What Kind of Fabric for a Sofa?

Style

• Fabric style should be compatible with the furniture it covers and the room in which it will be used. Silk or linen work well on traditional sofas in formal settings whereas a family room sofa in a more casual space calls for informal fabrics like cotton or microfiber. Where pattern is concerned, reserve large, repeating patterns for sofas in large rooms. Opt for a smaller print in a smaller room, or add interest with texture instead.

Durability

• The more wear and tear your sofa is exposed to, the more durable the upholstery fabric needs to be. Leather, cotton blends and wool are the most durable natural fibers. They stand up well to abrasion and they resist piling and fading. Among synthetics, nylon blends are extremely durable, as are high-quality acrylic, nylon and polyester blends, including microfiber, as well as olefin and vinyl. Silk, linen, acetate and lower-quality synthetics don't wear as well. Generally, the tighter a fabric's weave, the more durable the fabric. In addition, fabrics with woven patterns wear better than fabrics with printed patterns.

Wrinkling

• If wrinkled upholstery fabric is unappealing to you, avoid silk, linen and cotton, all of which can wrinkle badly. Among synthetics, acetate and rayon are prone to wrinkling as well. Wool, olefin and polyester, including microfiber, tend not to wrinkle.

Ease of Cleaning

• Cotton and cotton blends are prone to staining, but they’re washable. Silk, linen and wool also stain, and they require professional cleaning. Leather and vinyl clean extremely well, as do olefin and polyester blends, including microfiber, and acrylic and nylon blends. Any upholstery fabric can be treated with a anti-staining product. Some treatments, however, make the fabric less resistant to oily soil.

Summary

• For formal spaces that get little use, primarily by adults, formal but delicate fabrics like silk and linen are lovely. Wool is also best reserved for lightly used sofas unless the wool is a blend, which can be spot cleaned. Cotton, while durable, is prone to staining and wrinkling. It may be more practical for use in a slipcover than as an upholstery fabric. The synthetics tend to wear better and are easier to care for. Olefin and microfiber are particularly well suited for families with children and pets. Overall, the most durable fabrics are leather and vinyl. Leather has the additional benefit of aging beautifully.