If you’ve ever entered a living room and felt something was a bit “off,” the sofa may have been the culprit. When it comes to choosing a sofa, the right upholstery is as important as whether or not it will fit in the room. Is your heart set on leather? What’s the most comfortable fabric out there anyway? If you’re having trouble deciding the right sofa for your space and style, here is our guide to the best fabric sofas and how they compare to leather. After all, the right upholstery often determines the aesthetic choices made on the furniture pieces around it, and we know how overwhelming this decision can be.
Leather vs. Fabric: Questions to Ask Yourself
There’s an ongoing debate about whether or not leather trumps fabric when it comes to your sofa. Even if you’ve been collecting leather swatches for months, it’s a good idea to know some of the fundamental differences between leather and fabric and some questions to ask yourself to help you decide. For instance, do you expect a few spills now and then? While all fabrics respond differently to spills, and some liquids are easier to clean up than others, leather is often more forgiving in that department. Everyone loves comfort, but how much comfort do you expect? While cushions and frames play a big role in a sofa’s comfort, fabric is generally considered more comfortable than leather because leather is often firmer to touch and retains more heat. Have allergies? Leather sofas are hypoallergenic and can sometimes be cleaned easier, while some fabric sofas collect allergens. Read on for more information on what to expect from a leather sofa and some key differences amongst fabrics.
Leather Sofas
A distressed leather sofa is a great choice for durability and adds an extra layer of character for a well-lived-in home. Crafted to age beautifully, distressed leather sofas do well with typical wear, which only enhances its look over time. This leather sofa is made from top-grain patina for a soft and buttery feel, with natural tone variations. Keep in mind that while there are many pros to buying a leather sofa—hypoallergenic, generally easy to clean, long-lasting—there are some factors to consider. Unlike fabric, leather is limited in its color offerings and patterns. Leather sofas are also typically more expensive than fabric because of their durability. If you have children or pets who love to jump on furniture, you may be better off with a more forgiving material.
Flatweave Fleece
Consisting of a woolen mix or man-made fibers made to have a soft matte-flat surface, flatweave fleece sofas are ideal for durability and comfort. Color-flecked and typically easy to clean, this type of fabric is versatile enough for a variety of color schemes and styles.
Velvet
Woven since the beginning of the middle ages, velvet is supple to the touch and lends a warm appearance to a room. When paired with modern furniture, the result is a clean look with rich color variations to fit any palette. Once thought of as formal, velvet sofas can now easily work as dreamy statement pieces in even the most used living spaces. It should be noted that there are key differences between cotton velvet, which is typically more expensive, and polyester velvet. While cotton velvet may be silky smooth, it’s also not as resistant to spills and marks.
Woven or Loop Piles
This is the most common type of sofa fabric, with a textured and either flat tight or loosely woven surface. Keep in mind that a fabric with densely woven yarns tends to be more resistant to wear than a loosely woven fabric, though neither skimp on comfort.
To revamp your living space with a brand new sofa, browse the pre-built fabric sofas and leather sofas at Kardiel and bring your dream room to life in just a few days.
Erica Garza is an author and essayist. Her work has appeared in TIME, Health, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, The Telegraph and VICE. She lives in Los Angeles.
References:
- https://www.kardiel.com/florence-89-fabric-sofa-niemeyer-twill/
- https://www.kardiel.com/woodrow-box-sofa-walnut-black-aniline/
- https://www.kardiel.com/dwell-81-sofa-celestial-velvet/
- https://www.kardiel.com/sofas/fabric-sofas/
- https://www.kardiel.com/sofas/mid-century-modern-leather-sofas-couch/
- https://www.kardiel.com/woodrow-neo-87-fabric-sofa-walnut-blush-velvet/
