The Types of Sofa Fabric
Fabric might not be the first thing on your mind when you shop for a sofa. But once you've been confronted with the dizzying range of fabric choices, you'll be able to make a better decision if you know some basic information about the textiles and their pros and cons. Sofa fabric types can be divided into natural fibers, synthetics and leather. With many variations in each category, there's a sofa fabric to fit everyone's decorating needs.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers include plant-based cotton and linen, along with silk and wool. Rayon, the 20th-century addition to natural fiber, is made from processed wood pulp and has a drape and luster similar to silk. You're probably familiar with these fabrics as garments, and they'll have similar properties on a sofa, but are more densely woven. Cotton, linen and wool are the most durable natural sofa fibers, but all are susceptible to damage from sunlight and moisture. Wool should be moth-proofed before use in upholstery. Keep in mind that even though they are called "natural," these fibers may be highly processed and treated with synthetic dyes and chemicals. If you are seeking to avoid these chemicals, look for cotton labeled "certified organic."
Synthetics
Synthetic fibers are petroleum products made by extruding the chemical into fine strands to be woven into fabric. The most common synthetics for sofa fabrics are polyester or polypropylene, nylon, acrylic and olefin. These products are often blended with natural fibers to add durability, and resistance to stains and fading. Some synthetics are made to resemble natural fibers -- for example, acrylic is similar to wool in texture and appearance. Microfiber fabrics, usually made of polyester, are densely woven or nonwoven with a short nap that gives them the feeling of suede. Noted for durability, microfiber upholstery is favored by pet owners because it resists staining and claw marks.
Leather
Although leather -- a processed animal hide, usually cow -- is not a fabric, it's prized as a luxury covering for sofas. The highest quality leather is top-grain, which uses the entire thickness of the hide and reveals the skin surface. Split-grain and suede leathers are thinner, because the hide is split in two, and show a cut surface rather than skin. These leathers can be dyed in a range of colors as well as the more natural-appearing browns and tans. Composites, known as bi-cast and bonded leather, and artificial leather products are also available. Some of these are very attractive and difficult to tell from genuine leather, but they may not wear as well and are difficult to repair if damaged. To reduce costs, some manufacturers may combine different leather types in one sofa. Manufacturers should disclose this practice on every piece of furniture where it is used.
Choosing a Sofa Fabric
The best choices for budget-conscious sofa buyers are cottons, synthetics and blends. Families with pets and active children should look for these fibers in sturdy weaves, such as denim, twill or microfiber. Investment-minded buyers will appreciate quality leather coverings and traditional fibers such as linen, silk and wool. The style of the sofa is another consideration when choosing fabric. For contemporary and Mid-Century Modern sofas, look for solid colors or modest, tonal prints in flat weaves such as twill, or herringbone and other lightly textured weaves. Floral prints and textured luxury fabrics such as damask and velvet are suitable for traditional and period sofa styles.
Sofa Fabric Types
A sofa is the foundation of any living room, family room or patio. If your couch is going to last through years of drop-in guests and movie nights, it has to have the right fabric for your needs. Many overlook sofa fabric types when searching for their dream couch, focusing only on how it fits their design scheme and space. Upholstery is important—it affects a sofa’s appearance and feel, as well as how it ages and the maintenance necessary to care for it. What material is best for your home? Learn more about different fabric types to find the perfect sofa for your needs.
Leather
Leather boasts a classic charm and is the quintessential material for a refined living room or office space. Most leather sofas are made with either full-grain or top-grain leather. Full-grain leather comes from the outermost layer of hide, meaning it’s extremely durable and breathable. Full-grain preserves the tan’s natural imperfections and markings, adding character to furniture and developing a natural patina with use. Alternatively, top-grain does not retain those natural characteristics. The outermost layer of hide is sanded away, removing imperfections and emphasizing uniformity.
Depending on the design of your living room and how you plan to use the sofa, one may fit your home better than the other. Full-grain furniture is better suited for rustic, lived in spaces, while top-grain is sleeker and has an urban feel. Keep leather furniture supple with conditioning products and wipe up stains as they occur. Don’t forget that leather has the potential to fade and crack when exposed to sunlight. Give your sofa a light, airy look by pairing it with neutral-hued accent furniture and decor, such as a soft grey or cream rug.
Cotton-Blends
Pop some color onto your living room palette with a cotton-blend sofa. Sofas upholstered in cotton-blends provide a comfortable, lived-in aesthetic. Though pure cotton tends to wrinkle, it makes durable, wrinkle-free upholstery when woven together with another material such as linen or polyester. Cotton is comfortable, breathable, and pill-resistant, allowing it to hold up on oft-used sofas. Keep spills and pet hair at bay with machine-washable slipcovers. Coordinate your cotton-blend sofa with existing furniture by choosing a complementary color and style. Easily accessorize with decorative pillows and throw blankets you can switch out seasonally.
Linen
Searching for durable, luxurious comfort from your sofa? Linen may be the fabric for you. Soft and cool to the touch, this textile is made for lounging and relaxing. Unlike cotton, linen doesn’t dye easily and is available only in classic white, off-white and cream tones. Pure linen is hypoallergenic, naturally resisting bacteria and mildew without any chemical treatment. With fibers even stronger than those of cotton, it doesn’t pill and stays free of lint, but still requires a level of upkeep. Like leather, linen weakens when exposed to direct sunlight. Unlike leather, it also holds fast to stains and spills. If you have older children who can be responsible for their own spills, add a linen sofa to the family room, or keep one in your formal sitting room.. Linen may also wrinkle, giving furniture a relaxed, casual aesthetic. Prolong your linen sofa’s life with regular vacuuming to keep the weave dirt- and dust-free.
Microfiber
Microfiber is typically made from a blend of polyester, acrylic and nylon threads so tightly woven that they repel water, making the textile stain-resistant. Microfiber is a popular choice for sectionals because it’s a durable fabric that requires minimal care. Like cotton-blend sofas, microfiber couches can be any color—choose a hue that coordinates with existing furniture in the family room, living room or basement. Feel free to arrange your microfiber sectional, settee or loveseat near a window—the sun-resistant material holds up in the light. However, this blend tends to retain static electricity and cling to pet hair and clothing fibers. Combat stray hairs and any dust or dirt buildup with regular vacuuming paired with occasional deep cleaning. Those with pets should keep a lint roller at hand to make sure your microfiber sofa always looks its best.
Outdoor Fabrics
Outdoor furniture features durable frames and soft cushions—make your next picnic or backyard stargazing session extra comfortable with an outdoor sofa. For comfort that can stand up to humidity, pick an outdoor sofa upholstered in polyester fabric that’s resistant to mold, mildew and UV rays. Easily address cocktail spills and barbecue stains with machine-washable sofa slipcovers and pillow covers. Outdoor cushion covers come in a variety of colors—swap them out seasonally to stay on-trend. Store couch and armchair cushions inside in the winter and during inclement spring and summer weather. Care for furniture fabrics with an outdoor multi-surface cleaner. To prolong the life of and best protect your patio setup, invest in a set of furniture covers.
A sofa is an investment piece, and it’s important to know what fabric type is right for your lifestyle before making a decision. Whether you opt for classic leather upholstery or a colorful microfiber blend, first research how to maintain it. How will it handle wear and tear? Will it fit your household’s lifestyle? Knowing more about your sofa’s fabric allows you to take better care of it, prolonging the life of your furniture. That way, you, your family and your guests can kick back and relax on it for years to come. Do you have a distinct vision for your perfect couch, loveseat or sleeper? Consider creating custom furniture, and design it from the frame up.
Know Your Fabrics: A Furniture Upholstery Guide
Whether you’re buying new furniture or reupholstering an old favorite, fabric selection is one of the most important choices you’ll need to make. With so many fabric options available it can become a bit overwhelming. Color and pattern are essential, but even before you get to that point you need to pick the right type of fabric for your furniture and your lifestyle. Since not everyone is a fiber aficionado, we put together this guide to help you make the right upholstery decision.
In this guide we’ll cover natural and synthetic fibers, but before we get to that there’s some guidelines to keep in mind that apply to both. One of the most essential criteria when it comes to fabric selection for furniture is how much use it can stand up to. This is measured in double-rubs. If the fabric is between 8,000 to 10,000 double rubs, it is designed for light use and it won’t sustain everyday wear and tear. Medium use upholstery fabric is between 10,000 to 15,000 double rubs. Most residential upholstery fabric falls into this category and can withstand 10,000 to 25,000 double-rubs. Commercial grade fabrics are usually rated at 100,000 to 250,000 double-rubs, but unless you have a large, rambunctious family or are furnishing a public space you won’t need something that heavy duty. If you’re looking for high durability in a domestic setting you should use a heavy use fabric that is 15,000–30,000 double rubs.
Texture is also important for furniture you’re going to be spending a lot of time sitting on. Scratchy fabric might not be the end of the world for the chair in the study no one ever sits on. But for your sofa and lounge chair that gets every day use, it needs to be comfy. Test fabric on your arm or face to check for roughness — the tougher skin on your hands might not pick up on more subtle scratchiness.
Natural Fabrics
Linen
Made from flax, linen is an extremely strong natural fiber. It’s smooth, soft, and naturally lustrous. Linen naturally resists pilling and soiling, but it can wrinkle easily, making it better suited for casual than formal spaces. It’s often used in in a blend with cotton for greater elasticity.
Cotton
Cotton is soft and durable, but it’s also susceptible to wrinkling and can be easily soiled. It’s a common choice for slipcovers, since most cotton can be cleaned with soap and water. You’ll rarely find 100% cotton upholstery fabric — it’s typically part of a blend. The best-quality cotton blends will generally contain about 45% to 60% cotton.
Wool
A natural fiber that comes from animal hair, wool is a durable choice for upholstery fabric. However it can be a bit scratchy and if not part of a blend, can be difficult to clean and risks felting. Because of this most wool upholstery fabric is actually a blend.
Leather
Made from animal hide, leather is durable and easy to clean. There are different grades of leather though, so be sure to look for full or top grain leather to ensure you’re getting the best.
Synthetic Fabrics
Polyester
First introduced in the 1950s, polyester is a high-performance synthetic fabric that is rarely used alone. You’ll most often find it working in tandem with natural materials such as cotton and wool. Polyester blends provide strength, easy cleaning, and resistance to fading, wrinkling, and abrasion.
Velvet
Velvet could have gone under either category as it can be made from cotton, silk, or polyester. Polyester velvets are more durable than their natural fiber counterparts however. Though comparatively difficult to clean, velvet stands out for its comfort, texture, and rich color options.
Microfiber
A knit blend polyester fabric, microfiber is softer than suede and much easier to clean. It’s made of tightly woven synthetic fibers, that provide durability and moisture resistance while maintaining the the aesthetic qualities of suede.
Rayon
A cellulose-based material, rayon was developed as an imitation for silk, linen, and cotton. It is durable, but prone to wrinkling. It’s commonly blended with other types of threads to create a mixed material that’s appropriate for upholstery.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is an acrylic fabric that was originally created for outdoor furniture use. However since it’s made to stand up to the elements it’s also a good choice for indoor furniture that may have to withstand spills and direct sunlight.
So which fabric is the best for furniture upholstery? While ultimately it comes down to your personal situation and needs, there are some clear front-runners to choose from. In general synthetic fabrics tend to be more durable than natural ones, but they may not have the texture you’re looking for. If you want to opt for a natural fabric, leather or linen are your best bets. If you don’t mind synthetic a polyester blend is the way to go. Be honest with yourself about how much wear and tear the upholstery is going to have to withstand. It’s easy to fall in love with a fabric, but if it’s going to have to be replaced in a couple of years it’s not really worth it. Once you have fabric content choice squared away, you can move on to something a bit more fun, liking picking a color.