Fabric, Leather, or Velvet? Pros and Cons of Different Armchair Materials

An armchair is the epitome of comfort.

A nicely designed one, perfectly crafted by using plush materials, feels like a warm snuggle when we sit on it.

For such a comfortable feel, a lot depends on its upholstery. The upholstery materials for armchairs could be fabric, leather, or shining velvet. Each has its pros and cons.

In this blog, we are going to learn about these three materials, including their pros and cons. We will understand which type of upholstery we can pick that can have a positive effect on the overall feel of our living room. 

Such knowledge about the upholstery is essential because the furniture piece you bring home to decorate your living room says a lot about you. 

And therefore, considering the materials, structural frame, dimensions, size, shape, features, design, etc., is a valuable start on the way to finding the perfect armchair.

So, before purchasing one, it is always advisable to consider certain factors.

Key factors to consider before purchasing an armchair

Before you decide to purchase a brand new piece of furniture, there are certain factors you should consider, and even before that, it should be clear in your mind about:

• Where do I want to keep the furniture?
• Is durability one of the key factors?
• Is it children and pet-friendly?
• How likely am I going to use it?
• Do I want it to be stain-resistant?
• What shape or size would be perfect for my home?
• Do I need a chair to sink into it?
• Or, do I prefer one that gives more support with its firmness?
• Does it need to be compatible with a room theme or interior decor?

Each material will differ in each of these categories, and therefore it’s important to consider which upholstery would work best.

The key factors that should be considered before purchasing an armchair are:

1. Durability including wear and tear

Durability isn’t just about how long your furniture lasts; it’s also about how well it withstands daily wear and tear. Over time, the fabric may fade, the leather may lose its sheen, and cushions may soften. 

High-quality, durable armchair materials and sturdy construction ensure that these changes enhance the chair’s character rather than degrade its appearance. 

Consider stain-resistant material, strong stitching, and solid frames for longevity. 

Always remember that a well-made piece doesn’t just endure—it ages gracefully, becoming a comfortable den in your space for years to come.

2. Colour of the furniture

Choose the right colour according to your room and other furniture pieces. It is also a good idea to choose a colour that looks wonderful under different lighting. 

Select a colour that you’ll be able to live with for a long time. You can always add bright colours with cushions and blankets if you are choosing a neutral tone. 

Unless you like dissimilar interiors, picking colours that complement one another is always a wise idea. If your main sofa is wine-red, for example, use Hampton-style pieces in blue or white, or fabric in a lighter tone.

3. The cleanliness factor 

Here we are talking about spills and stains on the upholstery materials for armchairs.

It is also crucial to consider how easy it is to clean it. If your furniture piece ends up with a lot of stains, you may want to replace it with a new one!

Leather chairs, for that matter, are the easiest to clean, and the surface is naturally stain-resistant. 

It might be difficult to keep velvet and fabric clean like leather. Velvet chairs attract more dust and dirt due to their structure.

So before choosing furniture, must consider if you want your chair to stay clean for long or if you can manage it when it attracts more dirt.

4. The comfort level

The chairs come with different comfort levels as well, and much like mattresses, different people have different choices when it comes to the firmness or softness of the material. 

Some furniture buyers prefer a softer seat, whereas others may prefer not-so-soft chairs that offer more support. 

Mostly in professional spaces, hotel lobbies, and offices, where footfall is greater, people bring in chairs with greater support and a firm seat. And at home, they bring softer ones for a cosy feel.

Your choice in this regard may influence which upholstery is best for you.

Leather furniture pieces offer the firmest option, but, over time, the leather might become softer as it gets ‘worn in.’ A fabric option, on the other hand, offers a soft option. 

A fabric armchair is great for lounging for this reason. 

So if you’re looking for a comfortable chair that you can sink into after a long day, a fabric one would be the best option for you!

Again, a velvet fabric offers the middle path. The material itself is soft; the cushions can come in a range of different firmness levels. Moreover, a few velvet armchairs may be soft, while others can feel firm under pressure.

5. The choice of design

What your armchair looks like is also a factor that you should consider! Your chair's material affects its look, durability, and ease of maintenance. While some prioritise comfort and practicality, others focus on aesthetics.

Fabric furniture pieces offer the most variety in colours, patterns, and textures, allowing full customisation. In contrast, leather and velvet come in a more limited range—leather in neutral tones like black, brown, and cream, and velvet in rich hues like deep green, red, and blue.

What sets leather and velvet apart is their unique texture and finish, which fabric can't replicate. If you love their distinctive look, they might be your best choice.

6. Size and dimensions

When buying a chair, avoid choosing one that's too big or too small for your space. Consider the scale of your furniture and leave room for side tables if needed.

Also, think about who will use it. Taller individuals need a deeper seat for comfort, while shorter people or those with knee issues may prefer a shallower seat for easy movement. Always test the chair by sitting, reclining, and ensuring the arms are comfortable, especially if you plan to read or relax in it.

Moreover, while armchair dimensions vary, here are general guidelines to consider:

Width: Widths generally range from 65cm to 102cm. Choose according to your space.

Depth: Depths can range from 67cm to 105cm. Know the legroom available in your living room and choose a depth that allows for cosy sitting.

Height: An important consideration for both style and comfort. Generally, the seat height should range from 41 cm to 49cm, allowing for easy sitting. 

Also, the overall height, including the backrest, can vary depending on the style and design of the armchair, as they come in a few types.

Types of armchairs

You can choose from these popular types with durable armchair materials:

Wingback: They feature high backrests that take the form of ‘wings’ on each side, so they provide strong support for your upper body.

Club armchairs: They have a unique low-profile look with a deep and wide seat. You can find plush cushioning on them with thick armrests. So, you have a comfortable seating option here.

Swivel chairs: They provide 360-degree rotation. These chairs allow you to turn in different directions without moving the chair.

French Bergère chairs: They display exposed wooden frames, loose seat cushions, and upholstered backs. You can give a timeless and classic look to your living room by decorating a French Bergère here.

Now let’s see three key types of materials along with their pros and cons.

Armchair materials with their pros and cons

There are three key upholstery materials for armchairs — leather, fabric, and velvet. You must have some idea about them so that you can make the right decision.

Choosing the wrong material can make you deal with issues like an uncomfortable seat, early damage, stains, or compatibility issues with other furniture pieces! 

So let’s get sure about them by understanding their pros and cons.

Fabric material

A fabric armchair is considered both the most stylish and the most comfortable. 

The variety of materials, colours, designs, and print options available in fabric armchairs means that you can find a furniture piece that perfectly fits your requirements. 

So here are their pros and cons.

Cons of fabric

Somewhat difficult to clean: Uncertainties are a way of life in most of the homes. Minor problems can happen. Stains, spills, dirt, dust, children’s antics, and sometimes pet hair. You must be careful with the cleanliness, as they need great care.

Durability issues: Rough use, kids, pets, moisture, and even sunlight can all have a bad impact on the durability of the fabric. If you want to make it last for a long time, be ready to take extra care of it. 

Can absorb odours: Fabric materials can trap smells from pets, drinks, smoke, and food. And so they require frequent cleaning.

Can attract allergens: Dirt, dust, and pet hair accumulate easily on fabric material. Unless you follow a good maintenance routine, it could pose a challenge.

Well, there are ways to deal with these issues if you have your heart set on a comfortable fabric armchair. 

The quality and durability of fabrics can be improved with proper care. 

Pros of fabric

Easy customisation or personalisation: Fabric materials are flexible, as choosing fabric upholstery offers great options in terms of customisation. 

You can choose from various colours and patterns, and there are endless options of cushions that feel like an extension of your personal choice and style.

They offer heavenly comfort: Fabric materials are known to be the softest. They are most comfortable, and they offer the cosiest feel. 

Less expensive: Perhaps this is the most important positive factor. 

Fabric is usually not very costly when compared with leather or velvet options. This is true even when you get them customised according to your choice. 

Breathable material: Fabric allows air circulation, preventing discomfort.

Eco-Friendly Options: Almost all fabric materials are made from sustainable or recycled materials. So you have an environment-friendly option with a fabric armchair.

Leather

Leather chairs are widely regarded as a symbol of sophistication. They offer pure elegance and smartness, making them a highly sought-after choice. They also offer practical benefits. Leather is the easiest to maintain among the three materials. It comes in durable armchair materials.

Most people want to bring home a cool leather chair, but they also have their drawbacks.

Cons of leather

They are expensive: They look beautiful, but they are pricier than most other material types. The more the budget, the better the looks and style. But of course, the price is worth it.

No temperature control: Leather takes on the temperature of the atmosphere. It can be quite uncomfortable. In freezing winters or sultry summers, you may have to take some care while sitting on it. 

Prone to scratches:  Leather is vulnerable to scratches, especially from sharp objects, pets, or rough usage. These scratches are more visible and can affect its appearance, which may require little repair.

Need regular maintenance: Leather requires consistent care to maintain its look and longevity. It may require special cleaning solutions and conditioning to prevent dryness, cracks, and fading.

Limited Design Variety: Leather chairs typically come in fewer colours and patterns. This limitation may make it tough to match different interior styles.

Pros of leather

Requires minimal effort to maintain and clean: Leather upholstery materials for armchairs are easy to clean. Spills and stains can be easily wiped off as it doesn’t absorb liquids. This makes it an ideal choice for households with children or pets.

Long life: Leather is known for its longevity and great strength. Its tough composition and chemistry ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come, even with rough use.

Immune to minor spills and pet-related wear: Purchase furniture with thick leather upholstery, as it is stain-and-scratch resistant. While no material is completely immune to them, leather offers a higher level of resistance. 

Due to this, it is a practical choice for furniture buyers.

Pure aesthetic value: Leather effortlessly complements various interior styles as it exudes elegance and sophistication. 

Their refined appearance adds a luxurious touch to any space.

The material is hypoallergenic: Leather does not trap dirt, dust, pet hair, or allergens. This makes it a healthier option for health-conscious furniture lovers. 

Its smooth surface prevents the accumulation of microparticles, ensuring easier cleaning and good health.

Velvet

Currently very popular, velvet is regarded as one of the most luxurious materials for beautiful chairs, and they are also durable armchair materials.

The material is woven with two equally strong fabric materials that give it extra resilience and sheen. 

However, this double-weaved material also has some cons.

Cons

A high-maintenance fabric: Velvet is not easy to clean. It easily traps dirt, dust, and pet hair within its soft fibres. Regular vacuuming is necessary to keep it looking fresh.

You may require professional cleaning to prevent permanent stains.

Can be problematic for allergy sufferers: Velvet is not hypoallergenic. Due to its plush texture, velvet collects allergens like dust and pet hair. These particles can become embedded in the fabric, requiring frequent cleaning.

A delicate fabric that can wear out quickly: Velvet is prone to wear and tear. It is a delicate fabric. Over time, areas of frequent use may develop crushed or flattened fibres. Extra care is needed to preserve its look for a long time.

An absorbent that can be damaged by humidity: It is sensitive to moisture. Liquid stains are particularly difficult to remove. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause mould growth. 

Using velvet in humid environments with young children can be a bit challenging.

A little expensive due to the intricate production process

High-quality velvet is often more expensive as it requires an intricate production process. Moreover, maintaining its plush appearance requires special cleaning products and treatments.

Pros

Durable due to double-weave construction: They are highly durable and strong and also resistant to wear. Despite its delicate appearance, high-quality velvet is long-lasting and maintains its luxurious texture for years.

Offers a rich, elegant look: They are aesthetically attractive. Its soft sheen and deep colour variations create a luxurious feel, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate stylish, eye-catching furniture.

Comfortable, soft, and cosy texture: The plush, thick weave provides a soft and cosy texture. Velvet feels smooth against the skin, offering a warm and inviting seating experience perfect for relaxation.

Variety of colours and styles: It comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. This allows for greater customisation. Whether bold and vibrant or neutral and subtle, velvet armchairs can easily complement personal preferences.

More Affordable: It is generally more affordable than leather. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a high-end aesthetic without the hefty price tag.

Summing up!

Well, irrespective of the pros and cons of upholstery materials for armchairs, choosing between fabric, leather, or velvet armchairs depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and maintenance needs. 

While a fabric armchair offers comfort and variety, it requires upkeep. Leather, on the other hand, is durable and easy to clean but a bit costly. Velvet provides luxury and softness but demands great care. 

So, weigh these pros and cons and ensure the perfect fit for your space with durable armchair materials.

Check out the large collection of armchairs at Divano and enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle. 

Go ahead!

Start purchasing now at Divano Furniture and bring home the cosy comfort you need.