The Sofa Fabrics you choose will help set the tone for your living space. From the cozy, textured neutrals that have a well-deserved bad reputation to the bold, statement-making prints you might see in an Instagram photo, there are many options to consider. While experts agree on a few key tips for selecting the best upholstery fabric for your sofa, deciding on the perfect style is entirely up to you.

The first consideration is who will use the couch and how. Will the sofa be used for entertaining a large group or to snuggle up with family? Do you have pets or children that are likely to leave their mark on the fabric?

If your sofa will be in high traffic, you’ll want a performance fabric that can stand up to spills and stains. These fabrics typically have a higher thread count to support the weight of the sofa and are able to repel water and stains to make cleaning easy. They also come with stain-repellent treatments to keep your couch looking its best.

Performance fabrics also offer a variety of textures, colors, and patterns. If you’re worried about choosing a color that can match with your decor, you can always opt for a solid or a patterned fabric in a neutral shade that is easy to mix and match. The texture of the fabric can also have an impact on the look, with a tightly woven fabric like linen providing a crisp, modern appearance while jute or corduroy have a more rustic feel.

For a more formal look, silk is a classic choice. It’s expensive, however, and doesn’t do well in homes with kids or pets, so it’s best suited for spaces that need a touch of elegance but don’t get much use.

Another common sofa fabric is cotton, which is a naturally soft and durable material that’s great for families. It’s also easy to clean, but it is susceptible to wrinkling and may show signs of wear and tear over time. Cotton can also be heat sensitive and attract static charge, so be careful with hot coffee mugs and other accessories.

Synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and olefin are also good choices for durability. These fabrics are often blended with natural fibers to add strength, while retaining desirable qualities such as softness or resistance to fading in sunlight.

Whatever fabric you choose, look for a double rub figure on the tag to ensure it will stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. Keep in mind that no fabric is 100% foolproof, so be sure to take care of your sofa by limiting the amount of abuse it gets and using furniture covers to protect it from dirt and dander. With proper care, you can enjoy your couch for years to come.