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Fabric or leather furniture? Help me decide.

(117 Posts)
supernanauna1 Mon 10-May-21 18:54:45

We desperately need a couch and armchair - what we have is a mess. It's a type of corduroy fabric which wasn't too bad until our three year old GD came to live here - you can imagine the way things went after that.

Now that she's seven I think we'd be safe to buy new furniture but I'm torn between fabric - which I prefer - and leather which would be easier to keep clean.

Even at age seven, accidents can happen. We've always been happy about food being brought into the sittingroom, and that won't change.

So which is best? I always think leather is cold in winter and warm and sticky in summer but maybe I'm wrong.

Help please?

Yorki Wed 12-May-21 22:38:04

Buy a suite you like and put a throw on your grandchilds sita.

Yorki Wed 12-May-21 22:38:26

Seat

Lizzyflip Wed 12-May-21 22:42:44

Leather definitely. Make sure it's a good quality one though. My daughter bought a cheap one and it's just leather faced and it's cracked and pealed. Looks a right mess. I've had mine 12 years and it's as good as new. Grandchildren jump all over it and it's so easy to clean.

misty34 Wed 12-May-21 23:22:10

We had the same dilemma 2 yrs ago. Previous sofa was leather and I fancied a change when it needed replacing so opted for fabric but I rue the day we did it. Forever cleaning fabric sofa. It looks shabby already. I have to vacuum it daily for pet hairs. We were told by salesman that they just wipe off with a damp cloth. They don't, they get fully woven into the fabric. I would go back to leather tomorrow if I could afford to but will have to wait awhile.

AlexG Thu 13-May-21 09:51:35

Leather every time. Have just replaced our leather suite after 23 years and although it had gone saggy and had little back support left, the leather was still like new. It was expensive when bought though. Have replaced it was an Italian suite which is also leather. Never found it hot in summer, cold in winter or sticky. Our old dog used to sit on the old suite and it never showed a scratch.

Shandy57 Thu 13-May-21 10:57:57

One thing I didn't like about my chesterfield was having to hoover all the 'navels'! As I went to the beach every day sand would accumulate in there, my son won't have the same problem.

I'm definitely going fabric when I buy, currently sitting on the seller's old Ektorp Ikea sofa.

Craftycat Thu 13-May-21 11:47:58

We bought a leather suite about 15 years ago. It is still in perfect condition. It is so easy to mop up any spills & I love the smell of the spray leather shine polish. It is 2 chairs & a 3 seater settee- all of which recline. The only problem is that it is so comfortable we often fall asleep watching TV. We have 4 cats & they have never clawed it as they did our fabric ones.

Rowsie Thu 13-May-21 11:54:03

I have always found leather to be a bit cold. Not for me at all.

effalump Thu 13-May-21 12:50:08

If you like to wear shorts and strappy tops in summer, you will end up with red patches on the backs of your legs and your back as you peel yourself away from the leather if the weather is warm and you're a bit, shall we say, damp!

Mollygo Thu 13-May-21 14:26:30

If you like to wear shorts and strappy tops in the summer, anything you sit on will leave marks including cable-car seats, garden furniture, metal or basketwork seats in cafés. ???

annodomini Thu 13-May-21 15:08:15

DS and his partner bought leather furniture several years ago. It has worn well, but when I sit on it, I find myself sliding forwards and have to keep pulling myself up. Their cats like it though, and, unlike fabric upholstery, it seems to be impervious to cats' scratches.

supernanauna1 Fri 14-May-21 19:17:46

I can't believe what a big response my question has received! Thank you all so much.

I think I'll have a look at IKEA since they sell loose covers - might come in handy!

Thanks a million to all you nice people x.

Ankorumf Mon 16-Oct-23 15:34:16

Deciding between fabric and leather furniture can be a tough call. Fabric is cozy, but it can be a bit challenging to keep clean, especially with little ones around. Leather is easier to maintain, but you're right; it can feel cold in winter and sticky in summer. I stumbled upon a helpful blog post on the Von Baer webpage that discusses leather, which might provide some insights into your decision.Considering your preference for fabric and the coziness it offers, you could always opt for a fabric couch with removable, washable covers.

Callistemon21 Mon 16-Oct-23 15:36:51

Reported.

garnet25 Mon 16-Oct-23 16:02:04

Our leather Chesterfield is 0ver 50 years old now and is still in a great condition. It is definitely the quality of the leather that counts.

Nannashirlz Thu 19-Oct-23 16:36:48

I used to have leather sofa but in winter it is freezing lol I’ve just bought a velvet one it’s so comfortable and I’ve got throws for grandkids to sit on lol. Years ago when my sons were teenagers I bought a sofa and I said to my sons no drinks on the sofa. First day I sat down with my coffee and finger slipped and yep I did it lol spilled my coffee all over myself and sofa luckily it could be stripped and into washer it doesn’t have to be kids to make a mess. I was going for leather again but when I saw this one it was love at first sight I even went away and looked at others but I ended up coming back to this one.