So you’ve decided to purchase a new sofa… Congratulations! Now all you have to do is make one million decisions. Buying a new sofa comes with a lot of things to consider — cost, comfort, durability, care requirements, appearance, and who will be using the sofa. It is likely that this will be one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home for many years to come, so it’s smart to put some thought into what you really want.

Interior designers will confirm that one of the most common questions people have is: “should I buy a fabric sofa or a leather sofa?”

Of course, there is no general right answer, it’s a case-by-case situation. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each material so that perhaps your big decision will become easier to make.

Is Fabric or Leather Sofa Better?

Fabric

Fabric sofa’s really encompassed a range of materials, from tweed to crushed velvet and everything in between. In general, fabric sofas have a lot of great benefits.

1. Easy To Take Care For

Fabric sofas generally come with a stain-resistant coating, making it resistant to spills and stains. Often, you will be able to remove the covers and throw them in the wash. For more serious stains, fabric sofas usually respond well to a hand-held steamer (though do try it out on a small section first).

2. Options

Because fabrics come in a huge range of materials, colours, and textures, you can really find something that expresses your aesthetic perfectly, or that provides the perfect pop of colour for the room. Fabric sofas can be the perfect statement piece in an otherwise neutral space, so you can really have fun with it.

3. Comfort

Fabric sofas are generally very comfortable, no matter the season, whereas leather can be sticky in the summer and cold in the winter. The feel of your sofa is very important, especially if you are going to be spending a lot of time on it. High-quality fabrics will last a long time so do make sure you test it out before you purchase and see if the fabric is sagging or wrinkling.

Leather

Leather sofas are attractive and can range from high quality to low quality, which will make a big difference. Here are some of the benefits of leather sofas.

1. Durability

With the proper care — an oil rub once or twice a year — a leather sofa can last a lifetime. In fact, they often get better with age as the leather breaks in and becomes softer to the touch. You may need to add more foam or stuffing over time, but the leather will be around for a long time to come.

2. Style

Nothing really beats the classic aesthetic of a leather sofa. Renowned for the “cool factor,” a high-quality leather sofa will become the focal point of a room and draw lots of compliments from guests.

3. Hypoallergenic

For those with allergies or respiratory issues, leather sofas don’t trap in the same kinds of dust and mites and allergens that fabric sofas do. They are easy to wipe down and keep clean so are a good option in certain households.

It really does come down to personal taste. Fabric sofas are usually more budget-friendly, but leather sofas last longer — there are always two sides to each coin so make a list of what you want and go test drive some sofas to see what fits!

Feel free to visit our store or online sofa store for our Fabric and Leather Sofa, Please call us if you have any questions.