Perhaps the best way to decide between the two is to dig deeper into your personal needs. What do you look for in a sofa? What design style are you trying to communicate in your home? How do you use your furniture? Who will be frequenting your living room?

With answers to these questions, it becomes easier to choose the upholstery that’s best suited to your unique space and lifestyle. We will discuss the properties and benefits of each material to help you narrow down your search.

1. The benefits of leather sofas – pros and cons

Pros Of Leather Sofas

Durability

A top-quality leather sofa like this Jersey Sofa by Naustro Nexus Collection will last a really long time when taken care of, potentially up to 4 times longer than a fabric sofa of the same design.

Low Maintenance

Whilst fabric sofas need a wash which involves removing cushion covers every so often, cleaning a leather sofa is much easier. All it takes is a recommended cleaner and cream to keep your furniture looking like new. Other than that, a quick vacuum in the crevices will get rid of small debris.

Doesn’t Fray

Being a thick, durable material, leather will not fray. Any unfortunate scratches made to the seats by your cats can be easily obscured with some polish.

Stain Resistant

Liquids spilt on leather will not sink into the fabric. A simple wipe-down will get rid of any spills. However, lighter colours such as white or cream will not stand well to harsh stains like those from red wine or curry.

Doesn’t Absorb Smells

Fabric sofas easily absorb smells from smoke or pets and this can lead to your living room having a musky feel to it. Leather on the other hand will not cling to any scents in the air.

Cons Of Leather Sofas

Expensive

Undeniably the biggest drawback to leather sofas is their affordability. With price tags double or triple those of fabric designs, they are often out of reach for most shoppers. Of course, one will have to argue that the durability of the fabric makes it worth the amount you pay.

Not Bouncy

The thickness of leather prevents it from being particularly springy. If your kids enjoy bouncing on top of sofas, they will find much pleasure with these sets.

Not Breathable

Generally, a leather sofa will feel cold in the summer and make you sweaty in hot weather. This can be uncomfortable if you use your seats for prolonged lounging. This fabric might be a better option or else you will need to make use of throw blankets.

Varying Qualities

Sketchy furniture retailers often sell low-grade leather at a premium, taking advantage of a general lack of knowledge by homeowners with regard to the varying qualities. As a guide, full-grain and top-grain leather are the two most common types used in high-end leather sofas. Genuine leather, bonded leather, or corrected grain leather are lower-quality versions.

2. The benefits of fabric sofas – pros and cons

Pros Of Fabric Sofas

Wide Selections

Fabric sofas come in a vast array of patterns, colours, materials, and textures, making them easy to complement your decor scheme. This includes gorgeous rich tones as seen in this First Sofa by Gallotti & Radice.

Comfortable

Most fabric sofas are made from soft, breathable fabric which makes them comfortable to lounge on. However, the level of comfort will depend on the specific material used, so be careful when making a selection.

Budget-friendly

Whilst certain luxury fabrics may be more expensive than others, there is a wide array of cost-effective options. Even high-end styles will cost less than the same model in leather upholstery.

Cons Of Fabric Sofas

Can Harbour Allergens

Because fabric sofas are made from a breathable material, there are spaces within them for smoke particles, dust mites, mould, and pet dander to gather and accumulate. These particles can easily trigger allergies.

Requires Special Cleaning

Your fabric sofa will need professional cleaning at least once a year to get rid of accumulated stains and dirt. They also require more frequent vacuuming than leather designs.

Wear and Tear

Heavy usage can considerably shorten the lifespan of your fabric sofa. The material will wear thin over time and start to rip. We recommend choosing fabric that has a rub rate of more than 25,000.

3. How to decide which is best for you

There are pros and cons to both sofa types, so making a selection will involve considering where you stand with factors such as cost, ease of cleaning, and durability.

If your budget is limited, it is better to buy a high-quality fabric sofa than a cheap leather version. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to your budget. At FCI, we offer fabric customisation options which can increase or decrease the price of our products depending on your requirements.

Additionally, think about aesthetics. Leather sofas tend to give a more formal look to a room, unlike fabric versions which feel more relaxed. Also, your colour options will be limited to leather.

As you shortlist your favourites, visit furniture showrooms and test out sofas against each other. Sit on them to see how they feel.

Lastly, find out about the care and maintenance of the different materials. Be honest about how much cleaning you are willing to commit to your sofa, then buy a set that you will be able to keep in good condition.

4. Leather vs fabric - the final verdict

Rating fabric versus leather is tricky because it really comes down to personal taste. You can’t ignore the elegance, durability and timeless look of leather seating. However, it does have its limitations. The cosy feel and wide range of colours available for fabric designs may make them an obvious choice for some.

Think about your home and your needs, these should guide you towards the perfect choice.

In conclusion

Whilst this one comes down to personal taste, there’s a lot to be said about the sophistication leather brings to a room. On the other hand, the fabric gives designers more creative scope to work with making it complementary to a wider array of colour schemes and décor.

We encourage you to browse our selection of high-end fabric and leather sofas as inspiration for your next purchase. Once you have a sense of what you like, visit our showroom to test out the designs. We look forward to delivering a piece of furniture that will elevate your living room.