Choosing Between a 2 Seater Leather and Fabric Sofa
When you're in the market for a new sofa it isn't easy to decide between leather or fabric. This is especially the case if you don't have a lot of furniture experience.
If you have kids or reside in an apartment, the leather option may be a good fit for you. It is easy to clean and looks stunning in a lot of homes.
Comfort
A sofa is the focal point of most people's living spaces and is a major purchase. You want one that is comfortable to lounge for hours, looks great, fits to your style and can stand the test of time. Making a decision between leather and fabric isn't easy, but it is important to assess your priorities as well as your lifestyle and budget prior to making a decision.
Leather is a premium material that is soft and luxurious and oozes elegance in the home. It is durable, stain-resistant, resistant to pets and children, and can last for a long time if properly taken care of. However, it can be more expensive in the beginning and could require regular conditioning to avoid peeling or cracking.
Fabric sofas are available in a vast selection of styles, colors and fabrics. They are cheaper than leather sofas. They are also soft and more welcoming with the capacity to feel "broken in" from the beginning. They can be prone to dust mites and pet hairs and may require frequent cleaning. However, with new technologies and performance fabrics, there are now hypoallergenic options available.
Fabric sofas can last for up to 15 years if well maintained. Regular vacuuming and deep cleaning will aid in keeping the fabric clean and free of odours and spills. Like leather, they are prone to sagging and flattening over time. Additionally, many fabrics are treated with chemicals to make them stain-resistant and flame retardant. They can release volatile organic chemicals that may cause allergies and affect the quality of air in the indoors.
Durability
We often choose sofas with fabrics that are extremely robust, particularly if we have pets or children. You don't want to invest a lot upfront and end up feeling remorseful about buying after the first spill or claws that are crowbarred. Similarly, you don't want to purchase something that is cheap but isn't durable enough for regular use.
Leather, on the other hand is extremely tough and has an incredible strength for tears. It can last for up to four times longer than fabric and is resistant to fading, cracking and flaking. It can also be treated to replenish its natural oils and look as fresh as new.
Fabrics are cheaper and come in many different patterns, colors, and textures that can be tailored to any interior design scheme. They are also less difficult to clean than leather and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear but they do tend to be more prone to moisture and may be susceptible to fading in time.
Microfiber is tough and comes in a range of colors. However, it may not be as sturdy as genuine leather. It also might not be able to withstand scratches. But, it's an excellent choice for families due to of its resistance to stains and spills and is easy to clean usually with just a damp cloth.
Suede is more difficult to clean and repair than leather. It is also prone to losing its shape if it is not regularly maintained and can feel very rough to the feel. It's also a thin material and so might not be as sturdy as sheepskin leather or cowhide.
Allergens
The material the sofa is constructed of can have a big impact on your allergies, so it's important to understand how different options hold up. Fabrics are prone to retaining allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, which can trigger symptoms like asthma, hay fever, rhinitis and eczema. These fabrics are perfect for them to flourish.
However, leather, unlike other materials, does not accumulate these allergens, and provides a consistent level of comfort, no matter the season. It can also trigger skin irritation in those who suffer from contact dermatitis, or are sensitive to tanning chemicals. To minimize the risk of skin reactions, it's essential to use products made from vegetable oils and to maintain a regular routine for your skin.
Both sofas made of fabric and leather are sturdy, but the material you select will have a major impact on how well your sofa holds up to wear. A top-quality fabric will stand up to the demands of daily use without sagging or fading and will be able to endure spills and body oils with ease. Many modern fabric couches come with stain-resistant treatment to make cleaning easier.
Although you may not be able completely avoid an allergic reaction to the leather sofa, you can help to prevent allergens from forming by keeping a lint roller nearby and regularly cleaning your living space. This will help to reduce the amount of pet hair, dirt and dust mites that gather on your sofa. If you are still suffering from allergies, you can consider replacing your sofa with a more hypoallergenic one. For instance, a leather sofa made of synthetic or vinyl is less likely to hold dust mites and pet dander, and can help you breathe more easily.
Scratches
It is important to think about the amount of wear you can expect the leather sofa to endure. The length of time a sofa will last depends on the finish, color and quality of the leather. Also, you must ensure that the couch is sturdy enough to stand up to spills and other messes. You can accomplish this by searching for a sofa with a strong hardwood frame and high-density foam cushions.
Leather can be damaged due to many different reasons such as stretching it, marking territory or the reliving of tension. Scratches can be severe, from minor surface scratches to severe punctures and cuts. Minor scratches can be treated by applying a leather conditioner to the area affected. This can help restore the balance of oil and moisture in the leather, which will prevent it from drying out and cracking. Deep scratches and cut may require a different approach, depending on the amount of damage.
If you have cats, it's an ideal idea to trim their nails on a regular basis, as this will aid in preventing them from scratching your couch. You can also retrain their scratching behaviour by giving them alternative scratching surfaces such as sisal rope or cardboard. Another option is using a pet-safe furniture polish which can be applied using soft cloths to the affected area.
It is important to wash your leather sofa regularly and keep it out of direct sunlight and heat, since they could dry it out. This can cause the leather to crack. Repairing this is often difficult and requires an overhaul. Make use of a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft.
Smell
A leather couch is known to have a distinct scent than fabric. It's because it's more porous and will absorb unpleasant odors like smoke, body odor, or food easily. The good news is, the smells typically disappear over time particularly when you use a non-toxic cleaning product that is fragrance-free.
If the smell is intense, it could mean that there's something wrong with the foam. This is typically caused by the chemical off-gassing that occurs from petroleum-based polyurethane. If small two seater fabric sofa concerned about this, look for couches that are CertiPUR-US certified or natural latex foams.
Another trick to spot faux leather is to look for bumps or texture on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather is not genuine top grain. It is also possible to conduct an inspection by tiling the couch on its side to check if you see any upholstery backing that is visible. If so see any, it's likely a synthetic material like polyester or polyurethane, which will have a very different scent than genuine leather.
A leather sofa is more prone to picking up smells, the most effective way to avoid this is to clean regularly your sofa. This keeps it looking good and smelling great and also prevent it from becoming rigid or cracked over the years. Start by vacuuming and dusting your couch and then wiping it clean with a dry cloth and baking soda (a great natural method to get rid of the smell). It is recommended to do this at least once every two weeks or more to get rid of any dirt and dust build-up. Then apply a leather conditioner to preserve the color and texture.