Sofa: How to choose the ideal fabric?

The sofas are part of virtually every home. They are used to receive visitors and also to accommodate the residents themselves at rest, watching a TV show or a movie.

However, when it comes to buying a new sofa, many people are unsure how to make a good choice, as few people really know the different types on the market.

Eloisa Castilho, interior designer, administrator and owner of Glamor Upholstery and Puff? S Mania, points out that when buying a sofa, one should consider, mainly, what will be the use of that piece. This will greatly influence the choice of model, size and fabric. A living sofa, for example, cannot have a deep depth; But the models for a TV room have greater depth and retractable and reclining mechanisms ?, he says.

The professional adds that today, the vast majority of people have a single environment (living room and TV room), which complicates a little more when choosing. The ideal in these cases is the planned upholstery, which are developed following the needs and even the physical type of each person. The size should follow not only the measurements of the environment, but also the number of people who will use the sofa ?, explains.

Regarding the fabric of the sofa, Eloisa explains that the person should choose it thinking in addition to the decoration, their needs. Basically, today we find four types of fabric used in upholstery: synthetic, chenille, jacquard and suede. The variety is huge, especially in the decorative line, with nobler threads like silk and linen. However, the value of these fabrics is much higher and they are mostly used in pillows and small pieces ?, he says.

Below you will find the advantages and disadvantages of each of the main existing sofa fabrics, to make a good choice at the time of purchase:

Eloisa Castilho explains that the synthetic fabric, in general, has an excellent resistance, as well as extreme ease of cleaning. "They are naturally waterproof and suitable for allergic people and pets," he adds.

On the other hand, the interior designer points out, they are extremely cold in winter and hot in summer.

According to Eloisa, chenille was widely used until recently and was regarded as the most "comfortable" fabric due to its softness. "But today, with the most affordable suedes, this option is not the most used," he says.

According to Eloisa, another point that motivated the change in general preference was the difficulty of cleaning that a chenille upholstery presented. "Because it has many creases, it is not suitable for people who are allergic or have any type of breathing problem, or for those who have pets at home," he explains.

Eloisa Castilho explains that the jacquard fabric is one of the oldest complex weavings and presents an excellent resistance.

? It is a fabric widely used in the upholstery line and mainly decoration until today. This is because, in addition to the various current printing techniques, it has a way to print with their own threads during weaving ?, highlights the interior designer.

Because its web is tightly closed, Eloisa adds, dirt accumulation is much smaller, which facilitates daily cleaning.

According to Eloisa, suedes are the most widely used today and are generally imported. They feature a coat that provides unmatched comfort. They are extremely easy to clean, as they have no apparent plots ?, he says.

However, highlights Eloisa, in cases of accidents with liquids, stains are the most difficult to remove. "So waterproofing is advisable," he explains.

Care Required

But, how to properly take care of your sofa, regardless of the fabric chosen, and ensure that it lasts longer? Eloisa Castilho explains that, basically, the upholstery should not be exposed to the sun directly. Chemicals for cleaning should also be avoided, especially neutral ones.

Ideal cleaning is only done with a damp cloth with water and vacuum cleaner. Also, is it worth noting that the structure of the sofa is designed for a particular use and should not escape it? For example, the arms should not serve as a seat, except those designed for it ?, concludes the interior designer.

Now you have good tips for choosing the best type of sofa for your home. Remember to evaluate, first of all, what environment the piece will be in and what its purpose will be! After that, it is easier to choose the ideal fabric, model and size.

Choosing the right fabric for your furniture (April 2024)