Summer is here, and with long, hot days and even longer, hotter nights, it can be particularly difficult to sleep over the coming months. Certainly, you can swap your sheets, pillows and duvet for lightweight, breathable ones and allow cool air to circulate via a ceiling fan or an open window, but it can still prove uncomfortable and disruptive to even the most sound of sleepers.
The good news is that Heal’s offers arguably the best mattress for hot sleepers – plus a collection of other styles conducive to quality shut-eye – thanks to expert construction and specialist materials known for their cooling properties.
Reasons to have a cooler mattress
1: Whatever the season, your body's temperature changes at different stages of your sleep cycle, with increases interrupting the cycle and decreases sustaining it. Therefore, the aim is to keep your body temperature low throughout the duration of the night.
2: Some people are generally hotter – women are 50% more unlikely to control their temperature while sleeping than men, for example – while the likes of injury, pregnancy, menopause and illness can all have an impact on snoozing. So, a cool, breathable mattress is a solid investment, summer or otherwise, to avoid trapping heat and moisture that contribute to unwanted temperature changes.
Types of mattresses that are good for hot sleepers
With over two centuries of mattress craftsmanship, Heal's has been perfecting sleep comfort since 1810. Founder John Harris Heal introduced French-style mattresses to London, and we now offer a diverse collection of mattresses to suit every type of sleeper, from Orthopaedic and Premium to Organic and Natural. Among these are some of the best mattresses for hot sleepers available.
Natural hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine various materials like coils, memory foam and latex. Look for hybrids with cooling features, such as gel-infused memory foam or coils with airflow channels. These provide a balance of comfort and breathability.
Our Natural Hybrid Mattress stands out as the pinnacle of better sleep, expertly combining our signature pocket springs with sustainable natural latex. Unlike foam or memory foam, the latex in this mattress promotes superior air-circulation and breathability, ensuring a cooler sleep experience.
Enjoy hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and anti-dust mite properties, all wrapped up in one unparalleled mattress. The deep layer of moisture-wicking cotton with temperature-regulating properties means you can sleep cool and comfortable even on warm nights. Investing in this mattress is a solid return for your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Wool-infused mattresses
Experience the embrace of luxury and temperature regulation with our wool-infused mattresses. The firm Premium Sleep Silk mattress, hand-filled, -tufted and -stitched, offers a sumptuous blend of merino, lambswool and cashmere, providing excellent breathability and unparalleled comfort.
For those seeking support and entry-level cooling, the Classic Pocket 1400 mattress, elegantly tailored in a luxurious fabric, incorporates cooling cotton and lambswool. These mattresses not only promote effective airflow and reduce moisture build-up, making them the perfect mattresses for hot sleepers, but provide excellent body support and relief from aches and pains – a combination that ensures a well-rested and revitalised you.
Innerspring and Vispring mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses offer good airflow due to the open space between the coils. This design promotes ventilation and keeps the mattress from trapping heat. Case in point is Vispring, the esteemed sleep specialist, which combines the pocket-springs of its mattresses with the finest materials that nature has to offer for superior comfort. It’s the assurance of a good night’s sleep long after you’ve made your choice.
Cotton mattresses
Organic cotton mattresses are an excellent choice for hot sleepers due to their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. These mattresses are made with cotton fibres, which allow for excellent airflow and heat dissipation, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
The soft and airy texture of cotton helps prevent heat from getting trapped, creating a more refreshing sleep surface. Additionally, cotton is hypoallergenic and tends to be more eco-friendly than synthetic materials, making it an appealing option for those with sensitive skin or environmental concerns.
Look for mattresses that use high-quality organic cotton or blends with other natural materials to maximise the benefits. Cotton mattresses offer a cool and comfortable sleep environment and a cosy and supportive feel for a restful night's sleep.
Nickel-infused mattresses
For hot sleepers looking for innovative cooling solutions, nickel-infused mattresses like the Organic Sleep 3000 Mattress are worth considering. These mattresses incorporate nickel into the foam layers, which helps regulate temperature and prevent heat retention. Nickel is an excellent conductor of heat, and when infused into the mattress, it facilitates the efficient transfer of heat away from the body.
As a result, these mattresses can keep you cool even in warmer climates or during hot summer nights. In addition to their cooling properties, nickel-infused mattresses offer other benefits, such as pressure-relief and support. They can be particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain issues, as the cooling effect can help alleviate discomfort.
What to look for when choosing a mattress for hot sleepers
1. Breathability
Opt for mattresses with materials that allow for good airflow, preventing heat from getting trapped.
2. Cooling features
Look for mattresses with cooling gel, copper-infusion or other heat-dissipating technologies.
3. Firmness
The right firmness level varies for each individual, but generally, a medium-firm mattress is recommended for hot sleepers. This firmness provides adequate support while still being comfortable and less likely to cause heat-retention.
How to stay cool at night
Once you’ve invested in the correct mattress, there are a few other tips and tricks to help keep you cool.
1. Choose a breathable mattress topper
Enhance your sleep experience with a breathable mattress topper. Look for options like this one from premium Swedish brand Carpe Diem Beds, featuring a cotton-lined side that effectively transfers heat and moisture away from your body. This ensures a cooler and more comfortable rest throughout the night.
2. Choose temperature-regulating bed linen
Create a cosy yet cool sleeping environment by opting for lightweight, temperature-regulating bed linen. Consider our own-brand Duck Down 9 duvet, designed to keep you comfortably cool. Additionally, explore quality sheets like our versatile washed linen, perfect for staying cool during summer and warm during winter.
Available in various colours, our chic set from Portugal, including shades like slate blue, mustard and dusky pink, adds a touch of elegance to your space.
3. Choose a cooler pillow
Experience the ultimate coolness with a pillow designed for comfort. The British Duck Down Surround pillow is a great choice, providing excellent cooling support. Enjoy a refreshing night's sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.
4. Keep your bedroom windows shut during the day
Maintain a cooler ambience in your bedroom by keeping the windows shut during the day. This prevents hot air from circulating and heating your space. Limiting sunlight and warmth from radiating through the glass, you’ll ensure a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere.
5. Open your bedroom windows in the evening
As the sun sets and temperatures drop, crack open your bedroom windows to allow fresh, cool air to circulate. This revitalises your room and ensures a pleasant environment when it's time to settle in for the night.
6. Switch to LED lights
Optimise your bedroom's cooling efforts by swapping traditional bulbs for LED lights. Unlike traditional bulbs that emit a significant amount of heat, LED lights are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat. This not only keeps your room cooler but also helps to lower energy bills.
By following these simple steps and choosing the right bedding and bedroom setup, you'll create a sleep sanctuary perfect for those warmer months. Enjoy restful nights and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised.Browse and buy from our range of mattresses for hot sleepers.
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Tips & advice
There’s nothing like waking up with aches and pains to get your day off on the wrong foot, whether a sore back, tight shoulders or a stiff neck, which is why an orthopaedic mattress could be one of the best investments you ever make for yourself.
After all, now more than ever, we’re finally realising just how important quality shut-eye is to our physical health, mental wellbeing and overall performance. Success, it seems, is all wrapped up within sleep.
But what is an orthopaedic mattress? Are orthopaedic mattresses any good? Are orthopaedic mattresses firm? And what are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress? So many questions surround these specific types of mattresses.
Luckily, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to inform your decision in one convenient place, so all you need to do is peruse and choose.
What does an orthopaedic mattress mean?
Taking its name from the branch of medicine relating to bones, joints and muscles, an orthopaedic mattress – invented in the 1950s – is specially designed to support the body in all the right places during sleep, preventing discomfort and alleviating pain.
Usually firmer than traditional mattresses (but not always), they distribute the weight of your body more evenly, removing unnecessary pressure on the neck, back and hips, while ensuring correct spinal alignment and healthy posture.
What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress?
As well as offering support along the length of your body as you sleep – keeping the spine in a neutral position to eliminate pressure points – orthopaedic mattresses are generally better ventilated than traditional styles because they’re usually constructed from a sturdy sprung core rather than soft memory foam. This makes for a sleep that’s as cooling as it is comfortable. Here’s a cheat-sheet to help you understand all the benefits before committing to choosing an orthopaedic mattress:
Avoiding pressure points from building in the neck, shoulders, back and hips
Alleviating aches and pains if they already exist or when they occur
Keeping your spine aligned to eliminate back pain
Stopping ‘roll-together’ and movement transference
Preventing the spine from curving among those who sleep on their front
How do I choose the correct orthopaedic mattress?
Because we’ve been crafting mattresses since we were founded in 1810 – in fact, we were the first to introduce French-style designs to London – we know a thing or two about orthopaedic mattresses, and our Orthopaedic Pocket is a superior choice.
No less than 1,500 springs are nested in hard-wearing fabric pockets that move independently from one another to respond to the body’s natural contours and movements during the night.
This helps to enhance natural sleep patterns and offer orthopaedic pain relief while avoiding disruption to bedfellows (when you move, your partner doesn’t feel the movement, and vice versa).
What’s more, each mattress is filled with a cotton blend and Superflex foam with a hypo-allergenic layer that help create a healthy sleeping environment, while everything is tailored in a luxurious Belgian damask fabric held together by side stitching and hand-tufting.
Those who want the support of an orthopaedic mattress but the softness of a traditional style needn’t worry, either – simply add a pillow top to enjoy the best of both worlds with absolutely no compromise.
Because we spend around 26 years of our lives in bed, it’s not hard to see why an orthopaedic mattress might be a sound investment, particularly for those who suffer from pain, senior sleepers, or simply those who are generally active or athletic. Do note, that if you struggle to sleep, but the reason for your tossing and turning isn’t physical – stress, anxiety or overthinking, for example – then an orthopaedic mattress might not always be the solution.
Think about why your sleep may be disturbed before exploring orthopaedic options or talk to your doctor. While orthopaedic mattresses for back pain are one of the most popular reasons to buy one, it’s important to remember they’re not just for those who are experiencing pain, as some people simply love a firmer surface to sleep on. For many, it’s the secret to better sleep.
Try and buy our Orthopaedic Pocket in-store to see if it’s right for you.
Finding the perfect wedding gift is about choosing something that's both beautiful and meaningful. Whether they're furnishing their first home together or adding the finishing touches to a well-loved space, our edit brings together design-led tableware, statement lighting and thoughtfully crafted home accessories they'll enjoy for years to come.
A table set to impress
For couples who love to host, Bitossi brings personality to every place setting. Handcrafted in Italy, the brand's playful tableware combines bold colour, expressive patterns and artisanal craftsmanship, transforming everyday dining into something worth celebrating.
From statement dinner plates to beautifully illustrated side plates, each piece is designed to be mixed and matched, making it an ideal wedding gift for couples building a collection that's as individual as they are. Whether used for everyday meals or special occasions, Bitossi's joyful designs are destined to become talking points around the table.
Discover the Bitossi collection here.
An everyday essential
A beautifully crafted cutlery set is one of those wedding gifts that will be used every day, making it both thoughtful and practical. Designed in the heart of the Cotswolds, Charingworth's Planish Satin 24 Piece Cutlery Set combines timeless style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Crafted from premium stainless steel, each piece features a distinctive dimpled handle inspired by traditional metalworking techniques, offering a comfortable, well-balanced feel in the hand.
Complete with a 25-year guarantee, it's a gift that's made to accompany everything from everyday dinners to special celebrations, becoming part of countless shared meals for years to come.
Find the perfect wedding gift with Charingworth.
A playful finishing touch
For couples who appreciate design with a sense of humour, Alessi transforms everyday objects into conversation pieces. Renowned for collaborating with some of the world's most celebrated designers, the Italian brand combines exceptional craftsmanship with playful creativity.
The iconic Anna G Corkscrew, designed by Alessandro Mendini, has become a modern design classic, while the Big Love Ice Cream Spoons bring a touch of joy to everything from after-dinner desserts to summer entertaining. Thoughtful, distinctive and made to be enjoyed, these design-led gifts are perfect for couples who believe the little details make a home feel truly special.
Find thoughtful gifts from Alessi here.
A design icon for every desk
Whether they're creating a home office or styling a quiet reading corner, the 90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp by Anglepoise is a thoughtful wedding gift that combines timeless design with everyday practicality.
Inspired by the brand's iconic Original 1227™ lamp, this compact version retains the signature spring-balanced mechanism and impeccable craftsmanship in a smaller, more versatile form.
Ideal for desks, bedside tables or shelves, it provides focused light without taking up valuable space, making it perfect for modern living. Beautifully engineered and built to last, it's a design classic they'll enjoy every day.
Gift an Anglepoise design icon here.
The Lo Studio scented candle
We all like a luxurious candle, but somehow, it’s one of those things you rarely buy for yourself. Which is why it’s the perfect opportunity to present one to friends for their wedding.
Each Lo Studio candle reflects a harmonious blend of artistry and functionality, ensuring that your space exudes sophistication. Each candle is created with a conscience, free from animal testing, animal-derived ingredients, herbicides, pesticides, and GMOs.
Discover Lo Studio here.
The objet-d’art pitcher
Pitcher, vase or objet d’art? All three, we think. Designed by Constantin Wortmann for Georg Jensen, the versatile Cobra Pitcher is a water jug first and foremost, but can easily be used as a vase or simply as a stunning piece of design as part of an Instagrammable shelving display.
It’s handcrafted in Denmark from polished stainless steel and features a distinctive curved aesthetic. A thing of beauty.
Find our carefully curated collection of wedding and engagement gifts here.
The world is becoming more sustainable and environmentally conscious day by day. We’re switching to LED bulbs, cutting meat from our meals and carefully considering every piece of clothing we buy. So, why aren’t we applying the same thought process to buying ethical and sustainable furniture? This switch to more eco-friendly living isn’t a fleeting fad.
Our 2021 survey showed that people are becoming more and more aware that what they do or don’t buy really matters. The material a piece of furniture is made from, the packaging it arrives in and the carbon it takes to deliver it to your home should all be important considerations.
Read on to discover how you can make more ethical and sustainable choices when buying furniture.
What is sustainable furniture?
Ethical and sustainable furniture is made in an eco-friendly way and leaves little impact on the planet. Different factors come into this, including where it’s made, how it’s made, who made it and how it’s transported.
When choosing a piece of furniture, ask yourself some key questions. How far has it travelled? What’s it made of and does it come from a sustainable source? Does the factory it’s made in treat its workers well? Is this just a trend? What chemicals are used to make the furniture? Will I be happy using this for the rest of my life?
Considering points like these will help you to decide if the piece of furniture fits your criteria of ethical and sustainable furniture. But remember, ethics and sustainability don’t always come hand in hand when it comes to furniture.
After all, a chair could be handcrafted by artisans using local materials, but if it’s shipped from the opposite side of the world it might not fit your criteria. For many people, if it’s a quality piece of furniture that’ll last a lifetime then it’s an easy call.
What are the best ethical and sustainable materials?
It can be hard to choose between materials whilst shopping sustainably. After all, so many materials claim to be eco-friendly and it can be hard to see through the greenwashing. To us, the key thing is that it leaves a minimal impact on the planet, and that it’s made well to last a lifetime. Here are some of the best ethical and sustainable materials around.
Recycled materials
Most of us recycle as much as possible in our day-to-day lives. Now, furniture brands are using our waste to create sustainable furniture from recycled materials. Materials like metal and wood are being reused to create brand new pieces of furniture. Even plastic bottles are being transformed into upholstery, sustainable garden furniture and rugs.
Rather than chopping down trees or forging metals, furniture made from recycled materials turns yesterday’s waste into today’s raw material. Without these additional manufacturing steps, the carbon footprint of your new piece of furniture is reduced massively.
Wood
Wood can be one of the most sustainable materials to use when crafting furniture. After all, trees help to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them an essential part of our ecosystem. Plus, it’s a renewable resource, meaning we can continue growing more trees and replenishing our forests, within reason.
However, just because a piece of furniture is made using wood, that doesn’t mean it’s ethical or sustainable. If the forest the wood comes from isn’t well managed or contributes to deforestation then it might be best to pass. Look out for the PEFC and FSC logos as a sign the wood comes from a sustainable source.
To find out more information on choosing sustainable wood furniture check out this article.
Organic cotton
When shopping for upholstered furniture like a sofa, headboard or armchair, it’s also important to consider the fabric. Plenty of upholstery materials are made using synthetic fibres so that they can keep up with daily use.
For many people that’s a fine choice, but for the most sustainable upholstery we suggest organic cotton. Cotton is a natural material that comes from plants, making it a renewable fibre. However, not all cotton is grown organically and unfortunately, non-organic cotton is often grown with help from pesticides. These pesticides can seep into the soil and wreak havoc on local ecosystems and water sources.
That’s why we suggest organic cotton as the most sustainable and ethical upholstery choice. For the same reasons, organic linen also makes a great upholstery option and even uses less water.
The source of the cotton is also important, as some countries are known to use forced labour to harvest it. The best thing you can do is ask the manufacturer what their policies are and where their cotton comes from. This should help you make an informed choice.
Is quality furniture more sustainable?
Yes, absolutely. Investing in a piece of furniture that you’ll love for a lifetime is far more sustainable than buying fast furniture that breaks in five years, only to be replaced. If a piece of furniture is handcrafted using the best materials, it’s bound to be a household favourite for years to come.
Premium materials and long-lasting finishes are key to your furniture lasting a long time. Plus, maintaining your furniture with the right wax, detergent or varnish will help your furniture to last even longer.
Does it matter where my furniture comes from?
Yes, it’s incredibly important to check where your furniture has travelled. Even the most premium furniture often travels around the world. So, do your research to estimate the carbon footprint of your new furniture. For the lowest possible carbon footprint, look for local suppliers.
If they craft their furniture using locally sourced materials, then even better. The most sustainable furniture is often the one closest to home, providing it’s well made using ethical materials and that you’re sure you’ll love it for years to come.
Like what you see? Explore our collection of furniture made using recycled materials.
The dining table is central to every home. It’s the place you host family dinners, where you entertain friends and sit to enjoy an afternoon cuppa. Whether it’s a special occasion or a quiet evening in, your dining table caters to a whole assortment of occasions.
So, it’s important to choose your dining table colour carefully to make sure it’s central to your design scheme as well as your home. We’ve created this handy article to show how to choose a dining table colour that suits your home. Read on to discover more.
Decide on a style
Sure, the dining table is central to your home, but it isn’t always the place to start designing. On your first step to choosing a dining table colour, decide on a style that your table should match, not the other way around.
For example, if you decide on a more retro style for your dining room, perhaps a white Eero Saarinen dining table will be the perfect match. Or maybe your chosen style is a little more rustic. In that case, a light wood dining table may suit your room best.
If you’d like to create an opulent and luxurious vibe, perhaps consider black marble. Deciding on a style first will help you to create a well-thought out and cohesive dining space.
Consider materials
When asking yourself how to choose a dining table colour, materials should always be an early consideration. Your dining table’s material can have a huge influence on your choice, in a similar way to your room’s style. That’s because materials can make a huge difference to your decision making. Since narrowing down materials tends to cut out some colour options, it can also be a great way to move one step closer to a decision.
For example, choosing a wooden dining table means your colour selection is often limited to natural browns, white and black. A marble dining table offers a little more choice in terms of colour. The luxurious material comes in reds, greens, whites and blacks, so it’s perfect for injecting colour into your space.
In contrast, man-made materials like linoleum mean you can choose any colour under the sun for your dining table.
How will you use the room?
When you’re thinking about how to choose a dining table colour, it’s important to consider how you’ll use the room. Will you mainly be enjoying low key family dinners in it or hosting opulent dinner parties? Answering this question will help you choose a colour.
Wood is a great choice if you’re using the room for plenty of family meals and evenings in. That’s because it’s a warm and welcoming material. Colourful linoleum is another great choice as it brings character to the room and it’s easy to clean marks left behind from messy family dinners.
Or perhaps the room will be a little more formal? Opulent materials like marble, brass and walnut make for a sophisticated dining space. Big celebrations and special occasions will feel even more monumental sat round a white marble table.
How large is the room?
The colour of your dining table can really impact your room as a whole. The right choice and a small dining room can suddenly feel sprawling. The wrong choice and you may find it feeling dark and gloomy. If your room is on the smaller side, we suggest choosing a brighter dining table.
Think shades of grey and white, or lighter woods like ash. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a splash of colour to a more compact dining room. Bring in colour with accessories like placemats, curtains and dining chairs.
For larger dining rooms you have a little more freedom. Rich, dark tones like black, blue and purple take advantage of the space and are a little bolder. Light colours will also work, but make sure to add a rug underneath to pull the design together.
Like what you see? Discover our collection of modern dining tables.
Lots of decision making goes into finding the perfect sofa. Once you’ve picked your silhouette, the next big decision is upholstery. Often the first choice is between leather or fabric upholstery and there’s lots to consider.
That’s everything from your space and style to comfort and durability. Really, there is no right or wrong choice between leather or fabric upholstery. It’s a decision that’s completely personal and depends lots on your style and how you plan to use the sofa.
In this article we’ll help you make the crucial choice between leather or fabric sofa upholstery. Read on to learn more…
Which is more comfortable, leather or fabric?
Plenty of things help to make a sofa comfortable, like springs, cushioning and lots of support. However, upholstery also plays a huge role in making sure your sofa is comfy to sit on. After all, you’ll be touching it every time you sit, lie or lounge on it. Too itchy, sticky or delicate and you won’t enjoy your downtime quite so much.
When it comes to comfort, the choice between leather and fabric is often down to personal preference, but a beautifully crafted leather sofa can be every bit as inviting. The Barrington II Sofa demonstrates why.
Inspired by the relaxed proportions of a classic French club chair, it combines soft 'pull-up' leather with fully sprung support and generous foam and feather cushions for a seat that feels comfortable from the very first sit.
Over time, the leather develops a rich patina unique to your home, making Barrington a sofa that only becomes more characterful with age.
Experience the comfort of the Barrington Sofa here.
If your idea of comfort is sinking into soft, enveloping cushions, a fabric sofa is hard to beat. The Astrid Sofa collection has been designed with relaxation in mind, pairing a signature wrap-around back cushion with generously filled duck feather and down cushions to create an irresistibly cloud-like seat.
Upholstered in the UK in a choice of exclusive fabrics, its modular design can be tailored to suit your space. Complete the look with tactile throws and decorative cushions to add warmth, texture and personality, creating a living room that's as inviting as it is beautifully considered.
Sink into comfort with the Astrid Sofa.
So, take your time to try sitting on sofas upholstered in both materials before deciding.
Our winner: Fabric upholstery
Is leather or fabric more stylish?
Leather and fabric upholstery can both make a strong style statement in your home. The best thing to do is look at your existing furniture and decide whether fabric or leather is the right fit.
Fabric upholstery offers lots of choice when it comes to finding the right style. With the freedom to choose between different colours, textures, patterns and fabrics, you can really customise your sofa to suit your space.
When it comes to style, there's no single winner. Leather offers timeless appeal, while fabric opens up a world of colour, texture and personal expression. Upholstered here in Smart Luxe Velvet Peridot, the Harri Sofa collection shows how fabric can transform a living room, bringing warmth, depth and a luxurious finish to contemporary interiors.
Its clean-lined silhouette, subtle double-stitch detailing and slim black feet keep the design feeling refined, while the rich velvet upholstery adds softness and character. Complete the look with contrasting cushions and a textured rug to create a space that's both sophisticated and inviting.
Discover Harri in your favourite fabric.
You might lack the same choice as fabric upholstery but choose the right quality leather and it’ll look elegant in your home for years to come.
The Quadro Sofa range embodies this timeless appeal, pairing a clean, mid-century-inspired silhouette with buttery-soft Italian leather that develops character over time.
Its slim metal legs and neat proportions create a light, contemporary feel, while generous arms and a supportive seat make it as comfortable as it is refined. For those seeking an understated look that won't date, leather offers effortless sophistication that only improves with age.
Experience timeless style with Quadro.
Our winner: Leather upholstery
Which sofa will stand the test of time?
When it comes to choosing between leather or fabric upholstery, longevity is a big factor. After all, no one wants to invest in a sofa with upholstery that won’t last long. Always check the Martindale rub count of a fabric, that’s the test done to understand how durable it is. The higher the rub count, the more robust it should be.
Leather is famously durable, easy to clean and long lasting. With just a little maintenance, a new leather sofa will be a permanent fixture in your home for years to come. Over time it will develop a beautifully unique patina and bring even more character to your living room.
Matera Leather Sofa
With fabric upholstery, it’s much more dependent on the material. As a general rule of thumb, the better quality the fabric, the less wear and tear you’ll notice. On the other hand, fabric is harder to scratch than leather. So, if you expect pets and children to clamber over your sofa, quality fabric upholstery hides the signs of wear and tear better in some ways.
However, lots of wear can make fabric upholstery look tatty. A well-worn leather sofa normally just means it has more character. Overall, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to leather or fabric upholstery lasting longer. They both offer lots of longevity and it depends on how much you’ll be using the sofa.
Our winner: That depends on your home…
Is leather easier to care for than fabric upholstery?
Leather furniture is super easy to clean. All it normally needs is a bit of a dust and a wipe down every now and then. Of course, any spillages should still be cleaned up straight away and conditioning it on a regular basis will stop it from splitting and cracking.
Overall, even the smallest amount of maintenance will help your leather sofa last for years. On the other hand, cleaning fabric upholstery depends a lot on what the material’s made from.
Fabrics like wool, cotton and linen call for different cleaning techniques to synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic. Luckily, fabric upholstery is normally finished with a stain-resistant treatment to make it easier to clean. That mean spillages, pet hair and mucky fingerprints on any fabric are fairly easy to clean.
Specialist cleaning products and a steam cleaner will make your task even easier. To keep it nice and clean, vacuuming and washing removable covers will keep your fabric upholstery in tip top condition.
Somerset Fabric Sofa
Of course, wiping down leather upholstery and giving it the occasional condition makes it much lower maintenance than fabric. So yes, leather is easier to clean than fabric upholstery. For those with allergies, a leather sofa also offers a reprise from dust mites and pet fur.
Fabric upholstery tends to trap them both and only a regular vacuuming will help. However, leather is normally hypoallergenic.
Our winner: Leather upholstery
If you love the relaxed look of fabric but are concerned about practicality, choosing the right upholstery makes all the difference. Upholstered in Capelo Linen, the Novara Sofa offers a beautifully soft, textured finish that brings warmth and a naturally lived-in feel to your living room. Linen's breathable qualities make it a comfortable choice throughout the seasons, while its subtle weave helps disguise everyday wear, making it well suited to busy homes. With a little regular care, a linen sofa will develop character over time, creating an inviting space that's designed to be lived in rather than simply admired.
Which one’s your winner? Explore our leather sofa and fabric sofa collections today.
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