Leather Or Fabric: Which Sofa Upholstery Material Is Better?

Your sofa is going to be the heart and soul of your living room; both functionally and visually, so your choice has to be perfect! The comfort and durability of your sofa will depend on variables such as upholstery, infill material, and support system. The most important variable of these is upholstery, not only because of its visual and aesthetic appeal but the sofa’s overall durability.

In terms of options, there are two: leather and fabric. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks. If you are considering a new sofa for your living or drawing room, consider the following pros and cons of each upholstery material:

Fabric:

This is the most common sofa materials. It can be made either from synthetic or natural fibres. If your sofa will get a lot of use, it will need a tightly woven fabric material. This is determined by the thread count. The higher the thread count, the more tightly woven it is. 

What are some pros of a fabric covered sofa? Firstly, they are very comfortable to sit on. Natural fibres are breathable and soft. They are pleasant to sit on during the summers and feel warm during the winter season. In addition, you have many more options available in fabric especially in terms of pattern, texture, and color. With so many options, it will be far easier to find a sofa that pairs well with the theme and décor of your room.

Some drawbacks of choosing fabric upholstery are that it requires regular cleaning. Fabric covered sofas need to be vacuumed on a regular basis. They are prone to permanent marks and drink spills which can be quite difficult to remove. However, as a protective measure, you can apply for stain protection and opt for periodic upholstery cleaning in order to mitigate allergens, odors, dust mites and stains.

Fabric covered modern sofas can also fade rather quickly. However, this can be easily avoided by placing your sofa away from direct sunlight.

Leather:

If you want your living room to be decorated with modern furniture, leather upholstery is your best choice. It has a classic appeal when upholstered like a Chesterfield or English wing back. However, it can also appear contemporary as a recliner or an L-shaped sofa. Leather imparts class and sophistication irrespective of the style of seating. 

Some of the pros of choosing leather include:

•  Easy to Clean: Leather is easily cleaned using a damp cloth. The leather is naturally water-resistant, making it withstand liquid spills and stains. To ensure your sofa shines for a longer period of time, use a leather cleaner.
•  Resists dust mites: Leather is also naturally hypoallergenic. This means it will not cause allergies or accumulate pet dander, dust mites or fur.
•  Firm material: Leather is far more firmer than fabric. This highly durable material will last up to 15 years.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of a contemporary furniture leather sofa is its cost. Although it can be more expensive than fabric, its cost and low maintenance steps will offset with time. You also have the option of artificial or polyurethane leather. This artificial substitute can change to any color. It is also durable and cost-effective.

Whether you choose a fabric or a leather sofa, they can both elevate the aesthetic appeal of your living room. To shop for these types of sofas, visit Creative Furniture Store today.