The pros and cons of a leather sofa versus a fabric sofa

Asha Bogenfuerst Asha Bogenfuerst
Living Room of completed project 1, Atom Interiors Atom Interiors Modern Living Room
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Sofas can cost a lot of money, so it's definitely one of those decisions worth weighing out properly. A sofa can also enhance the interior design and style of the living room and that's another reason why some thought should be put into it so that the sofa is in harmony with the rest of the living room. The size of the sofa should also be taken into account so that the sofa is chosen accordingly to the size of the room. It's common sense that small living rooms should have smaller sized couches. However, the focus of this article is to help you choose between a leather sofa and a fabric sofa.

Basically the choice of material you choose for your sofa depends on how it will be used, who will be using it, your budget, the living room concept and of course your own personal preference. Read on to find out about the pros and cons of a leather sofa versus a fabric sofa so that you can make a better choice about which type of sofa to purchase.

1. Maintenance

When it comes to ease of maintenance and cleaning, leather sofas are definitely the winning choice, especially if you have children and pets. All you have to do to clean a leather sofa is to wipe it with damp cloth. In order to maintain it's shine, the leather needs to be moisturized monthly.

Fabric sofas can be quite hard to clean and maintain as they can be easily stained or damaged, so it's probably not the best option if you have young children and house pets. A fabric sofa should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner to maintain it. Take note that the colour of the sofa tends to fade away with time, especially if it's exposed to sunlight.

2. Aesthetics and style

Leather sofas can add a sense of sophistication and luxury which can completely transform the aesthetics and style of the living room. However make sure you choose a colour that won't clash with the rest of the living room or stick out like a sore thumb.

The advantage of fabric sofas is that they come in myriad of different colours, patterns and textures which can add more life and personality to the living room. With fabric sofas, many different moods can be created, depending on the choice of upholstery.

3. Durability and aesthetics

While fabric sofas tend to wear out after a certain time, leather sofas actually look better as they age and are very durable and long-lasting. As leather becomes older, it develops a natural patina that makes it even more aesthetically pleasing.



4. Hypoallergenic couches

The advantage of leather couches is that it does not attract dust mites, fleas from pets and other allergens compared to fabric. If you or any of the other residents have allergies, it's best to avoid fabric sofas altogether.


5. Cost

Leather sofas, especially high quality leather can be very expensive. Fabric sofas are much more affordable and come with a wider price range. Sofas made with high quality fabric can be quite costly as well, but are still not as expensive as leather sofas. Fabric sofas are also much cheaper to reupholster compared to leather sofas.


6. Thermal comfort

Leather sofas tend to warm up when the climate is hot and they can be uncomfortably warm. Fabric sofas can be much more cooling, softer and more comfortable, but it also depends on the type of fabric used.

If you still feel like you need help with choosing the right sofa for your living room, feel free to consult with one of the many local interior designers and decorators listed in homify India.


 

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