What are the advantages and disadvantages of Leather and Fabric lounges? It is a hard choice for some, and easy for others. In our experience quite often it comes down to personal preference. People just don’t like the feel of leather. It’s too hot in summer and too cold in winter. We would suggest it comes down to the ambient temperature of the room. If it is a hot room in summer you will still perspire on a leather or fabric lounge. Its just that one absorbs the perspiration and the other can be wiped off.
The main advantages to each that we have seen through the years is:
Leather:
– Easy to care for, it generally requires a wipe down with a damp cloth weekly, a clean with a recommended cleaner and a condition once a season to keep it in good condition for many years
– A selection of leather colours and qualities are available. Depending on where you purchase the lounge from you will generally have a selection of leathers. These can range from Split leather through to Top hide and Semi aniline leathers. Some retailers have more flexibility because they manufacture or import themselves. They may have a closer relationship with their supplier where they can mix and match products. Other retailers will have minimal flexibility because they buy off wholesalers who have to order containers of the same model in one of two colours.
– Strength and longevity is a popular comment when we are discussing the requirements for the customer. Most common cow hide or buffalo leathers are between 0.9 – 1.2 mm, with some thicker leathers available as well. Leather will stretch over time. This is one of the reasons customers prefer it as it softens and feels more comfortable.
– Classic look and feel of leather will ensure it rarely goes out of fashion. many customers come into the showroom raving about the leather lounge they have had for years and find it very difficult to give up
Fabric:
– Many choices of quality, colour and texture are available. We use Warwick Fabrics, which has an exceptional reputation for ranging some of the best and most fashionable fabrics in the world.
– The ability to style a lounge to suit the decor of a room. Fabric choices are enormous and it would be surprising if you couldn’t find what you are looking for.
– You also have the choice of getting washable covers to ensure longevity of the suite.
– The price of fabric can be significantly less than leather. That said, some fabrics can be more expensive than leather. I am sure you will be able to find a less expensive option if budget is a priority. Whatever you do, try to avoid Bonded leather. We have horror stories come through the showroom every week of customers that have ordered bonded leather and it has started peeling within a few years of purchasing.
– Personal preference.
Disadvantages:
– Leather can stretch and show stretch marks over a long period of time. This is completely normal but on some lighter coloured leather can look a bit unsightly.
– Some customers say that they feel leather can be a bit “hot and sweaty” in warmer weather.
– Price can be high. Make sure you look around to ensure you are not paying for a retailers premises or advertising which is reflected in the sell price
– Much smaller choice of colour in leather.
– Can look a bit dirty over time if not cared for. That said, care is not a huge problem with leather (please see notes on advantages)
– Is prone to animals clawing the fabric.
– Prone to buckles getting caught in the fabric and pulling a thread.
– To ensure longevity it is worthwhile getting your fabric lounge dry cleaned on a regular basis otherwise dirt and grit can get into the fibres and reduce its life.
– Can look a bit grubby if not looked after.
– The style of fabric can go out of fashion quite quickly.
– Harder to clean in general re spillages etc.
– Poorer quality fabrics can stretch and look unsightly
There you go….some of the advantages and disadvantages of leather and fabric lounges. Ultimately it comes down to what the customer is looking for in regards to style, colour, general usage, ease of use and personal preference. Some people just do not like the feel of either fabric or leather.
Hope this helps in your choice of leather or fabric lounges. As an advantage Devlin Lounges leather lounges are available in many choices of leather, our manufacturers fabric range or Warwick Fabrics
