Choosing between a fabric and a leather sofa is one of the first decisions you will make when shopping for a new lounge. Both can look fantastic and last for years. The right choice depends on how you live, who uses the sofa and how much care you are happy to give it.
Comfort and feel
Fabric feels soft and warm from the moment you sit down, and it stays a fairly even temperature all year round. Textured fabrics such as bouclé and chenille add a cosy, tactile look.
Leather has a smooth, luxurious feel and softens with use. It can feel cool in winter and warm in summer at first, but it quickly adjusts to body temperature.
Kids, pets and everyday spills
Leather is easy to wipe clean, which makes it popular with families: most spills can be dealt with quickly using a damp cloth. It does not hold on to pet hair or dust. However, sharp claws can scratch it.
Fabric hides small marks well, and many modern fabrics are designed for everyday family living. Spills need to be blotted quickly, and you may want to vacuum it regularly if you have pets that shed.
Care and maintenance
- Leather: dust and wipe regularly, keep it out of strong direct sunlight, and condition it every few months to keep it supple.
- Fabric: vacuum weekly, rotate and plump cushions, and deal with spills straight away. Always check the care label before using any cleaning product.
For more tips, read our guide to caring for your furniture.
Style
Leather brings a classic or modern-luxe look and suits contemporary, industrial and mid-century interiors. Fabric offers a huge range of colours and textures, from warm neutrals to bold greens, and suits coastal, Hamptons, Scandinavian and family living rooms.
Budget
Leather sofas usually cost more than fabric sofas of a similar size at full retail price. Buying clearance stock narrows that gap. You can often find a high-end leather sofa for the price of a mid-range fabric one.
So which should you choose?
- Choose leather if you want an easy-wipe surface, a luxurious look and a sofa that develops character over time.
- Choose fabric if you want a soft, cosy feel, more colour choice and a sofa that hides everyday marks.
The best way to decide is to sit on both. Browse our leather sofas and fabric sofas online, then come and try them in the showroom.
Shop clearance furniture in Melbourne
Mentone Furniture Clearance Centre sells brand-new excess stock and discontinued lines from high-end brands at up to 80% off RRP. Visit our Cheltenham showroom (Opposite Moorabbin DFO on Grange Road), open 7 days: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Prefer to shop online? We deliver from $40 Australia-wide, and you can pay with Afterpay or Zip. Questions? Call us on 03 8522 2115.
