Faux Leather Barstools vs. Real Leather: Which is Best?

In this product showdown, we'll examine the pros and cons of faux leather barstools and real leather barstools.

If you're in the market for a new set of stunning barstools, you may be wondering if faux leather is a good option. After all, it's cheaper and more sustainable than genuine leather—but does faux leather look as elegant or last as long as natural leather?

So in this product showdown, we'll examine the pros and cons of faux leather barstools and real leather barstools to help you make the best decision for your home.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather (also known as synthetic leather, vegan leather, PU leather, or polyurethane leather) is a synthetic material made to imitate the look and feel of natural leather. It's usually made from polyurethane—a type of plastic—or PVC, and it often has a fabric backing.

On the other hand, real leather is made from the treated and dyed skin of an animal—usually a cow. It's a natural, durable, and breathable material that sometimes gets better with age as it develops a patina.

Differences Between Real Leather and Faux Leather Barstools

Now that you know a little more about faux and genuine leather, let's analyze how they differ when it comes to choosing barstools.

Cost

Faux leather is typically cheaper than natural leather. For example, you can find faux leather barstools for as little as $50, while actual leather barstools usually start around $200.

Durability

Genuine leather is a natural material that needs to be conditioned and treated with care. You'll need to wipe up spills quickly and avoid putting your leather barstools in direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the material to dry out and crack.

Faux leather is far easier to wipe clean and is more resistant to staining—a fact worth considering if you plan to put your barstools to real use.

Appearance

When it comes to looks, faux leather has come a long way in recent years and can now convincingly imitate the appearance of real leather—though a close inspection may reveal some subtle differences.

Sustainability

If you're looking for a more sustainable option, faux leather is the way to go since it doesn't require the sacrifice of real animals. The production of faux leather elicits some pollution since it is made in a factory, but not as much pollution as cattle farms produce.

3 Benefits of Choosing Faux Leather Barstools

1.      They're easier to maintain.

If you have kids or pets, or if you simply don't want to worry about spills and stains, faux leather barstools are a great option. With proper care, faux leather barstools can last for years—even decades.

2.      They're more affordable.

Faux leather barstools usually cost less than their real leather counterparts due to the availability of materials and the fact that they don't require as long to produce. So faux leather may be the way to go if you're working with a tight budget.

3.      Faux leather barstools are overall better for the environment.

As faux leather is made from synthetic materials rather than natural ones, it has a lower environmental impact. So if sustainability is important to you, faux leather barstools are the way to go. Cow farms account for over 14% of total greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, so choosing faux leather can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts

So, which is the best option for your home—faux or genuine leather? The answer may depend on your budget, style preferences, and how you plan to use your barstools. If you're searching for barstools that look gorgeous and outlast spills and long-term use at an affordable price, then faux leather is the way to go.

Check out our collection of faux leather barstools here and find the perfect set for your home.