Aside from size, colour and style, there’s one big dilemma to address when choosing a new sofa – should you pick a leather or fabric sofa?
There have been various showdowns over the years. Wallpaper versus paint… carpet or flooring… blinds taking on curtains. Ask which is better – a leather or fabric sofa – and it can be equally contentious.
Both a leather and fabric sofa will provide many benefits. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each of these materials, as fabric squares up to leather in the battle of the sofas.
Leather or fabric: Which is better for a sofa?
There are differing views on what’s the best fabric for sofas. It really is a matter of personal opinion, what’s most important to you, and the look and feel you want to achieve.
Many opt for leather because it’s durable, stain resistant and low maintenance. Leather is also elegant and timeless; a material icon that transcends passing trends. There are many reasons why leather is regarded by some as the best material for a sofa.
On the other hand, fabric sofas are synonymous with softness and cosiness. There are many types and they’re available in limitless colour options, patterns and textures.
With technology providing benefits like extra durability, stain resistance and colour longevity, fabric sofas are giving good old leather a run for its money.
Why choose a leather sofa?
Leather is a natural, water-resistant material that has long been a material of choice for interior spaces the world over.
From classic masterpieces to contemporary luxury leather sofas, timeless leather equally looks the part in a modern abode as it does in a stately home or grand hotel.
Advantages of a Leather Sofa
Stain resistant Leather stands up to most food or drink stains and spills, thanks to the tanning process.
Low maintenance A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep a leather sofa clean and gleaming.
Hypoallergenic It will repel dust mite, pet hairs and other allergens, which can sometimes collect in fabric sofas.
Premium and luxury Stylish and good-looking, leather will always add a touch of elegance to any setting.
Sustainable
Disadvantages of a Leather Sofa
Higher cost A leather sofa tends to be more expensive than a fabric counterpart.
Not scratch resistant They can be scratched easily by sharp objects. Luckily here at sofa.com, all of our 100% Italian leather sofas have a protective coating.
Less choice If you want a specific colour match or you like patterns, leather will offer you fewer options.
Temperature sensitive On a very warm day, a leather sofa will absorb heat and could feel sticky while in winter it may feel on the chillier side.
Why choose a fabric sofa?
From breathable soft cottons and linens to classic weaves, to sumptuous velvet and chenille, there’s a fabric for every budget and taste.
Today’s fabric sofas are designed for the tough demands of modern living and offer multiple customised options.
Advantages of a Fabric Sofa
More affordable A fabric sofa will be less expensive than the same sofa upholstered in leather.
More choice There are multiple materials, colours, patterns and textures, making it easy to match your décor – check out our amazing array of options at sofa.com
Cosy and comfy Fabric sofas are generally viewed as more comfortable and inviting than leather.
Lighter A fabric sofa will tend to weigh less, so a sensible choice if you’re on the move a fair bit.
Disadvantages of a Fabric Sofa
Less durable A fabric sofa may need replacing sooner than a leather one, although performance fabrics will provide extra durability.
Prone to stains Sometimes a damp cloth is not enough to get rid of a spill or stain, so you may have to remove the covers to wash or call in a specialist cleaner.
Watch out for allergies Some fabrics can collect dust and pet hairs, although there are hypoallergenic options.
Wear and tear costs They can prove more expensive in the long run if their covers need replacing due to wear and tear.
Leather vs fabric couch: Which lasts longer?
Leather is likely to last slightly longer than your typical fabric sofa. It’s a highly durable material with strong fibres, making it very robust. You can expect a good one to last 15 to 20 years.
Depending on the material you choose, a fabric sofa could last anything from five years to 15 years before it needs replacing. However, there are some fabrics that can last longer.
For example, canvas, like leather, is very durable, while fabrics like natural wool or cotton linen might require more care.
Bear in mind that the sofa frame, joinery, upholstery filling and interior mechanisms like springs will also contribute to how long a sofa will last.
Choosing the Best Sofa Material for Your Home
So, there we have it. The leather vs fabric sofa dilemma – which one you go for will come down to individual taste, your priorities and lifestyle.
A leather sofa is stylish, durable, resistant to stains and spills, low-maintenance, and will repel allergens. However, it can be pricier, there’s less choice, it’s a little vulnerable to scratches, and it can feel more inviting at times than others.
If you want a luxurious look above all, and one that lasts the test of time, you can’t really go wrong with a leather sofa.
However, with sofa technology advancing all the time, fabric is certainly no underdog in this showdown of sofas.
You will have myriad choice, it’s always inviting and versatile, and it’s also likely to be easier on the wallet. However, it might be slightly less durable, more prone to spills and stains without protection, less dust repellent, and you might have to replace covers if they wear out. But if cosiness, comfort, choice and cost are your main considerations, a fabric sofa will be the perfect host. There are plenty of options that give you both luxury and performance.
Finding the Best Fabric from Sofa.com
Whatever your personal preference, there’s a fabric for you at sofa.com with more than 100 fabrics crafted in the finest mills in Belgium and Italy.
Take a look at highly durable 100% cotton House Herringbone Weave, or our earthy Heathland Weave, which will give your interiors a classic vibe.
Want softness with texture? Try uber-durable Luxe Boucle, perfect for bringing some Scandi hygge into your home. And don’t be deceived by Soft Chenile – it may be a sumptuous softie at heart, but it’s a tough cookie.
Our Organic Smart Cotton and Smart Velvet options will provide care-free comfort and cosiness, thanks to stain and spill resistance, while Easy Cotton does what it says on the tin boasting machine-washable 100% cotton.
If doing good for the planet is high up on the list, naturally beautiful Vermeer 100% Linen is both luxurious and sustainable, as is our Baylee Viscose Linen harnessing recycled cotton.
And if you want touchy-feely texture, Brushstroke in a gorgeous array of hues looks as good as it feels, while our Quartz canvas collection offers affordable elegance for the long run.
In our eyes, both leather and fabric are sofa winners. And if you want the best of both worlds, why not consider fabric and leather sofa or chair combinations? Pick your couch champ by browsing our wide range of handcrafted bespoke sofas.
