Leather tub chairs are seen as being very exclusive and contemporary. The stunning design of the tub chair is what sets it apart from regular chairs. You will find them in the most exclusive clubs and the finest hotels around the globe. The good news is that they will fit just fine into any home as well. Top grade leather is very expensive because it contains the finest hide from the best parts of the animal. It is very supple and soft because all the natural oils are kept in during processing. Lower grade hides do not have these oils and so they are far less comfortable to sit on.
Natural patterning can also be seen, and this is what gives the character to the leather tub chair. As it ages the leather becomes even more supple, and will not degrade at all. Splitting and cracking are for cheaper designs, not the best. You will pay for the privilege though. Some of the best examples are going for around $10000, which is a hell of a lot of cash for a chair. However, it is not just the leather that is superior; the whole structure will be made from the finest materials. The joints and springs will be very durable, and the foam used to give the cushioning will not sag after prolonged use.
Antique chairs have these characteristics, although you may need to renovate them if they are in poor condition. Sometimes renovation can be as costly as buying a new tub chair. A full reupholstery will include taking the entire structure to pieces and re-building from scratch. All the joints and springs should be replaced for equal quality materials. Then the leather needs to re-covered. A professional job will result in a chair that looks as good as new.
Faux leather is a cheaper imitation of the real thing, but it is becoming popular because it is much cheaper to buy. The difference is that the leather will be far less durable and supple. They may also start to crack and split, which is not ideal at all. Buy these if you only plan on sitting on them occasionally.