What I'm Thinking About Interior Design Now Vol.15

Finishing materials used on furniture.

When it comes to sofas, many people are troubled by the choice between fabric and leather. Rather than deciding which is better or worse, once you understand the characteristics of each, it's best to choose which suits you best.

I will write about the materials used for each piece of furniture based on my experience selling it.

fabric

As I mentioned at the beginning, I think that the two most commonly used items are generally fabric and leather. I get the impression that more people are choosing fabric these days.

The best thing about fabric is that there are a wide variety of materials to choose from and a wide range of colors to choose from.
It also gives a casual impression. In addition, the covering method allows you to change the fabric at home, so you can change it according to the season, such as linen in summer and wool in winter.

If you want to change the look of your room, you can completely change it by replacing the cover. Some covers can be dry cleaned or hand washed depending on the material.
The cover is large, so if you don't mind washing it by hand it's fine, but I think it's best to take it to the dry cleaners to have it washed.

One thing to note when purchasing a sofa with a cover is that it is best to check whether it is possible to make a cover for the sofa even if the sofa itself is discontinued.
Some furniture manufacturers may be unable to produce a product once it has been discontinued. However, most domestic manufacturers keep patterns and can produce it unless there is an exceptional reason.
Also, the upholstery you choose is often out of stock due to circumstances at the furniture manufacturer or the upholstery supplier.
The majority of people who replace the cover change the upholstery even if the previous upholstery is still there, so I don't think you need to worry about this.

leather

Leather is the perfect choice for a luxurious look.
Also, like other leather products, the more you use it, the more it will change over time, develop a unique character, and become more comfortable to wear, improving its appearance the more you use it.
Dust does not easily adhere to it, so it can be easily cleaned by wiping off the dust on the surface.

When you sit on it in cold weather, it will feel cool at first, but as you sit on it, your body heat will be transferred to it and you will start to feel warm.
When it comes to high-end brands, there are different grades of leather, and the higher-grade leather feels really nice to the touch and feels like it's sticking to your body when you sit on it. However, it scratches easily, so if you're concerned about scratches, it's best to avoid it.

As it is a natural material, regular maintenance is essential. When I serve customers, some people mistakenly believe that leather can be used forever without any maintenance, but this is a mistake. Leather should be maintained with leather cleaners and protection creams.
When talking about cleaners and protection creams, talk about skin care so women will understand.

Many people think that it is okay to spill water on it, but it is not waterproof so it is not very strong against water. Depending on how it is finished, it can stain so care must be taken.

It's better to have a wide variety to choose from, and fabric is recommended for those who want a casual look with a covering that makes cleaning and reupholstering easy.
If you like a luxurious feel and a texture that improves with use, leather is a good choice.

(text: Doi)

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