Finding the Right Fabric for Your Next Sofa or Sectional
Wednesday Jun 7 2023 by Stacey Beyer

A sofa is a significant investment, so it’s important you do your homework. Consider this your place to start when it comes to prepping for your purchase – how to choose the right fabric. Our team at The Black Goose Design has prepared a list of dos and don’ts to remember when it comes time to shop for your next sectional, sofa, or any other upholstered piece.

 

FABRIC DOS 

Consider Your Sitters

If kiddos or pets will be regular resters on your sofa, performance fabrics are the way to go. Each brand of performance fabrics has different qualities, so you should look into each to determine what is best for your space. If you aren’t sure where to begin, give us a call or stop by to discuss your performance options.

 

 

Here’s the Rub

Fabrics go through what is called an abrasion test, which determines the durability of the fabric. The results are referred to as double rubs. A low number of double rubs means the fabric wears through quickly and will not be a great sofa/sectional option. Anything over 40,000 double rubs falls into the “heavy” category and should be a good option.

 

FABRIC DON’TS 

Clean is King

Any fabric that is not cleanable is one to avoid. Yes, this seems pretty obvious, but it’s always good to double check a fabric’s cleanability factor.  

 

Viscose Can Be Vicious

High viscose quantity won’t hold up well to stains of any kind, so you’ll want to do your research in this area.

 

High Maintenance

Some fabrics will pile and require being shaved every so often. If you don't want to shave your sofa, make sure to ask for fabrics that are lower maintenance in the shaving department.

 

FINAL FABRIC THOUGHT

This one can sound silly, but consider what looks and feels like you, even if it’s not on trend or in all the home décor magazines. Truth is, we all have our personal preferences. With those, it’s important to remember that different fabric types can wear differently. Velvet, for example, often looks more formal, while linen feels more casual. Selecting a fabric that aligns with the style of your home and those who live there is your best bet. We just encourage you to do a little research in the process to ensure you’re getting something you adore that also stands the test of time. If you’re unsure, the designers at The Black Goose Design can help steer you in the right direction. Stop by today to see fabric swatches, do some test sitting on our sofas, and walk away confident you’re ready to make an informed decision. 





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