Last updated on April 1st, 2022
Choosing a sofa can be one of the most confusing décor decisions of all. And a very vital one at that, as you’ll be spending a great deal of time with (and on) the choice you make. And there are many choices to make. High or Low? Fixed cushions or Loose ones? Modern Or Classic? And most confusing of them all being – Fabric Or Leather?
Let’s try and make the last one a little easier for you, shall we? Here’s what you can expect from both varieties in terms of durability, cost, maintenance, and comfort!
Here’s What’s Great About Fabric Sofas
1. They’re Super Comfy
Although the amount of comfort a fabric sofa will offer you greatly depends on its quality and how it is made, on the whole, fabric sofas are way more comfortable than leather sofas. Not only does the fabric have a softer feel than leather, which is anyway firmer in texture, but leather also tends to get cold in winters and hot and sticky during summers. Fabric sofas also tend to take the shape of your body as you sink into them. Leather sofas? Not so much.
2. They’re Easy To Maintain
The amount of time and money you spend on the upkeep of your fabric sofa would, to an extent also depend on the quality of fabric that you’ve chosen with higher-end fabrics withstanding more wear and tear than their lower-end counterparts. Also, fabrics don’t get scratched the way leather does. So, if you have pets at home, a fabric sofa that can resist your pet’s sharp nails would be a better choice.
3. The Choices You Get – Are Unlimited
You can get a fabric sofa, in almost unlimited colors, patterns, textures. This gives you a lot of room to match your sofa to your décor and pull off the look you desire. Need we say more?
4. They’re Easier On The Pocket
Yes, fabric sofas are less expensive. A good quality sofa with good framing will cost way more if it were covered in leather instead of fabric.
Here’s What’s Great About Leather Sofas
(Artificial leather carries some, but not all characteristics of real leather, especially when it comes to durability and graceful aging, just so you know.)
1. They’re Hypoallergenic
If you or your family suffer from allergies, then a leather sofa would be a good bet, as leather doesn’t accumulate dust, mites, pet hair, dander, and other allergens, unlike fabrics.
2. They’re Uber-Elegant In Appearance
A leather sofa can make a room look like a million dollars just like that. That’s the kind of high-end and in-trend style statement you will make if you opt for a leather sofa over (even high-end) a fabric one.
3. They’re Fairly Easy To Clean
Although a sofa’s maintenance depends on your household, leather is, in general, easier to clean. Just some dusting and a rubdown every few weeks and it will look good as new until it’s time for its annual conditioning. On the other hand, fabric sofas need regular vacuuming and cleaning.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Okay. Having said so much about the pros and cons of both, which one should you choose? Well, at the end of the day, it all boils down to what you value more – comfort or durability.
And this isn’t a decision to be made in any haste. Take a step back, look at your family’s needs and habits and give yourself enough time to sleep on this decision before you arrive at the right piece.
Good luck!
