Real Vs Artificial Leather: Pros and Cons
If you are in the market for a new piece of furniture, leather is always an option that should be considered. If the steep price of real leather turns you off, there are artificial leather furniture pieces that can be considered. When you are attempting to decide which will work better for your home, it is important to weigh all of the pros and cons for each material. Use the guide below to help you with your decision making.
Real Leather
There is nothing like the look, feel and smell of real leather. Its soft, supple texture is renowned for providing sophistication and comfort to any piece of furniture. Unlike other materials, leather has a unique appeal that adds a certain look to a room that cannot be duplicated exactly by any other material, including artificial leather. The smell of leather is also something to consider; it has a distinct smell that identifies it clearly as leather.
While the decorating benefits of real leather are attractive, there are some disadvantages to consider:
Natural acids and oils on the body can damage the leather surface itself. It can cause discoloration and can actually make the leather break down. When you have invested thousands of dollars in a leather sofa, the last thing that you want to have happen is for it to become discolored. Real leather also tends to dry out and requires more care than its artificial counterpart. If you can commit to properly caring for a leather sofa or chair, there is nothing like the feel and texture of the fabric. However, if your family’s lifestyle is rough and tumble and the consistency of care cannot be guaranteed, real leather may not be the ideal choice for you.
Artificial Leather
Available in a wide range of colors, artificial leather is an excellent choice for providing some of the look and feel of leather without the high price tag. While it does not look or feel exactly like the real product itself, artificial leather has a soft quality to it that is also appealing. One of the major benefits of artificial leather is its durability. It is much more tolerant of wear than real leather. It takes less care and is less likely to dry out and crack as real leather furniture can. This is especially good news for those with busy families and young children, as it is a much more durable alternative to real leather, but with a very similar look.
The drawback to artificial leather is that it is artificial. Some decorators and homeowners want only the real product in their room’s designs. It does not have the unique smell of real leather; and while it is a soft fabric, the texture is very different from real leather. If you can overlook the slight textural differences and embrace the lower price tag and variety of colors, artificial leather may be the answer to your decorating needs.
No matter which fabric you choose, real or artificial leather, the look of the room will change dramatically. Leather, whether it is real or artificial, creates a more sophisticated and mature look to any room. It is perfect for a men’s retreat room, a formal living room and a family room, as well. Choose the fabric that is going to work best for your family’s needs and your budget.
