Should You Get Leather or Fabric Sofas?

Advantages of Fabric

• Fabric is usually less expensive than leather, if it's upholstered on a comparable style of sofa. Most sofa fabrics can be steam-cleaned, and cushion covers can be removed for deeper cleaning. Fabric is available in countless fiber combinations, and there are colors and prints of upholstery fabric to suit any sofa style and decor. Depending on the fibers, a fabric-covered sofa may feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and fabric does not stick to exposed skin.

Disadvantages of Fabric

• Sofa fabric with a high natural fiber content is susceptible to sun bleaching, but if the fabric has a high man-made fiber content, it may pill. Cats are prone to using fabric sofas as scratching posts. Repair of the most frequently worn parts of the sofa --- the arms and the fronts of seat cushions, for example --- can be difficult and expensive. Removing stains on fabric may damage the fibers, and some fabrics are cleanable with solvents only.

Advantages of Leather

• The main advantage of leather is its durability. A superior-quality leather sofa can be expected to last 15 years. Leather is difficult to rip or tear, cats tend to ignore it and it's easy to care for day to day. Leather does not hold dust or pollen, and so allergy sufferers tend to prefer leather furniture over cloth. Leather does not pill or fray; it conforms to body impressions, creating a comforting feeling, and it reshapes well. High-quality aniline-dyed leather is resistant to sun fading. Leather softens with use, its textures intensifying and colors deepening.

Disadvantages of Leather

• Leather tends to mimic the room temperature, being warm to the touch in the summer and cool in the winter. Exposed skin will stick to a leather sofa. If leather is stained, removing the stains may damage the leather dye, and patching or redyeing may not be possible. Fabric accessories such as throws and cushions tend to slide out of position quickly. Because leather is a popular decorating element, the quality on lower-priced furniture can be poor; buy a leather couch only from a reputable dealer.