Pros & cons of fabric vs leather couches

leather couches

Choosing the perfect couch to match your lifestyle, budget and needs is not as straightforward as it would seem. With a myriad of options available online, it can feel overwhelming to decide between material options. Should you opt for a more budget-conscious fabric lounge suite or invest your money in a durable leather recliner couch? Or perhaps a leather-look or suede couch material tickles your fancy? 

Fortunately, Reclineronline is your one-stop couch-shopping solution, offering a number of quality fabric, suede, leather-look and genuine leather couch options geared to suit your unique requirements. 

Let’s unpack the pros and cons of fabric vs leather couches: 

What people love and hate about leather couches

Manufactured from unique, natural materials, leather couches are one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. They’re durable, resistant to stains, easy to clean and maintain and ideal for families with children or dogs.

Simply wipe off that tomato sauce spill or brush away the dog fur – it’s that easy with leather. The natural properties of leather act as a barrier to stains – so vacuuming the couch is one thing you don’t need to add to your endless to-do list when you own a leather couch. Just wiping with a damp cloth will do. 

Leather furniture pieces also create a statement, exuding luxury and sophistication. Whether you’re opting for a classical or contemporary look, there’s a leather couch or lounge suite to suit your style and a variety of colour options to match your decor.

While purchasing a leather couch is a more expensive investment than its fabric counterpart, it is a long-term investment that’s there for the long haul – outlasting its competitors every time. 

Do you struggle with allergies? Perhaps leather is your hypoallergenic solution. Leather couches don’t trap dust mites, pet hair or other allergens like fabric does. Had a smoky fire in the lounge last night? Leather won’t soak up the stench for the next week like a fabric couch. 

A downside to owning a leather couch is its cold/heat retention. If it’s a hot day or your couch is situated in the sun, your skin could easily stick to the surface, creating an uncomfortable situation for guests. Similarly, in winter, leather cools down with the air temperature, making it abrasively chilly on the skin when you first sit down.

That said, leather couches are still extremely comfortable options for any home since they gradually mould to the body’s contours, providing an inviting, supple texture for your bottom.

Check out a variety of leather chairs, couches, recliners and lounge suits manufactured locally at Reclineronline.

The highs and lows of fabric couches

The sheer number of patterns, textures and colour options available when searching for fabric couches puts them on another level. As an affordable, customisable, easy-to-source material, fabric couch options appear to be endless.

They’re warm and comfortable, less subject to temperature change and easily create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests and residents alike. 

But they do come with a couple of drawbacks. They’re less ideal for allergy sufferers since they trap dust mites, pet fur and other allergens. They also require regular spot cleaning or trips to the laundromat with loose covers to maintain. And if you choose to purchase a light shade, a wine spill or chocolate chip could mean ‘game over’ for these couch options. But there are ways around these potential pitfalls with a growing range of effective fabric cleaners that are up to the job

A stylish solution is suede or leather look fabrics. Marketed at a fraction of the genuine leather price tag, they still possess the aesthetic appeal of leather. And if you opt for a leather look, this fabric is far easier to maintain than upholstered couches. However, their durability and longevity is limited. 

Reclineronline stocks high-quality couches of all varieties

Whether you want to invest in a durable leather couch, chair or recliner, or are seeking a more fashionable and affordable fabric, leather look or suede alternative, Reclineronline is your perfect solution.

Our range of sought-after, established and locally-manufactured brands gives Mzansi couch shoppers a wide variety of options and guaranteed value

Shop on our secure online platform or sit back and try out our ranges at one of our 10 convenient Gauteng-based showrooms.