If you're thinking about buying a new sofa and not sure whether to choose leather or fabric, there are a few things that could influence your purchase decision including longevity, durability, maintenance needs, overall aesthetics, comfort, and cost. Let’s weigh up the pros and cons of both options in this handy guide and get a better understanding of which sofa is best leather or fabric.

Leather Sofas - Pros And Cons

Why do people prefer a leather couch? A leather sofa offers a touch of luxury and unparalleled durability within the living area. However, when comparing lounge suite options it’s understandable that there are always going to be distinctive differences. So let’s check out a few of the benefits of buying a leather sofa and also a few disadvantages too!

Top 9 Benefits Of Leather Sofas

Leather is a natural material that has been used worldwide for many centuries (not to be confused with faux leather/vinyl products). Its durability and versatility have made it a popular choice for furniture, clothing, and footwear.

  1. Unmatched Durability. One of the main reasons many people choose leather sofas over fabric ones is the incredible durability of leather. A robust and hardwearing product, leather stands the test of time with a resilience that outperforms other lounge suite materials. Leather is also naturally stain-resistant, difficult to puncture, and odour-free. If you take good care of your leather sofa, you can expect it to last for many many years. 
  2. Easy To Clean. One of the most popular benefits of leather furniture is that it is easy to clean. Wiping with a damp cloth will take care of most spills and splatters, whether it's food or liquids. Add in a light dusting down a couple of times a year, and you are good to go. The addition of specialist leather cleaners and conditioners will help maintain the integrity of the leather for many years to come.
  3. Child Friendly. Leather can be a practical choice for those with young children – in fact, its durability and easy-care nature make it almost a necessity. No more panicking when food is spilled or if the kids forget to take their shoes off before jumping on the couch!
  4. Naturally Sourced Product. Leather is a natural product, it is not man-made or synthetic. As each piece of leather is unique so it will retain some of its original properties, making every piece completely unique which can be desirable, especially in furniture making.
  5. Very Little Maintenance. Leather doesn’t require a lot of ongoing attention. As long as you follow the manufacturer's guidelines, give it a wipe down with a damp cloth a couple of times a year and apply the recommended cleaners and protectants, that’s pretty much it!
  6. Allergy Friendly. Anyone with allergies will understand the benefits of having furniture that doesn’t trap dust, pet fur and contaminants, or provide a breeding ground for dust mites. Reducing allergen levels in your living space can be a big priority for sufferers of serious allergies.
  7. Timeless Aesthetics. A leather sofa offers a timeless elegance that can instantly elevate any living space in a way that is difficult to replicate. Whether you’re going for a modern contemporary look or a more traditional aesthetic, leather complements any décor and doesn’t go out of fashion.
  8. Pet-Friendly-Ish. Leather easily withstands the rigours of daily use, making it a good option for those with pets. This is because it provides a hardwearing surface resistant to tearing, fraying or pilling, and it is easy to clean!
  9. Greater Longevity. Leather sofas do tend to last the longest, their expected lifespan is around 15 to 20 years when properly cared for, providing you with a good return on your investment. Leather also tends to age gracefully, slowly adding a distinct sense of character to your living space.

6 Disadvantages Of Leather Sofas

If leather sofas are so great, then why doesn’t everybody buy them? There are a few reasons why some people choose not to buy a leather lounge suite.

  1. Higher Initial Cost. Leather sofas generally do come with a higher price tag than their fabric counterparts. This is directly related to the cost of the leather and the craftsmanship involved in making leather furniture.
  2. Limited Range. Generally speaking, you are likely to encounter a more limited range of products when it comes to purchasing leather sofas. While there are different colours and styles available, you won’t find the same diversity, particularly with textures and patterns as you will with a fabric sofa.
  3. Light And Temperature Sensitivity. As a natural material, leather is susceptible to light, temperature and humidity fluctuations. This means it can feel hot or cold to touch depending on the temperature of the room and also be prone to fading or deterioration if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
  4. Scratch Prone. Although durable, leather is a material that can display visible scratch marks. This might be a problem for households with small children and pets with untrimmed claws – it is best to ensure your dogs and cats claws are well cared for and are discouraged from using the furniture as scratching posts. Keeping your leather conditioned and out of direct sunlight will also aid in mitigating some of the risk.
  5. Aging Alters Appearance. For some people, the natural aging process your leather furniture endures is a bonus, for others, not so much. Leather does age gracefully with the addition of fine lines, creases and sometimes areas of uneven fading. However, this usually is generally considered an addition to the character of the piece of furniture rather than a detraction.
  6. Differing Comfort Levels. For some people, the firm feel of leather doesn’t offer the same comfort level as a fabric couch. Leather can also be hot or cool to the touch, sticky/sweaty on hot days and a little slippery at times, which can affect the degree of comfort and relaxation.

Fabric Sofas - Pros And Cons

If snuggling down in the depths of your sofa with a good book (or scrolling social media) and a warm blanket your idea of heaven? Then a fabric sofa might be the one for you! Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of fabric lounge suites below.

Top 7 Benefits Of Fabric Sofas

Choosing a fabric sofa means a larger range of colours and styles, different fabric types and a warmer, cosier feel – what are some of the other benefits of buying a fabric sofa?

  1. They’re So Comfy! Fabric sofas, in general, tend to be considered more comfortable than leather sofas. The feel of fabric sofas is what draws many people in – they generally offer a softer, more cosy experience. However, the comfort level does vary depending on the type of fabric, style of couch and the construction or support system of the sofa.  
  2. Better Temperature Control. No more sticking to the sofa in the middle of summer! No matter the temperature, you won't find yourself in a sticky situation in summer or jumping away at the shock of the cold surface in winter. Fabric sofas are better able to provide a more comfortable surface overall.
  3. More Colours And Patterns. Although leather does come in a variety of colours and styles, fabric sofas tend to come in a greater range of colours, patterns, and textures. This means choosing a fabric couch may mean you are better able to get the look you want, match your existing décor, and better express your personal style.
  4. Lower Cost. When hunting for a fabric sofa, you will have access to a wider range of sofas at an equally wide range of price points. This means more budget-friendly options, along with more choices and a variety of styles to better suit your décor.
  5. Colour Retention. Modern fabrics have strong fade-resistant qualities built in, making them well-suited to natural light areas. If exposure to direct sunlight is prolonged, there is still the possibility of fading.
  6. Improved Acoustics. A little-known bonus of fabric sofas is that they can also help improve a room's acoustics by absorbing sound. This is particularly useful for rooms with wooden flooring and in shared spaces like living rooms.
  7. Enhanced Aesthetics. The textures and colours of fabric sofas offer additional styling and aesthetic value. After all, how a sofa looks and feels is a huge part of the purchase decision, your lounge suite is a fairly significant part of the living room décor so it has to work with your existing space!

7 Disadvantages Of Fabric Sofas

While buying a fabric sofa is the preferred option for many, it does help to know exactly what you are in for – let’s take a look at the main disadvantages of fabric sofas and how you can avoid them.

  1. Increased Care And Maintenance. Fabric sofas do require a little bit of extra care and maintenance. This includes regular vacuuming, spot cleaning and a deep steam clean once or twice per year. Removable covers make this job a little easier, as you can just throw them in the wash.
  2. Prone To Signs Of Everyday Wear. Depending on the quality and type of fabric used, fabric sofas can be more susceptible to wear and tear. Higher-quality fabrics will perform better, but in general, fabric sofas are more prone to showing signs of pulled threads, rips or tears, holes, and discolouration.
  3. Stain Resistance Is Limited. While most fabric sofas these days are treated with a stain-resistant finish, spills and splatters should be attended to rapidly to avoid permanent staining. Heavy staining from liquids such as wine or coffee is likely to be permanent due to the absorbent qualities of most fabrics.  
  4. Not So Pet Friendly. While fabric doesn’t show scratches from your beloved pet’s claws, it is more prone to tearing and stains. Whether your dog jumps up on the couch with muddy paws or your cat decides to use the edge as a scratching post, it is likely your fabric sofa will incur some irreparable damage from your pets over time.
  5. Lack Of Durability. While not always the case, fabric sofas are sometimes prone to sagging and pilling over time, affecting appearance and longevity. The lifespan of a fabric sofa is approximately 7 to 10 years, although signs of wear and tear are likely to occur before then.
  6. Odour Retention. Unfortunately, fabric sofas are also susceptible to developing odours. Cooking smells might permeate the fabric, as will smoking vapours and strong incense or perfumes. This can mean a shortened lifespan or additional cleaning costs.
  7. Allergen Exposure. Fabric is prone to providing a comfortable home for common household allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mould. Therefore, allergy sufferers will need to clean them more often in addition to regular maintenance and care.

How To Decide Between Fabric And Leather?

Which sofa is better for you, leather or fabric? If you are still undecided after reading the pros and cons of leather versus fabric lounge suites above, there are four main factors you might want to consider when purchasing a new couch.

The Budget

For most people, the number one determining factor when making any home and living purchase is how much it's going to cost. The amount of money you are willing to spend or have available to spend is probably going to narrow down your options. When considering the purchase price, it does pay to factor in longevity, and ongoing maintenance and cleaning costs.

Lifestyle Factors

How many people will be using the furniture? Do you have small children or pets? Is the sofa expected to receive heavy daily use? Do you have any health issues that require extra support (back problems, etc.)? Answering these questions will help to make the right decision for your individual lifestyle preferences.

Maintenance Requirements

How much cleaning and care are you willing to commit to? Do you get stressed out when your kids jump on the couch with their dirty feet or hands? Have you got pets that are likely to spread fur everywhere? If you are not a fan of cleaning or worried about getting stains on your precious couch, you might want to opt for a more durable leather option.

Personal Preferences

Whether it’s styling or comfort, everyone will have personal preferences when choosing a new sofa. Think about how you will use the sofa, what sort of feel you are looking for, and what kind of look you are going for and the answer will become clear!

 

As you can see, both kinds of sofas have their own pros and cons; often the final decision will come down to your own personal preferences (and product availability). One of the best ways to help decide on what you want is to go and try out as many sofas as you can – so why not head on over to Java Furniture and take a look at our selection of sofas and armchairs today!