Looking for a quick upgrade to your living room décor? The couch is the focal point in your living room, and if it looks tired and worn out then it’s time for a facelift!
Choosing the sofa upholstery is a decision that should not be made in a hurry. If you choose wrong, your décor will suffer; and redoing a bad decision can cost a pretty penny. If your choice is narrowed down to fabric or leather, check out our pointers below before you go shopping.
The term ‘upholstery’ encompasses all the materials, including the fabric, cushioned padding, kora cloth and springs; that make up the soft seat of your sofa. While the inner layers are not visible, you should always choose high-quality materials so that your sofa is comfortable and lasts long without sagging or sinking. While the most popular choice of material is still fabric, many people today opt for leather sofas.
Homeowners often choose to upholster their sofas using leather or faux leather. You can choose from a large variety of leather materials that are available nowadays, in different finishes and colours to match your decor. Real leather comes in a few classic shades leaning towards darker tones, but faux leather can be dyed to any shade. To add pops of colour or brighten up the decor, you can use cushion covers in cheerful shades to match your design theme.
The sheer variety of fabrics available for use as sofa upholstery is staggering. You can take your pick from natural and sustainable fabrics like jute, or synthetic materials like rayon. Make your choice based on the colours, textures and finishes available. However, do note: while fabrics come in a wider range of styles, this material choice itself tends to look rather more conservative than leather furniture.
This table encapsulates the differences between leather and fabric, so you can make your final choices easily:
Attributes | Leather Sofa Upholstery | Fabric Sofa Upholstery |
Durability | Durable and lasts long | Depends on the quality and care given, not as durable as leather |
Availability | Few shades only (natural leather), leaning toward dark tones | A staggering variety of colours, textures, patterns and prints |
Price | Expensive | Less expensive |
Workmanship | Needs expert craftsmen | Does not need expert craftsmanship |
Spills and stains | Resistant to spills and stains, to a larger extent | Gets stained easily |
Maintenance | Low maintenance, can be wiped clean | High maintenance, needs regular vacuuming |
Comfort | Gets hot in summertime and cold during the winter | Maintains even temperature, offers greater comfort |
Whether you opt for a fabric sofa or leather sofa, the material you finally choose has to look fashionable as well as be practical. Remember, just going by the look and price isn’t enough because you are going to live with it for a long time. Any upholstery and material you choose must be an extension of yourself, a reflection of your personal taste and yet adaptable to the general decor of your home.
Looking for help with your choices and your home’s interiors? Call the HomeLane team today!
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