When purchasing a sofa, how much thought are you putting into what sofa material best suits your lifestyle?

Chances are, you are more concerned with the aesthetic appeal of the sofa and not its practicality or durability. But, the best furniture pieces are those that not only look good but also improve the way we use our homes.

Fortunately, there are several sofa material options to choose from to suit every style. This guide will discuss the most common of these and arm you with information that you can take with you when you go shopping for that perfect sofa.

1. Leather Sofas

The perfect fabric for a busy home with kids and pets, leather is a durable material that is able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. It is also easy to clean and any liquid spills can be quickly wiped off without leaving a stain.

Apart from convenience, a classic leather sofa like this Aston Sofa by Gamma & Dandy will give your living room a luxurious, timeless sophistication that will never go out of style.

Depending on your living room design, you can either opt for a natural-looking finish that shows off the animal hide’s features or choose a glossier dyed leather.

Bear in mind that a high-quality leather sofa will be pricey, but when you consider how long they will last, they are a good investment.

2. Chenille Sofas

With a close resemblance to velvet, chenille sofas are soft and comfortable, making them perfect for snuggling up in front of the TV.

More affordable than velvet, this sofa upholstery can withstand heavy use and it is made up of easy-to-clean fibres.

Unfortunately, chenille is easily damaged by sharp objects and excessive exposure to sunlight.

Other than that, your sofa will be a stylish addition to any modern lounge, and if well taken care of, it will stand up to years of use.

3. Microfibre Sofas

Microfibre offers the benefits of leather at a more affordable price. It is a durable material that is stain resistant and easy to clean. This makes it a great choice for families.

In addition, microfibers are also non-porous, which means your sofa will repel water and liquid.

Fancy a pop of brightness? You are spoilt for choice as microfiber sofas are available in a wide range of colours. Best of all, this upholstery is colour-fast which means your sofa will retain its hue saturation for years!

We particularly love the soft, smooth texture of microfibre, it makes for a highly inviting sofa that you can comfortably spend hours on.

4. Fabric Sofas

If you're looking for a sofa that will last you for years, consider investing in a fabric sofa. These sofas almost feel like they are already “broken in” when you purchase them because of how comfortable they are.

Do you want an animal print sofa, or perhaps a bright pink one? With fabric sofas, you have the freedom to customise your couch according to your personal style.

Additionally, their affordability means you can uplift your living room without breaking the bank.

On the downside, fabric couches will require some care and maintenance as they attract odours, dust, and stains which can be difficult to get rid of once they are there.

However, technological advances in performance fabric have greatly improved the durability and quality of fabric sofas.

5. Cotton or Wool Sofas

Natural fibres such as cotton or wool make for beautiful, sustainable fabric sofas.

Warm wool and wool blends are excellent sofa materials because they are both strong and cozy. Your kids will find comfort in their low piling, and they are easy to spot-clean in the event of stains and spills.

We, however, wouldn’t recommend a wool sofa in hot climates as they absorb heat.

Similarly, cotton sofas will suffer sun damage if exposed to a room with a lot of light. Also, remember to keep them away from humid environments where they can develop mildew and attract silverfish.

Your cotton sofa will be best suited to an airy, low-traffic room. With most designs, you will be able to easily slip off the covers and pop them into the wash for a clean.

6. Velvet Sofas

We conclude our list with velvet. Velvet sofas bring a touch of luxury and elegance to any living room.

Very much on trend right now, homeowners are adding statement velvet pieces to their homes for added style and glamour.

This material also offers great functionality, performance velvet is an enhanced version of the fabric that is durable and incredibly easy to care for.

Unfortunately, this fabric is not as breathable as other types, so it will not be a good choice for warm climates.

7. Ask a Furniture Specialist for Advice

If you are not 100% confident in your decision, we encourage you to speak to an interior design specialist.

Our team at FCI will be happy to walk you through our showroom and show you all the different sofa fabrics you can choose from.

We encourage our customers to leave with fabric swatches that they can view in different light sources throughout the day, and test against their lifestyle.

During your consultation, we will discuss amongst other details: your intended sofa use, whether allergies are a concern, your home style, and what budget you have for your sofa.

In conclusion

Knowing what sofa material best suits your lifestyle will involve you in considering the day-to-day activities that happen in your home.

No matter how unique your usage situation may be, you are bound to find something that is perfect for you.

Browse our online sofa collection to see the various material customisations we offer for each design. We look forward to helping you select a couch that will be an ideal addition to your space.