New sofa fabric or leather

[noenergy]

I'm looking at replacing my current sofa as it ripped in so many places after only having it 3 years, I thought it was leather but it must be leather look as it has gathered up an ripped in so many places.

I wanted to know what everyone recommends as I know leather is easier to wipe down especially having 3 kids who are constantly snacking. I know fabric would be harder to keep clean but less chances of it ripping. I have also seen a suede type fabric which I quite like the look of, if anyone has any experience of a side like that.

No one?

Leather. It only takes one spilt drink on fabric....

Just replaced our 17 year old leather sofas with fabric. It takes a lot of getting used to and they look messy. My kids are older but if I had young ones, definitely leather. Good luck, too much choice out there!

I had leather sofas when my children were small. I've got some fabric ones now they are grown up.

I bought a fabric sofa 6 months ago - big mistake with 2 kids under 6, I’m constantly checking for stains and no matter what I do, they make a mess. We had a leather one for 14 years, it’s was still ok condition, despite 11 years with a dog, just doesn’t suit new house, really regret the fabric.

Thanks so it seems leather is the way to go

Had my leather fully reclining sofas for 15 years and still going strong after three kids and a few dogs,however once my youngest child is a few years older and dogs have departed I would love a fabric sofa.

As amazing as my sofa is for practical reasons and I know a fabric one would drive me mad for stains and dogs etc but leather is never as cosy.

I want that lovely cosy soft feeling when you sink into a fabric sofa.

Would removable fabric covers be an option? Not necessarily slip covers; my sofa covers velcro in place so they look as taut and fitted as a normal sofa but everything can go through the machine. It’s a bit of a work out I will admit but it saves on the gym

I love the look of leather but I don’t like the feel of it.

I prefer fabric. It might as well not clean your split drink but, it makes you more comfortable and cozy.

Leather, lasts for years, easy to clean and spills just wipe off. The main downside for me is just how long it lasts as my DH thinks they never need replacing.

Leather - it lasts so much better. Fabric is cheaper but a false economy as unless all the people in your house are very sedate it will look tired in a couple of years and knacker out in a few more. We found this in rental places and even more with DCs - we have a 15 year old leather sofa that is going strong, despite being cream coloured, while our dark 2-year old fabric one is already a big saggy and stained.

Fabric for me - leather is too sweaty when it's hot and too cool when it's cold. We have removable covers.