LEATHER OR FABRIC SOFAS: WHO IS THE WINNER?

　　Purchasing a sofa can be surprisingly overwhelming: but what’s so stressful you might ask? When faced with the sheer amount of choice, it’s hard to know where to start: modern chic or traditional charm? Leather of fabric sofas? Bold print or soothing neutral? Low back or high back? Fixed or loose cushions?! (You get the point).

• An argument for fabric sofas: things to consider before buying

• The Morgan sofa range – part of our corner sofa collection

• Whilst leather sofas come in more than just black and brown

• Here are our tips on how to clean a fabric sofa:

• An argument for leather sofas: things to consider before buying

 

　　A great place to start hunting for your perfect sofa is to decide what material you want. A sofa is an investment – you want something that will last through the years and take a fair amount of general wear – so knowing what kind of material would suit your lifestyle best is important. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of buying a leather or fabric sofa.

 

　　An argument for fabric sofas: things to consider before buying

 

　　The Morgan sofa range – part of our corner sofa collection

 

　　Fabric sofas offer huge choice as they come in many different colours, patterns and materials. From cottons & weaves to velvets & chenilles, modern fabrics are constructed from a myriad of different materials ranging from the traditional to the technologically advanced.

 

　　Whilst leather sofas come in more than just black and brown, they are somewhat limited when it comes to patterns. If you’re looking for a bold statement piece in a dramatic design – then you might want to go for a fabric sofa.

 

　　You can choose a patterned finish as a centrepiece for your room or go with a neutral and modern choice, like our Cordoba fabric sofa. You can then use printed cushions or an accent chair to add a touch of glam or perhaps contrast stitching to highlight detail.

 

　　Fabric sofas are comfortable and soft to the touch, however they are generally less practical than leather sofas. So if you’ve got pets who shed and little ones who like to get a bit messy, bear in mind that fabric sofas can’t be wiped clean (you might have to take the cushion covers to be dry cleaned depending on the material) and stains can’t be wiped off immediately.

 

　　Here are our tips on how to clean a fabric sofa:

 

　　Vacuum or brush down the sofa to remove any dust or excess dirt.

 

　　Use a mild laundry detergent mixed with water or baby wipes to spot clean any obvious stains.

 

　　Give the rest of the sofa an overall clean with a small amount of soapy water.

 

　　Allow the sofa to dry naturally, opening any windows or doors to allow extra air into the room.

 

　　On the flip side…

 

　　An argument for leather sofas: things to consider before buying

 

　　Selvino leather sofa – part of our corner sofa collection

 

　　Leather sofas are a very popular and practical furniture choice as they are hard wearing, resistant to tearing and stains, and with such durable designs, they’re a worthwhile investment for the future.

 

　　From protected or pigmented options with their uniform finish to untreated aniline leathers with natural marking as part of their appeal, there is a huge variety to choose from. They have natural longevity and keep well as most leathers soften and improve with age.

 

　　No longer just a luxury item, a leather sofa can make a beautiful statement in any living room. If you’re going for timeless, traditional elements, try a Chesterfield design (like our Churchill sofa range, which features classic button and studding detailing). Or go for a sleek and minimal style (like our Selvino leather sofa, pictured above).

 

　　Leather is a good option if you are sensitive to dust mites or pet hair, as they won’t accumulate as many allergens as a fabric sofa will. It’s also easy to give a leather sofa a basic clean (simply wipe down to remove dust or spills); however they may require protective treatments and are susceptible to nicks and scratches.

 

　　As far as value goes, whilst the perception may be that leather sofas are more expensive, it’s a fairly level playing field and you’ll find great fabrics and leathers at every price level.

 

　　So the verdict: what’s better, leather or fabric sofas? As you probably guessed by now, there is no one clear winner. It all depends on personal preference!