Once you have a better idea of your general sofa needs, it is then time to educate yourself on various fabric options and how they pertain to your lifestyle. Shelly says, "Fabrics run the gamut; from leather that is bonded to full grain, linen, velvet, canvas, etc. If durability is an issue, look for full-grain leathers or performance fabrics like Sunbrella." She continues, "Households with pets (and small children) can benefit from microfiber and Sunbrella canvas fabrics. Even manmade velvets are a great upholstery option in these situations, as the fabrics do not have the slub or texture that claws can snag and pull."
And with so many fabric options out there, it is truly so important to educate yourself at this stage of the game so you won't run into any regret later down the road. If you are still having trouble pinpointing which fabric choice is the best for you, Shelly suggests checking out "companies like Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs [since they] offer varieties of materials on their made-to-order sofas that fit all levels of lifestyle."
