The 3 Differentiators of A Leather Sofa VS Fabric

Since the dawn of interior decorating and design there has been a hot button topic that has been going since the infamous showdown between hardwood flooring and carpet. That is the choice between an affordable leather sofa and a fabric one. While it may appear to be a superfluous choice on the outset, having quality seating furniture is truly an important choice to be making, it’ll end up being the centrepiece for many rooms and the place where you’ll spend most of your downtime snuggled into.

The debate between which is more superior has outlined the advantages and disadvantages before, today we will explore these in a little more depth and boil it down to the three main detachers between a leather sofa and a fabric alternative.

1.   The Look

leather sofa

A leather sofa has class written all over it. The hides are typically well balanced and developed and immediately draw the eye by being the bold center of a well-established room. The aesthetic of hiding material makes a leather sofa pop while not being overwhelming to any balance of a space, adding a subtle and timeless sentiment with a hint of luxury peppered through. The natural colours range from moderately neutral to boldened black or white, it never appears to be faked though which is a bonus for those looking for a more naturalistic feel.

A fabric alternative does have its merits in terms of the range of looks that are available, it’s certainly a viable option for those looking for more colorful options, also allowing for a more playful vibe for the room they’re placed in. There are some classy options of course, but there is something uniquely elegant about a leather sofa.

2.   The Longevity

The leather sofa will always outlast the finer cottons in the world. The material they are sourced from is built to last and can sometimes last for years or decades to the alternatives on the market with adequate care and the occasional tune-up. A leather sofa is toughened and have less chance of tearing quite so easily due to their robust bond. Modern techniques have a unique tanning process associated which further reduces the chances of sagging and cracking, which is of course one of the naturally occurring hazards for the material in question.

A fabric counterpart can have its tensile materials of course, but they are few and far in terms of availability and reliability. Their softened texture may feel a little more comforting, but you pay for that with the occasional tear and accidental rip that often stands out more than you’d care to admit. Of course, with time and technological advances, there will be some definitive advantages in the long term, so for the modern style that many aspire for, there is credence in considering a fabric alternative when the technology catches up.

3.   Allergens & Cleanliness

Woman sitting in a leather sofa while using her laptop

 A leather sofa begins to show its dominance in this field, the fact of the matter is, a sensitive nose will invariably know when it’s being harassed. The true benefit of a leather sofa is its hypoallergenic nature being a no-brainer for those with allergies to certain fabrics. A leather sofa is also much easier to clean with simple spray and wipes, with a little polish now and then being all you need to maintain a superior sheen.

Fabric counterparts do require a little more care and particular types of cleaning materials will stain or exacerbate a fabric. The allergen sensitives amongst us will also know the pains of cotton fibers wreaking havoc if the wrong material is chosen.

In the end, it’s your decision, we heartily believe that a good leather sofa will always trump the competition, class never goes out of style.