Making a choice between Leather and Fabric furnishings for your home ultimately depends on personal preferences but there are some advantages to each. Below are some reasons why leather furniture is considered more advantageous as compared to fabric:
- Durability: All things being equal, a leather sofa can last up to 4 times longer than a fabric couch when we consider wear and tear over time. Leather’s natural resistance to punctures, spills and stains make it a popular choice for households with children and pets.
- Easy to Clean: With proper cleaning supplies leather is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Spills are wiped up easily, and regular maintenance can be performed in a short time often using a damp cloth or simple dusting. It’s important to speak to your leather expert in store to make sure that your leather selection does not require special care.
- Appearance and Aging: Whereas fabric weave can loosen and stretch losing its shape leather is more resistant to these pitfalls. Leather will actually improve over time, developing a rich patina and unique characteristics that are associated with a timeless and luxurious aesthetic
- Hypoallergenic: Pet dander and dust mites find upholstery fabric to be an ideal hiding place. Leather is much less likely to harbor such allergens making leather more suitable for users with sensitivity to allergies
- Temperature Regulation: High quality leather with a minimum of surface top coats will adapt to the temperature of the surrounding area quickly. Built in part to assist with temperature regulation leather continues to deliver by providing a cooler surface in warmer months and a warmer surface in colder months.
Fabric does have its advantages. Fabric furniture tends to be more affordable than leather. Some people prefer a softer feel that some fabric selections can provide. As well there are styling considerations when creating a look for the whole home. In general Leather is best suited for furnishings that are used daily where longevity is important, whereas fabric is a great alternative to use on accent pieces and in areas that are not used daily, for example in a formal dining room.
