The Benefits of Vinyl Couch vs. Leather

What Is the Difference Between Vinyl Couch and Leather?

Couch hunting can be quite overwhelming especially when there is a variety of materials to choose from, you are most likely to get torn on what to go for. If you have been contemplating on what to buy between vinyl and leather, we got you. We are going to take you through the differences between them and their benefits so you can get a better knowledge before making that life decision.

Although it can be quite difficult to tell the difference between vinyl and leather as they almost look identical, they have a considerable difference in quality. Just like wine, leather gets better the more it is used, and its softness is guaranteed over a long period of time under proper care and maintenance. Vinyl on the other hand is durable just like leather but wears eventually by cracking.

The table below shows the difference between vinyl and leather

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The Benefits of Vinyl Couch vs. Leather

Both vinyl and leather are great materials for furniture however, they both have their positive and negative sides, and looking at each of them would help you make a better and informed decision. We will also in great detail help you know how to tell the difference between vinyl and leather so you don’t pick the one you think it’s the other.

The Benefits of Vinyl Couches

Here are the benefits of vinyl that may make you choose it over a leather couch

1. Comfortable

Unlike leather, you can feel the softness of vinyl from the outset which is great if you are looking for a couch that doesn’t require a breaking-in period. Also, vinyl is very comfortable regardless of the season you are in, as for leather you would need to be cautious while using it during winter and summer (leather gets very cold during winter and burns up when it’s summer).

2. Affordable

Although a vinyl couch can be quite expensive, the same couch in leather would be more expensive. Therefore, if you are looking for a quality sofa material that looks more like leather but doesn’t cost as much as leather, vinyl is definitely the best option.

3. Care and Maintenance

Vinyl is great when it comes to standing up to wear and tear and is naturally stain resistant. Therefore, you can easily clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap (avoid strong detergents on vinyl furniture at all costs to avoid ruining them) in case of a spill.

4. Variety

Vinyl has a variety of options to choose from in terms of color, patterns, texture than its leather counterparts. A variety of options gives you the convenience of picking what suits your tastes and preferences.

Benefits of Leather Over Vinyl

Here is what makes leather a better couch or furniture material than vinyl

1. Durability

Leather is much more durable than vinyl and with proper care and maintenance, it may serve you for over 20 years. While vinyl furniture cracks eventually after a long time of use, you are assured long years of service with original leather without noticing any signs of wear and tear. However, you might need to be extra careful with leather as any slight scratching on it may ruin it badly. Also, leather furniture only gets finer and softens with time which is unlike vinyl that starts cracking as it ages.

2. Appearance

Leather is naturally attractive and vibrant regardless of where it is placed. Plus, although leather can be quite uncomfortable when used for the first time as it may appear firm, they soften with time while maintaining their attractive appearance. This might not be the case with vinyl as the more you use the more it wears.

3. Care and maintenance

Leather is stain and water-resistant and can be easily cleaned by wiping out dust to prevent them from accumulating over time. Be sure to use mild soap and a clean soft cloth on leather when necessary, just don’t use stronger detergents.

Also check: Best black leather couches

How Do You Tell the Difference Between Vinyl and Leather?

Vinyl and leather almost have the same appearance but their level of quality is what brings the difference in them. If not very careful you are likely to confuse one from the other. Furniture can be made with either leather, vinyl, or a combination of both which is usually termed bonded leather. Here is what you should do when you want to differentiate a vinyl couch from leather:

1. Check Labels

The 3 terms used to differentiate between leather and vinyl are bonded leather, and faux leather or pleather. Bonded leather means the couch is made from both leather and vinyl while faux leather and pleather couches are made purely from vinyl. Pure leather couches will be labeled as such.

2. Scent of the Material

Vinyl has no distinctive scent and that makes it one of the easiest ways to differentiate it from genuine leather. Since the skin or animal hide is treated with chemicals and dyes before its put to use, leather tends to have a unique smell that makes them different from vinyl.

3. Patterns

If the material consists of more than one pattern, it is definitely not leather. Vinyl couches or furniture usually have a variety of patterns which makes it easier to tell its difference from leather.

How Long Does Vinyl Furniture Last?

vinyl furniture can last up to 15-20 years depending on the quality of the vinyl material. Although it may not be as durable as leather, vinyl is very strong as it constitutes components such as chlorine, and natural gas ethylene that making it sturdy and durable. Plus, the chlorine component in it also makes it less flammable hence suitable for home, office, or any other use.

How Much Does Vinyl Furniture Costs?

Vinyl is quite cheaper than leather as the price of a vinyl couch or furniture would be cheaper than if you both the same couch in leather. So, if you are looking up to save costs without compromising comfort and durability, you definitely need vinyl furniture.