Fabric vs. Leather

Avery Settee by Sam Moore

The 1990's called, and they want their sofa back, honey! Once you've established that you need new living room furniture, you may be pondering which is better: fabric or leather. We're here to help you make that decision. 

Are you shopping for color? If you've answered, yes, chances are you want fabric. While some companies such as Comfort Design offer custom leather choices and hues, the options are still limited. If you're looking for unrestricted territory, geometric patterns, and bold hues, you want fabric. Fabric is not only less expensive (in most cases) than leather, it comes in a variety of grades. If you can dream it, you can do it with upholstery. Most of the time. Sam Moore is a division of Hooker Furniture with classic and modern styles of upholstery carried by Rug & Home. You can purchase upholstery in many different staple pieces around the home: accent chairs, sofas, settees, dining chairs, ottomans, benches, etc. Because these are customize-able you can add patterns to transition them through different areas of your home while still maintaining function. Some people prefer to have the accessories make the statement, while others prefer for their furniture to create the look of the home. What's your style? 

Fabric Is:

• Usually less expensive
• Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
• Never sticky
• Amenable to re-upholstering
• Soft and cozy for sleeping and lying around

Fabric Isn’t:

• Easy to clean
• Spill or dirt resistant
• Non-absorbent
• Durable
• Odor resistant

Leather Is:

• Durable
• Easy to clean and non-absorbent
• Doesn’t hold dust or hair (good for people with allergies)
• A natural material
• Often associated with wealth
• Better with age
• Easy to repair

Leather Isn’t:

• Cheap
• Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
• Always comfortable because it absorbs heat
• Soft and cozy for sleeping or lying around

Leather is known to be a favorite of families because it's "easy to clean." While this is true in

Fairview Recliner by Comfort Design

most cases, keep in mind that leather has to be conditioned periodically and still there are several grains of leather. Leather has become more versatile with custom colors like seen in this Fairview recliner by Comfort Design. Manufacturers have also gotten very crafty at making what once was a bulky leather favorite, look so sleek that your wife will happily place it in her living room instead of annexing it to man-land. Leather traditionally maintains its shape longer than upholstered furniture. Some leathers also age with beauty. Most of you know that leather temperature changes with body heat so it can be hot or cold to the touch depending on where you place it in the home. It is also usually more costly than fabric pieces, but some say it's worth the investment. Really, there is no right or wrong answer to which option you choose. Every home has different needs and with so many vendors to cater to those needs, there is something out there for everyone!

Written by: Samantha Palacio