Leather or fabric sofa: how to choose which is best for you

Leather or fabric, which sofa are you?

Think about how much time you and your family (and pets) spend lounging in the living room. At least a couple of hours every day – so that’s a lot of couch time! Needless to say, buying a sofa is a big decision and definitely not something you want to get wrong.

Usually your space will dictate the size and configuration you choose – for example, one three-seater plus two armchairs, or one large sectional taking up a whole corner. And your personal taste will determine whether you’re partial to a traditional tufted Chesterfield or a more contemporary, clean-lined style.

But the biggest dilemma for most people is deciding on the upholstery. So many of us dream of a particular look but forgo that for “something practical” instead. But there’s no need to compromise. Pottery Barn is here to dispel a few common myths about fabric and leather sofas:

Myth 1. Leather is a no-go for homes with kids and pets

This is such a fallacy! Yes it’s luxurious, but great-quality leather is also family-friendly and very forgiving – in fact it’s one of the few materials that keeps getting better looking with wear and age. Each subtle scuff, scratch and burnish mark only adds to its character, creating a patina that’s beautiful and unique. Look for leather sofas that are aniline-dyed, meaning their rich colour carries through and through.

Myth 2. White or light-coloured fabrics are impossible to keep clean

One word: Slipcovered. Many sofa slipcovers are washable in your home washing machine. So, like your favourite white shirt, the white sofa of your dreams is not only achievable, it’s a classic that is sure to be well-loved and lived in for many years to come. The secret to keeping your cover looking great after a wash is to fit it back on the sofa it while it’s still a little bit damp, and let it dry thoroughly to shape.

Myth 3. Leather will feel too “cold” and unapproachable in my casual, cosy room

Everybody dreams of a sofa they can sink into, one that envelops them like a warm hug. Don’t overlook leather for possessing this charm. Just like a beautiful designer handbag, a great quality leather sofa gets more buttery and beautiful every day. Burnished for a smooth, polished look and feel, each piece becomes softer and softer over time. And when you’re talking about shades of decadent chocolaty browns or delicious honeyed tans, the leather effect is irresistible.

Myth 4. Upholstered fabrics are too delicate for a family lifestyle

This might be true for some fabrics, sure. For example, sofas upholstered in fine silk blends or luxurious pure linen are best left to formal sitting rooms and less regular use. But there are plenty of fabrics especially designed to stand up to the rigours of real life.

The ultimate lesson here is to buy once, buy well, and choose what you truly love – and you’ll love it every day for so many years to come.

–See more Pottery Barn sofas here or contact one of their design specialists for free one-on-one advice about the perfect sofa for your family.