Light grey power recliner corner sofa on a wooden floor next to a glass coffee table

Dark brown faux leather sofa on a yellow fluffy rug with green pattern scatter cushions

Faux leather sofa buying guide

Sumptuously soft, luxurious to look at and kind on your wallet - there’s no surprise faux leather sofas are so popular. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high impact centrepiece for your living room, this synthetic alternative to classic leather might be just the thing you’re after.

But how do you know whether a faux leather sofa is right for you and your style? And what options do you have? Read on to find out everything you need to know before buying the perfect faux leather sofa.

Dark green faux leather sofa next to marble coffee table with gold legs

What is faux leather?

Faux leather is a synthetic, man-made alternative to leather, designed to look and feel like the real thing without using animal hides. It’s loved for its affordability and low maintenance style, making the luxury look of leather more accessible for families. You’ll have seen faux leather - or pleather, as it’s sometimes known - in more than just sofas, as it’s regularly used in high street clothing and footwear, too.

close up of a black leather sofa with orange and yellow scatter cushions

dark green faux leather sofa with gold detailing

light brown corner recliner sofa with gold detailing

dark blue corner sofa with black metal legs

Why should I buy a faux leather sofa?

The timeless appeal of a leather sofa is hard to ignore - but there’s plenty of reasons to choose faux leather as an alternative.

For the four-legged lovers, faux leather is often vegan in its production, and recreates the classic leather look using a fabric base and plastic coating rather than animal products. It’s because of this coating that faux leather is more waterproof than its genuine counterpart, meaning spillages are easier to clean - perfect for busy families with little ones in tow.

Of course, one of the biggest pros for a faux leather sofa is its more affordable price point. Genuine leather sofas can cost a pretty penny, but this premium price is reflected in their longer lifespan when compared to faux leather alternatives.

Looking for bright and bold? Faux leather sofas tend to be available in a wider range of colours, as dyes can be more easily added during the production process.

What faux leather sofas are available at DFS?

Settled on the synthetic stuff? It’s time to find a faux leather sofa to suit your space and style - and you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re looking for a handsome traditional sofa to complete the countryside cottage living room of your dreams, or a modern seat to take your contemporary lounge to the next level, we’ve got you covered.

Dark blue corner sofa with matching footstool on a pattern orange and cream rug

Faux leather corner sofas

Perfect for sprawling movie marathons and getting all your friends and family around, faux leather corner sofas typically offer the same amount of room as a 4 seater sofa, with a curvy L-shaped silhouette to create a cosy zone in your living room.

Faux leather recliner sofas

Kick-back comfort at the top of your wishlist? A faux leather recliner sofa might be just what you’re looking for. Take the Evander - featuring a classic leather look with contrast stitching and power reclining seats for ultimate relaxation.

brown sofa with patterned scatter cushions on a stripy rug

Combination leather and faux leather sofas

The best of both worlds - genuine leather on all the comfort areas with a faux leather body, our combination leather sofas put the luxury of leather in your living room for a more affordable price. Enjoy the natural grain and patina of genuine leather without breaking the bank.

How to clean a faux leather sofa

Though low maintenance, caring for your faux leather sofa is still key to keeping it comfy for longer. Modern production techniques mean faux leather is more durable than ever, though it’s still more prone to cracking and peeling than its genuine alternative. Take a look at our clean and care tips to learn how to keep your faux leather sofa in tip top condition.

Check the label

With any sofa, your first step should be to carefully consult the care label to avoid accidental damage.

Keep out of direct sunlight

Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and that’s exactly the case with faux leather sofas in sunlight. Direct sunlight can dry your sofa out, so avoid keeping it in an always-sunny spot - yes, even in Britain!

Regularly clean with mild soap

Faux leather is treated with a protective coating that makes it waterproof, so spillages are much easier to deal with than most fabrics. You should still aim to clean stains and spills quickly using a soft microfibre cloth with warm water and mild soap.

Conditioner is king

Just like a genuine leather sofa, using faux leather conditioner will keep your cushions soft and supple for longer. Apply with a soft cloth and gentle circular motions, then wipe away any excess after a few minutes of absorption time.

For more information on caring for your sofa, check out our upholstery care guide.

dark green fabric sofa with white and monochrome cushions next to a brick wall

Faux leather sofa FAQs

Still got questions? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Take a look at some of our customers’ most common conundrums about faux leather.

What are the benefits of a fabric sofa?

Faux leather sofas are typically less durable than genuine leather sofas, but with proper care and maintenance can stand up to time, trends and busy family life. We always recommend following advice on the care label to keep your sofa feeling sumptuous for longer.

Top tip: If your faux leather sofa has a foam interior, it will likely lose some of its density in the first few months at home. But don’t fret! This is a completely normal characteristic of foam, and after your sofa is settled it should retain that perfectly plump feeling with no further density loss.

Is faux leather good for dogs?

While its easy-to-clean and scratch-resistant finish makes it great for spills and clumsy kids, a faux leather sofa might not be the best choice for paw-rents if your four-legged friend is overly scratchy. For advice on the best sofa materials for pets, check out our handy guide.

Should I choose a faux leather or real leather sofa?

Both genuine leather and faux leather have their benefits. You can’t replicate the natural patina and character of real leather, promising a timeless look full of charm that’s more durable than the synthetic alternative. On the other hand, faux leather sofas are often more affordable, easier to maintain and available in bolder, brighter colours.

Ultimately, the choice is yours!

More faux leather furniture at DFS

Fallen for faux leather? If you’re ready to add a touch of affordable luxury to every corner of your house, explore our full collection of faux leather furniture at DFS.