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bilkha

leather sofa/sectional vs fabric

6 years ago

We are in the process of purchasing a sectional vs sofa for our family room. What is the most durable for a family with teenager and we want to get a small dog? leather vs fabric? We also have a design problem...Sectional and we have to keep the burgundy recliner for my hubbys backvs. Sofa and 2 chairs ? Sorry the TV has to stay in its location according to my hubby lookin up at a TV over the fireplace with “reck his neck!” I prefer to have something transition, classic with clean lines rather than something heavy like our current furniture

Comments (32)

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry, I forgot to add a photo of the family room!

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Teenager plus dog = Sunbrella or Crypton fabrics; very durable, non-fading, non-staining. If you choose either, make sure it is sewn with the proper thread, Tenara or Profilen.

    Leather is a great choice IF you are willing to live with the inevitable stains and scratches.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Sunbrella or Crypton fabrics have a myth of being more durable and longer lasting, but that's not necessarily correct.. What they are is soap and water scrubbable due to the coating applied to the material. In addition, Sunbrella is also UV resistant against fading. Only the Rub Rating or Wyzenbeek numbers will indicate durability over time before showing friction wear.


    Top Grain leather will outlast any fabric at a ratio of 4 to 1. So if you expect 8 years out of a high use fabric sofa, you can expect 32 years out of the same some in leather. Leather does not necessarily stain or scratch, depends on the owner's lifestyle and type of leather.


    If that were my house, I'd definitely get the TV over the fireplace, it really doesn't look good in the current position. Then I'd still use a sofa where you have it currently, and put either a motion loveseat of a pair of matching power recliners in front of the fireplace. The key is to get the new articulating headrest models so you can not only recline, but dial in the headrest angle which is also motorized independently from the power recline. Bradington Young, Hancock and Moore, Hooker, and a lot others all make those.


    If you decide to keep the mirror above the fireplace, turn it sideways and it will look better. I'd not put a sectional in the room, it's not sized for one.


    Good luck

    Duane Collie



  • 6 years ago

    thank yo both for your input! I knew the recommendation would be to put the tv over the fireplace and I agree , but hubby refuses and I see his point it would be high. Interesting about your comment on the sectional. The designer in the stor recommended a 3 piece corner sectional. for reference, our family room dimensions are 18.5’long by 14 ‘ wide. we are keeping my husbands recliner b/c it was from “relax your back “$$$ and it is leather as well ( burgundy). I have to admit , I was also concerned that the sectional might be a mistake , but if we went in that direction I would not add another chair except the current recliner( hopefully he will get tired of it soon...LOL). Actually the paisley chair we have is still in fantastic condition, so we could get rid of the Sofa and the other faded chair by the window for now, but then Im stuck with burgundy again and was considering a neutral gray for sofa or sectional. I do love leather, but not sure about leather sofa or sectional , given we have leather recliner. Can you use all leather pieces in a room? we have looked at sofas/sectionals from the company “Stressless”, however it does lend to a more modern look, but so comfortable and the leather is top of the line and the price was comparable even to what we were looking at in another brand with fabric. BTW Stress less recliners are fabulous...just afraid it is too contemporaray for my colonial style home....too many questions I know, but I have to admit, its a challenging setting. another brand I am considering is Ethan Allen. here is a photo of the sectional we were looking at. The first 2 pics are one sectional from stickley( @a million dollars) and the 3rd pic is the one we were originally thinking of. Im sure we can find another sofa in something similar to this style in either leather or fabric once you now know our dimensions. your opinion would be appreciated!

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I would select leather with the recliners built into the sections. Do not purchase a sectional that looks like a baby elephant in your room. Frankly I would not get a sectional for your room but a sofa and chairs for flexibility in the room. However, purchase the extended contract offered about them fixing your leather in the even it get scratched or stained because it's going to happen. At least you will have someone qualified to fix it.




  • 6 years ago

    Wow! uh oh...that 2 votes from Pros not to get a sectional. funny , I thought our family room was big...thank you all so much, now I need to rethink things!

  • 6 years ago

    No sectional, that one with the wood trim doesn't even look comfortable. Any chance of putting the TV on the sofa wall? sofa in front of windows, recliner where paisley chair is now and then an additional chair to right of FP???? Don't go by salesperson in a furniture store they are there to sell. You need furniture without fat rolled arms they take up too much visual space. Agree the mirror needs to go, sorry

  • 6 years ago

    Placing the TV not the wall opposite the window was a thought, but 2 problems so much wall spac and completely retire along with fading issues against the windows. The furniture store designer is young, she is very nice and I guess I was convince because I liked the look of them. you dont like my mirror?....boohoo!:( it will be tough to say goodbye to that $$ burlwood mirror

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    OK, since the S.O. is absolutely against the TV over the fireplace, think about this (because the TV looks awful where its located). Get a nice TV console that has some width to it (Hooker furniture makes many models), and put it on the long wall where your sofa is currently located. Your husband will get on board 'cause now he can get a 65" unit.


    Now in front of the two windows put a dual recliner sofa in that spot that faces the TV or if you want a Stationary sofa that will work as well and then a cocktail ottoman in front. The the existing recliner then goes to the right of the (new) sofa basically facing the fireplace. Add in a nice compact occasional / reading chair to the right of the fireplace in the corner and you're set.


    The mirror still needs to be rotated <g>


    A sectional will cut the room in two and give you a visual blockade, but if it's what you want - then go for it.


    Duane Collie

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks Duane! I agree....I dont like the TV there either...I did think about a console. I appreciate your ideas. What do you think about using a stationary leather sofa or dual recliner with the current ugly recliner...hahah. is that too much leather in one room? do you have any thoughts on a neutral color...my walls are gray. I thought about a neutral gray medium tone or dark gray, or contrasting dark gold. I fell in love with the photo below, so I guess that is one of the reasons I was leaning toward the sectional, however, I have now been schooled!

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I used to own a home with your exact layout, and unless I miss a guess its a step down into the room from the kitchen, and then you have an outside door which is not shown in the photo. That was a very popular design layout in homes built in the 80's, but does not lend itself well to sectionals as they make the room a pit. You need about 6 feet more width to really accomodate one. The one you are looking at has a chair return on it (last photo) and I think you would probably not like that over time. If you really want that design, consider a piece that has an open chaise on that end, not a return. That eliminates the visual blockage. Here's an example from Hancock and Moore


    And just to explore a thought, something like this on the large wall (75" long) from Hooker to go across from it. This will prop a 65" TV easily and the remotes can operate all components with the doors closed.



    Your recliner would be fine, but you would eventually move it somewhere else and replace it with something like this (Hancock and Moore Manning on a swivel)



    Don't take your mirror out, just hang it longways and it will be fine.


    (disclosure: I am a dealer for all the above brands and do ship nationwide)


    I'm all-in on leather, it lasts and holds up so much longer than fabric and you can create a good look with it. Keep at it, you'll get it


    Duane Collie

  • 6 years ago

    I will vote for a sofa instead -- joking, but what if you and/or husband decides to buy new something: a recliner maybe? or something.... then your layout is limited.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks Duane! Yes, that is correct....there is a step down and a door to the left! love the comment about the pit! haha! I think you are correct...I do see where you are coming from. I will show all these pics and suggestions to the S.O. ( at first , I thought you added a 3rd letter in there...lol) I do like the chase and may consider that option... LAST question to you for now, what do you think about the sofa....leather or fabric, remembering the recliner is leather....too much leather?

  • 6 years ago

    Kids and wear - I know this is a lounge-y look. With light carpeting, this smoke-muted blue could go with light and burgundy maybe. In a traditional way, but with transitional items.

    https://www.target.com/p/suede-sofa-slipcover-sure-fit/-/A-17219369?preselect=10583792#lnk=sametab

  • 6 years ago

    Everdez, Im not sure I follow...which layout are u referring to?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    With black nearby, what about a light airy neutral item above fp? Buy a tan sofa, good with burgundy.
    To me, nice art could draw more attention to nearby tv, which most of us have, no biggie. Art other wall.....

    Coastal Gold Metal Wall Decor 95453 · More Info


    https://www.houzz.com/products/metal-wall-decor-48x27-prvw-vr~82408025

  • 6 years ago

    Or very simple, unframed?...white flower / white mantel....

    A Time To Dream Belgian Wall Tapestry · More Info

    https://www.houzz.com/product/40842018-a-time-to-dream-belgian-wall-tapestry

  • 6 years ago

    This with smoke blue cover idea -

    Suzani Indigo Small Wall Tapestry · More Info

    https://www.houzz.com/products/suzani-indigo-small-wall-tapestry-44x44-prvw-vr~65382098

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Posts show toasty furniture, versatile... for burgundy, etc... this type?



    "Flores Frescas I" By Lola Abellan, Giclee Print on Gallery Wrap Canvas · More Info


    "Flores Frescas II" By Lola Abellan, Giclee Print on Gallery Wrap Canvas · More Info


    https://www.houzz.com/product/68022528-flores-frescas-ii-by-lola-abellan-giclee-print-on-gallery-wrap-canvas

  • 6 years ago

    Garden and feminine side:

    Yellow Finches Tapestry Throw · More Info

    https://www.houzz.com/products/yellow-finches-tapestry-throw-prvw-vr~85121427

  • 6 years ago

    Is there a blue throw there? can work -- maybe this type? to me you could buy leather sofa, or not. Would seem more interesting maybe, not leather. This has casual vibe, neutral nice on 'sofa wall'?


    "Calm Beauty" Canvas Wall Art, 30"x40" · More Info


    Cowhide Pillow, 12"x20", Navy · More Info

    https://www.houzz.com/products/calm-beauty-canvas-wall-art-30x40-prvw-vr~75578583

    https://www.houzz.com/products/cowhide-pillow-12x20-navy-prvw-vr~133951228

  • 6 years ago

    If much wood that is natural/ blond, to me you might not add brightly saturated colors [which could look good with burgundy and brick].

  • 6 years ago

    Eberdez, thank you for your comments! I will take them in consideration!

  • 6 years ago

    Layout comment - if you were to change something in the future, a sectional limits the layout, that was all....

  • 6 years ago

    No sectional. They are almost always too large, offer zero flexibility, and really aren't conducive to socializing.


    Your TV belongs on the wall opposite the windows. If you're worried about sun fading or glare, get blackout shades or curtains.

  • 6 years ago

    Your current TV cabinet is way too small and makes the thing look top heavy. I would get one that nearly covers the whole long wall, put your current sofa facing it, the recliner to the left of the fireplace, and one of your chairs facing the fireplace.


    Then look into restyling your mantel.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks Groveraxle! Thanks for your perspective. I just need to convince my husband! Ive decided no sectional and agree with everyones comments that I dont have the necessary space for the contraption!

  • 6 years ago

    If you put it on this wall, Hubby could get a bigger TV.


  • 6 years ago

    Wait... at first, I thought you had the same floor plan as me! Lol! How’d u do that? Im sure hubby would love a giant screen!:). Thanks for taking the time to share this... i will show it to him. He needs a visual!

  • 6 years ago

    bilkha, I emptied your room, moved the recliner, and stole an entire TV wall. Did it with Photoshop.

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