What Is The Most Popular Sofa Material?

Velvet, leather or perhaps cotton? What is the most popular sofa material? Sofas often become the defining centrepiece of a living room.

Visually, they tie a design scheme together, while practically, they become one of the most used pieces of furniture in the space. Over the years they will be the place where you share precious moments with friends and family whilst watching TV or just having a chat.

As such, every element of your sofa needs to speak to your personal taste and lifestyle needs. Of particular importance is its upholstery. If you are wondering which fabric to choose, read on as we will discuss the most common options below.

Sofa materials - what are the most popular options and why do people choose them?

With all the advances in technology, high-performance fabrics have become the most popular sofa materials. These offer great benefits such as being stain-resistant, comfortable and highly durable.

Spills are easily wiped off with no damage to the sofa. Homeowners also frequently search for fabric with a high friction coefficient as these fabrics give many years of use. Additionally, heavy-weighted and tight-woven fabrics are a common choice for households with kids and pets. They are better for keeping dirt and liquids out of the fibres.

Though pricey, leather remains a great option for high-traffic environments. The strength of its fibres makes it able to withstand decades of use. Finally, synthetic fabrics like vinyl and microfibre have gained popularity because of their affordability and their easy-to-clean properties.

1. Leather sofas - a classic choice that never goes out of style

A natural fibre, leather remains a classic choice for sofas of all sizes. Think of the handsome Chesterfield, which stands out as one of the most iconic leather furniture designs.

However, regardless of the style you opt for, leather sofas create an elegant, timeless look. We love that you can now find this upholstery in a wide range of colours as seen in our catalogue which includes chic designs such as this Joline Sofa by Girsberger.

With this natural fibre, you can be guaranteed durability - leather sofas can last up to four times as long as fabric options in the same design.

Furthermore, the cleaning and maintenance of your seats will be relatively easy. A simple application of a leather cream every few months will keep your furniture looking good as new.

2. Fabric sofas - durable and often cheaper than other materials

There are many reasons to love fabric sofas, one being their affordability. You will find that even at its highest quality, the fabric upholstery is generally cost-effective. Their wide availability also means that there is competitive pricing amongst retailers.

When it comes to appearance, these types of sofas will give you the greatest versatility. You can find one in almost any colour, pattern or print, making it easier to complement your home’s interior style.

Whilst leather seats can feel rigid, fabric ones are soft, pliable and comfortable. You should look out for premium fabric that will not wrinkle when you stand up.

As for cleaning, most fabric sofas come with removable covers that you can machine wash at home. We recommend having a professional cleaning service attend to them at least once a year.

3. Microfibre sofas - stain-resistant and easy to clean

The greatest benefit of microfibre fabric is its ability to hold colour well. This means that you have unlimited choice in the shade and print of your sofa. In addition, the colours will not fade even when exposed to sunlight, making these sofas ideal for living rooms that receive a lot of daylight.

We recommend microfiber for sofas that are to be used in a games room where spills and stains are commonplace. The fabric is easy to clean and pretty difficult to stain. Even highly staining substances like wine and coffee can usually be wiped away without a trace if they are caught right away. The material typically wicks away moisture which makes spills bead up on the surface, at least at first.

4. Velvet sofas - luxurious and soft to the touch

Velvet sofas were everywhere during London design week. We cannot seem to get enough of their inviting luxurious look and soft feel. Colours simply look more ravishing when in velvet.

Create a strong focal point by choosing a bold jewel tone for a stylish velvet sofa and your living room will look like one out of an editorial. As you can see in this Straight Palais Royal Sofa, greys in this material have more depth and sophistication.

When well looked after, your seats will go the distance and last for many seasons. Opt for good quality options that will not mark, crush or fade. best of all, velvet is difficult to snag as it has no loose threads or raised weaves, which means your pets won’t destroy your sofa easily.

5. Wood sofas - warm and natural feeling, great for rustic or country homes

There is no question that the presence of wood brings a sense of calm to an interior. And, as we focus on design that highlights natural elements and textures, wood sofas have once again found a place in homes.

Hardwoods are the best for sturdy, long-lasting sofas because you can shape them into any design without worrying about cracks. Some of the best to consider are oak, maple, rosewood, teak and mahogany. Just like with leather, each set will have a unique colour and grain which will look more endearing over time.

Add warmth to your wood sofas by surrounding them with soft rugs and cushions and cosy throws. Get the most out of your seats by changing the cushions with the turn of the seasons.

In Conclusion

The most popular sofa materials remain those that offer benefits to homeowners. The easier it is to clean and maintain a fabric, the more people will be drawn to it.

Before you decide on the best choice for your home, think carefully about your lifestyle and the aesthetics of your space. Your sofas should bring you joy and comfort whilst uplifting the look of your family room. You can take a look at these gorgeous residential projects completed by our interior design team for inspiration. 

For some contemporary designs, explore our extensive modern sofa collection where most of the styles we offer come with the option to customise the upholstery.

If you are not sure which fabric to choose, head to our showroom and test the different options for yourself or get in touch for a chat about your requirements. We look forward to delivering a sofa that you will love for a very long time.