When you’re setting up your living room, reading nook or even home office, finding the right furniture is key to creating comfort and functionality. That said, you may have already decided to add one or even a few recliners.
Knowing what style of chair you want is the easy part. The next step involves deciding what type of upholstery you want. Do you want leather recliner chairs or would fabric materials suit your needs better?
Leather vs Fabric: Key Differences Explained
There are several considerations to keep in mind when you’re choosing the perfect recliner for your space. If you’re currently finding it difficult to decide between leather or fabric options, then this post is for you. Keep reading as we take a look at the key differences between the two.
1. Comfort
Comfort is the number one feature to consider for many people. Typically, the comfort of a recliner has more to do with its frame and mechanisms, but it’s important to know how the difference in upholstery affects comfort levels. Here’s how:
- Leather: Typically, leather is cooler to the touch and is a popular choice for people in warmer temperatures. Choosing a quality manufacturer will ensure that the leather doesn’t feel stiff and uncomfortable.
- Fabric: Many people prefer the softer touch of fabric options. While fabric is more breathable, it’s also warmer and cosier in the cooler months when you want to curl up and stay warm.
2. Style
These days, reputable manufacturers are offering the same style of recliners in both leather and fabric options. That means you may find a chair that is the perfect style and size for your space with the option to choose the upholstery.
This wasn’t always the case, meaning upholstery often took a back seat to size and style when people went furniture shopping. Fortunately, modern recliners are made in a huge variety of styles and sizes and can even be customised.
Here’s how upholstery stacks up in terms of style:
- Leather: Typically, leather has always had a luxurious feel and appearance. Leather upholstery is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more traditional décor with larger, older furniture pieces. However, there are simple leather upholstery options that can easily blend in with modern, minimalistic décor styles.
- Fabric: Different fabric choices are often the best way to complement formal styles, especially if the recliner will be part of an already informal design setting. It’s important to note that more tailored fabrics can create a more formal look if that’s what you prefer.
Another plus point is that both upholstery and leather options can be applied to single recliners or a recliner sofa. With full sofas having a reclining mechanism, your choices to enhance style and comfort just got a whole lot easier!
3. Cost
It’s no secret that leather is more costly than fabric, even at their entry-level options. With this in mind, you should always decide what budget you’re working with before you start short-listing options.
There are some questions to keep in mind when you compare different pieces of furniture:
- How much wear will the recliner be exposed to—will it be used every day or only for the occasional guest?
- Do you have small children and pets that will be climbing all over the chair?
- Will the chair or sofa be standing next to or near a window where it will get a lot of sun?
Keep in mind that your answers will affect the choice that’s best for your unique situation. For instance, while you may prefer leather, it may get easily ripped if you have small children and pets continuously climbing on and off the chair or sofa. On the other hand, the fabric may get dirty quickly. So, you need to identify the wisest plan for the long term based on all the facts.
4. Allergens
Usually, considering the type of allergies you or your family members have doesn’t affect the type of furniture you buy. However, people suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses may take extra care to keep dust and pet dander out of their homes.
If this sounds like you, then here’s what you need to consider:
- Leather: One of the attractions of leather is that it’s amazingly easy to clean—you simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
- Fabric: While fabric recliners can easily be vacuumed to remove dust, dirt or dander, the texture of the fabric may make it more challenging to completely remove these irritants.
5. Maintenance and General Care
Maintenance and care are crucial to ensure that your new furniture remains durable and looks neat. Consider the following:
- Leather: Typically, leather only requires wiping off or dusting. While you may need to apply leather conditioner every few months, leather recliners are a more durable option.
- Fabric: Depending on the type of fabric, you may have to occasionally steam clean or scrub the material to keep it clean. Some fabrics stain easily and won’t be a good choice for a home with pets and children.
Final Thought
Choosing the right upholstery type for your new recliner is a matter of personal preference. By keeping our analysis in mind, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your personal space!
