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.
What are your favorite fabrics for sofas? Share them with us using the hashtag #Cratestyle.