As a homeowner, you want your furniture to look good, feel comfortable, and last a long time. One of the key factors in achieving this is choosing the right upholstery fabric. There are several factors to consider, such as durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to stains and wear.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the most durable upholstery fabrics, the 3 best for pet owners and we will offer tips for dealing with more delicate materials such as velvet, chenille and silk. So keep reading to find out all you need to know before buying a new sofa!
5 Factors to consider when choosing your upholstery fabric
When it comes to choosing the right upholstery fabric for your furniture, durability is a crucial factor to consider. However, before selecting the most durable fabric, it’s essential to take into account the following factors:
Pets
One of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a sofa, especially if you decide not to use a protectant. Using a protector will help you to have more time before the stain penetrates the fibres of the sofa.
Another factor to take into account is your pet’s coat. For instance, if you have a long-haired dog, it is advisable to avoid fabrics that tend to trap hair and instead opt for more tightly woven fabrics
Smoking
Smoke can penetrate furniture, and some fabrics are more absorbent than others. If you smoke indoors, you may want to consider this when choosing an upholstery fabric. For example, leather or vinyl may be less absorbent than fabric.
Purpose
Consider the location and purpose of the sofa. Is it for a high traffic area, or is it just for the entrance of your home? Or is it an outdoor sofa? The purpose of the sofa will impact the fabric and model you choose.
Cleaning
If you prioritize regular cleaning of your sofa, there are different fabrics that are easier or more difficult to clean. Keep in mind that every sofa needs professional upholstery cleaning every 12-18 months.
Price
The cost of the upholstery is typically the first factor people consider. However, it’s crucial to remember that spending more upfront can save you money in the long run by investing in a durable fabric that meets your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose an upholstery fabric that meets your unique needs, and provides you with the durability, functionality, and style you want for your furniture.
Which Upholstery Fabric Is the Most Durable?
When it comes to durability, some fabrics stand out above the rest. Here are some of the most durable upholstery fabrics:
Leather
Leather is a popular upholstery fabric that is known for its durability. It can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Leather is also resistant to stains and easy to clean.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is highly durable and resistant to stains and wear. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a popular choice for households with children and pets.
💡PROTIP: To avoid water spots when cleaning your microfiber sofa, it is important to clean it evenly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appropriate spot cleaner to use.
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Polyester
Polyester is a resilient synthetic fabric that can withstand high levels of wear and tear while remaining stain-resistant. It’s a popular choice for households with children and pets due to its exceptional durability and ease of cleaning.
The 3 best Upholstery Fabric for Pet Owners
If you have pets, you need an upholstery fabric that is resistant to stains and wear. Here are some fabrics that are suitable for pet owners:
Leather
Leather is a good choice for pet owners because it is resistant to stains and easy to clean. However, it can be scratched by pets and if stains penetrate the leather (especially if it’s ink) , it is a challenging material to deal with. For this reason, you may want to consider a protective cover for your leather furniture.
Microfiber
Microfiber is highly durable and resistant to stains, making it a good choice for households with pets. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
Polyester
Polyester is easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. It is also resistant to stains and wear, making it a popular choice for households with children and pets.
About delicate weaving styles: Silk, Chenille and Velvet
While silk, chenille, and velvet are often perceived as materials that may have lower durability, it’s important to note that with proper care, they can actually last a long time. The key to maintaining the durability of these materials lies in keeping them away from areas where food is present and spills are likely, as removing stains from these fabrics can be more challenging.
However, rest assured that these materials (especially velvet and chenille) are commonly used in restaurants and theaters, which demonstrates their suitability for various settings. So, if you have a preference for silk, chenille, or velvet, feel confident in selecting them for your home. Additionally, it is advisable to diligently follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the longevity of these materials.
💡 PROTIP: Velvet and Chenille are types of weaving styles that can be either natural or synthetic. If these types of weaves are being used on furniture in high-traffic or high-use areas, a synthetic fibre would be ideal.
Our advice
Choosing the right upholstery material is a personal decision, and despite considering all the above factors, personal preferences for comfort or design will ultimately play a role. Looking at the list of the most durable materials and the best options for pet owners, we can conclude that leather, microfiber, and polyester are great options to consider when buying a durable, easy-to-clean, resistant, and stylish sofa.
We hope this post has helped you definitively choose the material for your next sofa. At Aero Carpet Services, we are here to help no matter which colour, size or fabric you choose! With over 46 years of experience in upholstery cleaning throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and the rest of Lower Mainland. If you need to remove a stain or it’s time for your annual cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact us at (604) 321-7440 or through our website.