Choosing a fabric for your sofa is kind of a big deal. After all, sofas and sectionals aren’t just any piece of furniture — they’re where TV show binges happen, where afternoon naps unfold, and where your furry friend might claim their favorite spot (back cushion, anyone?).
This means the fabric you choose for this shrine of relaxation will be touched, sat on, and lived with daily for years to come. No pressure!
Here at Medley, we believe in taking the time to make choices you'll love living with, so we’ve created this handy little guide to help you navigate this wonderful world of upholstery fabrics. From color considerations to rub counts to pet-proof options, we've got you covered with everything you need to know to make a decision that's perfect for your home and lifestyle.
Color Choice: More than just a pretty hue
Let’s start with the easy stuff, shall we? Color is the first thing most people consider when selecting a fabric for their sofa. But, there's sooo much more to it than simply picking your favorite shade: read on.
Consider the scope of your space. Do you have a color scheme you're working with? Your sofa is likely the largest piece and focal point in your living space, which means its color will set the tone for everything else. Are you working with a smaller floorplan? Using lighter colors can help create a sense of openness.
Neutral tones like cream, oatmeal, gray, or taupe provide a versatile canvas – great if you like to redecorate seasonally, or if you don’t want visual fireworks all day, every day. If you're feeling bolder, we love our deep blues, forest greens, or even a rich terracotta, as these shades can create a stunning focal point, while still maintaining timeless appeal.
At this point, we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you to order fabric swatches before ordering furniture. While online swatches can give you a sense of the fabric’s color, screen brightness varies greatly from device to device. A color may appear medium blue on your phone, but then 1-2 shades darker on your tablet, so have fun picking out possibilities to bring home. And yes, ordering samples takes a bit more time, but the planning stage is so worth it! Plus, when you order free swatches from Medley, it gives you the opportunity to really test the fabric durability in your home — more on that in a minute.
How we perceive our sofa’s color is not only based on our fabric choice, but what type of light will be in that space. Your room lighting plays a big role in color perception, so lay out those swatches and watch how they change as the sun shifts throughout the day. Check out your fabric swatches in morning light, on a cloudy day, and during the evening with artificial light. There's nothing like seeing a fabric in your own home, under your own lighting conditions, to know if it's truly the one.
Hot tip: Is the room flooded with natural light? If so, remember direct sunlight might fade certain colors over time, so a lighter fabric will hold up better. A light filtering curtain or shade will help protect the fabric’s hue as well.
Texture & Aesthetic: Your home’s love language
Central pieces like sofas and sectionals speak volumes about your home’s style – so make sure it's saying the right things!
First, consider the overall design direction of your home. Is your space calm and laid-back, bold and luxe, traditional and classic, minimalist, or maximalist? Choose fabrics that speak the same design language as the rest of your home.
For casual, laid-back vibes, linens and cottons (or blends!) offer a relaxed aesthetic that still looks put-together. Farmhouse or coastal styles might call for natural or natural-looking fibers, with visible texture or relaxed weaves. Mid-century spaces often pair beautifully with tightly woven fabrics in either bold colors or classic neutrals. Are you a maximalist at heart? Look for fabrics with luxe textures (like velvet or leather) or bold colors that complement your vibrant space.
And remember, the best style is your style, so go forth and confidently pick your favorites!
Durability = Cleanability
Pizza grease! Muddy paw prints!! Wine spills!!! Life does, in fact, happen – and your sofa is often ground zero for these little mishaps.
Generally speaking, synthetic fabrics like polyester and olefin are champions of cleanability, often allowing many types of stains to be blotted away with minimal fuss. Natural fabrics without any treatment are more prone to stain, but can age beautifully with the proper maintenance.
We’ve split up our fabrics into four categories:
- Synthetic fabrics with stain resistance: these engineered fabrics with stain-resistant treatments repel liquids and resist absorption, perfect for high-traffic areas and homes with children, pets, or clumsy occupants.
- Synthetic fabrics without stain resistance: highly durable workhorses that offer good stain resistance. While they require slightly more immediate attention for spills, they’re still remarkably forgiving.
- Natural fabrics with stain resistance: the perfect balance of organic texture and practical protection, these natural fibers with added stain resistance offer moderate protection against everyday accidents. They’ll forgive minor spills when promptly and properly addressed.
- Natural fabrics without stain resistance: untreated natural fibers come in beautiful textures and breathable qualities – but with great beauty comes great responsibility! These fabrics need the most attentive care, and are ideal for spaces where spills are less likely to occur.
For those focused on cleanability, consider a synthetic choice, and/or one with added stain resistance, and look for fabrics with tight, brushed weaves and high rub count (around 100,000 double rubs). At Medley, many of our fabrics come with a plant-based finish that creates a barrier against spills without compromising on eco-friendliness.
Before finalizing the fabric for your sofa, consider how it needs to be cared for. Ask about cleaning instructions or visit our site’s fabric and leather care page to read more about best practices. An upholstery cleaning tool will be your best friend in any busy household, so it’s good to consider this purchase not only for your new sofa or sectional, but also rugs, beds, and other furniture! Really, these things rock.
Remember, no fabric is infallible, but you’ll need to take stock of your space and determine what works best for you and your crew.
Even more durability: Getting technical
When furniture industry people talk about fabric durability, they're often referring to something called "rub count" or "double rubs." So, what's a double rub? It's exactly what it sounds like — a back-and-forth motion that simulates someone sitting down and standing up from your sofa. Testing involves machines doing this thousands of times to see how fabrics hold up against pilling and wear. Fabric makers most often use one of two scales: Wyzenbek or Martindale to determine the durability of their fabric.
Here at Medley, we use the Wyzenbek scale to label our fabrics, however for this post we’re taking it one step further in our recommendation and suggest the following considerations:
Kid-Friendly and Pet-Proof: Options for everyone
Let's be real — children and pets can be furniture's greatest adversaries. But that doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful, comfortable piece that stands up to their loving abuse!
For some families, a natural fabric without stain resistance might feel like the safest choice, but please keep in mind natural fabrics without any treatment are more prone to dirt, stains, and showing overall use, so more caution and upkeep are required. It’s good to understand that synthetics and stain resistant finishes offer better protection for your upholstery compared to natural fabrics. Darker colors or subtle patterns can help camouflage the inevitable marks that come with little hands and tight weaves are your friend, as they're less likely to catch and snag on toys or clothing.
Pet parents, you'll want to consider your pet’s lifestyle for this decision. Does your pet have access to the backyard on a rainy day? Perhaps choose a darker color fabric for longevity. Does your 75 lb pup think he is a cuddling lap dog? Or does Miss Kitty occasionally give a good stretch flashing her pawfect manicure? Super tight weaves are surprisingly resilient against pet claws and easier to remove pet shedding. Lastly, consider the color of your pet’s hair. Have a light colored pooch? Maybe a cream colored sofa is the perfect choice!
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3
Testing your fabric before you commit to your choice is always recommended – and super easy. Order free fabric samples from Medley and while you wait, observe the ways you use your current upholstered furniture in your home.
Do you eat on your sofa, or unwind and lounge with a glass of wine? If so, it’s best to test oil, grease, condiments, or your favorite red on the fabric swatch. Do you have a pup or kitty that goes straight to the sofa after a stroll outside? Add a little muddy mess to your swatches.
After you’ve appropriately dirtied your sample, follow the care instructions on our product care page for best cleaning practices. See what happens! Your goal is to figure out what kind of fabric works best for your lifestyle. Hot tip: If you’re one of the many people who loves a white, cream, ivory, or beige sofa, it might be best to consider a synthetic fabric, or at least one with a stain repellant built in.
Your Budget: Is real
The type of fabric you choose for your sofa or sectional can affect the price, sometimes by more than we expect! Considering your budget is as important as taking stock of your everyday lifestyle when choosing the right sofa or sectional fabric. No matter what your budget is, we've carefully curated our 120+ fabric options to ensure that every choice meets our standards for sustainability, durability, and beauty.
How To Choose A Fabric For My Sofa/Sectional: Step-by-step
Choosing the perfect fabric for your sofa or sectional involves balancing design, practicality, and budget. Here's our tried-and-true approach:
- Start by ordering (free!) swatches of fabrics that catch your eye
- Live with them in your space for a few days, observing them in different lighting
- Consider your real daily lifestyle (not just your aspirational one) and test them for durability. Play with stains and their removal.
- Consider your budget.
- Trust your instincts – the fabric that makes you smile when you see it is often the right choice!
Remember, we're here to help every step of the way. Our design team loves talking fabrics and can offer personalized guidance based on your specific needs and space.
So take your time, consider what matters most to you, and choose a fabric you'll love living with. After all, the best choice is the most sustainable choice, and that’s the one you'll want to keep around for years to come.
