Last updated on March 24th, 2022
What’s the first thing that you look for while buying a sofa? Maybe it is the color, the build, or the style of the couch. These are, of course, essential elements to consider, but the fabric of the sofa plays the most crucial role in making sure that it is the right fit for your home. If your couch has to take the pressure of constant visitors and numerous spills and stains, it needs to have a fabric that can endure all that and more. Also, a sofa’s fabric will also influence how the sofa wears over time.
From style and quality to the material’s resistance to stains and fading, each kind of fabric has a different set of qualities to offer, and understanding this can go a long way in trying to figure out the best fabric for your couch. Let’s have a closer look at the common materials used for couches and their pros and cons.
Leather
Leather is one of the most durable and sophisticated materials that lends a classic charm to any living room. There are two types of leather to choose from – full-grain and top-grain. Full-grain is the highest quality of leather that uses the entire thickness of the hide. It makes for a comfortable and breathable material for sofas. Full-grain retains the leather’s natural imperfections and develops a beautiful patina with use. Top-grain leather, on the other hand, doesn’t carry the natural markings of full-grain leather and provides a uniform look.
Depending on the style and design of the room, one type may fit better than the other. For instance, if your living room carries a rustic look, then opt for a full-grain leather couch. However, if you happen to have a contemporary living room set-up, then choose a top-grain leather couch.
Maintenance: Use a leather conditioner to keep the couch supple. Also, keep in mind that leather can get cracked (when exposed to sunlight), and scratched (if you’ve got a pet in the house).
Cotton-Blends
If adding comfort and ease of maintenance to your living room furniture is what you are seeking, then settle for a cotton-blend sofa. Since cotton-blend uses a combination of linen and polyester, it makes for a durable and wrinkle-free material.
When looking for a cotton-blend sofa, ensure that you choose one with a higher thread count (as it is more durable). However, make sure you vacuum it regularly to take care of stains and dirt before they settle in deeper. Additionally, you can also use machine-washable slipcovers to protect your couch from spills and accidents.
Maintenance: A cotton sofa will need regular vacuuming and deep cleaning to remove stains, smells, and dust. You can also opt for a specialized sofa cleaner to address accidental spills.
Linen
Add a big dose of comfort to your living room with a linen sofa. Linen is not only soft and cool to feel but is also a hypoallergenic material that can resist bacteria and mildew. It also offers excellent durability and resistance to pilling and abrasion.
Maintenance: One of the drawbacks of linen is that it gets easily creased and doesn’t take to soiling very well. So, try to avoid investing in a linen sofa if you have kids or pets. You can take care of your linen sofa by vacuuming it once a month or get it cleaned professionally.
Microfiber
Made from a blend of polyester, acrylic, and nylon, microfiber is currently enjoying a bit of a moment in the decor world. Not only is it easy to clean but also makes for a durable sofa fabric that requires minimal maintenance. And unlike leather, microfiber sofas are resistant to sun damage.
Maintenance: A microfiber couch needs regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to fight stains and dust build-up.
Velvet
If your home is a treasure trove of uber-rich décor elements, then get yourself a velvet couch! It is made from silk and works admirably well with any style of decor.
Maintenance: Velvet is expensive and maintaining it isn’t an easy task. Dry cleaning is recommended, so think of opting for removable covers for ease of maintenance.
Hope that helps you get closer to your dream couch. Happy decorating, everyone!
