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Buying a new sofa is a big and important purchase. Your sofa should be both beautiful and functional, as not only is it the centerpiece of your living room, it is also a place to relax with a book, snuggle up with a loved one, or meet friends and family. With so many styles and price points to choose from, where do you start? How do you choose a sofa fabric that will bring lasting beauty to your home and lasting comfort for your family to enjoy for years to come?
The furniture can be upholstered in leather or fabric. Then you have to decide whether you want real/natural fabrics or synthetics. When making your selection, consider the following key questions:
– Do you want natural materials or synthetic? Real leather or faux leather? Remember: natural materials are nicer, but they are not suitable for all homes.
– Will it be used for formal occasions (light wear/use) or for everyday family life (heavy, constant use)?
– How much do you want to spend? High-end natural pieces can cost thousands and last for generations, while synthetic fabrics are cheaper and stand up to more wear and tear.
Leather: real or imitation leather?
– Genuine leather is the most durable of all natural upholstery materials available. Pricey, yes, but it’s also comfortable, versatile, and durable.
– Faux leather (usually made from a polyamide blend microfiber) can be an alternative for those who like the look of leather but want to be more animal friendly. Most microfiber blends are soft and easy to clean (though not as breathable as real leather) and come in a variety of colors. PVC fibers are less popular; It has been found to be neither healthy nor environmentally friendly due to the toxic chemicals released during the construction or demolition phase.
Material: natural or synthetic?
– Natural upholstery fabrics include linen, cotton, wool and silk. Consider:
– Silk and linen, although the most elegant, are not recommended for daily or heavy use due to the fragility of the fabrics and the difficulty in removing stains.
– Wool and cotton are beautiful and child-friendly materials. Both are durable fabrics that don’t wrinkle or crease easily, making them good for frequent use. Wool has a somewhat natural dirt-repellent property. 100% cotton is the softest, but is prone to staining and shrinkage, while cotton blends, while still quite soft, are more shrinkable and stain-resistant).
– Synthetic fabrics (or microfibers) are man-made fabrics made from plastic fibers made from PVC, polyamide (strong, used in carpets and outdoor furniture upholstery) or polyester (softer, used in upholstery and clothing). PVC is not popular as it has been found to be harmful to the environment due to the toxic chemicals released during the construction or demolition phase. The most commonly used synthetic fabrics include polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which can be used alone or blended with other natural or man-made fibers.
– Microfiber can be very soft and easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
– They can be made to look almost exactly like natural fibers – like wool – but tend to be stronger and more durable.
– Plastics are more popular in high-traffic areas (e.g. homes with children or young people) because they can withstand heavy use.
– Many times synthetics or synthetic blends are treated during the weaving process to make them extra resistant to spills, stains and fading.
In summary, whatever your budget, whether you are looking for playroom furniture or heirlooms, your options are as endless as your imagination!
About the Author: Our author has always been a bit obsessed with homewares, furniture and great kitchens. Growing up with very little as a child, she would often take her mother’s catalogs and build her dream home room by room with a glue stick and some paper. Now all grown up, she has the house she assembled as a child and hopes her passion will help others find a way to design their homes just right. You can visit their website at https://HomeSweetHomeStore.com. Enjoy!
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