Shopping for furniture for your living space is a serious business and can often be perplexing, so it’s wise to do some initial research on the differences between fabric and leather sofas.

A place of gathering, entertainment and relaxation, sitting rooms are the hub of any home and should be an elegant balance between functionality, comfort and style. To achieve this, picking out the right furnishings is key but with so many options available, taking the plunge is often extremely difficult.

Among the factors to consider are things like: Modern or traditional? High back or low back? Fixed or loose cushions? Modular or two-seater? These are all crucial questions in terms of style and appearance.

However, at the end of the day, your biggest decision boils down to a personal preference between two options: Leather sofas or fabric. So let’s put an end to this conundrum by examining the most significant differences between them, leaving you to have the final say.

1. Leather sofas are thought to be less comfortable than fabric

The comfort of any luxury sofa depends on several influences including its upholstery, frame, cushions and support system. However, for a variety of reasons, fabric sofas are far more relaxing than leather sofas. Here is the bottom line:

• Fabric is a softer, warmer material than leather and feels “broken in” the minute you get it. Be cautious, though – you don’t want it to be too soft from the outset or it could wrinkle or sag in time.
• Leather sofas often feel hot and sticky in summer and cold during the winter months.
• Leather sofas are firmer than fabric sofas, so have less give.

2. Maintaining leather sofas is easy

Tough and durable, leather sofas are extremely easy to look after and maintain, requiring nothing more than a weekly dusting with an upholstery brush or vacuum cleaner. Here are some useful tips:

• Spills can simply be wiped away with gentle soap, tepid water and a microfibre cloth.
• Conditioning leather sofas regularly will help maintain their suppleness and stop them from drying out or cracking.
• Leather is hypoallergenic and naturally repels animal hair and dust mites.
• Regular exposure to direct sunlight or extreme humidity can be damaging and should be avoided as much as possible.
• Leather can also scratch easily, so should be kept away from your pets.

Fabric sofas are far more susceptible to spills, stains and tears so make sure you pick out a more durable material like polyester or acrylic blends. These are things you should also consider:

• Units with loose cushions are more enduring, while those with an attached backrest cushion will generally keep their shape for longer.
• Regularly plump up, turn and rotate all cushions to prevent wear and tear and keep them from becoming deflated and squashed.
• Make sure your fabric sofa comes with removable covers and has been pre-treated with a stain-resistant finish.
• Clean up spills immediately with a speciality product or a handheld steam cleaner and then leave it to air dry.
• Vacuum it daily to remove dust, crumbs and hair.
• Avoid sunlight and heat or your sofa could warp or fade, making it patchy in certain areas.
• Although they don’t scratch easily and are more enduring when it comes to small children and pets, most fabrics “pill” as a result of constant friction. This can be easily removed with a pilling machine.
• Have it dry-cleaned several times a year to keep it in prime condition.

Have a look at our sofa care and maintenance guide for more pointers.

3. Leather sofas are so durable, they could last you a lifetime

High-end leather sofas are extremely long-lasting and only start showing signs of wear and tear after about 15 to 20 years.

Longevity is determined by the quality of the upholstery leather used, so it’s important to choose something that comes from the top grain of the hide.

Cheaper versions and most particularly faux leather will fall apart after a few years

Full-grain leather, which is the finest and most expensive of them all, should last you a lifetime and is likely to become a much-loved family heirloom.

Over time, leather develops a beautiful patina, making it look even better with age.

In comparison, fabric sofas have an average lifespan of around 5 years. As with leather, this will depend on the superiority and durability of the fabric used.

4. The aesthetics of your sofa comes down to personal preference

Both fabric and leather sofas provide a variety of aesthetically pleasing options that cover both traditional and contemporary preferences. These facts will help you decide between them:

• Fabrics offer an infinite number of tones and patterns that will complement any décor. You can also choose between a vast selection of materials, giving you the option to find a look and feel that you love.
• Leather is both timeless and classic and suits many different styles and settings. If you’re not a fan of its natural look, most high-end manufacturers offer a range of subtle colours to suit your taste.

5. The initial outlay of fabric sofas is far cheaper than leather sofas

While a fabric sofa will be 5% to 25% less expensive than a leather sofa of the same size, giving you more bang for your buck initially, you should always consider the durability, functionality, and longevity of your purchase.

• Good material and framing will contribute towards a longer lifespan in a fabric sofa but hidden repair costs may crop up over time.
• Leather sofas will cost far more from the outset but are susceptible to less maintenance as they age.

Both types of sofas are worthwhile and viable, so decide on your budget and find something you love.

In conclusion

At FCI London, we believe that no matter their differences, both fabric and leather sofas are well worth the investment especially if you buy them from a reputable supplier.

Pop into our showroom today and let our dynamic designers introduce you to our fabulous range or give us a call and we’ll guide you through your choices. You can also read our informative article on 6 important things to consider when buying a sofa for more inspiration.