The Advantages and Disadvantages of Leather and Leatherette Sofas

Written by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator
Edited by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Rey Amini, Senior Interior Designer & Architect
Fact-checked by: Benjamin Ibanez, Development & FF&E Manager

Particularly for couches and chairs, leather and leatherette are popular upholstery materials. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of leather and leatherette sofas?

In this article, we will compare and contrast leatherette and leather sofas. We'll provide you with the information you need to choose the best material for your furniture.

Leather: Pros and Cons

Leather sofas are popular. They are durable, comfortable, and have an aesthetic appeal. Leather is a natural material known for its softness, strength, and flexibility. It can be dyed in various colours, making it versatile for different styles and designs.

Pros:

• Leather is a natural material, making it breathable and comfortable to sit on.
• Leather sofas are durable and can last a long time with proper maintenance.
• Leather has a classic and timeless feel and comes in several colours and finishes to suit different styles.
• Leather is easy to clean and maintain. You can easily wipe away spills with a damp cloth.

Cons:

• Leather sofas can be expensive compared to other materials, especially if you opt for high-quality leather.
• Leather is prone to scratches and scuffs, which can detract from its appearance.
• Leather is not ideal for homes with pets or young children, as it can be easily damaged.
• Leather can be uncomfortable in hot and humid weather, as it can become sticky and sweaty to sit on.

Leatherette: Pros and Cons

Leatherette is a synthetic material that imitates the look and feel of genuine leather. It is made of a fabric backing coated with a layer of polyurethane, which gives it its leather-like appearance. Here are some of the pros and cons of leatherette sofas:

Pros:

• Leatherette is typically less expensive than genuine leather, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
• Leatherette is easy to clean and maintain, as it is resistant to stains and spills.
• Leatherette is a strong and durable material that can withstand wear and tear, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
• Leatherette comes in many colours and styles, so you can choose a look that matches your decor.

Cons:

• Genuine leather is more breathable than leatherette. So, it can become hot and sticky in warmer climates or rooms with poor ventilation.
• Genuine leather is softer than leatherette. Therefore it can’t offer the same amount of comfort.
• Although leatherette is durable, it may crack or peel over time with regular use.
• Leatherette does not have the same value as genuine leather, so it may not add as much value to your home as a leather sofa.

Overall, leatherette can be a good option for those looking for an affordable, easy-to-clean, and durable material for their sofa. However, it may provide the same comfort or sentimental value as a natural leather sofa.

Durability

Leather and leatherette have different levels of durability. Leather is generally considered more durable than leatherette and can last decades with proper care. On the other hand, Leatherette can be prone to cracking and peeling over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources.

However, leatherette is more resistant to stains and spills than leather, as it is made from synthetic materials that do not absorb liquids as easily as natural leather. Leather can be treated with protective coatings to make it more resistant to stains, but this can affect the look and feel of the material.

Regarding wear and tear, leather sofas like Naustro Accent Collection's Focus Sofa will develop a natural patina over time, which can add character and appeal to the furniture. Leatherette, however, does not develop a patina and starts to look worn or dated after a few years.

Ultimately, the durability of both materials will depend on how well they are cared for, but leather is considered the more durable option.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, leather and leatherette have some differences. Leather has a natural softness that provides a comfortable feel to the touch. It also tends to adjust to the body's temperature, making it feel warmer in cold weather and vice versa. Over time, leather can develop a patina that adds to its unique look and feel.

On the other hand, leatherette is a synthetic material that sometimes lacks the natural softness of genuine leather. It may also not adjust to the body's temperature as well as leather does.

However, advancements in manufacturing have led to the development of high-quality leatherette that feels very similar to genuine leather and offers a comfortable seating experience.

Overall, leather and leatherette can provide comfortable seating, but it often comes down to personal preference and the quality of the material.

Style and Aesthetic

Regarding style and aesthetics, leather and leatherette have their unique characteristics.

Leather is known for its natural look and feel, with unique markings and variations in texture that add to its beauty. Over time, leather couches, like the Egoist Sofa by Naustro Accent Collection, develop a patina that gives it a distinctive, aged look that many people find appealing.

On the other hand, leatherette is a synthetic material that can mimic the look of leather at a lower cost. It comes in various colours and finishes, including matte, glossy and metallic. Some leatherettes even have embossed patterns that imitate the texture of natural leather.

While it may not have the same level of luxury and authenticity as leather, leatherette can still add a touch of elegance to any space. Ultimately, the choice between leather and leatherette comes down to personal preference and the specific look and feel you're trying to achieve in your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between leather and leatherette for your sofa ultimately comes to personal preference and lifestyle needs. Leather offers a luxurious feel, durability, and natural ageing that many find desirable.

On the other hand, Leatherette is a more affordable and low-maintenance option that still offers durability and a variety of styles and colours.

At FCI London, we offer a wide range of leather sofas to fit any style. Chat with our expert design team to find the perfect sofa for your home or visit our showroom to see our selection in person. For design inspiration and ideas, look at our interior design project portfolio to see how our experts have elevated various spaces with different aesthetics.