Which Sofa Is Best: Leather, Fabric or Wooden?

You’ve measured your space and found the sofa of your dreams, but there's one more question you need to complete the process. Which sofa is best: leather, fabric or wooden?

Choosing the right type of sofa is of paramount importance. At FCI, we can tailor almost any luxury sofa to your specifications, which means you can choose any sofa you like in a fabric that makes sense for your household.

Let's look at leather, wooden and fabric sofas and consider which is best.

Things to consider when choosing your sofa

With so many options available, it’s easy to tire of reviewing the pros and cons and comparing them to one another. Not only do you have to choose the right fabric, but you also then have to pick a colour and any additional features to create the perfect fabric sofa.

Here are some questions to answer that will make the process of finding your ideal modern sofa easier. 

Who is your audience?

We always encourage our clients to think about who is going to use the sofa most frequently. Do you regularly entertain large groups? Do you have young children or pets? The sofa that you choose will very much depend on your answer.

For sofas that see frequent use, a removable washable cover in a stain-resistant material is your best option. If your sofa is in a formal lounge or an area where it will naturally get less traffic, you can consider a more luxurious fabric such as chenille or velvet.

What is your interior design style?

Your choice of sofa fabric will influence the style of the space that it sits in. If your room is very light and modern, a velvet sofa may look quite out of place. Or perhaps you deliberately want it to stand out as a statement piece to contrast against natural furnishings. 

As a general rule, we recommend choosing a fabric sofa in a darker shade than your walls but not too dark so that it sucks natural light from the room. Greys, blues and greens work well in a space with neutral walls and while white looks best in spaces with wood and organic finishes - however, we don't recommend this for children or pets. 

Leather vs Fabric vs Wood

Now that you know who will use your sofa and what style will work in your home, it's time to review these three most common sofa options and rate them in order of popularity. Our list is based on our sofa sales and enquiries.

1. Leather sofas

Leather is a classic choice for sofas that never goes out of style. Here is why it stands head and shoulders above other sofa fabrics and why it is the most popular sofa material.

• Because of its unique natural fibres, leather sofas get softer and more supple as they age.
• Leather is far lot stronger than fabric, meaning your leather sofa can last up to 15 years whereas a fabric sofa will need to be replaced in half that time.
• Contrary to popular opinion, sofa leather doesn't get sticky in the heat. You may have experienced this with your car seats, but that's because the leather is usually bonded. High-quality leather is breathable and will stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Leather is durable and will stand the test of time. It has natural oils that prevent peeling and cracking.
• Leather is very easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. A quick wipe and regular dusting are all it takes to keep your leather in tip-top shape. 

2. Fabric sofas

Bearing in mind that the term "fabric" is far broader than leather, let's explore the enduring popularity of fabric sofas. 

• Fabric sofas, while not as durable as leather, are still very popular and look great for a good many years. They are notably cheaper than other materials. 
• Fabric is generally softer and warmer than leather and arrives already “broken in.” This is an advantage as long as you choose a fabric that is not too soft; you don't want it to wrinkle or lose its shape.
• Most fabric sofas are converted with a stain-resistant finish to prevent stains from setting. They are not as easy to clean, however, as leather.
• Fabrics come in a nearly limitless range of textures, colours and patterns, so it's easy to match your existing interiors.

3. Wood sofas

Wood gives your room a down-to-earth feel by connecting it to nature. The organic feel of wooden sofas makes them enduringly beloved, if not as popular as the others on this list. 

• Wood is a very strong material and wooden sofas will last and look good for many years.
• The grain of hardwood brings delicious warmth to your room. Perfectly finished wood has a sheen that no veneer can match.
• Wooden sofas can withstand the toughest of wear and tear, from messy toddlers and careless teenagers to scratchy cats and coffee cup rings. 
• Repairing damage to wood takes skills and patience, so many people prefer to opt for a removable cover in a fabric option. 

In conclusion

While leather is the most popular sofa material based on our sales and enquiries, fabric and wood also have their advantages. The best sofa for you will depend on your unique circumstances.

Chat with our experienced designers today or browse our fabric sofa collection for inspiration on the best luxury sofa options for your family.