When buying a new sofa, one of the most important choices you’ll make is the material. While colour, shape, and size matter too, the fabric or upholstery plays a huge role in how your sofa feels, looks, and performs over time. Two of the most popular options—fabric and faux leather—each offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
In this blog, we’ll compare the two materials across the most important factors, helping you decide which is the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Comfort and Feel
The first thing you notice when sitting on a sofa is how it feels. Both fabric and faux leather offer different tactile experiences, and your personal comfort preference will heavily influence your choice.
- Fabric sofas feel softer and warmer to the touch, making them ideal for long periods of lounging.
- Faux leather can feel cooler and firmer, especially when first sitting down, but still offers good support.
- In colder rooms, fabric retains heat better, while faux leather can feel chilly without a throw or cushion.
- For a snug, homely feel, many people prefer the softness and texture of fabric upholstery.
Appearance and Style
Style is subjective, but the upholstery you choose will help define the overall look of your living space. From casual comfort to sleek and modern, both materials lend themselves to different aesthetic results.
- Faux leather offers a sleek, polished appearance and suits modern, minimalist interiors.
- Fabric comes in a wider range of textures, patterns, and colours, giving you more choice in design.
- For a traditional or rustic look, woven and chenille fabrics create a softer, warmer vibe.
- Faux leather works well for statement pieces in darker tones like black, grey, or brown.
Durability and Everyday Use
A sofa is a long-term investment, so it needs to hold up to regular use. Whether you live in a busy family home or a quiet flat, choosing a material that suits your daily routine will help your sofa last longer.
- Faux leather is generally more resistant to spills and stains, making it ideal for households with kids or pets.
- Fabric can show wear more easily, especially in lighter colours or softer textures.
- Durable fabric blends (like polyester mixes) offer good resistance to pilling and fading.
- Faux leather may be more prone to surface cracking over time if exposed to direct sunlight or dry air.
Cleaning and Maintenance
How much effort are you willing to put into keeping your sofa looking good? Cleaning requirements vary significantly between faux leather and fabric, and this can make a real difference in day-to-day living.
- Faux leather is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth—perfect for crumbs, pet hair, and spills.
- Fabric may require vacuuming, spot cleaning, or professional cleaning for tougher stains.
- Many fabric sofas come with removable cushion covers, making cleaning more manageable.
- Faux leather doesn’t trap dust or allergens, which can be helpful for allergy-prone households.
Temperature and Seasonal Comfort
Temperature sensitivity might not be your first concern, but the material you choose can impact how comfortable your sofa feels throughout the year—especially in the UK, where seasons can vary greatly.
- Fabric stays consistent in temperature, making it more comfortable during both summer and winter.
- Faux leather can feel hot and sticky in summer, and cold in winter without added throws.
- Households with central heating and good airflow will notice fewer seasonal extremes.
- Consider layering your faux leather sofa with cushions and throws to improve year-round comfort.
Pet and Child-Friendliness
If you have pets or children, durability and cleanability move to the top of the priority list. While no sofa is truly indestructible, the right material can make a huge difference in keeping your furniture looking fresh.
- Faux leather is resistant to muddy paw prints, spills, and crayon accidents—just wipe and go.
- Fabric may absorb odours, stains, and pet hair more easily, especially in lighter colours.
- Textured fabrics can hide wear but may snag on claws or playful tugs.
- Faux leather isn’t scratch-proof, but damage is usually surface-level and easier to hide.
Price and Affordability
Budget is a major consideration in any furniture purchase. Fortunately, both fabric and faux leather sofas are available at a range of price points, but they vary in what you get for your money.
- Faux leather sofas are often more affordable than genuine leather while offering a similar look.
- Fabric sofas range widely in price depending on the material type and brand.
- If budget is tight, faux leather often delivers the best balance of style and cleanability.
- For long-term comfort and a wide choice of styles, fabric can be worth a slightly higher investment.
Longevity and Wear Over Time
Even with careful use, all sofas show signs of age eventually. How gracefully they age depends on the material, construction, and care. Consider how your chosen material will hold up after years of daily use.
- Faux leather may crack or peel after a few years, especially if exposed to heat or sun.
- Fabric tends to fade or flatten in high-use areas but usually does so more evenly.
- Quality construction and cushion fill have just as much impact on longevity as the outer material.
- Regular cleaning and minor care go a long way in extending the lifespan of both options.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
If sustainability or ethics are part of your decision-making process, understanding how each material is made can influence your choice.
- Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, which makes it vegan-friendly but less biodegradable.
- Fabric sofas vary—natural fibres like cotton or linen are more eco-conscious, but blends may include synthetics.
- Some retailers offer eco-friendly or recycled fabric options that reduce environmental impact.
- Faux leather avoids animal products but may involve plastics or chemical treatments.
Personal Style and Lifestyle Fit
In the end, the right sofa material is the one that fits your lifestyle best. Your living habits, design preferences, and day-to-day needs should all influence your final decision—not just trends or assumptions.
- Choose fabric if you want softness, colour choice, and all-season comfort.
- Choose faux leather if you prioritise easy cleaning, sleek style, and affordability.
- Think about how you use your sofa: TV watching, entertaining, or lounging will favour different features.
- Always test both materials in person when possible—even just a sample swatch can help you decide.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between fabric and faux leather doesn’t come down to which is better—it comes down to which is better for you. Each material has its strengths and trade-offs, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, home environment, and personal taste.
If you have pets, kids, or need something easy to clean, faux leather could be the smart choice. If comfort, colour variety, and softness are your priorities, fabric might be the way to go. Either way, investing in the right material means you’ll enjoy your sofa longer—and spend less time worrying about wear and tear.
At Ready2Go Furniture, we stock a wide range of fabric and faux leather sofas to suit every space, budget, and lifestyle. From compact 2 seaters to spacious corner sofas, you’ll find in-stock designs ready for fast UK delivery—so you can sit back and relax, no matter which material you choose.
Browse our collection today and find the sofa that feels right for you.