When choosing artificial leather for furniture upholstery, one of the most common questions buyers ask is:
PU leather or PVC leather — which one is better?
Both materials are widely used in sofas, chairs, hotel furniture, and commercial seating. However, they differ significantly in texture, durability, cost, and application suitability.
In this guide, we’ll explain the real differences between PU leather and PVC leather, compare their performance side by side, and help you choose the right upholstery material for your project.
What Is PU Leather?
PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is a type of synthetic leather made by coating a fabric base (usually microfiber or polyester) with polyurethane.
It is designed to closely replicate the appearance and feel of genuine leather.
Key Characteristics of PU Leather
-
Soft and flexible hand feel
-
Fine leather-like grain texture
-
Lightweight structure
-
Good breathability compared to PVC
-
Suitable for complex upholstery shapes
Because of its softness and premium appearance, PU leather is commonly used in:
-
Luxury chairs
-
Headboards
-
Decorative furniture upholstery
PU leather offers a balance between aesthetics and comfort, making it a popular choice for mid-to-high-end furniture.
What Is PVC Leather?
PVC leather is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated onto a fabric backing. Compared to PU leather, it has a denser surface structure and higher mechanical strength.
PVC leather is known for its excellent resistance to wear, moisture, and stains.
Key Characteristics of PVC Leather
-
Waterproof and easy to clean
-
Lower material cost
-
Slightly stiffer texture
PVC leather is widely used in:
Its performance stability makes PVC leather ideal for high-traffic environments.
PU vs PVC Leather – Comparison Table
| Feature | PU Leather | PVC Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, leather-like | Firm, structured |
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Medium |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Abrasion Resistance | Medium–High | High |
| Waterproof | Water-resistant | Fully waterproof |
| Breathability | Yes | No |
| Comfort | High | Medium |
| Eco-friendliness | Better | Fair |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Typical Use | Home & premium furniture | Commercial & heavy-use furniture |
PU Leather vs PVC Leather for Furniture Upholstery
Choose PU Leather If You Need:
-
Soft seating comfort
-
Premium appearance
-
Natural leather texture
-
Residential or boutique furniture
-
Luxury hotel room furniture
PU leather performs best where comfort and appearance matter more than extreme durability.
Choose PVC Leather If You Need:
-
High abrasion resistance
-
Waterproof performance
-
Easy maintenance
-
Long service life
-
Cost control
PVC leather is ideal for hotels, restaurants, offices, and public seating where furniture is used continuously.
Which Is Better for Furniture Upholstery?
There is no universal “better” material — only the right material for the right application.
-
PU leather is better for comfort-focused furniture and premium designs.
-
PVC leather is better for durability-focused environments and commercial projects.
Many furniture manufacturers today also use hybrid solutions, applying different materials to different parts of the furniture to optimize both comfort and cost.
Customization Options for PU & PVC Upholstery Leather
Both PU and PVC artificial leather can be customized with:
-
Matte or glossy finishes
-
Easy-clean coating
-
Anti-stain treatment
-
Abrasion-resistant layers
-
Waterproof construction
This makes artificial leather extremely flexible for global furniture projects.
FAQ
What is the main difference between PU and PVC leather?
The main difference lies in material structure.
PU leather is softer and more breathable, while PVC leather is stronger, waterproof, and more durable.
Is PVC leather more durable than PU leather?
Yes. PVC leather generally offers higher abrasion resistance and longer lifespan, especially in commercial seating applications.
Which is better for hotel furniture upholstery?
-
Guestroom furniture: PU leather
-
Lobby, restaurant, public areas: PVC leather
Many hotels combine both materials depending on usage intensity.
Is PU leather more eco-friendly than PVC leather?
PU leather is considered more environmentally friendly because it contains no plasticizers and has lower VOC emissions compared to traditional PVC leather.
Can PU and PVC leather look the same?
Yes. With modern embossing technology, both materials can achieve very similar grain patterns and surface appearances.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between PU and PVC leather helps furniture manufacturers, designers, and buyers make better decisions.
-
Choose PU leather for comfort, elegance, and premium furniture.
-
Choose PVC leather for durability, waterproof performance, and heavy-use environments.
Both materials play an essential role in modern furniture upholstery — the key is matching performance to application.
