Best Couch Fabrics: 9 Types of Couch Materials to Choose From

Cotton

Best for: Warm climates that need breathable fabrics and for achieving soft, cozy texture 

Cotton is a natural material that combines desirable attributes like softness, durability, and breathability. Cotton is a very popular couch fabric choice since it’s comfortable to sit on, resistant to pilling and wear, and easy to clean. Cotton is also quite breathable, making it a good choice in warm climates. Cotton is not resistant to staining, however, so you will need to have this fabric treated to resist stains. Because it is easy to dye, cotton is available in many colors and patterns. 

Linen

Best for: Spaces with a chic, casual look 

Linen, like cotton, is a very breathable natural material that adds a stylish but relaxed look to a couch. It’s popular in shabby chic and Belgian decorating, among many other styles.  

Linen is very durable but can stain and wrinkle easily. Therefore, linen is best used in low-traffic areas unless it is blended with another fabric to increase its stain resistance. If you have a home with children or pets that frequently leave their mark on your sofa, linen may not be the best choice for couch material. 

Wool

Best for: High-traffic areas that require durability without sacrificing softness 

Wool is a very durable natural fiber that is resistant to stains, wear and tear, and wrinkling. It is easy to clean and holds up to heavy use without sacrificing a soft, cozy feel. However, wool is more expensive than other fabrics.  

Velvet

Best for: Formal or low-traffic areas and adding an elegant look  

Velvet is a plush fabric known for its rich colors and soft feel. Velvet is liquid-resistant, but does not repel dirt and stains. It is also common for velvet to flatten or wear out over time so this fabric is less suitable for a family sofa but very ideal in more formal settings or low-traffic areas. 

Chenille

Best for: Extra soft feel with more durability than velvet 

Chenille is a textured fabric that is woven with closed loops, making it very soft, like velvet, but with more durability. Chenille can be easily cleaned, although its loops can snag on sharp objects or a pet’s claws. However, in most average households, chenille is considered to be quite durable—especially if you choose a performance chenille. This type of fabric is best for those without pets who are looking for a soft, comfortable upholstery option. 

Leather

Best for: High-traffic areas that require durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. Great for those with allergies 

Leather is a highly durable fabric choice that is resistant to stains, spills, dirt, and everyday wear. Because of its durability, it’s very easy to clean leather upholstery. It also wears well and softens with time, meaning that it will last for a very long time. Because it cannot hold onto dirt or allergens like other fabrics, leather is also a great option for those with allergies.

Polyester

Best for: High-traffic spaces that require durability and stain resistance 

Polyester is a synthetic material that is known for its durability and resistance to wrinkling and fading. It also holds its shape well and does not stretch or sag as much as other fabric options. Polyester makes a great choice for areas that need durable fabric options and the ability to easily clean up spills or stains. 

Nylon

Best for: High-traffic areas that require very strong, durable upholstery  

Nylon is a synthetic fiber known for its superior strength and durability. Although you can purchase 100-percent nylon upholstery, it is often blended with other fibers to combine nylon’s strength with desirable qualities from other fibers. Nylon—blended or not—is a great choice for a couch material where the strength and durability of the fabric are paramount. 

Microfiber

Best for: Soft feel and easy cleanup. Not good with pets 

Microfiber is a specific type of synthetic fabric that is often made from polyester or a combination of polyester and nylon. Microfiber resists staining and liquid very well, making it a breeze to clean. However, because of its soft feel and tight fibers, it clings onto dust, hair, and dirt more than other fabrics. Therefore, microfiber may not be the best couch material for homes with pets.