If you’ve started looking for the perfect couch for your space, chances are you already know about the different types of couches out there. But then comes the next harrowing question—what materials should it be made of? Just a few years ago, you didn’t have many options beyond going to a furniture store and choosing from a handful of what they have available. These days, you can customize your sofa down to the specifics, opening your world to endless possibilities. So, how do you decide? Consider these suggestions based on your lifestyle to see if they help inform your decision on finally picking out that dream couch.

The Couch Diners

Where some would balk at the idea of eating a single potato chip on the sofa, you’ve decided it’s an all-inclusive hangout spot, a headquarters for snack-filled movie nights, five-star—or at least, attempted five-star—meals, and bottomless happy hour at any hour. Because you’ll be doing more than stretching out, you’ll want to anticipate inevitable spills and splashes to avoid stains. These fabrics are some of the easiest to clean without having to deal with upkeep, and they’re soft to the touch.

Microfiber

Engineered with microscopic fibers that create a barrier against liquids, microfiber upholstery gives even the messiest a get-out-of-jail-free pass.

Crypton Fabric

Step into the future of stain resistance with Crypton fabric. It features innovative technology that also repels liquids and resists stains.

Pet and Kid-Proof Prioritizers

Being a pet parent means endless cuddles, playful antics, and the occasional fur-covered sofa. For pet owners, selecting a couch fabric that can withstand the daily barrage of shedding and scratching is major. Likewise, as a parent of a child, your couch can serve as the perfect place for bonding to watch shows, play games, and snack. You’ll want a couch that can withstand boundless energy and stray crumbs, but don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice style.

Leather

Traditional leather combines the best of both worlds, by looking good and holding up against life’s unexpected messes. Its smooth surface repels fur and spills, making cleanup pretty easy. With a simple wipe-down, your leather couch can maintain its pristine appearance for years.

Performance Fabrics

Performance fabrics are designed to withstand the rigors of family life with grace while looking good. These fabrics, often made from synthetic blends like polyester, nylon, or acrylic, have impressive durability and stain resistance. Spills and stains are typically no match for their tightly woven fibers.

Luxury Splurgers

Do you consider the couch a statement piece and plan to use it to unwind, relax and take naps on here and there? If it’s likely going to stay out of harm’s way, going all in on one with high-end fabric might just be worth it. Just know it may be more delicate and difficult to clean than others.

Velvet

Velvet feels decadent to the touch and offers a plush embrace. It’s traditionally made from natural fibers such as silk, cotton, or wool. However, modern velvet fabrics can also incorporate synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. It’s the pile that gives velvet its characteristic luxurious texture and appearance. Just remember, because it’s so dense, it can get on the warmer side.

Silk

Ultra-soft, cool, and smooth to the touch, silk feels luxurious on your skin. It’s a natural fiber produced by silkworms, particularly the larvae of the mulberry silkworm and woven together to create the fabric.

Premium Leather

Premium leather is buttery soft. Unlike regular leather, it undergoes minimal processing, resulting in a supple texture and rich feel that only improves with age. While it’s still more enduring than other high-end fabrics, it requires regular upkeep and maintenance to prevent cracking or discoloring.

Budget-Friendly Hunters

Contrary to popular belief, style and affordability need not be mutually exclusive. Budget-conscious decorators rejoice, for there exists a plethora of wallet-friendly couch fabric options that deliver both style and substance.

Cotton Blends

Cotton blends have a timeless appeal, and are a budget-friendly option that offers both comfort and versatility. These fabrics combine the natural softness of cotton with the durability of synthetic fibers, resulting in upholstery that is both cozy and resilient. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, cotton blends allow you to express your personal style without breaking the bank.

Polyester

This fabric, made from a combination of polyester and other synthetic fibers, offers excellent resistance to stains and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and family rooms. Polyester blends are also available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing you to achieve the look of more expensive fabrics without the hefty price tag.