The seat is hard. When I bought the chair I asked the store representative if they can put the chair together as I do not have the strength to do it. He said yes.so I paid for the chair to be assembled but I am not sure if he gave me the store display when I picked it up . The seat in the black was soft but they did not have the black in stock so I bought the brown since it's the same model. Now I'm not so sure as I cannot return the chair.
This chair is beautiful well made but unfortunately I had to return it. I'm short and it didn't fit well with my body and the ergonomics of my desk. I had to put it up high off the ground to have my arms at the correct height but then my feet were too far off the floor and even with a stool it was just too awkward. Also the seat was too deep and because the front pad is higher than the middle it caused pressure on my legs that caused pain. But my husband tried it and thought it was great so it really depends on you and your size.