When you're faced with the decision of choosing upholstery fabric for your sofa—the centerpiece of your living room—comparing materials like polyester, fabric, and leather is an essential step. Each type of fabric has its own unique characteristics, offering different experiences in terms of aesthetics, durability, and comfort, all of which can significantly impact your living space.
1. Introduction
1.1 What is a leather sofa?
A leather sofa is a type of sofa covered with leather material, commonly used in luxury apartments and villas to bring an elegant and sophisticated look. There are two main types of leather sofas: those upholstered with genuine leather (made from cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, etc.) and those covered with synthetic leather.
1.2 What is a fabric sofa?
A fabric sofa is a type of sofa upholstered with fabric, typically using two popular materials: rough fabric and velvet fabric. Fabric sofas are known for their good heat retention and come in a variety of styles and colors, offering many choices for users. With their soft, breathable texture and excellent odor absorption, fabric sofas provide a comfortable and pleasant experience.
2. When should you choose a leather sofa or a fabric sofa?
- When to choose a leather sofa: Leather sofas are ideal for spaces designed with a luxurious touch and frequently using air conditioning. If you value high quality, durability, and aesthetics, and are willing to invest a higher initial cost along with monthly electricity expenses, a leather sofa is the perfect choice.
- When to choose a fabric sofa: Fabric sofas are suitable for spaces designed in various styles, especially modern and youthful ones. If you are young and appreciate a diverse range of colors and designs, a fabric sofa will meet your needs.
|
Leather sofa |
Fabric sofa | |
|
Design |
Elegant, upscale, formal, refined |
Youthful, diverse |
|
Durability |
Higher, sometimes lasting several decades. Genuine leather sofas become softer, shinier, and more beautiful the longer they are used. |
Inferior, typically lasting only about 3 to 5 years. Fabric sofas can easily wear out and lose color. |
| Variety of colors |
Limitation |
Diverse, pattern |
| Cleaning performance |
Easy to clean and maintain when it gets wet or dirty. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold growth. |
Prone to staining, difficult to clean, absorbs water quickly, and easily collects pet hair. Hard to remove stains when they have penetrated deeply into the fabric. |
| Softness |
Less soft compared to fabric sofas |
More comfortable |
| Breathable |
Genuine leather sofas are more breathable than synthetic leather sofas. |
More breathable, without the risk of being sticky or stuffy. |
| Money |
Higher |
Lower |
| Convenience |
Suitable for both winter and summer |
Typically used in winter |
In summary, leather and fabric sofas each have distinct characteristics with their own advantages and disadvantages. Leather sofas offer greater durability but are limited in color and style options. Choosing between leather and fabric sofas depends on various factors such as personal preferences, design style, budget, and usage needs. For more details on each type of sofa, you can refer to the next section.
3. Distinguishing between genuine leather sofas and synthetic leather sofas
As analyzed in the comparison table of durability between leather and fabric sofas above, leather sofas are usually less diverse in color and design compared to fabric sofas. However, in the realm of synthetic leather sofa production, there are still many models and a wide range of colors available for you to choose from. If you're unsure about choosing between genuine leather sofas and synthetic leather sofas, check out the comparison table below to make an informed decision.
|
Real leather sofa |
Synthetic leather sofa |
|
| Material |
Animal hides from buffalo, cow, sheep, goat, ... |
From scraps of genuine leather and polyester fabric, coated with 1-2 layers of PVC plastic. and phủ lên từ 1-2 lớp nhựa PVC |
| Durability |
High surface durability, which can last for several decades. Resistant to peeling and fading. The longer it is used, the more the leather surface becomes glossy and beautiful. Prone to mold if not cleaned regularly. |
Short surface lifespan (~5-10 years). Prone to peeling and fading, and the longer it is used, the stiffer the surface becomes. |
| Color |
Typically only available in basic leather colors. |
A wide variety of different colors |
| Cleaning |
Easy to wipe and clean Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent loss of elasticity. |
Easy to clean and maintain |
| Aesthetic appeal |
Higher |
Lower |
| Breathable |
More breathable, without creating a hot and stuffy feeling in the summer |
Less breathable, tends to feel stuffy and hot when sitting in the summer |
| Cost |
More expensive (~ 10.000.000 – 50.000.000 vnđ) |
Less expensive
(~ 5.000.000 – 20.000.000 vnđ) |
Should you choose genuine leather or synthetic leather sofas?
Each type of leather sofa has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your budget and personal preferences. If you prefer a variety of colors and want to avoid spending too much time on maintenance or daily cleaning, synthetic leather sofas would be a suitable choice.
Conversely, if you appreciate luxurious beauty, the natural colors of animal leather, and a comfortable, breathable feel during the summer, genuine leather sofas will be the ideal choice.
