5 stars - Synthetic fabrics, such as olefin, nylon, acrylic, and acetate, are popular fabric choices for sofas as they are durable and easy to clean. When it comes to professional cleaning, these fabrics respond very well to deep cleaning.
If stains and spills are frequent in your home, more moisture-resistant fabrics are best because it takes longer for stains to absorb deep into the fibers. That makes cleaning messes quickly a lot easier! Polyester, leather, nylon, and acrylic are a few fabrics that are both durable and easy to clean.
Microfiber and canvas are two of the most durable furniture fabrics. However, cotton and linen also have very strong fibers. Cotton and linen must be woven tightly in order to be considered durable. A tight weave is less likely to allow dirt, dust, and liquid to penetrate.
If you prefer avoiding pilling altogether, go for all natural materials, such as pure wool, or textiles made from long fibers, such as silk or linen upholstery fabrics. Tightly woven microsuedes and denims rarely seem to pill.
Also keep an eye out for “top-grain” leather, which is considered more durable than split leather. When in doubt, opt for classic microfiber. You can't go wrong with microfiber or canvas. These materials are made to withstand all sorts of use and are typically easy to clean and take care of.
Aside from leather, microfibre is also one of the most durable fabrics for upholstery. Microfibre is a synthetic fabric that is created specifically for heavy-duty use. This fabric is water repellant which means it does not allow liquids to seep through.
There are a few factors that can help distinguish the quality; for example, the overall weight, frame/foundation, spring system, seat cushion foam and upholstery fabric all play a huge role in the quality of a sofa or chair.
On the flip side, synthetics like acrylic are more prone to pilling. Any fiber that doesn't tend to absorb water — like polyester or nylon — tends to pill. IS PILLING A DEFECT? It is important to note that pilling is not a fabric defect or fault.
What kind of sofa does not stain? Sofas that are upholstered in synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and rayon tend to be the most stain resistant.
Knitted fabrics tend to pill more than woven ones, and clothes made from wool, cotton, polyester, acrylic and other synthetics tend to develop pills more readily than silk, denim or linen. We stress our clothes every time we wear them—therefore, some degree of pilling is always possible.
Cotton is breathable, soft, and lightweight. History has proven that cotton is the most used fabric of all time. Known for its versatility, natural comfort, and efficiency, cotton is used to make all kinds of clothing as well as used industrially for producing various types of products.
Mid-Range ($1,500 to $3,000).
You can find high-quality, mid-range sofas with polyester, velvet, and even leather upholstery for anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000.
Rule #1: long-lasting sofa frames should be made of kiln-dried hardwood—oak, ash, alder, and beech all work. Drying the wood in a kiln removes up to 95% of the moisture, which prevents the frame from warping or bowing.
Vinyl fabrics are among the most stain-resistant fabrics, which is why they are often used for upholstery in public settings.
Most dog owners will choose leather over other textiles for a sofa. Real leather, as opposed to man-made leather, is stain-resistant, easy to clean, doesn't collect a lot of pet hair, and is a highly fashionable option.
The Damask Jacquard, Damask Velvet Jacquard, and Chenille are perfect for furniture upholstery projects. They are all machine washable so they are great for chair and sofa covers! For outdoor projects, the canvas waterproof fabrics are the most popular choice.
While all fabrics have the potential to pill, some textiles are more prone to pilling than others. If you need help selecting the right fabric for your sofa, you can book a Showroom consultation online or speak to one of our interior design consultants.
"Polyester is essentially hydrophobic, so it neither absorbs water nor repels oil-based grime.
Microfiber furniture is known for its supreme stain resistance, making it a top upholstery choice in homes with kids and pets. The fabric has a velvety texture, but it's much more durable for everyday use.
Mulberry Silk – this silk is the softest and finest silk in the world. Which mean it is also one of the most expensive silks known to man and fabric industry. Linen – Finally, this fabric is the most expensive. It taken from the flax plant and process to made as the most luxurious fabric.
While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa. Luckily, there are ways you can make your sofa appear just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
Cheaper sofas may have frames made from particleboard, plastic, or metal, but a good-quality couch will have a solid hardwood frame—preferably a "kiln-dried" hardwood frame made of oak, beech, or ash. Pine frames are economical, but they often begin to warp and wobble within five years or so.