What Is Faux Leather?
All you need to know about this upholstery material.
When searching for a new leather sofa, you might come across different varieties of leather upholstery. Faux leather is an excellent option that gives you the look of leather without the same price tag. Our guide covers what faux leather is, what it's made of, and why it might be well-suited for your home.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is designed to replicate the look and feel of leather. It's created by applying layers of synthetic coating – often made with materials like polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or silicone – to a fabric backing. The faux leather is further processed to recreate a leather-like texture and finish, giving you a similar look at a more budget-friendly price.
If you're not sure if faux leather is right for you, weighing the pros and cons can help you decide. Below, we highlight both the benefits and considerations that are worth keeping in mind.
Benefits of Faux Leather
From affordability to stain-resistance, faux leather upholstery comes with plenty of perks.
- Budget Friendly: Because it uses synthetic materials rather than animal products, faux leather upholstery is typically less expensive than genuine leather. This makes it an excellent option for any budget.
- Fade Resistance & Color Variety: Faux leather upholstery is fade-resistant and comes in a much wider variety of colors than genuine leather. You can pick from a range of shades, from soothing neutrals to bold hues.
- Durability: Its durable construction makes it less prone to scratches, scrapes, and stains.
- Easy to Clean: Faux leather is nonporous and stain-resistant, which makes it effortless to wipe clean.
Cons of Faux Leather
Faux leather has many benefits, but these cons can help you determine if it's the right fit.
- Uniform Look: Animal hides create a unique grain and texture, whereas faux leather has a much more uniform finish.
- Limited Aging: Though faux leather is quite durable, it doesn't soften and patina over time like genuine leather.
- Less Breathable: Faux leather is not as hypoallergenic as genuine leather, nor is it as breathable.
Tip!
Want to learn more about the other types of leather? Read our guide Furniture 101: Your Guide to Leather Types for Furniture.
Ways to Decorate With Faux Leather
Not sure how to style faux leather furniture? Here are some ways you can incorporate it into different spaces.
Living Room
Faux leather seating can add warmth and natural appeal to your living room. From sofas and sectionals to accent chairs, these pieces of furniture add comfort and durability to your living space.
Bedroom
Bring a rustic touch to your bedroom with a faux leather headboard, or fit the end of your bed with a faux leather bedroom bench for added storage. The warm color and smooth texture are sure to make your space feel more inviting.
Dining Room
Faux leather upholstery can elevate your dining room. Add a set of faux leather dining chairs for a luxe feel, or pull up a faux leather dining bench to up the seating capacity at your table. Best of all, faux leather is stain-resistant, so no need to worry about spills.
Entryway
Faux leather’s stain-resistant qualities make it an excellent upholstery material for entryways. Place a faux leather entryway bench near the door for slipping shoes on and off, or tuck a pair of faux leather ottomans beneath a console table for versatile seating.
