Faux leather is a fully synthetic material, most often a polyurethane or PVC coating on a woven fabric base, designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather. It has no animal hide content at all, which appeals to buyers who want the leather look without using animal products, and it is usually less expensive than genuine leather.
Quality varies widely: better faux leathers use a thicker, more flexible coating and a durable backing fabric, while cheaper versions can crack or peel within a few years, similar to bonded leather. Faux leather generally wipes clean easily, which suits a family household, though it does not breathe as well as real hide. See our leather sofa guide for how it compares to genuine leather types.
