Sofa shopping could be confusing, especially if you’ve never done something like this before. There are a lot of choices that could make you feel overwhelmed and even question your decision. Thus, before you even start looking for a sofa, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the variations and features of each.
Would you opt for a fabric sofa or a leather sofa? Before answering this question, allow us to give you their benefits, that would help you decide which sofa finish would be perfect for you, for your family, and your home.
The Benefits of Fabric Sofas
* Comfort
There are different kinds of fabric sofas and it usually depends upon the fabric used and the support system of the furniture, such as the frame and cushions. However, as compared to leather sofas, fabric sofas tend to be more comfortable for a number of reasons. For one, fabric sofas are softer and have a warmer finish than leather. Also, leather sofas are similar to leather car seats; they often feel hot and sticky during the summer and cold during the winter. Lastly, leather sofas are usually more firm than fabric ones.
* Colour and Pattern Choices
Even though leather sofas are available in various colors, fabric sofas have more to offer, such as pattern choices. With this, you’ll have a better chance of matching your sofa with the existing decor of your home or get the color you want with ease.
* Care
Oftentimes, the wear and tear of fabric sofas would depend on the type of fabric being used. Which only implies that, better fabrics would withstand wear better. Likewise, most fabric sofas have stain-resistant finish to protect them from stains and spills that could actually happen, and it also makes cleaning easier. You could use specialty products or even a hand held steam cleaner for that, and unlike leather sofas, fabric doesn’t get scratched. Thus, it’s ideal for homes that have pets and kids.
* Budget
Fabric sofas are considered to be more affordable as compared to leather sofas. Even though quality fabric and framing could be quite expensive, they’re still comparatively cheaper as compared to leather.
The Benefits of Leather Sofas
* Appearance
A leather sofa could make a room look elegant and sophisticated– and it’s something that you can’t easily achieve with a fabric sofa. Also, leather chesterfield-style sofas are often the top choice because they’re more trendy than fabric counterparts.
For a modern or contemporary look, leather sofas are ideal. It could make a room look more sleek and high-end.
* Hypoallergenic
Those who have allergies would benefit from using leather sofas, mainly because leather doesn’t harbor pet dander, dust mites, and other types of allergens that easily stick to fabric.
* Care
Leather sofas are very easy to clean– light dusting or rubdown could be enough and you don’t even need to do this regularly. However, fabric sofas must be vacuumed regularly.
Which is Better? Try to answer these questions:
* Do you have pets?
Pet smells and hair could easily stick to fabric sofas, and this is the main reason why a lot of pets are attracted to climbing into your sofa. Likewise, cats have a habit of sharpening their claws on the arms and cushions of a fabric sofa, but they often stay away from the leather counterparts. However, pet nails and claws could quickly damage a leather sofa. Thus, it’s important to consider the type of pet you own and if you’re going to allow them on the sofa.
* Do you eat on your sofa?
Most leather sofas have fixed cushions, making them susceptible to crumbs and other food particles that could attract insects and vermin. This could cause problems in the long run. On the other hand, even though fabric sofas have removable cushions, they could soak up the food stains, but just like what has been mentioned earlier, some are stain-resistant.
* Is a sleeper sofa needed?
Unfortunately, leather sofas don’t have much choice when it comes to the sleeper type. Also, they’re less comfortable as compared to their fabric counterparts.
Final Verdict
Unfortunately, there’s no right answer about which one is better than the other. Both fabric and leather sofas have their own advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should rely on the features you’re going to need the most.
Lastly, keep in mind that sofas are some of the biggest pieces of furniture needed in a living room; that’s why it’s important to invest some time into thinking which one is would be more beneficial for you, before you come up with a final decision.