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Leather vs Fabric: Which Type of Upholstery Is Right for Me?

Leather vs Fabric: Which Type of Upholstery Is Right for Me?

When customers come into our furniture stores to shop for a new sofa, loveseat, arm chair, accent chair or recliner, some know exactly what they’re looking for. However, many others are overwhelmed by the sheer number of upholstery options available. Our goal with articles like this one is to educate and inform readers, to help them along their own individual shopping journeys.

With tons of different fabrics, leathers, performance fabrics, different leather grades and finishes, etc. it can be hard to know which one is right for your new upholstered seating. But for today, we’re going to start with the most basic of upholstery questions – leather or fabric?

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect seating for you and your home, read on for some general info on leather vs fabric upholstery that will help you make an informed decision. Join us as we discuss a few pros and cons as well as some additional considerations that will help you decide which is the better fit for you. Let’s dive in!

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Leather Upholstery | Pros & Cons

A leather sofa is timeless and elegant. But is the unique charm of leather upholstery right for your living space? Remember that the qualities of upholstered leather seating can change based on the grade and finish of the leather. Keeping that in mind, here are a few general pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Leather Upholstery

1) Leather Is Hypoallergenic – Because leather is much less permeable than most fabrics, it also doesn’t let in as many allergens into the cushions or frame. Whether it’s dust, dander, pollen, or something else, leather upholstery is great for those who suffer from common allergies.

2) Leather Has a Stylish Look – Leather upholstery has a luxurious reputation. If your goal is to really elevate the décor in your living space, a leather sectional, sofa, loveseat or set of armchairs is an effortless way to do it. Aniline and semi-aniline leathers will even look more stylish over time as they develop their own unique wear pattern and patina.

3) Leather Is Generally Durable, Easy to Clean & Stain-Resistant – When properly cared for, leather upholstery is extremely durable and can last for a long time. Especially with protected, corrected, or pigmented leathers, leather upholstered seating is very stain-resistant and can be easily maintained with an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth.

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Cons of Leather Upholstery

1) Leather Upholstery Typically Costs More – This one is no secret. Leather furniture tends to be pricier up front compared to most fabrics. However, for the right shopper, the investment is well worth it for its durability and luxurious appeal.

2) Leather Has Fewer Color Options – With the exception of pigmented leathers available in a variety of colors, leather upholstery has far fewer color options and patterns available compared to fabrics. Most leathers are going to be in various shades of brown, black, or gray.

3) Cons Dependent on Certain Types of Leather – While the treatments applied to more affordable pigmented and protected leathers help make them very durable and stain resistant, these leathers do not breathe as well. Meanwhile, high-end aniline leathers are largely unsealed and unprotected, making them very breathable, but much higher maintenance.

Fabric Upholstery | Pros & Cons

With so many different kinds of upholstery fabric available – polyester, linen, acrylic, olefin or polypropylene, microfiber, chenille, wool, nylon, rayon, viscose, or some blend of these – fabric upholstery is much more diverse and varied than leather. Fabric upholstery has a lot to offer the right shopper, and the possibilities are practically endless. But is it right for you? Here’s what you need to know:

Pros of Fabric Upholstery

1) Fabric Is Typically More Affordable – While most performance fabrics will cost extra, seating upholstered with fabric is generally much more affordable than leather.

2) Fabric Has Tons of Options – With a practically endless range of colors, patterns, designs and textures, fabric offers shoppers much greater versatility. When it comes to complementing your home décor, you have a lot more to work with when you start with your favorite fabric.

3) Fabric Upholstery Is More Breathable – Fabric’s greater breathability helps keep air flowing, even when you’re sitting on it. This means that the surface of your fabric seating should never feel cold, hot, or clammy.

4) Performance Fabrics Can Add Special Properties – For those with furniture upholstered with a performance fabric, you gain access to a number of additional benefits. Performance acrylics like Sunbrella, Nuvella, Outdura, etc. are extremely fade-resistant and quick-drying. Meanwhile, olefin (aka polypropylene) fabrics are both stain-resistant and tear-resistant. Treated fabrics like Crypton can offer a variety of benefits too, like water repellency.

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Cons of Fabric Upholstery

1) Fabric Is Often Less Durable than Leather – While some fabrics offer a degree of protection against regular wear and tear, leather upholstery generally holds up better over time with regard to pulling, stretching or tearing.

2) Fabric Upholstery Can Harbor Allergens – This trade-off is directly related to the superior breathability above. Since fabric is more permeable than leather, it also means that fabric upholstery can accumulate allergens like dust and dander over time. However, this can be mitigated by occasional vacuuming.

3) Typical Upholstery Fabrics May Require More Maintenance than Leather – While most leathers only require the occasional dusting or wipe-down with a damp cloth, it’s very important to regularly check your upholstery fabric and vacuum to prevent accumulation of liquids, crumbs, stains or other debris. The obvious exceptions here are performance fabrics with stain-repellant, water-repellant or anti-microbial properties.

Leather vs Fabric | Making Your Decision

Ultimately, the decision between leather and fabric upholstery comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Which of the pros and cons above weigh most heavily on your decision? 

At Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we offer a huge selection of both leather and fabric upholstered seating options to cater to every taste and budget. Visit our North Georgia furniture stores in Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram and Rome to experience our selection in person. Our furniture experts would love to help you find the leather or fabric sectional, sofa, loveseat, armchair, accent chair, or recliner of your dreams!

Interested in learning more about leather and fabric upholstery? Don’t miss the helpful resources below:

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