Is Leather Better? Pros and Cons of Leather Furniture

There is nothing like the smooth and luxurious feel of leather furniture to soothe you after a long day. Leather furniture amps up your space, bringing a rich, modern, and elegant vibe. But some homeowners are hesitant to buy leather furniture due to many reasons. And the question is: Do the advantages of leather furniture outweigh the disadvantages? Know the pros and cons of leather furniture before purchasing from your favorite home depot.

Pros of Leather Furniture

Durable

Leather furniture pieces are more durable than their counterparts. Experts suggest that a leather sofa can last a fabric sofa by up to four times! Due to the tanning and chemical treatment ofleather, it’s more resistant to tears and punctures. Of course, this involves genuine leather and some modern tanning processes that make this material susceptible to peeling, sagging, or cracking.

Comfortable

When weighing the pros and cons of leather, function should be the number priority. Leather furniture is undeniably more comfortable than fabric-upholstered pieces. Leather is soft, smooth, and supple as it ages, compared to fabric sofas which lose their shape after how many years.

Stylish

Undoubtedly, leather furnishings look more stylish than their fabric counterparts. The sophistication of leather pieces in your space is unparalleled in interior design. Plus, leather furniture also matches any furnishings and accessories. Moreover, wood and leather go together like bacon and eggs. You can grab a king-size bed with leather upholstery, and it would still meld with all类型的梳妆台for nightstands.

Hypoallergenic

Leather material is impermeable, so it doesn’t allow liquids, gases, or solids to go through it. This makes leather hypoallergenic as it doesn’t absorb allergens like fabric sofas or materials. Leather isn’t a resting place for dust mites, dander, and dirt. So if you react to allergens, choosing leather furnishings is recommended.

Easy to maintain

Leather furniture is the best choice if you hate regular cleaning and maintenance. Due to the leather’s water-resistant feature, you don’t have to worry about taking the cover off or washing it like the fabric covering. Spills are common, especially when hanging out with kids and pets in a communal living room. Leather is also stain-resistant, so you can choose a lighter-colored leather material for yoursofaswithout worrying about your kids spilling cranberry juice on it.

Kid- and pet-friendly

As mentioned, leather is easy to clean, requiring less maintenance from homeowners. Leather furnishings are a safe choice if you have kids and pets. Due to its highly resistant nature, you don’t have to worry about dogs and cats scratching it. Additionally, leather is also odor-repellent, preventing the stinky odor of your pets when they’re hanging out with you on the sofa.

Versatile

One of the reasons why choosing leather furniture is common nowadays is its versatility in interior design. Leather furniture can be paired with just about any furniture. Whether you have a contemporary, modern, rustic, retro, or traditional home, choosing this material for your furnishings gives you a lot of room to play and experiment.

Cons of Leather Furniture

Distinct smell

If you’re sensitive to smell, leather furniture could be an issue, especially if it’s newly bought. The smell dissipates as time passes, and body oil latches onto the leather. This particular smell is a result of the tanning process. It could be from the rotting occurring or perfumes and chemicals used in the tanning process. However, you can always eliminate the smell by opening windows to air out the room.

Expensive

重的把握tages and disadvantages of leather sometimes boils down to one aspect—price. Leather might not be a good idea if you’re on a budget. However, due to its durability, you’re paying for a one-time investment that will be a timeless piece in your home. Opting for leather furnishings means you won’t have to replace them every few years.

变色

When exposed to heat or ultraviolet light, leather is prone to discoloration. Another reason why the leather’s color fades is when exposed near the fireplace or furnace. The simple solution is to put leather furniture away from direct sunlight. If this is unavoidable, you can always rearrange or reposition your pieces so the fading on the leather is even.

Sticky feeling

Since leather acclimatizes to any given temperature, it might not be suitable for areas with scorching weather. It could lead to a sticky feeling when sitting on a leather sofa and it’s 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. This is one of the aspects that homeowners fail to consider about the pros and cons of leather furniture.

Limited colors

The most common leather colors are brown, black, white, red, orange, and gray. Other uncommon colors could be yellow, blue, and green. If you’re looking for a livelier vibe in your space, you might not have options for brighter furniture colors.

Wrap Up

Now that you know the pros and cons of leather furniture, it’s time to deliberate whether this type is for you. Assess your lifestyle, area, and space. Do you have kids and pets? What kind of overall home theme do you have? Do simple colors go with your other home furnishings and accessories? Weighing the pros and cons will let you choose the right furniture that offers comfort, function, and style.