Fabric or Leather? Two Great Choices. Your Call.
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing a new sofa — and there’s no one right answer.
The best covering is the one that suits your style, the way you live and how you want your sofa to feel. Here’s where to start.
Why Choose Fabric?
Fabric gives you enormous freedom to play with colour, texture and style. From beautifully soft neutrals to deeper statement shades and tactile weaves, fabric can completely change the personality of a sofa.
Fabric could be for you if you love:
- A soft, cosy feel
- Lots of colour choice
- Texture and tactile finishes
- A relaxed, contemporary look
- The freedom to personalise your sofa
Ranges such as Bailey, Nash, Malone, Murphy, Demi and Stevie can be explored in different fabric options, depending on the particular model and configuration.
Why Choose Leather?
Leather brings its own character. It can feel refined, contemporary or relaxed depending on the sofa design and leather you choose. It also develops character as it lives with you.
Leather could be for you if you love:
- A timeless look
- Natural character
- A smooth, tactile finish
- Easy everyday wipe-down care
- A covering that develops personality over time
Selected Hunter Home sofa collections are available with leather choices, giving you the opportunity to pair your favourite design with a completely different look and feel.
What About Kids and Pets?
Both fabric and leather can work beautifully in busy homes — the important thing is choosing the right covering, rather than simply choosing a material category.
Think about your household, how frequently the sofa will be used, pets, young children, sunlight and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.
Our in-store team can talk you through covering characteristics and help you narrow down the options for your lifestyle.
Think About Colour Differently
Your sofa is one of the largest visual elements in the room.
A neutral covering can give you a versatile foundation that can be restyled over time with rugs, cushions, throws and artwork.
Or make the sofa the statement. Deep greens, warm earthy tones, rich leathers or textured fabrics can become the starting point for the whole room. There’s no rule saying your sofa has to be beige.
Texture Changes Everything
Even two fabrics in the same colour can create completely different looks. A smooth weave can feel clean and contemporary. A more tactile fabric can add warmth and softness. Leather can bring richness and natural variation.
That’s why looking at a swatch online isn’t quite the same as seeing — and feeling — the real thing.
Consider the Sofa Too
The covering shouldn’t be considered separately from the furniture. A more tailored design such as Nash can take on very different personalities depending on the upholstery, while relaxed ranges such as Murphy lend themselves beautifully to softer, tactile finishes.
Likewise, choosing fabric or leather for Bailey can change the overall character of the same sofa considerably.
How Do I Care for Fabric?
Regular light vacuuming can help remove dust and debris before it settles into the upholstery.
Attend to spills promptly and follow the specific care instructions provided for your chosen fabric. Avoid using general household cleaning products unless they’re recommended for the covering.
Protecting upholstered furniture from prolonged direct sunlight can also help preserve its appearance.
How Do I Care for Leather?
Regularly remove surface dust with a soft cloth and follow the care recommendations for your particular leather.
Leather is a natural material, so variation and changes in appearance can be part of its character.
Avoid placing leather furniture in prolonged direct sunlight or close to strong heat sources, and use only care products appropriate for your specific leather.
Still Can’t Decide?
Come and touch it. Many Hunter Home collections are available in a much broader selection of coverings than can practically be shown online.
In store, you can see fabric and leather samples together, compare colours and textures against your favourite sofa and talk through the best options for your home.
With a huge choice of coverings and thousands of potential sofa combinations, you might discover something you hadn’t even considered online.
Make It More You
Start with the sofa you love. Then choose the covering that makes it yours.