If you haven’t shopped for furniture in awhile, you may be surprised by the vast array of materials, colors, and patterns available. If you can envision it, you can likely find it. While this makes it all the easier to customize your style, it also requires more research. It can be quite overwhelming!
Our living space fabric guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing upholstery fabric. Learn about all types of fibers and weaves. If you still need help, consider talking to one of our design experts in person. Otherwise, head to our sofa product category and sort by material when you're ready.
What to Consider When Choosing Sofa Materials
The types of sofa material you choose should depend on your lifestyle and current decor. Think about how often the furniture will be used, where it will go, if children or pets will use it, and maintenance. Here are a couple considerations when choosing upholstery:
Style:
Style encompasses many things—your own personal style and the style of the furniture and of the room in which it sits. You may love big, bold patterns, but they could overtake a small room. You must think of the fabric in the context of the room. The fabric should also complement the frame. Different patterns, textures, and sheens will look better on modern furniture versus traditional furniture. Of course with all that said, you should only choose fabric styles you like! Learn more about how to design with contrast here.
Color:
Be careful of color trends. With so many options available these days, it’s tempting to go with the latest look, but ask yourself: Will I like this 5 years from now? If the answer is a definite yes, then go for it! If you're not sure, you can still bring in that hot new color with accent pillows, rugs, or lamps.
Color can also set the mood. If you want to create a warm space, you’ll want to choose warmer colors (reds, oranges, and yellows). Cooler colors (blues, greys, and greens) set a more formal tone. Neutral tones like white, gray, and black are versatile. They can fit any mood with additions like pillows and blankets. Learn more about how to use color in room design and different color personalities.
Sun:
Will your new furniture be placed in a basement that sees little light or in a living room full of windows? Sun will fade fabric so it’s best to consider something fade-resistant if your furniture will see a lot of light.
Popular sun-resistant couch materials are acrylic, polyester, and olefin for synthetic fabrics and cotton for natural fabrics. Cotton can fade over time but you can find treated cottons that are more resistant to fading. Generally, tightly woven fabrics and darker colors fade slower. Also avoid direct sunlight, regularly clean, and regularly rotate furniture.
Use:
If the piece will see infrequent use in a formal dining room, a less durable fabric may work. If it will be situated in a rec room (the realm of kids and pets), you’ll need a fabric that can stand up to activity such as leather, nylon, or polyester. Different fabric materials have different durabilities. Each is covered below. Some are also more easy to clean than others.
Allergies:
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, you may want to pick a weave such as microfiber. It is lint free and doesn’t attract dust. Generally, synthetic and tightly woven fabrics are more hypoallergenic. Also consider how easy to clean the fabric is.
Types of Fibers
When choosing different couch materials, or for other furniture, consider both fibers and weaves. A "fiber" is the material that is the basic building block of fabric. A "fabric weave" is the specific pattern in which those fibers are interlaced to create a fabric.
Fabric is either synthetic or natural. But, you will never find fabric that is not blended with other materials. You likely won't find pure cotton or acrylic for instance. Our product pages usually list out what a fabric is made of, like '57% Olefin, 43% Polyester.'
Let's start by breaking down common fabric fibers:
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic or man-made fibers offer numerous benefits. They are made for durability and provide a richer palette of colors, textures, and patterns. They are often easier to clean and more resistant to fading.
Synthetic fibers include:
- Olefin
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Faux Leather
Olefin/Herculon
Olefin is great for high-traffic areas. It is stain-resistant, extremely durable, and fade-resistant. You often find it in outdoor furniture. But, olefin is also soft to the touch making it a comfortable fabric as well. Olefin is often blended with other fibers, like polyester.
Pros:
- Durability: Highly resistant to wear and tear, fading, and stains.
- Weather Resistance: Ideal for outdoor furniture due to its resistance to moisture, mildew, and UV rays.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Less Soft: Can feel less soft and luxurious compared to natural fibers.
Acrylic
Acrylic often looks and feels like wool. It has natural memory and is dirt and flame resistant. It is soft and luxurious, hypoallergenic, and machine washable. It also dries quickly. This material is often blended with other fabrics as well.
Pros:- Softness: Feels soft and cozy, similar to wool.
- Durability: Resistant to fading, mildew, and moths.
- Versatility: Can be used for a variety of applications, including upholstery and blankets.
- Pilling: Can pill over time, especially if not cared for properly.
Nylon
Nylon is tough stuff. It is stronger than the majority of fibers. In addition to being highly durable, it is also non-absorbent and dirt-resistant. It resists abrasion and has a high elasticity so it will quickly regain shape and look as good as new for a long time.
Pros:
- Strength: Extremely strong and durable.
- Resiliency: Resists wrinkles and retains its shape.
- Water Resistance: Repels water and stains.
Cons:
- Less Breathable: Can feel less breathable than natural fibers.
Polyester
Just like the 70s, polyester wears exceptionally well. It is resistant to creasing and one of the most widely used upholstery fibers. The reason is that it blends easily with other materials. It can be engineered to look and feel like natural fibers like silk, wool, and linen.
Pros:
- Durability: Resistant to fading, mildew, and wrinkles.
- Versatility: Can be used for a wide range of applications, from upholstery to clothing.
- Easy Care: Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Static Cling: Can be prone to static cling.
Rayon
Rayon is strong yet soft to the touch. It also has a high luster and drapes well. Like polyester, it can be made to resemble natural fibers like silk, wool, cotton, and linen by blending.
Pros:
- Softness: Feels soft and luxurious, similar to silk.
- Drapability: Drapes beautifully.
- Breathability: Allows for good air circulation.
Cons:
- Wrinkles Easily: Prone to wrinkling.
- Sensitive to Moisture: Can shrink or stretch when exposed to moisture.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is treated to look like real leather. But, it is not as durable and maintenance isn't the same. It is usually more affordable than real leather.
Pros:
- Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, stains, and water.
- Easy to Clean: Simple to wipe clean.
- Affordability: More affordable than genuine leather.
Cons:
- Less Breathable: Not as breathable as natural leather.
- Can Crack or Peel: May crack or peel over time, especially if not cared for properly.
Natural Fibers
There are many natural fibers on the market. The most common are cotton and wool—the top two strongest natural fibers. Natural sofa fabrics are often considered more luxurious and less durable. They will often be more expensive than synthetic fabrics as well.
Natural fibers include:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Silk
- Leather
- Linen
- Suede
Cotton
Cotton is timeless because of it's softness, comfort, and versatility. Cotton sofas take dyes easily and are easy to weave, meaning you'll find a wide range of colors and patterns. It becomes softer with use and therefore is not as durable as other materials. But, it blends well with other fibers that are more durable. It is not recommended for direct sunlight or damp conditions.
Pros:
- Breathability: Highly breathable, allowing for good air circulation.
- Softness: Soft and comfortable to the touch.
- Hypoallergenic: Generally hypoallergenic.
Cons:
- Wrinkles Easily: Prone to wrinkling.
- Shrinks: Can shrink when not dried properly.
- Susceptible to Stains: Can be easily stained.
Wool
Wool is a long-lasting furniture material when it is blended with synthetic fiber. Some find it to be an itchy fabric, so be sure to try it for yourself. It is also naturally stain resistant, highly elastic, extremely durable, and dirt and flame resistant. It can absorb up to 30% of it's weight without feeling damp!
Pros:
- Warmth: Excellent insulation properties, keeping you warm in cold weather.
- Durability: Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Natural Flame Resistance: Naturally flame resistant.
Cons:
- Price: Can be more expensive than synthetic fibers.
- Maintenance: Requires special care, including professional cleaning.
- Allergen Potential: Can trigger allergies in some individuals.
Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious materials for your couch or sectional, being woven by silkworms. Because of it's maintenance and price, you likely won't find a pure silk furniture piece. You are more likely to find silk-like textures made from blends of synthetic material. Because it is softer, shinier, and more fragile than other materials, it is best suited for special occasions.
Pros:
- Luxury: Luxurious feel and appearance.
- Breathability: Highly breathable.
- Hypoallergenic: Generally hypoallergenic.
Cons:
- Delicate: Delicate and requires special care.
- Price: Can be expensive.
- Stains Easily: Can be easily stained.
Leather
Leather is the most popular material for sofas, sectionals, and recliners for a reason. It is the most durable and timeless natural fabric. It is easy to clean and gets better with age. However, it is among the most expensive. Learn more in our leather buying guide.
Leather furniture comes in four different grades. Full-grain leather is the highest quality, durable, and develops a natural patina over time. Top-grain leather is thinner, more common, and has a protective finish. Genuine leather is made from leather scraps and is the most affordable option. Corrected-grain leather is artificially treated to improve its appearance and is also relatively affordable.
Pros:
- Durability: Highly durable and long-lasting.
- Luxury: Luxurious look and feel.
- Timeless: Ages gracefully.
Cons:
- Price: Can be expensive.
- Requires Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and conditioning.
- Can Be Hard: Can feel hard and uncomfortable to some.
Linen
Linen works best in a farmhouse style room. It is more loosely woven than cotton, giving it a unique texture. But, it is stronger than cotton as well. It is also just as versatile as cotton. For high-traffic rooms, look for linen blended with stronger materials.
Pros:
- Breathability: Highly breathable.
- Durability: Durable and long-lasting.
- Natural Look: Natural, earthy look.
Cons:
- Wrinkles Easily: Prone to wrinkling.
- Can Be Stiff: Can feel stiff and uncomfortable.
- Sensitive to Moisture: Can shrink or stretch when exposed to moisture.
Suede
Suede is a type of leather that is dyed. As such, it comes in a wider range of colors. Suede furniture requires a lot of maintenance to prevent staining or fading.
Pros:
- Softness: Soft and luxurious feel.
- Durability: Durable and long-lasting.
- Stylish: Adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Cons:
- Stains Easily: Can be easily stained.
- Requires Special Care: Requires special cleaning and conditioning.
- Can Be Delicate: Can be delicate and prone to damage.
Types of Fabric Weaves
Velvet, damask, chenille… You may think you’re referring to types of fabric, but you’re actually referring to the fabric’s weave. As with fibers, different sofa fabric weaves offer different appearances, feels, and benefits.
Fabric weaves include:
- Plain
- Twill
- Satin
- Microfiber
- Chenille
- Damask
- Velvet
- Jacquard
Plain
The simplest weave, creating a balanced, even texture.
- Durable and holds shape
- Resists pilling and fraying
- Versatile; can be colored and printed with designs
- Simple; may be less interesting visually
Twill
Diagonal lines create a strong, durable fabric.
- Diagonal pattern
- Drapes well; softer and more pliable than other fabrics
- Soil and stains are less noticeable on twill
- Durable; wrinkle, air, and water resistant
- Can be less soft
Satin
Smooth, shiny surface with a lustrous appearance.
- Elegant, luxurious feel
- Continuous fibers to add strength
- No distinguishable pattern, shiny
- Can be delicate and snag
Microfiber
Extremely fine fibers create a smooth, dense fabric.
- Luxurious—feels like peach skin
- Water-repellant
- Extremely durable—good for families and pets
- Non-allergenic
- Not recommended for those who prefer a sleek, uniform look (fabric will appear varied when rubbed back and forth)
Chenille
Fuzzy, plush texture with a soft, warm feel.
- Super cozy—one of the softest, cushiest fabrics available
- Hides dirt
- Extremely durable—lasts for years
- Family-friendly
- Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures
- Can be difficult to clean
Damask
Intricate patterns woven into the fabric, creating a raised design.
- Elegant and sophisticated
- Commonly produced in monochromatic (single color) designs with a variety of patterns (flowers, fruit, etc.)
- Has soft highlights that beautifully reflect light
- Extremely durable; resists pilling
- Can be expensive
Velvet
Short, dense fibers create a soft, plush pile.
- Soft, silky feel
- Adds a distinctive touch to any room
- Available in a wide variety of rich colors and patterns
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- More difficult to clean than other fabrics; steam cleaning recommended
Jacquard
Intricate patterns woven into the fabric, creating a detailed design.
- Produces intricate, all-over patterns
- More stable and resistant than basic weaves
- High luster
- Has a tendency to snag
Time to Decide!
Choosing the right sofa fabric is a big decision that can significantly impact your home's comfort and style. By considering your lifestyle, decor, and desired level of maintenance, you can make an informed choice. Whether you prefer the timelessness of leather, cozy warmth of wool, or simplicity of synthetic fibers, we have the fabric for you. By understanding the different types of sofa materials, you can select a fabric that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
