Compare leather sofas vs fabric sofas: which suits your home?

Full-grain or top-grain leather ages well and gets softer over time. Tan, cognac and dark brown suit wood-heavy interiors. It needs conditioning a couple of times a year.

Faux leather (PU or PVC) gives the leather look for less. It wipes clean easily but can crack and peel over time, especially in heat and humidity. Choose a good-quality PU over PVC.

Natural fabrics stay cool in hot weather and feel soft. Choose a tight weave and a mid-tone colour. They stain more easily, so a removable cover helps.

Velvet in emerald, navy or rust instantly looks luxurious. Performance velvets resist stains and crushing. It suits formal drawing rooms more than busy family lounges.

Polyester-based performance fabrics resist stains, spills and fading. They're ideal for homes with children and pets. Many look like linen or wool but clean much more easily.

A leather sofa with fabric armchairs, or the other way round, gives you contrast and balance. Keep the colours related, like tan leather with beige fabric. It's a popular way to get the best of both.

Many families choose a fabric three-seater for everyday use and a leather recliner for the TV corner. Leather recliners wipe clean and keep their shape.

Slipcover sofas let you wash covers at home or change colours for festivals. They're practical in dusty cities. Ask for a spare set when buying.

White, cream or grey leather looks crisp in modern interiors. It shows dye transfer from dark jeans, so it suits adult homes. Protect it with a leather sealant.

Bouclé, tweed and slub fabrics hide small stains, pet hair and pilling better than flat weaves. They add texture to a neutral room.