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Fabric Vs Leather: The Right Sofa for You

Feb 11, 2019 | Design Styles, Room Inspirations, Ultimate Guide

So, you’re thinking of buying a sofa and are paranoid about making the wrong choice. You don’t even know whether you should get a leather sofa or a fabric one, let alone knowing what style you want.   

 It’s important to remember these three things before you read further:  

  • Breathe. You’re not alone.   
  • This article talks about Leather vs Fabric. That’s it. If you know what you want, jump to the article that talks about sofa styles here.  
  • Your pick between leather and fabric will depend on things like your lifestyle, comfort, budget and more. There’s no right or wrong, just right for you or wrong for you.   

 Now that you’re not panicking, let’s dive right in and find out what’s right for you – Leather or Fabric.  

 

1. Maintenance   

 

One of the most important things to consider when buying a couch or sofa is the maintenance associated with the style and material used. Usually, maintenance depends on your lifestyle, and in some cases, how clumsy you are.   

When trying to make a choice solely based on maintenance, it is important to understand that irrespective of the material of your choice, the higher the quality of the material, the better is the resistance to factors like scratches, tears, rips, and fading. So, spend that extra bill and get a couch that’s made with material of supreme quality.   

 

Fabric Sofa  

Maintaining fabric sofas is no joke if you have kids (or you spill food around like a kid) or pets. An untrained cat’s claws can be your sofa’s worst enemy and will give it an antiqued look within a few months. However, if you don’t have kids or pets (and you’re a responsible adult), fabric sofas can be easy to maintain with just a vacuum or steam clean every now and then. If you’re dealing with spills, you’re also more likely to find more cleaning products for fabric than leather (they’re usually cheaper too).  

 

Leather Sofa  

Leather sofas are a great choice if you have pets because they're much more resistant to scratches than fabric. However, in case you don’t have kids or pets and your decision is based solely on maintenance, something to remember is that dedicated care products for leather are fewer in number and are also slightly more expensive as compared to products made for fabric.   

 

2. Comfort  

 

We spend more time than we should on the couch, whether we’re bingeing our favorite shows, writing work emails or just finishing that leftover pizza – we're on that sofa, a lot! Thus, comfort is a decision-making factor when trying to make a choice between leather and fabric sofas.  

It is important to keep in mind that although the material and texture slightly affect the comfort factor of a couch, it is primarily impacted by the frame, design, and construction.   

 

Fabric Sofa  

The comfort offered by a fabric sofa can totally depend on the quality of the material used and the weaving process of the fabric. If you’ve taken the premium route, you’re very likely to get plush, snuggly fitting fabric that makes you cozy. If you haven’t taken the premium route, you’re still going to be comfortable on a fabric sofa but for a shorter duration because of the inferior fill in the cushions.   

 

Leather  

Whether in your car or at home, leather seating or sofas are going to adapt to your body temperature and absorb heat from the surroundings. So, you’re bound to feel slightly colder in the winter and slightly warmer in the summers. Is that a deal-breaker? Absolutely not! Premium leather sofas can be just as cozy as fabric ones.   

 

 

3. Color, Texture, and Pattern  

 

To some people, it can be important to have a room with a synchronized color scheme. While most people prefer easily available, neutral colors, there may be those who just need that Nightwatch Green or Coral toned masterpiece. This makes color an important factor in the choice of material.  

 

Fabric  

If you’re looking for a specific color, print pattern or texture, you’re more likely to find it on a fabric sofa. The different weaving pattern and dyes used in putting together fabric sofas, open up unlimited avenues in terms of color, texture or pattern.  

 

Leather  

Although there’s quite some variety in tans and shades of leather, there are fewer options than in fabric. The texture on leather sofas is usually not as notable as the different textures available in fabric sofas. However, leather sofas are sure to make better anchor pieces in rooms that are surrounded by art and décor pieces because of the neutral colors and chic designs.  

 

4. Allergens

 

People with allergies will surely appreciate this reminder.  Didn't think we'd leave you out, did you? 

 

Fabric  

If you’ve got allergies, fabric sofas may not be the best option for you. Fabric tends to hold dust mites, pet dander and other particles that may cause allergies. Unless you’re somebody who vacuums their couch every day, fabric maybe something you want to stay away from.  

 

Leather  

Leather sofas are hypoallergenic, making them resistant to dust mites, pet dander, and most other allergens. Plus, just a clean wipe every now and then will get rid of any surface dust. Leather sofas are a better choice if you’re trying to stay away from allergens.   

 

 

5. Appearance   

 

There are thousands of designs for sofas in the market today and choosing a sofa based on the appearance may be tougher than ever. Our recommendation is that you look at the different styles and go with what appeals to you the most – there's no right or wrong!  

 

Fabric   

Because fabric sofas are available in so many colors, patterns, and textures, they are a better choice if you’re trying to give your home a more contemporary look and feel.   

 

Leather  

Leather sofas have limited tans and colors which make them exclusive in a way. Most leather sofas have fine lines that are complemented by the grain pattern on the leather, that gives the sofa a timeless, classic feel. If that’s the look you’re going after, leather is a good fit.  

 

Which One Should I Pick?  

 

Both leather and fabric have their advantages and disadvantages. It depends on which one of the two will bring the most value to you. If you’re really struggling to decide, leave a comment on the post with any specific questions you may have, and we’ll get one of our Interior Specialists to help you out.   

 

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The short answer

Neither shape is better on its own; the right one depends on your seating layout, your traffic flow and how you use the room. A round coffee table suits compact rooms, sectionals and busy households, while a rectangular coffee table suits a long sofa and rooms that need extra surface.

Shape is one of the first decisions our design team makes when a coffee table moves from sketch to sample, because it sets how a seating group feels and functions. Below is how we think it through, and how designers and stagers can apply it to a real floor plan.

 

  • When a round coffee table works best

    Choose round when the room needs softness, easy movement or a centre point for seating on several sides.

    • Sectionals and L-shaped seating. A circle reaches every seat equally, so no one sits facing a corner.
    • Compact or square rooms. With no corners to walk around, a round top keeps pathways open in condos, dens and reading nooks.
    • Busy households. Rounded edges are kinder to shins in high-traffic rooms.
    • Rooms full of straight lines. A circle breaks up a rectilinear sofa, rug and media console.

    The Shima Round Coffee Table brings this idea to a generous 45-inch circle in solid wood, with arched cut-out legs that keep the base visually light. For a smaller footprint with natural stone, the Rumer Coffee Table sets a 36-inch round of veined white marble on dark brown hardwood legs.

When a rectangular coffee table works best

Choose rectangular when a long sofa anchors the room or when the table has to work hard.

  • A standard three-seat sofa. A rectangle echoes the sofa's length, so every seat can reach the surface.
  • Long, narrow living rooms. The shape follows the room's proportions instead of fighting them.
  • Function first. More usable surface for trays, books, games and serving, plus room for shelves or storage below.
  • Formal or symmetrical plans. A rectangle reads as structured and balanced, ideal for facing sofas.

The Tabor Coffee Table wraps recycled pine in a black oak veneer waterfall frame for a clean, architectural rectangle. For collectors, the Arelius Rectangular Display Coffee Table pairs a glass-topped shadowbox with a black metal base, turning the centre of the room into a place to show treasured objects.

Oval and square: the in-between shapes

If you want the reach of a rectangle with the ease of a circle, choose oval; if your seating forms a square, choose square.

Oval gives a long sofa full coverage while removing the corners, which makes it a strong choice for families and tight walkways. The Shima Oval Coffee Table measures 48 by 28 inches in solid mango wood and arrives fully assembled. The Terra Oval Coffee Table adds a fluted base that conceals a lift top and storage.

Square suits a deep sectional or four chairs arranged around a central table. At 48 inches square with a 3-inch reclaimed wood top, the McArthur Coffee Table anchors large seating groups. The Lucas Coffee Table scales white marble down to 30 inches square for condos and paired-chair corners.

Sizing and clearance guidelines

Whatever the shape, scale matters more than style: a well-sized table makes a seating group feel intentional.

Guideline

Rule of thumb

Length (rectangular or oval)

About two-thirds the length of the sofa

Diameter (round)

About half to two-thirds of the sofa length; larger for a sectional's corner

Distance from seating

14 to 18 inches, close enough to reach a cup

Height

Level with the seat cushion or 1 to 2 inches lower

Walkways around the table

30 to 36 inches where people pass

When a room is between sizes, a round or oval table usually gives back more circulation space than a rectangle of the same surface area.

Pairing shape and material with your sofa

Contrast is the simplest rule: pair a heavy, square-armed sofa with a softer shape, and a curved sofa with cleaner lines.

With a dark brown or leather sofa, avoid matching the tone exactly. White marble, light wood or a metal base adds the contrast that keeps a dark sofa from feeling heavy. The Rumer and Lucas coffee tables both bring white marble into that palette.

Is marble still in style? Yes. Natural stone continues to anchor both modern and transitional rooms, and veining means no two tops are alike. Look for surface-tested finishes if the table will see daily cups and glasses.

With a light or curved sofa, a darker table in wood or blackened metal grounds the room, and an oval or rectangle adds structure.

Explore the collection

Browse Mercana coffee tables in round, oval, square and rectangular shapes, across Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Transitional, Industrial and Farmhouse styles. Each piece is designed in-house and specified with full dimensions, materials and clearance details.

For interior designers, stagers and retailers: register for a trade account to view wholesale pricing and availability. Shopping for your own home? Find a Mercana retailer near you.

Is it better to have a round or rectangular coffee table?

Round is better for sectionals, compact rooms and high-traffic homes. Rectangular is better for a long sofa, narrow rooms and when you need more surface or storage.

Does a round coffee table work with an L-shaped sectional?

Yes. A round table reaches every seat in an L-shaped layout and leaves an open path around the corner.

What size coffee table do I need?

Aim for about two-thirds the length of your sofa, 14 to 18 inches from the seat, and level with or slightly below the cushion height.

What coffee table goes with a dark brown sofa?

Choose contrast: white marble, light wood or a metal base keeps a dark sofa from feeling heavy.

Is an oval coffee table a good compromise?

Yes. An oval offers the reach of a rectangle along a long sofa without hard corners.

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