What is the Most Durable Fabric for a Sofa?

If you have a busy lifestyle filled with children and pets and are looking for brand-new, quality furnishings for your living space, then one of the questions you should be asking is: What is the most durable fabric for a sofa?

With so many different choices available, it’s a consideration that is as important as style, shape and size, so make sure you know what you’re looking for before you hit the shops.

This expert guide will steer you through all the options and help you select something that will last you for years.

What is the Martindale rub test?

An internationally recognised standard called the Martindale rub test was devised to determine the durability of a fabric by oscillating a disc covered in sandpaper or wool across its surface.

The outcome indicates how much wear and tear a specific material can withstand before a visible change in appearance occurs. The higher the score, the more long-lasting the fabric.

To help you navigate the numbers and make sure that you pick out the right sofa for your space, here is a breakdown of what the measurements mean:

• Less than 10 000: For decorative purposes only.
• 10 000 – 15 000: Suitable for occasional use.
• 15 000 – 25 000: Suitable for everyday use on key items of furniture.
• 25 000 – 30 000: Suitable for high-traffic use.
• Over 30 000: Suitable for frequent use in commercial environments.

6 Top sofa fabrics to consider

Here are 6 commonly used sofa fabrics that our design team love:

1. Cotton

Natural and cost-effective, cotton is a highly popular choice for a variety of reasons. Not only does it come in a wide range of patterns and colours, but it is also fade-resistant, which is an important feature if your sofa is likely to be exposed to direct sunlight.

However, it does stain easily, so we recommend that you choose something that has been professionally treated before you buy it.

2. Polyester

Made from synthetic fibres, polyester has many benefits, is highly durable and can withstand more wear and tear than most alternatives. Aside from being reasonably priced, it is stain-resistant, doesn’t fade and is impervious to watermarks, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

One of the main drawbacks of polyester is heat. If exposed to an open fireplace, radiator or things like hot beverages, it could burn, singe, or even melt. It also develops static electricity over time, which can be unpleasant to live with.

3. Linen

Linen has a slightly looser weave than cotton, giving it a smooth, luxurious feel that makes it a very stylish choice. It is a natural fabric that can regulate temperature and is hypoallergenic, anti-static and environmentally friendly. It is also simple to clean and can be popped into the washing machine and tumble dryer.

On the downside, it does wrinkle easily and is susceptible to stains, so if it’s your top choice, opt for performance linen – a cutting-edge, Crypton-infused fabric that will help keep spills at bay.

4. Velvet

Velvet is opulent, smooth, and luxuriously soft to the touch. It also comes in a wonderful range of rich hues, making it ideal if you’re looking for something more refined. Long-lasting and easy to clean, it is perfect if you love entertaining and is unlikely to snag, scratch, stain or crush.

While it does hold up beautifully in high-traffic areas, it attracts dust and animal hair easily, which often gets ingrained into its pile. Regular cleaning is therefore necessary. It is also easily damaged if placed in direct sunlight.

5. Chenille

Chenille is manufactured by twisting multiple yarns together to create a soft-to-the-touch fabric that is frequently used in blankets, rugs and sofa upholstery. It is one of the most long-lasting options available and can stay looking good for years if well taken care of. It is extremely simple to maintain, repels dirt and stains and is a superb insulator against heat and cold.

Be aware that it is prone to pilling over time, is fairly expensive and will scratch easily, especially if you have children or pets.

6. Leather

When it comes to luxury, nothing beats leather. It is elegant, durable, stain resistant and versatile, making it a prime choice for any style of home from ultra-modern to old-school. Leather also wears well, developing a beautiful patina over time and is ideal for any family member who suffers from allergies.

It also comes with a very high price tag, so if you’re going to invest in one, read our article on how to choose a leather sofa before making a final decision.

If you’re dying to start shopping for a new addition to your living space, take a look at the latest sofa colour trends for 2023 first.

3 Sofa fabrics that should be avoided

When picking out a fabric for your sofa, we recommend that you order a variety of swatches so that you can explore their textures, see what they look like in different lights over the course of the day and make sure that they suit your lifestyle and standards.

However, there are 3 fabrics that you should avoid altogether. Here’s why:

• Silk: Visually, it’s an absolute stunner, but if you intend to sit on your sofa more than once a year, silk is a no-go. Aside from being unbelievably expensive, it ruins easily, shows wear and tear in a short space of time and is impossible to clean, especially if it gets stained or watermarked.
• Wool: While highly durable and beautiful to look at, wool is extremely coarse and scratchy, making it an uncomfortable material to relax on. It is also pricy and can smell unpleasant for long periods of time if exposed to water.
• Faux leather: Don’t get taken in by the cheapness of faux leather, it’s simply not worth the savings. Aside from getting sticky during hot weather, it also loses its lustre over time, will crack, puncture, tear and peel easily and only lasts a year or two, costing you far more in the long run.

Shop high-end sofas at FCI London

At FCI London, not only do we have a phenomenal range of quality sofas to choose from but our experienced design team are at the ready seven days a week to help you make the best decision for your space.

Get in touch with us today or pop into our showroom for a guided tour.

You can also have a look at our latest projects for inspiration and ideas.