The term “couch,” believed to be derived from the French word “couche,” is used to describe “a piece of furniture with no arms used for lying.
Couches are less formal and are more often used for lying on.
Couch is typically smaller than a sofa and closer in size to a chaise lounge. A couch has a straight arm design or no arms at all and is rarely a sleeper.
A couch may indeed have a defined back and two armrests like a sofa, it doesn’t always. A couch may have only one arm, or none at all! Given this fact, couches have a less formal appearance and are most at home in the den, bonus room, or “man-cave”.
A couch maybe made in leather or fabric.
What is a leather couch used for?
A piece of furniture for seating from two to four people, typically in the form of a bench with a back, sometimes having an armrest at one or each end, and partly or wholly upholstered and often fitted with springs, tailored cushions, skirts, etc.
What are the benefits of a leather couch?
Experts estimate that a leather couch can last up to four times longer than a fabric couch. Leather is tough but flexible, meaning it naturally resists punctures and tears. Because of its natural properties, it remains strong even around seams. It also is resistant to spills and dirt
The Pros of Having a Leather Couch
There are several advantages to adding leather couch to your home décor, including:
1. Appearance
When it comes to appearance, couches made of leather are more sleek and elegant than fabric. This range of looks makes them more than just bachelor pad or living room furniture; leather couches suit many rooms, it can work with different types of décors, leather is especially popular with modern, retro, contemporary, and rustic interior styles;
However, depending on the style of a specific model, you can easily find a leather piece that works with less obvious settings too.
From the material of their frame to the finish and whether or not they feature a tufted back, some more specific leather models can help you reinforce the interior style that you already have in your room.
2. Hypoallergenic
Leather are the perfect for allergy sufferers. Leather is hypoallergenic and repels dust mites, pet dander, pet hair, and other allergens, which collect in fabric sofas.
3. Stain-resistant
Leathers are highly durable due to the tanning process used in their manufacture. As a result, they repel most food and beverage spills. They only need occasional light cleaning with a damp cloth and can last for decades with proper care.
4. Easy to maintain and to wipe or clean
Because it’s water-resistant, leather couch won’t require you to move onto the floor for the rest of the night when you accidentally spill a drink while having dinner in front of a movie. As long as you wipe it asap, you won’t even stain it nor ruin it! Dusting a leather couch is also extremely easy since it presents such a smooth surface.
5. Safe choice if you have pets
Contrary to popular belief, leather couch is actually a practical choice if you have pets:
Because leather is so resistant, it’s not that easy to ruin it by scratching it, it is also odor-repellent: if your four-legged friend likes sitting next to you, you won’t have to worry about a stinky result over time.Finally, leather doesn’t harbor pet dander and other allergens as easily as other fabric options, and, because it’s so easy to wipe clean, you won’t have to worry about fur and hair.
The Cons of Having a Leather Couch
While stain-resistant and hypoallergenic, leather couch also have several disadvantages, including:
1. Visible scratches
While durable, leather can take a beating from young children and animals. Scratches and other marks are far more visible on leather than fabric upholstery.
2. Heat retention and firmness
Leather couch can be less comfortable and more firm than fabric couch. They also retain more heat in the summer months and cold in the fall and winter than fabric furniture.
3. Expensive
Leather couch often cost more than fabric couch. Certain types of leather are less costly than others, but you may sacrifice durability when pursuing pieces at a lower price range.
4. Discoloration when kept in direct sunlight
Just like for vampires, the biggest enemy of leather furniture is… sunlight. Even though it’s extremely durable, leather won’t look as new as when you first bought it if you keep in direct sunlight all the time.If you invested in leather couch be sure to position it a bit further away from large windows.
5. Comes with fewer color options
With fabric upholstery, you can think of pretty much any hue and you’re guaranteed to find an item in that exact color. With leather? Not so much! Leather couch is mainly available in brown, black, and similar neutral colors. This makes it easier to complement existing palettes or use them as your primary color, but not so much to turn them into your brightest accent shade.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Leather Couch
To make sure that your couch maintains its timeless looks, you will need to give it the care and attention it deserves. Leather is sometimes thought of as high maintenance, but with the right approach, you can keep your piece in great condition with little need for expensive cleaning or rejuvenation.
1. Clean your leather couch regularly- Leather is a hardy material that, if cared for, will only get better over time. However, without a regular cleaning routine, your couch can soon begin to look a bit worn out.
2. Regularly condition your leather couch- Leather contains oils that need to be replenished every so often. They help to keep the upholstery soft and supple to the touch, but regular use can diminish its natural properties. This is why it’s important to use a specialized conditioner on your couch, which will give it a new lease of life and help prevent it from drying out and cracking.
3. Position your sofa away from sunlight and other heat sources- Extended exposure to sunlight and other heat sources is one of the root causes of dryness and cracking. Positioning your new couch in a spot away from windows that get a lot of sunlight, fireplaces, air conditioning units or radiators can preserve the look and condition its upholstery.
4. Buff your leather sofa to preserve its natural shine- One of the best things about a brand-new leather couch is its beautiful, natural shine. The most effective way of preserving this quality is to regularly buff its upholstery with a microfiber or soft cloth, which will make sure the leather keeps shining and doesn’t end up looking tired.
5. Plump your sofa cushions each day- Plumping your couch’s cushions up at the end of every day of use will go a long way towards keeping everything in its right place, and it doesn’t take long to do at all.