What Kinds of Fabrics to Use for a Sofa?

Budget Option: Olefin

• Made from polypropylene fibers, olefin offers considerable bang for the buck. The warm, wool-like fabric holds up to heavy use and resists water-based stains. Olefin fibers don’t weaken when exposed to perspiration, weather changes, insects and chemicals. Because the material dries quickly, simply wipe up spills with a wet rag. Olefin transmits less static electricity than other synthetic fibers, so you’re less likely to receive pokes. Because the fabric fades when exposed to ultraviolet light, avoid placing olefin sofas by windows.

Pet- and Kid-Friendly Fabric: Microfiber

• One hundred times times finer than human hair, microfiber typically comes with a reasonable price tag. Because its polyester fibers resist most snags and stains, microfiber sofas accept moderate abuse from pets, toddlers or even clumsy adults. This breathable material looks and feels like suede, yet cleans with the swipe of a cloth. Because fur doesn’t get embedded in the weave, pet hair comes out with a vacuum. Microfiber doesn’t pill or wrinkle easily, but like most man-made fabrics, the fibers tend to cause static electricity during dry winter months.

Everyday Comfort: Cotton

• Cotton not only resists fading, but also provides a soft texture and moderate resiliency. To ensure longevity, choose a variety with a high thread count. Sailcloth canvas, cotton twill and thick chenille work particularly well in informal spaces, including family rooms. If you’re concerned about spills and stains, look for cotton upholstery that’s been treated with a stain-resistant finish.

Luxury Option: Wool

• Although wool fades in bright, sun-filled rooms, this lightweight material resists wrinkles, static, mildew, abrasions, dirt and lint. This durable fabric doesn't pill and offers a striking appearance -- but wool upholstery costs more than other options. If the manufacturer hasn’t treated the fabric with a natural insect repellent, vacuum the upholstery regularly to remove moth eggs and larvae.

Formal Settings

• Silk, velvet and linen aren’t resilient fabrics, but their rich, natural textures are ideal for formal rooms. Spun by silkworms, silk has been used as a fabric for thousands of years because of its relative warmth, stretch and texture. To prevent stains from setting, velvet requires regular vacuuming, but cotton versions of the fabric offer more resilience than silk- or nylon-based varieties. In warm climates, linen stays cool and comfortable, but the material wrinkles easily and requires professional cleaning.