When it comes to choosing a new sofa, a good place to start is to decide whether to purchase a fabric or leather model. This can be a tricky decision to make though, and most people seem to be divided over what is best, as this discussion shows.
To help you choose, we’ve put together the pros and cons of both fabric and leather sofas, which we hope will help you to make a decision! Read on to find out which type of sofa suits you best.
Style
Interior design fashions change just as frequently as clothes on the high street, and what might seem like a trendy option now might not seem like such a good idea in 12 months’ time! With this is mind, it may be worth choosing a timeless leather sofa which will look great for years to come.
Chesterfield 2 Seater Sofa in Antique Brown
The Chesterfield sofa has to rank pretty highly in a list of all time furniture design classics. In fact, it might even be safe to say that the Chesterfield is the most famous sofa design in the world!
Once the preserve of stuffy Gentlemen’s Clubs and libraries (not to mention the odd public house), this classic design has had a bit of a resurgence as of late. The Chesterfield's timeless appeal makes it a great choice for family homes as well as more formal surroundings.
Browns, Tans, and Mocha tones always seem to be on trend and particularly suit an old style house. However, if you live in a more modern home, you may want to go for a more contemporary sofa, such as the Marino.
Marino 2 Seater Sofa in Softgrain White
A contemporary design with a choice of hardwood or chrome feet, the Marino can be upholstered in any one of our eight Softgrain leather colours.
As well as a range of three sofa sizes, you can also choose to add a swivel chair and lounge footstool - both mounted on a chrome base which gives that extra edge and a little something different in terms of style.
If you love the traditional style of the Chesterfield but would prefer a fabric sofa, then don’t worry - we have just the thing for you. Our Grosvenor model combines a classic Chesterfield-inspired design with a modern linen mix fabric that’s available in nine lovely colours.
And speaking of colours, don’t be afraid to go for a bold statement tone for your sofa. If you’ve decided to go for a traditional style like the Grosvenor, then why not choose a bright fabric to mix things up a bit? This will help liven up your space, and the style will still look classic.
Comfort
One gripe people have with leather sofas is that they can sometimes get a bit hot and sticky in the summer, and then cold and uninviting in the winter.
But don’t let this put you off! A couple of throws and scatter cushions can transform your sofa into a cosy haven - just like our Aspen 3 seater displayed in our showroom - and you’ll be wanting to curl up on your new sofa in no time.
Aspen 3 Seater Sofa in Vintage Chestnut
Care
If you have a busy household with children (or messy significant others), then leather can be easier to clean, as any spillages can just be wiped off with a cloth. Our most hard-wearing leather is our Softgrain option, which we recommend for families.
Softgrain leather is a pigment-dyed leather which is sanded to remove most natural markings and embossed to create a uniform grain. The leather is then coated with a clear sealant to enhance stain resistance. Leather is also hypoallergenic which is great news for allergy sufferers, as it doesn’t harbour dust and mites.
Malmo 3 Seater Sofa in Softgrain Grey
If you have pets, then we don’t recommend letting them snooze on your leather sofa, as their claws can scratch and mark it. If, like us, you’re an animal lover, then we know that hairs stuck in the fabric can drive you mad, but a quick hoover once a week should remove any evidence of your furry friends and keep your sofa looking as good as new!
Fabric sofas can mark easily, so a very practical solution is to choose a model that has loose covers. This way, you always have a spare set for when one is in the wash.
We have 7 loose cover models in our range, and the Albany has a classic scroll arm and square back cushions, which gives it a timeless appeal. You can also choose from two washable fabrics: the Kingston fabric with a discrete floral motif or the plain Miami fabric.
Albany 3 Seater Sofa in Miami Oyster
Cost
After everything else has been considered, perhaps the only thing left to think about it cost. A leather sofa can cost considerably more, but it may also last for a lot longer, so it’s more of an investment piece that will stand the test of time.
On the other hand, a fabric sofa costs less, so when the time comes to change your décor, you won’t feel so guilty about upgrading. It’s also worth remembering that a lot of charities welcome donations of old sofas that still have plenty of life in them, so it can always bring pleasure to someone else’s home.
And remember – if you buy your sofa when our sale is on, you can grab yourself a real bargain!
Conclusion
We hope we’ve helped you gain a bit of insight into the fabric vs leather debate. If you need any more help making a decision, we’re open seven days a week, and our staff are very knowledgeable and always willing to help, so get in touch!
