Buying a new sofa? Refurbing an existing one? Whichever interior route you opt for, understanding the different types of sofa fabrics available is a surefire way to pick the correct color, style, and durability for your home.
From vibrant hues to minimalistic designs, there are various unique and lux fabrics available. As your sofa makes up the main focal point of your living room, always pick a style that complements existing furnishings, stands the test of time, and helps you to create a haven of relaxation.
Need advice on choosing a sofa fabric? You’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover a handful of expert tips on how to pick the best upholstery.
1. Set a Budget
Before perusing the many fabrics and sofa styles available, consider your budget. This will avoid disappointment. Whether working with a stylist or browsing solo, knowing what you can afford will help whittle down your choice. Thankfully, there are numerous budget fabrics available, many mirroring expensive styles. Velvet is one great example of a luxe fabric that doesn’t break the bank.
If your budget is higher, you may consider made-to-order sofas. Why? You’ll be privy to an endless supply of fabrics ranging in hue, pattern, and texture. For best results, request swatches before making a final decision. This allows for a sneak peek of what the fabric will look like in your living room.
2. The function is as Important as Style
Whether a designer helping a client pick a new sofa fabric or a family member choosing something suited to the entire clan, consider your lifestyle and those using this piece of furniture. If it’s just you and your partner, light fabrics in blush, cream, gray, or even off-white are all plausible. Choose something darker if the sofa is home to kids, pets, and parents.
Opt for a hue and fabric boasting the utmost stain resistance and durability. This will ensure your sofa stands the test of time. After all, this is an expensive piece of furniture. The last thing you want is to fear its destruction, especially if sticky fingers and paw prints will likely come into contact with the upholstery.
3. Picking a Hue
Are you more minimalist or avant-garde? In other words, do you want your sofa to blend in or stand out? Again, the answers to these questions will help you to determine your ideal fabric. A bright hue, such as burgundy, red, or orange, ignites feelings of energy, drama, vibrancy, sophistication, and power. Meanwhile, pastel hues are associated with peace, harmony, a quiet space, and new beginnings.
The colors and patterns you choose could make or break your room. Match your sofa to its surroundings, picking complementary shades that work alongside each other rather than opposing accents. This will allow you to create a living space that speaks your language and a room you enjoy being in. Color theory suggests that carefully selecting the color scheme for your home can positively impact your mental health and well-being.
Points to note? Lighter shades will show marks more quickly. Choose a sofa with removable, washable covers to save yourself a great deal of heartache. A good middle ground is a taupe or gray-colored sofa.
4. The Perfect Pattern
Patterned options add color and interest to your living room. All whilst concealing accidental spills. To avoid tiring of an eccentric pattern, choose a version that boasts removable covers. This way you can switch it around depending on your mood or the season.
Stripes are a popular pattern for sofa styles this season and offer a refreshing change to solid hues. The best part? You can combine them with other fabrics to create an eclectic yet sophisticated style without investing in the services of an expert stylist to achieve this look. For best results, pair a striped sofa with footstools or chairs upholstered in another stripe style of the same shade.
5. Must-Have Materials
Material plays a dominant role in fabric selection. You need to know the fabric's construction.
Why?
Different materials have varying pros and cons (aesthetics, durability, cleanability, etc). More often than not, sofa fabrics are blended, as these fabrics boast heightened durability and feel. After all, you want to relax on a fabric that feels soft to the touch yet still provides durability.
To put this into perspective? For a casual country feel, linen is a picture-perfect drapery material. Yet, it naturally creases. A linen blend is susceptible to fewer wrinkles altogether. This is when considering engineered fabrics over tradition, a surefire way to ensure your sofa stands the test of time.
The Bottom Line
The sofa is the focal point of your living room. You, your family, and your friends will spend a lot of downtime here. Consider fabrics, hues, patterns, and textures that promise to enhance your decor. In addition, consider who will be using the sofa. This will help you pick a fabric suited to your lifestyle and well-being. Even small changes in your living environment can affect your overall mood.
With so many fabrics available, it can be challenging to know how they will be worn and how to determine if they are durable. Following the tips above will assist you in selecting a fabric suited to your style and needs. The result? A picture-perfect living room for all to enjoy!
