7. Consider upholstery choices beyond leather. These gorgeous and sophisticated dining chairs use faux leather (yes, that is an upscale way of saying vinyl) on their seats. Vinyl upholstery has come a long way from the very plastic-looking white or black we are all used to. Good-quality designer brands have options that really, really look like leather. And if the leather look isn't for you, they have textures that imitate fabric very convincingly.8. Don't forget fabric. Choose contract-grade fabrics that have been treated to be stain repellant. I'm having some custom-designed dining chairs made and have selected a luscious Kravet textured velvet that is treated with a stain repellent. Water runs right off of it so well that it is almost hard to get it wet. And I've chosen a deep garnet color, so it doesn't show every little smudge. Good-quality fabrics are worth their extra cost.