Choosing Sofa Fabrics

Fabric sofas are a versatile option that offers nearly unlimited options in color, pattern, and texture to create a unique statement piece that suits your family's style. They can also be less expensive than leather couches. However, it's important to consider how a specific fabric will hold up to your household's busy lifestyle and cleaning needs before making a purchase.

Performance fabrics have been developed to withstand the challenges of everyday use and harsh conditions such as those found outdoors. Many of these fabrics are blends between natural and synthetic fibers designed to stand up to stains, moisture, and heat. While these fabrics may be a little more costly than traditional couch materials they do offer a high level of durability that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy home.

If you're planning to purchase a fabric upholstered sofa be sure to order some swatches before making a final decision. Seeing the fabric in person will give you a better idea of its hand, texture, and appearance in various lighting throughout the day. It's also a great opportunity to test how the fabric feels against your skin. This will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to clean your new sofa!

Cotton is a very popular choice for sofa upholstery because of its softness and durability. It's also easy to dye and weave into a wide range of patterns and colors. Cotton is naturally resistant to abrasion and can be found in a variety of performance fabrics that are water- and stain-resistant. This makes it a good choice for homes with children and pets.

Linen is another naturally durable fabric that's known for its softness and elegance. It can be found in a range of colors and patterns but doesn't have the built-in stain resistance of other performance fabrics. This can make it a poor choice for a busy family room.

Velvet is a beautiful, plush fabric that can add a touch of luxury to any sofa. It's not liquid-resistant so it can quickly soak up spills and stains. It can also be prone to flattening and fraying over time so it's best used in formal settings or low-traffic areas.

When choosing a fabric for your sofa, take into account how often you plan to clean it and any concerns you might have regarding stains, dirt, or allergies. Long, natural fibers can trap dust and pet hairs causing them to be more of a hassle for allergy sufferers. Shorter fibers like wool and wool blends are more resilient to this issue.