Sofas and Armchairs: Best Seat in the House: How to Choose a Fabric Sofa

Looking to buy a sofa but not sure which kind of upholstery is right for you? Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect covering. 
 

Why choose fabric?

The first choice to make when it comes to a new sofa is deciding between fabric and leather upholstery. Leather can be a long-lasting and beautiful choice, but it’s also the more expensive option. For busy families, a sofa with a removable fabric that can be washed is a great alternative to a leather sofa. Fabric also adds softness, warmth and contemporary edge to a space, and can often be a more affordable option.

What are my options?

Depending on your needs, you can choose from natural or synthetic upholstery for your fabric couch.

Natural options include linen, cotton and rayon. Linen is a strong, durable option that will soften with age and wear, and will feel cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Cotton is available in an almost endless combination of colours and patterns, and is a cost-effective solution - it’s a good choice if you plan to re-cover your sofa regularly as your style evolves over time.

Synthetic options, such as polyester and nylon, are easier to clean and will last longer than natural fibres, but might not feel as luxe as a pure linen covering - a linen-polyester blend can offer the best of both worlds. Synthetics are a smart choice for young families. Velvet or velvet-look options will add a hint of old-school glam to your space.

Once you’ve chosen the material, it’s time to consider the look. Options include woven, knit, velvet and soft microsuede fabrics - depending on your family’s preferences, each of these has related pros and cons - woven tends to be more hardwearing, whereas microsuede will feel incredibly soft to touch. When it comes to colour and pattern, these days, you don’t need to cover everything in the same fabric. Depending on your look, you can mix it up with a soft grey, blue or even muted green for the sofa - add a pop of personality with a boldly coloured or patterned accent chair or ottoman.

What style of sofa is best for me?

• Contemporary  Square arms and a high back create a soft, enveloping feel, ideal for entertaining and movie nights alike.
• Traditional  Busy families with growing teenagers and pets will love a traditional style sofa. The low profile means it will work well in open-plan spaces as it won’t block sightlines.
• Classic  Featuring a high back with curved arms, this versatile sofa shape will fit into any space.
• Modern  Narrow, tapered arms ensure a slimline silhouette, set off by a high back on the seat and clean, minimalist lines.
• Customise your look  Available in an almost endless range of combinations, including three arm shapes, countless configurations, 21 fabrics and 15 leathers, Freedom’s ‘Autograph’ range of sofas can be customised to perfectly suit your space.

How to care for your fabric sofa

Accidents happen, so consider a Fabric Protection Plan when buying your new fabric sofa. Including 5 years of protection and a clever kit of cleaning and protection gear to quickly address spills and mishaps, the plan ensures years of stress-free enjoyment. 

We’re so confident that our sofas will last the distance that we offer a 10-year frame warranty and 2-year upholstery warranty as standard, so you can rest easy knowing that your new sofa will look and feel great for years to come.