Fabric vs. Leather: Choosing the Right Upholstery for Your Home

How to Choose the Right Upholstery Based on Your Lifestyle

When it comes to choosing the perfect sofa, sectional, or accent chair, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is fabric versus leather. Both materials offer their own unique benefits- and challenges- that can impact comfort, style, and longevity. At Knox Furniture, we believe that the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, not just your look. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both fabric and leather to help you find the right match for YOUR home.

The Case for Fabric

Fabric upholstery is a timeless and cozy favorite for those who desire softness, warmth, and versatility.

Pros of Fabric Furniture:

· Soft and warm: fabric furniture offers a cozy and welcoming feel that invites you to sit back and relax!

· Highly personal: with endless colors, textures, and patterns available, fabric allows you to express your personal style with ease.

· Flexible for décor: whether you want to design with a more traditional style or modern minimalism, fabric adapts very well to any interior designs style.

· Family-friendly: fabric seating is practical and inviting, which makes it a great choice for families and busy living spaces.

Cons of Fabric Furniture:

· Possibility of stains: spills happen, and while fabrics are treated for durability, liquids and oils can still leave marks.

· Sunlight sensitivity: prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause colors to fade over time.

· Holds scents: fabrics absorb odors from pets, smoke or food more easily than other materials and will hold on to that scent- good or bad.

· Allergen concerns: dust and pet dander can get trapped in fibers, which might be problematic for those who suffer with allergies.

A Modern Upgrade: Performance and Crypton Fabrics

If you love the comfort of fabric, but worry about possible stains or wear, performance fabrics and Crypton fabrics are game-changers.

· Performance fabrics are specifically engineered to resist spills, stains, and fading, which is ideal for homes with kids, pets, or high-traffic living areas. They are easy to clean with soap and water and maintain their texture and color over time.

· Crypton fabrics take things a step further. They offer permanent moisture, stain, and odor resistance without compromising softness or breathability. Liquids bead up instead of soaking in, which makes most stains easier to clean with simple household products.

At Knox Furniture, many of the brands we carry offer a wide variety of performance and Crypton fabric options, giving you the freedom to customize your furniture without sacrificing durability. And for added peace of mind, our warehouse team can Fabricoat your furniture right in the warehouse before it’s delivered- providing an additional layer of protection to help it stay beautiful for years to come.

These advances allow you to enjoy the warmth and flexibility of fabric with the durability and practicality of leather- truly the best of both worlds!

The Case for Leather

Leather exudes luxury, durability and a timeless appeal. It’s a staple for anyone who values longevity and a refined aesthetic.

Pros of Leather Furniture:

· Durable: leather is built to last- often outlasting its fabric counterparts- as long as there is proper care.

· Easy to clean: wipe up spills with a damp cloth- no need to worry about fabric cleaners or stain removers.

· Ages beautifully: quality leather develops a rich patina over time, giving it character and depth. Patina is the natural change in the appearance of leather.

· Allergy-friendly: leather doesn’t trap dust or allergens, making it a great choice for sensitive households.

· Adds value: leather furniture holds its value because of its durability and timelessness.

Cons of Leather Furniture:

· Higher cost: genuine leather typically comes with a higher price tag than most fabrics.

· Temperature-sensitive: leather tends to feel very cold in winter and sticky and hot in summer if a space isn’t climate controlled well.

· Not scratch proof: sharp objects and pet claws can damage the surface, and repairs are difficult.

· Upkeep: to prevent cracking and fading, leather needs occasional conditioning.

· Sunlight fading: like fabric, direct sunlight can dry and fade leather over time.

Treated and Protected Leathers

Just like fabric has evolved, leather has too. Protected leathers, also known as treated or performance leathers, have an added topcoat or pigment layer that improves stain, fade, and scratch resistance. This makes treated leather a fantastic choice if you want the look and longevity of leather without worrying about day-to-day wear and tear.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

When deciding between fabric and leather, consider your lifestyle, climate, and design preferences.

· Do I have to worry about my kids and pets?

· What is the vibe or style I am going for?

· Do I want to be comfy and cozy and not worry about upkeep?

· Do I want this furniture to last as long as possible?

There is truly no wrong choice, just the one that best fits how you live. The designers here at Knox Furniture are willing and able to help you determine what is best for your household. They are knowledgeable about the differences, pros and cons, and how to choose between fabric and leather.

Find Your Perfect Upholstery at Knox Furniture

At Knox Furniture, we carry an exceptional range of both high-performance fabrics and quality leathers across our curated brands like Lexington, Sherrill Furniture, Century, Hancock & Moore, and more. Whether you’re looking for comfort, elegance, or everyday practicality, our design experts can help you find the perfect piece to match your home’s personality.

Visit our showroom or explore our collections online- and discover the furniture that truly fits your lifestyle.

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Fall Decorating Without the Drama

October 18, 2025

Let’s be honest—Wisconsin weather hasn’t exactly gotten the memo that it’s fall. One day you’re in sandals, the next you’re digging for wool socks. But even if the forecast is confused, our homes don’t have to be. It’s officially the season of warm colors, layered textures, and swapping iced coffee for something that might involve cinnamon. Now, before you start sweating over the idea of “seasonal decorating,” take a deep breath. This isn’t a competitive pumpkin display at the county fair. At Knox, we believe fall décor should be fun, not frightening. You can keep your beautifully styled, sophisticated home and still celebrate the season—without drowning in glitter pumpkins and “It’s Fall Y’all” signs (we see you). Start with Color, Not Chaos Let’s ditch the neon orange. Fall isn’t a cartoon—it’s rich terracotta, olive green, warm neutrals, deep plum, and chocolate browns. Think roasted squash, not traffic cone. An easy rule? Pops of fall, not buckets of fall. Swap out: • Pillow covers • Fireplace mantel decor • Table runners or place settings • Centerpieces A few intentional color shifts go a long way—and keep things elevated. Bring the Outdoors In (But Make It Chic) Nature is the original decorator, so let’s borrow a few ideas. Incorporate materials like wood, rattan, stone, dried branches, or leaves to add warmth and texture. Swap that sleek glass lamp for a wood or stone base and watch your space instantly feel cozier. No need to raid a forest—just pick a few key pieces that feel organic and grounded. Wisconsin-Approved Rule: Layer Everything If there’s one thing Wisconsin has taught us, it’s how to layer. Winter jacket at 9 am, sweater at noon, and a t-shirt by 4. Your home deserves the same treatment. Layering adds both warmth and personality: • Stack pillows in coordinating colors and patterns • Drape a throw blanket casually (or strategically, if you have pets/kids) • Style mantel shelves or console tables with layered artwork, books, vases, and accents There’s no single “right way.” Play around until it feels cozy. Trust your instincts—we certainly do. A Few Friendly Don’ts (We’re Saying This with Love) 1. Don’t invite the entire pumpkin patch into your house. One or two pumpkins = festive. Fifteen = overkill! 2. Maybe ease up on the fall slogans. If your pillow is yelling “Happy Pumpkin Spice Season,” let it be the only one doing the talking. Now, listen—if you love your pillow with the vintage truck overflowing with gourds… display it proudly! Just let it be the star, not the supporting cast. Pair it with solids, plaids, or subtle prints so it shines without screaming. At the end of the day, fall decorating should feel like wrapping your home in a warm hug—tasteful, layered, and joyful. If you need inspiration (or someone to talk you out of buying a life-sized ceramic squirrel), stop by Knox. We’re creative, we’re honest, and we’ll always steer you toward style over clutter. Happy fall, friends—whether the weather agrees or not.