Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Custom Sofa

Your sofa is the heart of your living room — where family gathers, guests are entertained, and comfort is non-negotiable. The fabric you choose not only defines its look and feel but also determines how well it performs in everyday life. At Candace & Basil, we build custom sofas in-house from scratch, offering thousands of fabric options so you can create a piece that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Unlike a bed, your sofa is exposed to heavy daily use. Spills, pets, kids, and constant lounging mean your upholstery needs to balance style, durability, and easy maintenance. Choosing the right fabric ensures your sofa stays comfortable and beautiful for years.

Fabric Types for Sofas

• Textured Woven Fabrics – Versatile and durable, great for everyday use.

• Velvets – Luxurious with rich depth, best for formal spaces or statement sofas.

• Chenilles – Soft, cozy, and slightly shimmery.

• Bouclé – Trendy and tactile, adds visual interest and warmth.

• Leatherette – Cost-effective and easy to clean.

• Top-Grain Leather – Premium, timeless, and long-lasting, developing character as it ages.

Fabric Composition Options

• Polyester & Performance Blends – Excellent durability, stain resistance, and fade resistance — ideal for high-use sofas.

• Natural Fibers (cotton, linen, wool) – Soft, breathable, and stylish, but more delicate and stain-prone.

• Mixed Compositions – Blends that combine the best of natural feel and synthetic durability.

Performance Fabrics for Sofas

Performance fabrics are the ultimate choice for sofas that need to withstand everyday life. They’re engineered to resist stains, spills, and fading while maintaining a beautiful look and soft feel.

• Spill Resistance – Liquids bead on the surface, making cleanup easy.

• Abrasion Resistance – Premium performance fabrics often exceed 40,000 double rubs, meaning they’re built for years of use.

• Pilling & Fading – Rated at pilling class 4–5 for longevity and fade resistance even in sunny rooms.

• Family & Pet Friendly – Perfect for households with kids, pets, or frequent entertaining.

At Candace & Basil, we offer a wide selection of Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified performance fabrics, combining health, safety, and practicality with style.

Key Quality Factors to Look For

When selecting sofa fabric, keep these performance metrics in mind:

• Abrasion Resistance – Look for 40,000+ double rubs.

• Pilling Class – Class 4–5 for maximum longevity.

• Cleaning Code – "WA", “W” or “WS” indicates easy cleaning.

• Oeko-Tex® Certification – Ensures your fabric is safe and free of harmful chemicals.

Designing with Fabric in Mind

Your sofa fabric should reflect both your style and how you live:

• Performance fabrics or leather for busy households with pets or kids.

• Velvets, bouclé, or chenilles for a formal living room or statement piece.

• Textured woven fabrics for versatile, everyday use.

Because we build everything from scratch in-house, you’ll never be limited to a handful of swatches — you’ll have thousands of options to choose from.

Experience the Candace & Basil Difference

With Candace & Basil, you’re not just choosing a sofa fabric — you’re designing a custom piece built to fit your lifestyle. From performance fabrics and natural textiles to premium leathers, every option we offer is Oeko-Tex® certified, sustainable, and safe for your home.

Contact us today for a custom quote and explore fabrics that make your sofa as durable as it is beautiful.