Different Materials That Couches Use

Cotton and Cotton Blends

• Affordable and easy to clean, cotton and cotton blend fabrics are used on many sofas and upholstery projects. It is a natural fabric that is durable and versatile. It can add style to a couch, while still being inviting for everyday use. Cotton blends use a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibers, such as nylon. This gives them some stretch and stain-resistance.

Leather and Vinyl

• Leather creates luxurious-looking couches that fit in both traditional and modern spaces. As the leather ages, it will become softer and more comfortable. Vinyl is used on couches to create the same look of leather for a fraction of the price. However, it is not as durable as leather. It is prone to tears and holes that can compromise the look of the sofa and can be difficult to repair with vinyl repair kits.

Microfiber

• Microfiber is another popular material for sofas and upholstered material. With the look of suede, but lower in cost, it is a common fabric for contemporary sofas. It gives the lush appearance of a leather product and it is just as durable, and it's easy to coordinate with your room's decor.

Wool and Wool Blend

• Made from sheep's fur, wool and wool blends are sturdy and versatile fabrics for sofas and other upholstery projects. All natural wool sofas are more difficult to clean than wool blends, and often more expensive.

Silk and Acetate

• Silk is perhaps the most difficult upholstery fabric to clean. It is used on only formal couches in living rooms or dens, typically those in antique restorations. A more cost-effective alternative to silk is acetate, which is less prone to mildew and shrinking. However, it is almost as difficult to clean. Silk or acetate should only be used on couches that will receive minimal, if any, use.

Synthetics

• Other synthetic fabrics used alone or as a blend include polyester, rayon, acrylic and olefin. Because they are man-made, they are inexpensive and resilient, though they are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight.