Purchasing a sofa is something that should be done carefully. A sofa is an investment, and it’s where you and your family are likely to spend a lot of time. The look needs to fit with your décor style, of course, and the sofa needs to be well-made so that it will last you for many years. One of the major factors to consider when shopping for a sofa, however, is the types of upholstery fabrics available, and which is the best material for a sofa in your house. Leather and fabric are two popular options, but which one is right for you?
Leather vs. Fabric Sofa: 3 Things You Need to Consider
- Cost: While a well-made sofa is going to be expensive even if you are not going for designer pieces, a leather sofa can be three times as pricey as a fabric sofa. Be aware that the price of a sofa can change with customization options for upholstery. Set your budget and be realistic about your price point. Even among leather sofas, there is varied pricing based on the type of leather you choose.
- Comfort and Style: Your personal preferences will largely dictate the kind of sofa you choose. Do you find fabric or leather more comfortable? Take your time testing different sofa materials at a showroom, if you are unsure about what you prefer, considering breathability, temperature, how it feels to the touch, and how it looks in different lighting. Ultimately, the sofa that feels the best when you sit on it is the sofa you will want to bring home. As to style, look for something that fits not only your aesthetic sensibilities, but also the décor you already have in your home. Your new sofa does not necessarily have to adhere to the same exact style as your existing pieces, but it needs to blend in harmoniously.
- Maintenance and Versatility: Different types of fabric need different types of care. Leather is easier to clean than linen or velvet, for instance, but there are also durable fabrics that are easier to maintain than leather. Think about how you will use the sofa, and what type of upholstery you can reasonably expect to keep clean in your household. Consider, too, whether your sofa is versatile enough to work in a different room, should you move to a new house. If you intend to keep the sofa for many years, it may need to be used in a different space.
Pros and Cons of Leather Sofas and Fabric Sofas
- Leather: Leather sofas have a timeless, elegant style, and some leather sofas look even better as they age and develop a beautiful patina. If you find a truly gorgeous leather sofa, you might even want to design the entire room around its appearance. Leather is also fairly stain-resistant and easy to clean with just a wipe of a cloth, though lighter colours may sustain stains, as it is a porous material. Leather is hypoallergenic, and naturally repels pet hair and dander, dust mites, and other allergens. Leather does have drawbacks, though. It is expensive, and though a high-quality leather sofa will outlast a fabric sofa, if it will put you over budget, you may be better off going with a good, well-made, sturdy fabric sofa. Leather is also not necessarily the best option if you have pets or young children, because it can become damaged or scratched. Additionally, the options of leather sofa colours and styles are somewhat limited compared to fabric, and leather tends to look more formal. Finally, leather is likely to feel cold in the winter and hot and sticky in the summer, so many people find fabric more comfortable.
- Fabric: One of the top benefits of fabric sofa is the near-endless variety of fabrics, colours, and styles from which to choose. Fabrics come in a wide range of textures, and a wider range of price points than leather. Some of the fabrics available are extremely durable and easy to maintain, and some are even machine washable. Many people find fabric upholstery more comfortable than leather, particularly in hot climates where sticking to the leather can be an issue. Fabric sofas are also far less expensive, though it is important to invest in a high-quality fabric sofa if you want it to last. On the cons list, fabric sofas tend to need more cleaning and maintenance than leather. Unlike leather, many types of fabric allow spills to soak in instead of repelling them. Especially if you have kids and pets, you will want to look for a fabric that is extremely durable and easy to clean. Then, too, fabric sofas are more likely to attract allergens like dust, dirt, and pet dander, so they can be a poor fit for people who suffer with indoor allergens. Regular vacuuming can help keep allergens at bay, but your fabric sofa may need professional cleaning from time to time.
Whichever you decide is the best fabric for a sofa in your home, you will find gorgeous fabric and leather couches for sale at Mobler Furniture. Since Mobler Furniture opened, back in 1993, we have been committed to our clients and passionate about modern furniture design. Since that first opening day, we have moved to a new, more inviting location, but our goal has remained the same: to provide high-quality, modern furniture, at an affordable price, in a comfortable atmosphere. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to answer any and all questions, and our showroom is beautifully organized and easy to shop. Our beautiful showroom in Edmonton features customised interior lighting and flooring material, so that we can present our unique, contemporary designs in a modern setting. This shows our furniture to its best advantage, in order to allow you to visualise how each piece would look inside your home. We also offer furniture delivery and assembly, with a professional, courteous delivery staff that not only delivers your items to their desired locations safely but also removes extra packaging from your home so that you can enjoy your new furniture without any clean up. Call us at 866-820-0510 to learn more about our commitment to quality, visit us at our showroom in Edmonton, Alberta, or contact us through our website.
