Your guide to choosing a fabric sofa
Understand texture, colour and everyday care before choosing your upholstery.
Fabric changes the character of a sofa. Smooth, softly textured or richly woven: choose a finish you enjoy looking at and know how to look after.
Find your kind of texture
| Finish | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Velvet | A soft pile with changing sheen; directional shading and pressure marks can be characteristic. |
| Chenille | A soft textured surface. Composition and cleaning instructions vary by range. |
| Bouclé or teddy | A pronounced cosy texture. Ask about snagging and care around claws or jewellery. |
| Woven fabric | Look closely at the weave, colour variation and material composition. |
These names describe fabric families, not a durability rating. Ask for the specification of the exact upholstery. No fabric is automatically pet-proof, stain-proof or maintenance-free.
Choose colour after you have a sample
Start with your fixed surfaces: flooring, walls and curtains. Creams and beiges can soften a space; charcoal creates contrast. Olive, rust or blue can become a focal point when the rest of the room is quieter.
Place samples upright and flat, and move a velvet sample in different directions. Compare them in daylight and evening light. Screens and room photography cannot reproduce every colour accurately.
Be honest about daily life
Think about meals on the sofa, pets, direct sunlight and how much time you want to spend on care. A textured mid-tone may make small marks less obvious than a very pale flat colour, but it still needs appropriate cleaning.
Removable covers are useful, but removable does not mean machine washable. Check the care label before washing, steaming or applying a protector. Unsuitable products can change the colour or surface.
Keep care simple
Follow the instructions for your exact fabric. Remove dust using the approved method: some delicate piles need a soft brush rather than routine vacuuming. Blot fresh liquid gently and ask for advice before adding water or cleaner.
Avoid rubbing, soaking or applying heat to speed drying. Plump and reposition cushions only where recommended. Read our fabric care guide for more detail.
Will the sample match every future batch exactly?
Small batch variations can occur. Confirm the fabric and colour for your order, particularly if adding a separate piece later.