Australia
Leather vs Faux Leather Cushions: Which Should You Choose?
How genuine leather and faux leather compare for bench, banquette and dining chair cushions, and which suits families, pets and cafés.
On this page
Quick answer: For most bench, banquette and dining chair cushions, faux leather is the practical choice: it costs less, wipes clean, resists stains and stays consistent in colour. Genuine leather ages into a patina and breathes better, but it costs more, needs conditioning and marks more easily. Neither suits uncovered outdoor areas; use Sunbrella there.
Leather-look cushions give a kitchen banquette, dining bench or window seat a tailored, easy-care finish. The first choice is whether to go genuine leather or faux leather. Here is how they compare for cushions in Australian homes and hospitality.
Quick comparison
| Faux leather (e.g. Warwick Lustrell, Ultraleather) | Genuine leather | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Cleaning | Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap | Wipe, plus regular conditioning |
| Stains and spills | Resists most spills | Can absorb oils and dark liquids |
| Colour range | Wide and consistent between batches | Varies hide to hide |
| Pets | Does not hold hair; claws can still mark | Scratches show, though they can blend into patina |
| Feel over time | Stays the same | Softens and develops a patina |
| Outdoors | Not for constant sun and rain | Not for outdoors |
When faux leather is the better choice
For families, pets, rentals and cafés, faux leather is hard to beat. Warwick's Lustrell Charisma, Lustrell Aura and Lustrell Ranger are hard-wearing faux leathers from the Australian textile house, and Ultraleather is a premium performance option used in hospitality and marine seating. Colour ideas are in our Lustrell Charisma guide.
When genuine leather makes sense
If you want a piece that ages with character, such as a study bench or a reading-nook cushion that sees gentle use, genuine leather can be lovely. Budget for conditioning every few months and keep it out of direct sun, which dries and fades hides. Email us if you need genuine leather for a specific project.
Getting the cushion right
- Thickness: 50–75 mm for dining chairs and benches keeps you at table height; 100–150 mm for sofa seats.
- Finish: piping gives a crisp, upholstered edge; a Dacron wrap softens the look.
- Shape: banquettes often need L-shaped or trapezoid cushions; measure in millimetres with our measuring guide.
- Foam: foam for Australian orders is made in Australia; firm seat foam keeps a bench cushion from sagging.
Where to start
Browse leather and faux leather cushions, or go straight to banquette cushions, dining chair cushions or window seat cushions. For an outdoor bench or pool lounger, choose Sunbrella instead. Prefer a woven fabric with stain protection? See WarGuard and OnGuard explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is faux leather or real leather better for a kitchen banquette?
Faux leather, for most homes. It wipes clean, resists spills and costs less, while genuine leather needs conditioning and can absorb oils.
Is faux leather good with dogs and cats?
It does not hold pet hair and wipes clean, although sharp claws can still mark any leather-look surface.
Can faux leather cushions go outside?
Not in uncovered areas. Constant sun and rain shorten its life; use Sunbrella for outdoor cushions.
How do I clean faux leather cushions?
Wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry. Avoid solvents, bleach and abrasive cleaners.
What thickness should a leather bench cushion be?
50–75 mm suits dining benches and chairs; sofa seats usually take 100–150 mm.
