What is the Difference Between Microsuede and Microfiber? - Bean Bags R Us

What is the Difference Between Microsuede and Microfiber?

Microsuede is cheaper than genuine suede and is more resistant to wear and stains. But what's the difference between microsuede & microfiber?

Microsuede is cheaper than genuine suede and is more resistant to wear and stains. It is made from polyester fibres that are woven tightly to create a suede-like texture. Microfiber and microsuede are both types of synthetic fabrics commonly used in upholstery and the fashion industry. Both are synthetic fabrics, offering durability and easy maintenance compared to natural materials. But what are the differences between microsuede & microfiber?

Bean bags are a fun, comfortable alternative to spare chairs, whether in the living room, kids’ bedrooms, or the media room. Bean bags are often covered in materials like Microsuede or Microfiber. Generally, these materials are recognised for their durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. The primary differences between microsuede and microfiber lie in their texture, durability, and care requirements. Microsuede is often more expensive than microfiber. Are faux suede beanbags the right choice for a family home, or is a different fabric a better choice?

What's the difference between microsuede and microfiber?

Microsuede is a type of Microfiber. Microsuede is a human-made polyester fabric composed of millions of very fine microfibers. Both microsuede and microfiber are synthetic materials commonly used as upholstery fabric for furniture due to their artificial origin and practical properties. Faux suede has the same feel as genuine suede leather but has fewer of the problems associated with the real thing. Microsuede has a slightly textured surface that resembles natural suede. The different textures of microsuede and microfiber can enhance the visual appeal and comfort of furniture, with microsuede offering a suede-like feel and microfiber providing a smoother finish. Both are popular upholstery fabrics because of their durability and ease of maintenance. Microsuede is cheaper than genuine suede and is more resistant to wear and stains. Cleaning microsuede bean bags can be simple with the right knowledge. Still, it does require some research and technique due to the variety of fabric finishes and material options available today.

What is Microfiber?

Microfiber is a term used to describe fabrics with strands less than one denier (a denier is a unit used to measure the linear mass density of fibres). Most human-made microfibers are made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. These fine threads produce lightweight fabrics that are easy to clean, resistant to wrinkles and stains, yet maintain a luxurious appearance. Microfiber fibres are much finer than human hair, making the fabric exceptionally soft and durable.

Microfiber is made from thin, tightly woven polyester or nylon fibres known for their softness and strength. Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made from synthetic fibres, offering an affordable and durable alternative to natural materials. Microfiber is generally softer than other upholstery materials, featuring a smooth texture that makes it a popular choice for furniture and upholstery. They’re popular in clothing, furnishings and cleaning products.

How is Microfiber used?

Microfibers are commonly used for covering furniture due to their ease of cleaning. Microfiber furniture is a popular choice due to its easy maintenance, making it especially appealing for busy households and pet owners. However, they can also be used in many other ways. Microfiber is ideal for making lightweight and breathable clothing. It is popular with athletes, thanks to the fabric’s ability to wick moisture away from the body. It can also be used to make cleaning products, such as cloths and mops. Microfiber is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. Microfibers are electrically charged, so they can easily trap dust and dirt into the fibres of the cloth. This makes cleaning quick and easy, eliminating the need for sprays to remove dust. Microfiber furniture can often be cleaned with a damp cloth, which helps maintain its appearance and durability with minimal effort. They can also be used to clean grease and fat stains. The intended use of microfiber varies, as it is suitable for furniture, cleaning products, and clothing due to its versatility and practical benefits.

What are the features of Microsuede?

Microsuede is a popular fabric in home furnishings for several reasons. Microsuede and other microfibers have lots of helpful features, including their durability and stain resistance:

  • Great strength, despite the superfine filaments.

  • Improved breathability

  • Sharper contrast in prints

  • Comfortable fibres

  • Durability

  • Easy to care for

  • Water-resistant

  • Drapes well

  • Lightweight

  • Stain-resistant

Microsuede is a popular choice for upholstery due to its several advantages, including durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance.

Any fabrics in your home, especially if you have children or pets, should be durable and easy to maintain. Microsuede is an excellent choice for high-end furniture due to its luxurious feel and ability to mimic various textures, including leather and traditional fabrics. Nobody wants to spend ages trying to clean dirt off a bean bag when they could be relaxing in it instead. Thanks to the strength of the fabric, the bean bag will withstand daily use, even from children who might be a little rough with it. The fabric is comfortable, making the bean bag soft to sit on and comfortable against your skin. The resistance to stains and water is ideal for family life, as the bean bag will withstand spilled drinks, dropped food, and other messes that often accompany young children. Microfiber upholstery fabric can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms.

Real Suede vs Microsuede

 

Real Suede vs Microsuede

When deciding between real suede and microsuede for your furniture or clothing, it’s essential to consider several key factors, including durability, maintenance requirements, and your personal style preferences. Real suede is a natural material crafted from animal hides, prized for its luxurious appearance and soft, supple feel. This genuine suede offers a unique, natural texture that many people find appealing, especially in high-end furniture and fashion. However, real suede is more susceptible to staining, moisture, and wear and tear, which means it often requires professional cleaning and careful handling to maintain its quality and appearance.

Microsuede, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric made from tightly woven polyester or nylon fibres. Designed to mimic the suede-like texture of genuine suede, microsuede offers a smooth, velvet-like feel and a luxurious appearance, while also providing added benefits. As a synthetic material, microsuede is highly resistant to stains and moisture, making it a popular choice for busy households, families with kids, and pet owners. Pet hair and human hair are less likely to cling to microsuede, and any that does can be easily removed with a damp cloth or vacuum. This easy maintenance is a major advantage, as microsuede can often be machine washed or spot cleaned with mild soap and water, unlike real suede, which should be kept away from harsh chemicals and typically needs professional cleaning.

In terms of durability, microsuede stands out as a budget-friendly option that can withstand daily wear and tear. The synthetic fibres are tightly woven, making the fabric more resistant to damage from spills, stains, and general use. This makes microsuede an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, children’s rooms, or homes with pets. Real suede, while offering a truly luxurious feel and a distinctive, natural look, is generally more delicate and can show signs of wear more quickly, especially if exposed to moisture or heavy use.

When it comes to style and texture, both materials offer a range of different textures and appearances. Microsuede can be manufactured in a variety of colours and finishes to suit any decor, and its smooth texture is often compared to velvet. Real suede, meanwhile, has a more rugged, organic texture that is difficult to replicate with synthetic fabrics. Your choice may come down to whether you prefer the consistent, easy-care qualities of microsuede or the unique, natural charm of genuine suede.

Ultimately, the decision between real suede and microsuede depends on your intended use, budget, and personal preference. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and affordable fabric with a luxurious appearance, microsuede is a practical and stylish option. If you value the authentic look and feel of natural materials and are willing to invest in extra care, real suede may be worth considering. Both fabrics offer comfort and style, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and decor needs.

How do you clean faux suede bean bags?

Faux suede is easy to clean, which is one of its big advantages. Remember that while Microsuede is stain-resistant, it is not entirely stain-proof, so it will require occasional cleaning to maintain its best appearance. Always read the label carefully before starting to clean. Some faux suedes are water-resistant, whereas others must only be cleaned with solvents or a dry vacuum. Some faux suede covers can be machine washed, while others may require professional cleaning to maintain their appearance and quality. Check which one yours is, and follow this guide to clean your bean bag properly and safely without damaging the faux suede. For most bean bags, a quick vacuum is all that is needed to remove dust and crumbs. Microfiber is easy to clean and maintain, often requiring just water and mild detergent for stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on microfiber or faux suede surfaces, as these can cause damage.

Are faux suede bean bags suitable for people with allergies?

Dust allergies and asthma are very common, and the fabrics you use in your home can help manage these conditions. Dust doesn't settle in Microfiber in the same way that it would in a bean bag covered in another cloth. The fine fibres in microsuede prevent dust from accumulating excessively. Any dirt that does settle can be easily removed with a once-over with the vacuum cleaner. If you or someone in the house has a dust allergy, then faux suede bean bags are a great choice to help them manage the problem. Both microsuede and microfiber are known for their ability to wick away moisture and resist allergens.

Are there any downsides to Microfiber?

Microfiber is popular for cleaning cloths and mops as it can trap dust. This means that any lint, loose threads, pet fur, or hairs will stick to your bean bag more than they would on some other fabrics. Luckily, Microfiber is very easy to clean, so this isn't too much of a problem to deal with. However, if you have pets, you may want to keep them away from your bean bag to avoid having to clean pet hair off of it every other day. Microfiber attracts lint and pet hair, making it less suitable for homes with pets without regular cleaning. A light-coloured microfiber bean bag can also be marred by dark-coloured clothing or overdyed jeans, so be careful with the colour of the bean bag you choose. A darker shade might be better for a family home.

What alternatives are there for bean bag fabric?

Faux suede bean bags are a great choice, but they may not be suitable for everyone or every home. There are lots of other options that might suit you and your lifestyle better. Vinyl is one of the most common coverings for bean bags, as it is very durable. However, in hot weather, vinyl can get very hot and sticky, which isn’t very pleasant to sit on. Vinyl is also considered to be carcinogenic. You could buy a cotton bean bag. These are better for hot climates, as the cotton is breathable and very comfortable. However, cotton isn’t very resistant to staining, so it's a poor choice for homes with pets, children, or adults prone to spilling.

Synthetic materials, such as faux leather and microfiber, are also popular choices for bean bag covers. They are often chosen as a budget-friendly option because they reduce costs and offer practicality, though they may attract lint and lack the luxury feel of natural materials.

Polyester & Nylon

Polyester and nylon are very popular fabrics for bean bags, as they are very easy to clean. As synthetic fabric options, polyester and nylon are available in a wide range of styles, allowing you to choose colours and designs that best match your decor. These fabrics are often treated with a special coating that makes them resistant to fading and mould, and repellent to water.

Leather

A leather bean bag is another good option. These look classy and are very durable compared to almost all other fabrics, offering a truly luxurious feel that is often associated with high-end furniture. The rich, premium texture of leather enhances both comfort and style. Some microfiber fabrics, such as those with a velvet finish, can also provide a plush, velvet-like texture that rivals the luxurious feel of leather, making them suitable alternatives for those seeking a soft and smooth surface. However, real leather is not inexpensive, so treating yourself to a leather bean bag may be a splurge that falls outside your budget. If you can afford it, though, a leather bean bag can be a lasting style statement. The right fabric choice depends on where and how you’re going to use the bean bag. If the bean bag is intended to be an accent piece in your bedroom or a spare chair in the lounge, then it’s likely that it won’t be under as much wear and tear as it might be in other parts of the house. This means you can choose a pretty, yet not as durable, fabric, allowing for a wider range of options to match your bean bag to the decor of the rest of your bedroom. If the bean bag is going to be used in a child’s bedroom or as a chair for the kids in the living room, then you want something that is easy to clean and durable, such as polyester or vinyl. Choose a bean bag in a fun colour or a pattern that children will enjoy. If your bean bag will be used as a gaming chair, then you want a sturdy bean bag with plenty of filling so you can sit a little more upright for a comfortable gaming position. A sturdy fabric, such as leather or faux suede, is a good choice. If you plan to use the bean bag for reading or watching TV, you’ll want something soft and comfortable to sit on.

Which faux suede bean bag should I buy?

One of our most popular bean bags is our Cocoon Faux Suede Bean Bag. This bean bag is soft, fun, and incredibly comfortable to relax on. The Cocoon Bean Bag is crafted in a teardrop shape, providing a very comfortable sitting experience. The soft faux suede is ideal for snuggling up into when the weather is cold. This bean bag is also very hard-wearing and easy to care for properly. Our Cocoon faux suede bean bags come in a range of colours so you can match it to your decor. Currently, you can buy one in pastel pink, sand, caramel, charcoal, and orange. These bean bags are both stylish and functional. They have a sturdy inner lining, which makes the bean bag easy to wash and keep clean. The faux suede is easy to spot clean when needed, but the inner liner can also be removed for machine washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning if a deeper clean is required. The Cocoon bean bag features a high-quality safety zip that you can trust to be safe and easy to use for years to come. This bean bag can also be customised for business use, as well as purchased for use indoors at home. When choosing the right faux suede bean bag, personal preference plays a significant role, as factors such as style, comfort, and care requirements can vary from individual to individual.

Can I buy custom microfiber bean bags for my business?

We can create personalised bean bags for your business, which your guests, customers, or clients are sure to love. Custom microfiber bean bags are a popular choice for business events due to their versatility and broad appeal. Bean bags are a great, budget-friendly choice for outdoor event seating. You can use them at outdoor cinemas or concerts. They are a convenient addition at a trade show booth. Bean bags are comfy, light and easy to transport. They add a sense of fun and colour to an event. We can print your company name, logo, or slogan onto many of our bean bag designs. This makes them a great choice for your event or as part of an event sponsorship package. We’ve created branded bean bags for companies including Uber, Cadbury, Moet & Chandon, Jacobs Creek, Melbourne Music Week, and many more.

Why buy from Bean Bags R Us?

Bean Bags R Us uses the latest trends and the most fashionable colours. We constantly source new fabrics. And we create the most comfortable shapes. Our modern design choices are used to create a range of bean bags that are versatile and easy to incorporate into your home. Bean bags are easy to add, flexible, extra seating option in the home. Use them to add an element of fun to your decor. Or give the kids some seating they'll enjoy in their bedrooms. Or for relaxing while watching TV or playing games. When you buy from Bean Bags R Us, you know you're getting a high-quality product with a one-year warranty. All our bean bags are child-safe, featuring safe fillings and child-proof zippers, and come with clear cleaning instructions to keep your bean bag looking good for a long time.

Worldwide Shipping

We ship worldwide, so you can enjoy a great-quality bean bag from us, wherever you are in the world. For Australian deliveries, we ship through DHL, Australia Post and Startrack Express. International deliveries are made through FedEx & DHL Express. Whatever you choose, bean bags are a versatile, fun, and comfortable seating option for the home or corporate events. Microsuede and other forms of Microfiber are great choices for bean bag chairs, thanks to their durability, ease of cleaning, comfort, and style. Comfortable faux suede bean bags are a versatile option for various uses in the home. Shop online now to view our full range, or call us on 1800 888 911 to speak with our team about our stock.


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