Guide · 4 min read
How to choose the right sofa fabric
Start with how you live, not with the colour. A sofa that looks beautiful on day one but fights your daily routine will frustrate you by month three.
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Think about who sits on it. A busy family room asks more of a fabric than a formal front room. If the sofa is for everyday life with children or pets, lean towards a tightly woven or textured fabric. If it is a quieter space, you can choose the softest, most luxurious finish.
Think about the light. Colours look different in a bright south-facing room than in a north-facing one. A warm neutral such as taupe, sand or oatmeal feels calm in almost every light, while deep colours like navy, emerald and aubergine feel richest in softer light.
Think about the room around it. Hold the swatch next to your curtains, floor and walls rather than judging it on a screen. Screens are never perfectly accurate, so the real fabric is always the final judge.
Not sure? Pick the fabric family you love the feel of first, then narrow down the colour. Every sofa is made to order, so you only choose once.
Velvet, weave or bouclé-style: what's the difference?
Three broad looks cover most of our range. Here is how to tell them apart and where each one shines.
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Velvet-style fabrics have a soft pile that catches the light, so the colour looks deeper and richer as you move around the sofa. They suit statement colours and traditional shapes like the Chesterfield.
Woven fabrics have a flatter, more textured surface. They feel relaxed and understated, and they pair well with modern, clean-lined sofas.
Soft, textured fabrics such as our teddy-style cloth feel cosy and tactile. They are a lovely choice for a deep, slouchy seat you want to sink into.
Browse the fabric families above to see each colour up close, and use the search box to find a colour across every fabric at once.
Looking after your sofa fabric
A few simple habits keep your sofa looking fresh for years, whatever fabric you choose.
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Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment to lift dust and crumbs before they work into the fibres.
Blot spills, don't rub. Dab gently with a clean, dry cloth as soon as possible, working from the outside of the spill inwards.
Rotate and plump your cushions every week or so, so wear is spread evenly across the seat.
Keep it out of harsh direct sun where you can, as strong sunlight can fade any coloured fabric over time.
Cleaning needs can differ between fabrics, so check the care advice that comes with your sofa before using any cleaning product.
Five colour stories to build a room around
Colour is the fastest way to change how a room feels. These five palettes are a good place to start.
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Calm neutrals. Cream, oatmeal, stone and sand create a relaxed, light-filled room that works with almost anything.
Deep and moody. Navy, charcoal, aubergine and olive give a cosy, confident feel, especially with warm lighting.
Earthy warmth. Terracotta, rust, mustard and camel bring warmth to modern spaces and look great with natural wood.
Fresh and natural. Sage, moss and teal connect a room to the outdoors and sit well with plants and soft linens.
Soft and romantic. Blush, mauve and rose add a gentle, welcoming touch, particularly in a bedroom or reading corner.
