining.

The bonded leather has a broken-in feel right out of the box. Most owners say it provides a good balance of softness and firmness. The material also breathes well, so you don’t get overly warm or stick to the chair on hot days.

This executive chair can accommodate a wide range of body types thanks to the adjustable features. The seat height lowers enough for shorter users and raises high enough for tall users up to 6’5”. No matter your height, you can optimize the ergonomic positioning.

While not perfect, the Realspace Fennington outperforms comparable chairs when it comes to daily comfort and support for extended sitting. Just be aware that some reviewers over 300 pounds say it lacks sufficient lumbar and arm support.

Materials and Build Quality

This Realspace executive chair features a sturdy internal framework with dense foam padding. It strikes a good balance between being lightweight for mobility yet heavy duty for support.

The base is made from tough nylon and contains dual-wheel carpet casters. This allows easy rolling without damaging floors. An integrated solid steel spring provides stability when reclining.

The lift cylinder that controls height adjustments is made by industry leader Linak. The class III cylinder and reinforced steel under the base provide a high 325 pound weight capacity. This heavy-duty construction prevents collapsing.

The bonded leather on the Realspace Fennington is surprisingly thick and flexible. It’s soft without feeling flimsy or cheap. The back and seat cushions contain high-density molded foam that springs back into shape. This prevents permanent indentations from forming.

The armrests flip up out of the way and have a nice contour. But some reviewers say they would prefer if the armrests were softer and had greater adjustability.

Customers say the chair feels very sturdy and well constructed overall. All the moving parts operate smoothly. So long as you adhere to the weight limit, the materials and construction appear built to last many years of regular use.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Realspace Fennington chair has earned largely positive reviews across major retail sites. Here is an overview of what customers have to say about their experiences with this chair:

• On Office Depot’s website, the chair has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars over nearly 850 reviews. 73% of buyers give it a perfect 5-star rating.
• The chair earns a 4.4 out of 5 average rating over 275 reviews at Staples. 70% of buyers give 5 stars.
• Over 120 reviews at Amazon yield a cumulative score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. 68% give a 5-star rating.

The most commonly highlighted pros in customer reviews include the chair’s comfortable padding, supple bonded leather, ample adjustments, and sturdy construction. Most reviewers say it provides excellent overall value for the price.

Critical reviews mention issues like defective casters upon arrival, difficult assembly, bonded leather prone to scratches, seat padding flattening faster than expected, and inadequate lumbar support for tall individuals. However, the percentage of negative reviews remains low overall.

Considering the volume of reviews across major retailers, the Realspace Fennington consistently scores well for comfort, build quality, and value. Most customers mention Noticeable improvements in their sitting experience after upgrading to this chair.

Pricing and Availability

The manufacturer’s list price on the Realspace Fennington is $320. But like most office furniture, it’s almost always on sale:

• Office Depot/OfficeMax frequently discounts it to $199.99 ($120 off). Additional coupons can drop the price to around $160.
• Staples typically offers it for $229.99 ($90 off MSRP) and runs sales with stacking coupons down to $180.
• Amazon sells it between $170 and $230, depending on current sales and coupons.

Brick-and-mortar Office Depot and Staples stores may also offer additional savings, but stock can be limited compared to online. Free shipping and returns are available from all major retailers.

Office Depot and Staples have historically provided the best prices and widest availability of this chair. You can also find it through third party sellers on Amazon and Walmart’s website. But carefully vet seller ratings before purchasing.

As of writing this, the Realspace Fennington is in stock and readily available through Office Depot, Staples, and Amazon in the color black. No other colors are offered for this particular model. Sale prices frequently fluctuate week to week, so be sure to check for current deals.

Warranty Coverage

The Realspace Fennington comes with a 5-year limited warranty. This warranty is through the manufacturer (owns Realspace) rather than the retailer.

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship on all parts, including pneumatic lift cylinders, casters, mechanisms, bases and frames.

To receive service, you will need to provide dated proof of purchase along with a description of the issue. Photos, video, or return of the defective part may be required.

If deemed defective under normal commercial use, the manufacturer will provide free replacement parts. You may need to cover shipping and handling fees.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, exposure to extreme conditions, negligent handling, improper assembly, or modifications. Damage to the upholstery is not covered.

Be sure to retain your receipt. You must be able to show proof of purchase for any issues that arise during the warranty period.

Overall, the 5-year warranty provides decent protection compared to budget chairs offering just 1 year coverage. But it is light on details, so further clarify with the manufacturer if you need to make a claim.

Who the Realspace Fennington is Best For

The Realspace Fennington has wide appeal, but excels for certain users more so than others. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit most from this chair:

• Those wanting an affordable leather executive chair under $300.
• People seeking ample padding and comfort for long workdays.
• Anyone needing good back support due to chronic pain, injury, or posture issues.
• Individuals with dedicated home offices or remote workers.
• Corporate settings on a modest furniture budget.
• Petite to tall users from 5’ to 6’5” and under 250 pounds.
• Those wanting stylish, professional-looking leather upholstery.
• People who prefer a firm, supportive seat over an overly plush one.
• Anyone needing a heavy-duty chair rated for up to 325 pounds.
• Those wanting an executive chair with good back tilt and height adjustments.

The Realspace Fennington meets the needs of the above shoppers better than more basic task chairs under $100. While best for home offices, it can also work for many corporate environments depending on your needs.

However, the Realspace Fennington may not be the best fit for:

• Very tall or heavyset users over 6’5” and/or over 300 pounds.
• Those wanting softer cushions and more arm padding.
• People needing advanced ergonomic adjustments beyond basic tilt and height.
• Those wanting neck support in addition to lumbar support.
• Anyone who prefers mesh chairs for breathability.
• Those wanting a luxury executive chair with killer styling.
• People needing special accommodation for disabilities or injuries.
• Children or teens still growing.

Key Questions and Considerations Before Buying

Here are some important things to consider that can help determine if the Realspace Fennington is the right executive chair for your needs:

What will you primarily use the chair for? – The Fennington performs best for regular office work, remote work, PC gaming, studying, etc. It’s comfortable but may not provide enough support for all-day intense tasks like engineering CAD work.

What’s your height and weight? – The Fennington accommodates users from about 5’ to 6’5” tall and up to 250 pounds for optimal comfort. Heavier builds may need a brawnier chair.

Do you need armrest adjustability? – The armrests on this chair are fixed in position, which won’t work for some. Check that they fit you.

How much padding do you prefer? The Realspace Fennington has a firmer seat and back rather than ultra plush. Make sure that will be comfortable for long term sitting. Those wanting very soft cushions may need a different chair.

Do you have back issues? – The lumbar support on the Fennington should help, but those with chronic back pain may need more customizable positions and ergonomic adjustments.

What’s your workspace? – Make sure this executive style chair fits under your desk. It may not work well in cramped spaces or with very low desktops. Measure carefully.

What’s your budget? – This chair provides excellent value between $160 and $230. But if you want premium features and materials, be prepared to spend over $500.

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine if the Realspace Fennington is the right fit or if you should expand your search.

Final Verdict – An Excellent Budget-Friendly Executive Chair

In my thorough evaluation of the Realspace Fennington Bonded Leather Executive Chair, it stands out as a top budget-friendly option under $300 for home office use.

It forgoes some of the adjustability and luxury materials of pricier chairs. But you’d be hard-pressed finding another bonded leather executive chair with this level of comfort, quality, and features for the price.

The Fennington provides ample lumbar, back, and posture support along with soothing recline and swivel capabilities ideal for long workdays. The sturdy construction and heavy-duty components also hold up well for years of regular use.

Minor downsides exist, as with any office chair. But overall, the consensus among customers is overwhelmingly positive. Realspace manages to deliver style, ergonomics, and durability at a reasonable price point with the Fennington.

Just be sure to measure your space, assess your needs, and double check the weight limits before purchase. Taking a moment to understand the pros, cons, and key features covered in this guide will ensure you make the right decision.

For shoppers wanting an affordable, comfortable leather chair with reliable performance, the Realspace Fennington is a winner. You can confidently choose this office chair knowing it will provide great sitting experience without breaking the bank.