the best fabric for a family room sofa
When decorating your home, one of the biggest purchases you will make (and one I encourage you to splurge on) is your living room sofa.
As long as your husband doesn’t grab a spur of the moment 85" TV during football season, a sofa will be the focal point of your room. It’s the place where friends will gather for coffee and play dates, and it’s where memories will be made on Saturdays for family movie night. It’s an important piece that'll get tons of use over the years, and choosing the right fabric for your investment is crucial.
But before we dive into the different options, let’s first talk about some of the things you will want to consider...
It's a high traffic piece, we can all agree upon that...but let's pause for a moment and think about how your family functions.
Are you the kind of family who does dinner and a movie once a week? Will your sofa need to withstand crumbs or a drip of ketchup from a juicy cheeseburger? Are you the kind of person who curls up on the couch after a long day to respond to those last few emails before bed? Will your sofa need to be extra cozy so that you can get just a few more hours in after the kids are away? How about pets? Are your pets actually four legged people? Do you let them hop up with you to snuggle in while you're watching your favorite shows at night? Will they be sneaking up on the couch for an afternoon nap while the family is away running errands?
A couch serves so many purposes...yes, we all sit there, but it's often a jungle gym for kids, a bed for the dog, a place where dirty feet and messy hands will rest, and, depending on the family, will be a place where snacks will be had, and beverages consumed.
We all do life differently. There are no right or wrongs to the rules inside your home, but knowing how your family will use your sofa will be crucial to your decision.
In the end, it’s my hope that you will feel empowered to make the decision that will not only work best for your family, but will be a foundation piece for the rest of your living room.
OK, let's talk about your options..
1. LEATHER. One option that you have is leather. It’s super easy to clean and it comes in a variety of colors. It also pairs well with a casual natural vibe that’s really popular right now. You'll want to be on the lookout for an aniline protected leather. This type of leather is the softest and most supple. It requires a little bit of maintenance, but develops an amazing patina over time and improves with age. The downside of leather is often the price tag. So if you are in need of something a little more budget friendly, let’s move on!
2. PERFORMANCE FABRIC. I absolutely love performance fabrics. Some great performance fabrics you hear of often are Crypton or Sunbrella. I know what you're thinking...isn't Sunbrella an outdoor fabric, and yes, you would be right, but Sunbrella now makes beautiful indoor fabrics too that are incredibly durable. Another favorite brand is Revolution Fabric out of North Carolina. These fabrics are amazing because not only are they fade resistant but they are also stain resistant and won't wear as quickly as some of your other fabrics. They come in a lot of gorgeous neutral colors that will serve as the perfect backdrop to any other design choices you make for your space. Also, because your couch will be something that stays with you for almost a decade, a neutral pattern in a performance fabric, will allow you to move with the trends and seasons effortlessly.
3. TIGHT WEAVE FABRICS. Another great option for families that is used a little less often these days is a tight weave fabric like canvas or denim. Again durability is the name of the game here and these types of fabrics can withstand whatever your family throws its way. Microfiber is another great tightweave option that can handle spills and dirt. It’s easy to clean and holds its color well. My personal issue with this type of fabric is that, aesthetically, it’s not the prettiest fabric and often gives off a “basement/playroom” vibe rather than family living room.
4. VELVET. Velvet is having a real moment right now and although it may not seem like a durable fabric, it can be! Finding a velvet that has a polyester/cotton blend won't crush as easily as a cotton velvet, and it can be spot cleaned easily. If you've got lots of pets, this may not be the fabric for you as it will show hair easily, but if kids are the only thing you are combating it’s a fun way to add a new texture into your space. Just be careful...velvet can be trendy. Make sure you really love the look before committing to a fabric that may come and go in the design world.
So there you have it! Four great options for fabric. My recommendation for anything is to never bring anything too precious into your home. I get it, you want your sofa to be beautiful, but no one wants to spend their days worried about furniture and decor. There's just too many other important things that require our focus. Select a great fabric and it'll be one less thing you'll have to think about throughout the day.
A good sofa should last a long time and the fabric should last anywhere between 7-10 years, so pick a great fabric, and you’ll have a fantastic centerpiece in your space that welcomes memories for years to come.
Got any questions for me? I'm happy to help with your decision... and if you need help piecing together the rest of your room, our online interior design services are perfect for you!
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