Fabric Sofas & Armchairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about products, materials, warranties, delivery, and care.
Yes, fabric sofas are durable enough for family homes provided you choose tightly woven, high-rub-count fabrics. Performance fabrics and polyester blends are particularly suitable for busy households with children or pets.
Rub count, often measured using the Martindale test, indicates durability where 15,000–25,000 signifies light domestic use, 25,000–40,000 indicates general domestic use, and 40,000+ suggests heavy domestic use. Higher rub counts generally mean better resistance to wear.
Most modern fabrics are designed for easy maintenance, needing only weekly vacuuming with a soft brush attachment and immediate blotting of spills. Some models include removable cushion covers for easier cleaning, but you should always follow manufacturer care guidelines.
Staining depends on the weave and treatment of the material. Performance fabrics and synthetic blends resist staining better than natural fibres, and applying a fabric protector such as Guardsman can add extra protection.
Prolonged direct sunlight can cause fading over time, especially in darker colours. To prevent this, position sofas away from strong south-facing windows where possible or use blinds to reduce UV exposure. Polyester fabrics are more resistant to fading, but will still fade after prolonged expesure to sunlight.
Yes, fabric sofas are good for homes with pets if you choose tightly woven fabrics that resist claw snags and avoid loose weaves. Mid-tone colours also help disguise minor marks and pet hair better than very light or very dark shades.
