Do we have to get a leather sofa?

[cavycavy]

1st world problem alert!!

We are desperately in need of a new sofa. However, because we have a 4 year old and TTC#2 my DH has said we should wait until the 2nd child (as yet not even conceived!) is at least 6!!!!

I can’t wait that long. Our sofa is sagging in the middle, very light cream and covered in stains. It’s also a stupid L shape with a very low back which I hate. Bought it pre children when we were all modern and fashionable. I think we should get a cheap but comfy, high backed sofa that is easy to clean, possibly quite dark in colour to cope with any potential ‘art work’ by our DC.

I don’t really like leather sofas (they always feel cold to touch, but I’m drawn to them for their wipe clean potential.

Is there a fabric wipe clean option?!!!

We bought a leather sofa for the dog, but we got it from eBay it was nearly new and only £100, originally from Next, very comfy

Our cat has been far more disastrous to the sofas than the dc. I really need to replace ours, but nothing is cat-proof and she isn’t going to grow out of destructive behaviour. I fantasise about a green velvet sofa...

Another idea would be to get a second hand sofa from a charity shop or ebay, to tide you through the toddler years. A charity shop in my town has a fast turnover in very acceptable sofas at £100 to about £250 for a really smart one.

Leather sofas aren’t actually that durable. Well mine isn’t. Mines 4 years old and it’s pretty tatty and it’s not even in a room the kids use very much. Our fabric sofa from DFS in the playroom has also lasted 4 years and looks fine, still comfy.

I originally didn't like leather sofas at all but just before ds was born, mil bought new ones and gave us her (not even a year) old one and two armchairs. They're chocolate brown, and actually really comfy. I have massive cream throws draped over them and they're very cosy in the winter and nice and cool in summer. They've taken a right battering and are still going strong so I'm a bit of a convert.

I still prefer the look of fabric sofas but I'm fundamentaly lazy and leather is loads easier to look after. A wipe with a damp cloth every now and then and a rub with a tiny spot of oil once a year to keep it from cracking.

They're about 7 years old now and still look new.