If you’ve ever furnished your own home, you’ll know that finding the perfect sofa can be tricky. Not only do you want to find the perfect size and shape for your home, but your sofa also needs to be comfortable, stylish, and durable. The question that comes up most is: which fabric is best for sofa upholstery?

Between leather, velvet, microfiber, polyester, chenille, linen, and many other woven blends, there are so many fabric choices available for your sofa. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the right choice for you will depend on your lifestyle, stylistic preferences, and budget. Here are some tips to help you find your dream sofa!

A sofa is an investment, so you should consider the durability of each option, and ask yourself how long you want this sofa to last for.

With people sitting on your sofa every day, the fabric will be worn down by friction over time. If you have a busy household, you’ll want a fabric that won’t show wear and tear too easily. Woven fabrics hold up better than printed ones in the long run, and higher-thread counts tend to be stronger and more durable. The most durable sofa materials are microfiber, polyester, and leather. If you’re choosing upholstery for a formal space that gets less frequent use, you may get away with fabrics that are less durable, like faux leathers or linen.

Think about the style of decor in your living room, and choose a material that enhances this style. For example, a leather sofa can add texture and depth to a room, and it really suits an industrial, masculine, or rustic space. On the other hand, a cozy chenille can add warmth and softness to a boho or romantic decor scheme.

Choose a color that will stand the test of time. Your color choices shouldn’t only reflect your decor scheme, they should also fit in your home for years to come.

Be conscious of the fact that bold, bright colors on large pieces of furniture will dominate a room, so they’re best avoided in small living spaces. You should also avoid particularly trendy colors or prints – unless you’re sure you will still like them in 5–10 years’ time.

Pick a material that you can realistically maintain. Ask yourself how easy it will be to keep your sofa clean, and choose a material that reflects your answer.

In a busy home with children and pets, you might want to choose a material that you can wipe clean, like leather. Polyester and microfiber are also relatively easy to keep clean. On the other hand, fabrics like velvet and chenille will require a lot more maintenance, requiring regular vacuuming and professional cleaning for bigger spills and stains.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider the environment you’re placing your sofa in. Your sofa’s upholstery can be affected by light, heat, and humidity.

Some fabrics like velvet, chenille, and aniline leather are prone to fading in direct sunlight, so they are best avoided if you want a long-lasting sofa to sit in your window. If you live in an environment that struggles with humidity, you should opt for mildew-resistant fabrics. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and microfiber hold up well in humid conditions, while natural fabrics like cotton and linen are more prone to absorbing moisture.

Whichever sofa you decide is best for your home, make sure you buy it from a reputable supplier. Ask us about our curated selection of Joybird sofas, which are made with high-quality fabric that really lasts.