It’s the furniture question of the ages: “Which is the better material? Fabric or leather?”
The fact that both materials are so ubiquitous in high-end furniture products should hint at the probability that there is no clear-cut answer. However, there may be an exact right answer for you, the individual consumer.
At Baer’s Furniture, we have sofas, chairs, ottomans, bedframes, and more constructed from fabric and leather, so we consider ourselves authorities on the matter. Here are some of the positives and negatives for each type of product, along with a few head-to-head comparisons to help you with your selection process.
Things You Should Know About Leather
All leather is not equal, so if you’re considering buying furniture made from this coveted material, you should know what these terms mean:
Top-Grain – High-quality leather that has been buffed to make it soft to the touch. This is a very durable, strong leather, but it also feels more supple than full-grain leather.
Full-Grain – This type of leather has undergone minimum treatment: natural dying and hair removal. It feels tougher than top-grain but will soften over time with proper conditioning and care.
Analine– Aniline is a type of dye used to color the leather, but because of the nature of these dyes, the tannery must select very high-quality leather. The aniline leather process is so exacting that Europe has laws defining what can be called “aniline leather.
”Split-Grain – This means that the skin was split to create a thinner leather, making it more susceptible to punctures, tears, and permanent staining.
Bonded – While technically leather, bonded products have less than 20% leather in them. These pieces do not tend to last long. Better furniture manufacturers tend to use bonded leather sparingly.
Things You Need to Know About Fabrics
There are many different types of fabrics used in seating furniture construction, but the most common are cotton, linen, and microfiber. These are soft, breathable materials that are less likely to trap heat between the cushions and skin than leather. Other materials include acrylic, wool, rayon, olefin, and polyester.
Unlike leather, fabrics are not typically graded by quality. If you have questions about the material of a specific furniture piece, it’s in your best interest to contact the manufacturer or ask the retailer for the material specifications.
Pros and Cons of Leather
Pictured below is the Biagio Contemporary Two-Seat Sofa by Natuzzi Editions. It is made from 100% Top-Grain Leather.
Leather is a timeless classic furniture material that can be found in nearly every décor style. Here are some of the pros and cons of leather:
Pros
Longevity – If you care for leather properly, it can last for decades and beyond.
Durability – Leather is resistant to tears, punctures, and stains.
Cleaning and Maintenance – Leather is relatively easy to clean (use a damp cloth) and maintain.
Hypoallergenic – Leather does not trap pet hair, dust mites, etc. If maintained properly, it will not mildew.
Cons
Cost – With all other things being equal, leather tends to cost more than most fabrics.
Scratches and Tears – Scratches can often be cured, but tears are more difficult to fix than with fabric.
Temperature Sensitivity – Leather conducts heat more than fabric, so it can be hot in the summer.
Fading – If you leave a leather piece in direct sunlight, it can fade in color.
Pros and Cons of Fabrics
The contemporary bedroom below makes liberal use of fabrics. The headboard and sideboards on the Upholstered Panel Bed from Bernhardt’s Silhouette Collection is an innovative use of this highly textured material.
Pros
Versatility – There is a greater amount of design flexibility around fabric furniture.
Comfort – Fabric furniture is breathable and soft, allowing you to feel more comfortable when sitting or lying on it.
Patterns – If you’re a fan of patterns, fabric is the way to go. This is why many people place fabric throw pillows on leather furniture.
Price – With all other things being equal, fabric is often less expensive than leather.
Cons
Staining – This can be a particular problem with a lighter-colored piece or if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Durability – In general, fabric does not last as long as leather.
Allergens – Pet dander, dust mites, etc. can be trapped in the fabric, which means you have to clean it more regularly.
Head-to-Head Comparison
If you were looking for a clear-cut winner, you’re going to be disappointed with the outcome. Many people prefer the classic cleaness of leather while others like the comfortable coziness of fabric.
This Transitional Curved Sofa is from the Candace Collection by Bernhardt. Shown here in fabric, there is also a leather version of this piece. Similarly, the Candace Swivel Chair in this picture is made from leather, and also has a fabric counterpart.
Frankly, we love both materials, and we’re gratified to see that Bernhardt had the forethought to offer both options.