Upholstery Guide: Fabric vs Leather

Choosing the right upholstery is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—steps in creating your perfect piece of New Zealand made furniture. With thousands of options available, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Fabric or leather? Texture or tone? Pattern or plain?

At DA Lewis, we make it easy. Visit us in-store to explore thousands of fabric and leather swatches, and chat with our experienced Interior Designers who can help you find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

BENEFITS OF FABRIC UPHOLSTERY

Versatile, Warm and Easy Maintenance.

Versatile Style
With a huge range of colours, patterns, and textures, fabric upholstery works beautifully in both modern and classic homes. Whether you're after a bold statement or subtle elegance, there's a fabric for every aesthetic.

Cosy Comfort
Fabric seating feels soft and welcoming, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It's an excellent choice for living spaces where comfort is key.

Budget-Friendly
Fabric is often more affordable than leather, making it a popular option for families or those furnishing multiple rooms.

Easy to Maintain
Many fabrics are designed for everyday durability. They're typically more resistant to scratches than leather and can be treated for extra stain protection.
Tip: For high-traffic areas or homes with kids or pets, consider darker shades or textured weaves to hide marks more easily.

Pre-Treated for Protection
All DA Lewis fabric sofas can be professionally treated before delivery to help protect against spills and stains. Ask us in-store about upholstery protection options.

Explore Fabric Samples

We work with New Zealand’s leading fabric houses to bring you an extensive selection of beautiful upholstery options. Come in and view samples in-store or browse our suppliers online:

CONSIDERING LEATHER?

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIAN LEATHER

Leather upholstery is durable, elegant, and ages beautifully. At DA Lewis, we source only premium New Zealand and Australian leather from sustainable suppliers, including Tasman Leather NZ and The Shann Group. These tanneries practice ethical sourcing, using hides that are a by-product of the food industry and finishing them with care and respect.

BENEFITS OF LEATHER

Timeless Appeal
Leather offers a rich, classic look that never goes out of style. It’s a great choice for adding luxury to your living space.

Long-Lasting Durability
Leather is tough and resists punctures, spills, and everyday wear—ideal for busy households or high-use furniture.

Easy to Clean
Simply wipe spills with a soft cloth. Regular conditioning keeps leather soft and looking its best.

Hypoallergenic
Leather doesn’t trap allergens like dust or pet hair, making it a smart choice for allergy-prone households.

Ages Gracefully
Over time, leather develops a rich patina that adds to its character and value.

KNOW YOUR LEATHER

Leather is a popular choice for upholstery due to its durability, luxurious feel, and timeless appeal. There are several types of leather available for upholstery, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different purposes. When selecting a leather colour, it is important to first select your grain, considering factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and the desired aesthetic to ensure you select the right type of leather that meets your needs and preferences.... 

Different types of leather suit different needs and styles. When choosing, consider:

Grain type (full grain, corrected grain, bonded leather)

Desired feel (soft vs structured)

Colour & finish

Maintenance expectations

LEATHER SAMPLES

Making leather is one of the oldest recycling-based crafts on earth. At DA Lewis, we source our leathers from TASMAN LEATHER NZ, and the SHANN Group, via Australia. These companies have a reputation for sustainable practices - leather hides are sourced as a by-product and are treated with the greatest respected throughout the process.

To view available leathers online, please click on the logos below to be redirected to our supplier websites:

WHAT ABOUT TIMBER FINISHES

At DA Lewis, we have been making custom furniture since 1946. All DA MADE Hard Furniture can be finished in one of a number of colours to suit your style, using Oak timber.