With so many choices available on the market, it can often be overwhelming when it comes to finding your perfect sofa.
There are so many questions to consider. Fixed cushions? Lose cushions? High or low back? While these are all important factors, one question often overshadows all others: Fabric or leather upholstery?
To help you make the right decision, Dovetail Interiors have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages for both choices. Now you can finally determine which style is best suited to you: fabric or leather upholstery?
Advantages of Fabric:
► Fabric sofas tend to provide greater comfort than leather. Traditionally, fabric is softer and more cosy than leather, which is often firm to the touch. While fabric upholstery maintains the same level of comfort year round, leather can become sticky and uncomfortable in the Summer heat and cold to the touch in Winter.
► Variety of colour and design is far greater. Leather is often restricted to a set range of colours, but fabric is unlimited in choice of pattern and design. Looking for a sofa to match your existing decor? Fabric sofas will make your search far easier!
► Fabric is not as susceptible to damage as leather. While leather can easily become scratched or dented, fabric can withstand pet claws or studs on jeans for far longer. Leather also needs to be regularly cleaned and conditioned every few months or else it will harden and crack. Fabric, meanwhile, has a far easier maintenance routine! A quick vacuum or steam-clean every couple of months will keep your sofa fresh and clean.
Disdvantages of Fabric:
► Stains and spills can prove lethal. Yes, fabric is unlikely to scratch as easily as leather, but a simple spill could stain your upholstery forever! Unless your fabric sofa has a stain-resistant finish, stains (such as mud, ink or tomato sauce) may never fully disappear. Leather, however, can typically be wiped clean – perfect for families will young children!
► Those with allergies, beware! Dust, pet dander and other allergens can easily be harbored in fabric. Leather, meanwhile, is hypoallergenic and can easily be wiped clean of dust or other irritants.
Advantages of Leather:
► It smells good! This may seem a stupid reason, but leather has an iconic smell that is immensely satisfying. After all, everyone loves a “new car” smell. Fabric, however, is porous. Therefore, it is more likely to absorb smells, be it food odour, take-away curry or a pet toilet emergency. We’d take a “new car” smell any day!
► The appearance of leather is timeless, classic and sophisticated. From a fashionable jacket to expensive car upholstery, leather suggests money, and plenty of it! Fabric, meanwhile, can be perceived as plain and practical. Timeless, yet modern, classic, yet contemporary, leather upholstery is a statement piece.
Disadvantages of Leather:
► Money, money, money! As with everything, quality fabric can be expensive, but leather will always be more expensive. While this is because you are paying for quality, not everybody has the money to spare. If you are on a budget, fabric is bar far the best option.
► As mentioned before, leather can be uncomfortable, especially in the Summer. Fabric is far more forgiving and soft for higher levels of comfort. However, leather may provide more support for those who suffer with back problems, so it’s rigidity is not always a negative.
Dovetail Interiors sell a wide range of fabric and leather upholstery. Now you have read the advantages and disadvantages of each material, visit our Norwich showroom and choose the perfect sofa.
