If you’re looking to buy a new sofa, armchair or recliner for your living room, you might be wondering whether to go for leather upholstery or fabric.
When it comes to choosing between leather and fabric, there are a number of things to think about. All the La-Z-Boy UK ranges are available in a choice of leather and fabric upholstery options, giving you the freedom to pick the one which feels right for you.
What are the advantages of having a leather sofa or armchair?
· Leather is a long-term investment
Leather sofas tend to have a longer lifespan than their fabric equivalents. This is because leather is typically more durable than fabric and will often improve with age rather than become worn out. If you are looking for living room furniture to last you 20 years or even longer, leather could be the right choice for you.
· Furniture with individuality and character
As leather is a natural material, it is unique and each hide will have its own character and markings. This means your leather sofa or chair will not look identical to someone else’s. The natural markings and imperfections show the authenticity of your leather furniture, although some people may prefer a more uniform appearance. Leather also develops its own distinct patina over time and as you use your sofa or chair, the colour, sheen and texture will gradually change and evolve. This down to exposure to natural oils, everyday wear and tear, sunlight and moisture and is a part of the natural aging process of the leather rather than a sign of any damage.
· Simple and easy to care for
Leather is deceptively easy to care for and much less likely to stain or trap odours than a fabric alternative. As leather is less absorbent than fabric, most spillages can be simply wiped off. La-Z-Boy UK sells a leather care kit, which includes a protection cream to create an invisible barrier to help resist stains, spillages and spots. The kit also contains a water-based cleaner which is pH neutral to gently clean any marks to keep your sofa and chair looking fantastic.
· Leather is hypoallergenic
If you suffer from allergies, leather could be the best choice for you. As leather is solid and doesn’t have the same microscopic gaps as fabric, it is less likely to trap allergens including dust, dust mites, pet dander and hair, all of which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
· Breathable and responsive to temperature
Genuine leather is porous and naturally breathable, allowing air and moisture to pass through. One advantage of this is that the leather adapts to the room temperature, as well as your own body temperature when you’re sitting on it. The porous structure should prevent your leather sofa feeling sticky or sweaty, although cheaper quality leathers or ones with plastic coatings can feel a little uncomfortable in very hot weather. You can avoid this by making sure you choose 100% genuine leather for your sofa. All the leather options available with La-Z-Boy chairs and sofas are high quality, genuine leathers.
· Stylish and versatile
Leather sofas have a timeless quality which fits in well with almost any interior. Versatile and stylish, leather furniture suits both modern, contemporary living spaces as well as rooms with a more traditional look.
· What are the advantages of fabric sofas and chairs?
Leather is not the right choice for everyone and many people may find they prefer fabric sofas or armchairs. Here are the benefits of choosing a fabric upholstery option when selecting your living room furniture.
· More freedom of choice
While leather is available in a number of different shades and finishes, fabrics offer a greater choice of options. Fabric sofas and chairs can come in almost any colour or pattern, so it really comes down to finding one that suits your taste and decor. You can also pick different textures to find one which works best for you and your home.
· Fabric offers affordability
In general, fabric sofas and chairs tend to cost less than their leather alternatives, making it a more budget-friendly choice for many people. While fabric typically wears out at a faster rate than leather, it is easier to get a fabric sofa reupholstered if you want to change the look or give it a new lease of life.
· Comfortable from day one
Fabric sofas are soft, warm and comfortable from the day of purchase, whereas some leathers can require an element of ‘breaking in’ to soften them up. There is less of a risk of fabric sofas feeling cold in winter or too warm in summer as fabric is breathable and adapts well to the temperature of the room.
· Easier to clean than you might think
If the fear of stains is putting you off the idea of a fabric sofa, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easy they are to care for. Many of the fabrics used for sofas and chairs are specifically designed to be durable, easy to clean and stain-resistant. La-Z-Boy UK sells a fabric care kit including products which can help remove grease, stains and odours and keep your sofa or chair looking and smelling clean and fresh.
To discover your next sofa or chair, check out the latest La-Z-Boy UK ranges, available in both fabric and leather.
