Which fabric should you choose for a sofa?

Fabric is what you see and touch every day. It sets the mood of the living room, but also the comfort, upkeep and longevity of the sofa. Here are the most common materials and how to tell them apart.

The main materials

Bouclé

A looped, soft and warm bouclé fabric, very present in current interiors. It adds relief and a cocooning look. The loops can snag: worth thinking about if you have pets that scratch.

Velvet

A silky feel and a depth of colour that changes with the light. It shows off a shape. It sometimes keeps marks from rubbing, which smooth out with a brush.

Chenille

A dense, textured weave, appreciated for its sturdiness and its comfort. A chenille fabric is a good choice for a sofa that is heavily used.

Linen and natural blends

A natural, airy look. Linen creases slightly, which is part of its charm.

Leather

A material that develops a patina over time and is easy to clean. It needs a little care to stay supple.

The criterion to know: abrasion resistance

The Martindale test measures a fabric's resistance to rubbing, in number of cycles. For ordinary domestic use, at least 15,000 cycles is generally recommended. For a sofa that sees heavy use, aim higher. It is a useful indication for comparing two fabrics that look alike.

Choosing according to your daily life

• Children or pets: a dense weave and an easy-care covering.
• Entertaining room: a finer material, where the look matters above all.
• Very bright room: light fabrics reveal their nuances, dark ones hide marks better.

See and feel before you decide

A photo is no substitute for the material. The complete fabric swatch book lets you compare fabrics at home. At Dazzuro, the texture of many models can be customised: discover the modular sofas or the full collection.

Also read our guide to the customisable sofa to find out in what order to decide.