All imponderables, we think you’ll agree. And for some, there’s another to add into the mix: what’s best, a leather sofa or a fabric sofa? Thankfully, we’re on hand to help you with this one….

Perhaps the best way to pick between leather vs fabric is to first ask another question: what do we all look for in any sofa? Comfort. Tick. Style. Tick. Durability. Tick. Value. Tick. So, using these universal categories, let’s get ready to rumble as fabric takes on leather in the sofa showdown…

Style: who is the fairest sofa of them all?

Whilst this one comes down to personal taste, there’s a lot to be said for both leather and fabric. On the one hand, leather really makes a statement and in general sets a more sophisticated tone to a room. On the other hand, fabric comes in a much bigger array of colours and patterns so can work with a wider range of colour schemes and décor.

So it really depends on what you’re after. Nothing beats a leather Chesterfield for that traditional, cosy, and slightly clubby feel. Whereas if you want to get a bit more fresh and funky then fabric can take you wherever you want to go. Make sure to check out our Chesterfield sofa buying guide for more insights into this famous style.

Durability: does fabric or leather last longest?

A sofa is quite an investment in your home’s interior styling, so you want to get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. Ideally, it needs to be hard-wearing and easy to maintain so it keeps the good looks you fell in love with in the first place.

By its very nature, leather is generally more durable than fabric and often lasts longer when properly maintained. And whilst fabric sofas can come with a stain repellent treatment, leather is easy to clean with just a quick wipe. Which makes it a sensible choice if you have little ones (or clumsy adults) around the place. Also, as any parent will testify, children love to play on sofas, and fabrics can easily start to look a little worn under the strain, whereas leather is less yielding.

Something else to bear in mind is allergies – without a regular clean and vac, fabric sofas can be a trap for dust mites and pet fur, whereas leather tends to trap fewer allergens than fabric.

Don’t forget to check out our leather care guide and fabric care guide, so you know exactly how to keep your new sofa in top shape.

Value: which sofa gives you most for your money?

As with anything, the price you pay for your sofa reflects the quality of the material used. And whilst leather sofas are perceived to be more expensive, that’s not always the case when lined up alongside a premium fabric sofa.

When it comes to value, you need to take into account the other criteria we’ve used here and factor in things like comfort, cleaning and even allergies. The sofa that ticks most boxes for you is the one which offers the best investment.

Maintenance: which sofa is easier to handle?

If you’re looking for a sofa you can easily wipe down to deal with spills and everyday mess, then leather will be your best friend. However, despite leather sofas having very easy maintenance requirements, they can show scratches and will benefit from the occasional conditioning.

Fabric, on the other hand, is cosy and more forgiving when it comes to scratches but is also more likely to absorb liquids if someone in your home is a bit more clumsy. If you choose a fabric sofa, remember that it will need regular vacuuming and spot cleaning, and spills and stains will take more effort to get out.

It’s simple: leather is the low-maintenance option that ages like fine wine, and fabric is the comfortable friend that needs a little more looking after. So, leather wins this one.

For more information on how long a sofa should last, don’t forget to take a look at our guide.

Pet-friendliness: which sofa is ideal for your furry friends?

Leather or fabric sofas can both be great options if your house is home to a cuddly pet, but it just depends on what you want to prioritise.

If you’re worried about muddy paws and a bed of pet hair, then a leather sofa would be best. This material makes it easy to wipe those pesky pawprints away, and the pet hair can be easily vacuumed up (as long as you stay on top of it.)

Fabric sofas are generally more resistant to claw marks, and make a cosy resting spot for your pet, but they tend to attract pet hair and will retain odours a lot more than leather. You can always try your best to get rid of these odours, but it will take a lot more work than a leather sofa.

Once again, leather snatches the win on this one. Also, don’t forget to look at our best pet-friendly sofas for more advice.

Leather vs Fabric Sofas: what's the verdict?

Looking at the two options objectively, there’s no clear winner here. The victor is ultimately up to you, and depends on your taste, your needs, and your interior. If you’ve got young children or pets that make longevity your main concern, then it looks as though a leather sofa could be your match made in heaven. However, if the cosy, comfortable and warm effect of a fabric sofa feels like home to you, then that’s where your heart resides. Also, if your family uses the term “settee” or “couch”, make sure to check out our guide on couch vs sofas vs settee, where we dive deeper into these three terms.

So which sofa is best? Let’s recap.

Why choose a fabric sofa?

Fabric sofas are arguably one of the most popular out there. The reasons for this are:

• It gives you more choice in terms of style, with plenty of bold colour options and beautiful patterned upholstery on the table.

• In terms of feel, a fabric sofa will offer more comfort throughout the seasons than a leather sofa, especially if your home tends to let in the cold or retain a lot of heat.

• Fabric sofas are an easy choice if you want to mix and match sofas and chairs, due to there being so many different styles available. By doing this, you can make your space unique to you.

Thinking of using a leather or fabric sofa in your own living space? Then don’t forget to take a look at our sofa measurement guide.

Whatever your decision, there are plenty of leather and fabric sofas to choose from in the Barker and Stonehouse collection. With something to suit every space and taste, you're sure to be happy with either choice. However, if you are going to go with a leather sofa, you probably will need help with what colours go with a brown sofa (as a lot of leather options you’ll find will be brown.)