Timeless and indulgent, leather is one of those fantastic materials that look good in all types of interiors. If you enjoy the luxurious, buttery-soft look and feel of leather, there’s no time like the present to invest in a leather sofa or armchair for your home.
For those working on a tighter budget, faux leather is an affordable option that has become increasingly popular for home furnishing. However, while it might appear like the real deal at first glance, the material is fundamentally different from its natural counterpart. So, if you’re expecting your faux leather sofa to wear, age, and polish up in the same way as real leather, you may be disappointed.
Making the choice between faux and real leather isn’t always easy. But don’t despair, we’re here to share the differences between the two types of leather upholstery. Finding the right furnishing that’s perfect for you is about to become an absolute breeze.
Breath ability
One of the greatest advantages of a real leather sofa is its breath ability. This means comfort throughout the year, even on the warmest summer days. In comparison, because faux leather is a synthetic material, it is not breathable & may feel uncomfortably warm in hot weather. If temperatures rise too high, it could turn your living room into a no-go zone in the summer months. Opting for a genuine leather sofa would ensure your seating area remains cool and comfortable throughout the year.
If you don’t have your heart set on leather, fabric and velvet armchairs and sofas are also great for people looking for breathable and comfortable furnishing. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, these classic finishes are perfect for all seasons.
Durability
One of the key factors in purchasing a sofa is its durability. If you’re looking for an investment piece that allows you to enjoy your leather sofa for years to time, real leather is the way to go.
Faux leather is much less durable than real leather. It tends to crack and peel over time, with poor quality pieces losing their original finish in just a few months. Because faux leather is man-made, this peeling and cracking can’t be undone, and your sofa will continue to degrade over time.
Real leather on the other hand is incredibly durable. If it’s looked after correctly, real leather can last for decades, or even centuries. This makes real leather furniture a fantastic investment, allowing you to enjoy your leather armchairs or leather chaise sofa throughout the time. In the event that your leather furnishings are beginning to look a little tired or worn, a specialist leather treatment can revive them instantly, giving your interior a whole new look and your sofa and chairs a new lease of life.
For a lot of people, leather is even more beautiful when it’s a little worn. The material ages naturally, giving your sofa a unique look and helping it to ‘bed in’ to your living room. Because older leather is still incredibly strong – especially when properly cared for – these worn patches are unlikely to tear, allowing you to enjoy the natural evolution of the material without fear your furnishing will suffer.
If you want a sofa that’s durable, hard wearing, stylish, and comfortable, it’s well worth investing in real leather furnishing. Good for households with animals and young children, leather is a versatile material that’s ideal for modern life. Find out more and select the leather sofa that’s perfect for your home, by looking through our collection.
