Are you thinking about getting your furniture upholstered but aren’t sure about the upholstery material? Read on to find out if fabric upholstery is better or if leather is more up to your taste?
The characteristics of fabric and leather vary on several levels. Each provides a different level of functionality and aesthetic for your home. In addition to that, each type demands a different kind of maintenance and care. So, when it comes to choosing the right type of upholstery for your furniture, think about the following factors before making a decision.
Fabric Upholstery
Fabric upholstery can feature any type of fabric or cloth to create a cushioned surface on the furniture. The cushioning is covered by the fabric of your choice, which can include silk, velvet, nylon, cotton, polyester, and microfiber. You can choose any synthetic or natural fabric for your furniture. Each fabric will offer different features and need different maintenance. So, choose wisely.
Comfort
The comfort of fabric upholstery depends on which fabric you are using. In addition to the fabric type, your furniture’s frame and construction will also affect how comfortable it feels. Fabric sofas and chairs feel softer because fabric is soft to touch as compared to leather. Moreover, fabric is usually more breathable, which is great for hot climates like Dubai.
Durability
Some fabrics offer excellent durability whereas some can wear out pretty quickly. Most fabrics are prone to fading and can lose their color over time. Stains and spills also stand out more on fabrics, especially in neutral colors. The overall durability of fabric fabric is not as promising as leather.
Appearance
The best part about getting fabric upholstery is that there are unlimited color options. You can choose any color of a fabric with any pattern of your choice. With fabric upholstery you can style your sofas and chairs any way you like.
Healthfriendly
Natural and organic fabrics are hypoallergenic and health friendly. Cotton and silk are safe for sensitivity but if you want a synthetic option you will have to be careful. Fabrics have a lower carbon footprint and almost no environmental impact.
Maintenance
In case your fabric upholstery gets a stain, you will have a hard time cleaning it. Sometimes cleaning stains from fabrics can be a daunting task because liquids can seep through the fibers and it can be hard to get them out. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester can resist staining so if your house has kids or pets, go for low maintenance options.
Cost
Most fabrics options are affordable but some high-end ones like silk and velvet can be expensive. Fine texture and luxurious feel of silk and the softness of velvet deserve a bigger price tag. So when you are choosing a fabric, think about how you want your fabric upholstery to perform.
Leather Upholstery
The premium feel and sophistication of leather has no match. Leather is a great option if you want something durable and long lasting. Despite its expensive nature, it has always been a popular choice for homes and commercial spaces alike. The high cost of leather doesn’t discourage people because its timeless appeal is motivation enough.
Comfort
Leather may not be a great fit in extreme heat because it can get sticky and hot to touch. Whereas in the cold weather, leather will remain cold until you sit on it and your body temperature warms it.
Durability
When it comes to durability, leather has no match. It is one of the most durable materials for upholstery and it goes a long way. Despite the lack of resistance to scratches, it offers a significantly longer lifespan than any other material. Moreover, it’s also resistant to fading, but you will need to polish it occasionally.
Appearance
Unfortunately, natural leather has limited color options. But, faux leather can be dyed any color you want. With natural leather you only get black, brown, and white color. Despite the lack of color variety, leather furniture looks visually appealing and sleek in modern interiors.
Healthfriendly
A really good option for people with allergies because the leather surface doesn’t trap dust mites. If you clean the surface, you’re good to go. The smooth surface of leather is non-porous and doesn’t harbour allergens or pet hair, making it safe for sensitive people.
Maintenance
Leather may not require regular care or cleaning but it can be high maintenance in the long run. You need to protect it from scratches and cracks which can occur frequently and ruin the look of the furniture. Furthermore, it also needs polishing to keep it shiny and to retain its original color.
Cost
Significantly more expensive than any other upholstery materials, leather can be an investment in the long run. If you are looking for high-end upholstery options, leather is the perfect way to achieve that.
In The End
When it comes to deciding the winner, there is none. Whether it’s fabric or leather, each has different features, pros, and cons. You can determine your needs and personal style to choose the right type of material for your home furniture.
We hope that with our information you can make a well-informed decision about your upholstery choices.
