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Choosing a sofa is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your home, and the fabric plays a bigger role than most people realise. The fabric you choose should match the life you actually live - a household with young kids and pets has very different needs to someone who wants a stylish centrepiece for a calm living room. This guide walks you through our main sofa fabric options, from soft chenille to sleek leather-look finishes, covering how each one feels, how it wears over time, and which lifestyle it suits best.
FABRIC 01
Chenille
Chenille is one of the most popular sofa fabrics around and for good reason. Named after the French word for caterpillar, its short fibres are twisted around a core thread to create a soft, velvety pile that feels warm and inviting year-round. It takes colour beautifully across a wide range of shades, while selected models also include removable cushion covers for easier everyday upkeep.
Composition
Typically 100% polyester or a polyester-cotton blend, woven with short fibres twisted around a core thread to create its characteristic soft pile.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Spills should be dealt with quickly, as chenille can absorb liquids.
Feel / Texture
Soft, warm, and slightly velvety to the touch. Has a gentle sheen that catches the light without looking overly formal.
Pet Friendly
With caution. Chenille is soft and cosy; pets will love it, but claws can snag the pile and pet hair can embed in the weave. A lint roller handles everyday shedding well.
Available Fabric Options
Standard Chenille, Soft Chenille, Luxe Chenille, Alaska Chenille and Interwoven Chenille.
Durability
Holds up well to daily use, including on recliners such as the Sorrentino Recliner Sofa Set 3+2. Rotate cushions regularly to maintain shape.
Cleaning & Care
Check the care code before using any liquid cleaner. Blot spills immediately and avoid soaking the fabric. Use only the cleaning method permitted on the product label. Selected models have removable, hand-washable cushion covers, but the chenille upholstery itself should not be machine washed.
Best For
Families and everyday living rooms where comfort is the priority, especially sofa beds such as the Noma U-Shape Sofa Bed with Storage and the Meridian U-Shape Sofa Bed with Storage, or a quicker upgrade like the Alpine Electric Sofa Bed.
Available Colours
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FABRIC 02
Enzo
The Chestnut Corner Sofa and Chestnut Chaise Sofa owe their warm look to Enzo, the woven fabric used across the whole collection. This type of chenille fabric holds its colour and shape well over time, exactly what a sofa built for daily family life needs.
Composition
A woven polyester-blend upholstery fabric with a fine, subtly textured finish.
Feel / Texture
Smooth with a slight tactile weave, warmer to the touch than a flat cotton and denser than chenille's pile.
Durability
Designed for everyday use and built to hold its shape well, especially on pieces such as the Chestnut 2 Seater and Chestnut 3 Seater sofas.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Wipe up spills quickly, as the weave can hold onto liquid if it's left to sit.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, and vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment. Check the product page for removable, washable cushion covers.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The tight weave copes well with everyday use, though claws can still catch on the surface, so it suits calmer pets best.
Best For
Family homes wanting a warmer, more grounded alternative to chenille. It also covers sofa beds such as the Meridian Enzo Sofa Bed and the Belrosa Enzo U-Shaped Sofa Bed, handy if you need a guest bed too.
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You can also shop corner sofas online or buy sofa beds online to see the wider range.
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FABRIC 03
Kensington
Soft yet durable, Kensington is the weave behind our Broadgate collection, built for a more structured, modern look. Its plump, generously filled cushions keep their shape, whether it's the Broadgate Corner Sofa or the smaller Broadgate 2 Seater Sofa.
Composition
A tightly woven polyester-blend fabric with a smooth, structured surface.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Blot spills straight away rather than rubbing them into the weave.
Feel / Texture
Soft against the skin but firmer underhand than chenille, with a smooth, contemporary surface.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The smooth weave is easy to brush pet hair from, though it isn't scratch-proof, so keep an eye on boisterous claws.
Durability
A hardwearing fabric that keeps its shape well through everyday use, especially on structured pieces such as the Broadgate 3+2 Sofa Set and Broadgate 4 Seater Sofa.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid soaking the fabric, and let it air dry fully before use.
Best For
Modern family living rooms wanting a soft, structured feel. The Broadgate Armchair and matching Broadgate Footstool are worth adding if you want to complete the set.
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You can also purchase armchairs online to browse more standalone options.
Available Colours
Available products
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FABRIC 04
Boston
Clean lines and sleek tapered legs give the Ascot Corner Sofa its contemporary look, thanks to the soft Boston weave underneath. It comes in five colourways, from neutral toffee and light grey to bolder forest green and black, so there's a shade to suit most schemes.
Composition
A woven polyester-blend upholstery fabric, designed for everyday durability.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Treat spills as soon as they happen and avoid harsh cleaning products.
Feel / Texture
Soft to the touch with a smooth, even weave and a slight natural texture.
Pet Friendly
With caution. Removable cushion covers make it easier to stay on top of pet hair and everyday marks, though claws can still snag the weave.
Durability
A hardwearing everyday fabric built for a sofa used daily by the whole family.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Seat and back cushion covers are removable, so check the product page for washing guidance.
Best For
Busy family living rooms wanting a durable, easy-living fabric with a wide choice of colours.
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You can also browse corner sofas online to compare the Ascot against our other corner sofa collections.
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FABRIC 05
Aston
Aston is the fabric behind our Windsor Large Corcer Sofa , paired with washable covers and tufted, Chesterfield-style arms. It's a hardwearing weave built to handle a busy family living room without losing its shape.
Composition
A woven upholstery fabric with a smooth, structured finish.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Treat spills quickly and avoid rubbing them into the weave.
Feel / Texture
Smooth and slightly structured to the touch, with a tighter weave than chenille that suits Windsor's tufted, buttoned detailing.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The tighter weave copes reasonably well with everyday use, though claws can still snag the surface.
Durability
A hardwearing fabric built for daily use, holding its shape well on a large corner sofa such as the Windsor.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The Windsor's removable cushion covers are hand-washable, so check the product page for full washing instructions.
Best For
Living rooms wanting a classic, tufted Chesterfield look without committing to leather, such as the Windsor Large Corner Sofa in Cream.
Available Colours
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FABRIC 06
Micro Fabric
Micro Fabric is the soft, suede-like weave behind our Hanna, Hannan and Moreno recliner ranges, giving each piece a plush feel without the price tag of genuine suede. It's a popular choice on electric recliners, where the fabric needs to look smart through years of daily reclining.
Composition
A densely woven microfibre-style upholstery with a soft, suede-like surface.
Stain Resistance
Good. The tight microfibre weave resists spills better than a looser weave, though it's still worth blotting marks quickly.
Feel / Texture
Soft and slightly velvety to the touch, similar to suede but more resistant to marking and easier to maintain.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The dense weave resists snagging better than a looser fabric, though claws can still catch on the surface.
Durability
A hardwearing fabric that holds up well on recliner mechanisms, resisting the wear that comes with frequent everyday reclining.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, brushing gently in the direction of the nap. For a more detailed walkthrough, read our blog on How to Clean a Fabric Sofa.
Best For
Recliner sofas and armchairs that need to look smart through daily use, especially electric models such as the Hanna Electric Recliner Corner Sofa and the Hannan Electric Recliner Armchair.
Explore More
Available in grey, beige, cream, and stone, including the Moreno Stone Electric Corner Recliner Sofa. You can also shop fabric recliner sofas online to see the wider range.
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FABRIC 07
Dapple
A textured, flecked weave, Dapple gives the Soho Small U-Shaped Sofa and Elise U Shaped Sofa with Storage Footstool a softer, more traditional look than a plain fabric. The subtle two-tone yarn adds depth to the surface without tipping into a bold pattern.
Composition
A woven polyester-blend fabric, spun with a flecked, two-tone yarn to create its mottled effect.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. The flecked texture hides light marks well, but spills should still be dealt with promptly.
Feel / Texture
Textured but soft to the touch, with a slightly nubby surface that adds visual depth to a plain-coloured room.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The textured weave hides pet hair better than a flat fabric, though the surface can still catch on claws.
Durability
A hardwearing fabric that wears well, and the mottled pattern helps disguise everyday marks between cleans.
Cleaning & Care
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Vacuum with an upholstery attachment to lift dust from the textured weave.
Best For
Living rooms wanting a more traditional, textured look, particularly wraparound U-shaped sofas where the fabric's depth stands out. The Soho Cream Small U-Shaped Sofa and Elise Cream U-Shaped Sofa with Storage Footstool offer a lighter alternative if chocolate feels too dark for your room.
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You can shop U-shaped sofas online to see the full range of sizes and fabrics.
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Composition
A soft polyester pile fabric, woven to create a dense, velvet-like nap.
Stain Resistance
Lower than our other fabrics. Velvet marks and watermarks easily, so spills need attention straight away.
Feel / Texture
Deeply soft and plush to the touch, with a subtle sheen that shifts depending on the light and the direction you brush it.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The soft pile is a magnet for claws, so it suits calmer households better than a home with boisterous young cats.
Durability
A softer pile than a flat weave, so it can flatten in high-traffic spots over time, though it holds its shape well on a sturdy hardwood frame, such as the one under the Sloane Luxury 3 Seater Sofa.
Cleaning & Care
Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing, and brush the pile gently in one direction to keep its texture even. Avoid soaking or harsh chemicals, and always air dry.
Best For
Living rooms wanting a statement piece. The Sloane Luxury 2 Seater Sofa is a good starting point if a full corner sofa feels like too much commitment.
Explore More
Available in grey, black, silver, and mink. You can also shop U-shaped sofas online or browse sofa sets online to see how it pairs with other pieces.
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FABRIC 09
Boucle
Boucle is the looped, textured fabric behind our Cocoon, Reese and Burlington ranges, best known for its curled yarn and tactile, cosy surface. It's especially popular on accent chairs, where the fabric's texture becomes part of the design.
Composition
A looped-yarn fabric, woven so the fibres curl at the surface rather than lying flat.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Blot spills promptly, since the looped texture can hold onto liquid if it's left to sit.
Feel / Texture
Textured and tactile, with a soft, nubby surface that feels warm and inviting.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The looped texture is appealing to claws, so it suits calmer households best.
Durability
Designed to cope with everyday use, although the looped surface can snag more easily than a flat weave.
Cleaning & Care
Blot spills with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing, and avoid soaking the fabric. Check the product page for the specific care code before using any cleaning product.
Best For
Statement accent chairs and sofa beds, particularly the Cocoon Occasional Accent Chair and the Reese Accent Armchair, or the Burlington Sofa Bed for guest rooms.
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Available in ivory and midnight blue.
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FABRIC 10
Jumbo Cord
Jumbo Cord is the ribbed, textured fabric behind our Logan range, paired with faux leather trim for a casual, vintage-inspired look. The same cord and leather combination also appears on the Rio Recliner Corner Sofa, giving both collections a distinct, layered finish.
Composition
A ribbed, corduroy-style fabric with a wide wale, paired with faux leather trim on the arms and frame.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Treat spills quickly, and avoid harsh cleaning products on the leather trim.
Feel / Texture
Textured and ribbed to the touch, with a softer faux leather trim along the edges for contrast.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The ribbed texture can catch on claws, so it suits calmer households best.
Durability
A hardwearing fabric that holds up well to daily use, particularly on the Logan range's track arms and boxed cushions.
Cleaning & Care
Vacuum the cord sections with an upholstery attachment, and wipe the faux leather trim separately with a damp cloth. Check the product page for the specific care code before using any cleaning product.
Best For
Living rooms wanting a casual, textured look with a bit of vintage character, particularly the Logan Corner Sofa, Logan 3+2 Sofa Set and Logan Armchair.
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Available in grey and black.
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Composition
A premium synthetic leather-look upholstery.
Stain Resistance
Excellent. Its non-porous surface means spills sit on top rather than soaking in, so most marks wipe away with a damp cloth.
Feel / Texture
Smooth and slightly cool to the touch, with a leather-style grain and stitched detailing.
Pet Friendly
Yes, with care. It is easy to wipe clean and does not hold onto pet hair the way fabric can, though sharp claws can still scratch the surface.
Durability
Built for regular everyday use and easier to maintain than many woven finishes, which is why it works well across recliner pieces such as the Sorrentino Recliner Corner Sofa and the Foster Electric Recliner Corner Sofa.
Cleaning & Care
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or direct heat, which can dry out and crack the surface over time.
Best For
Busy households, pet owners, and anyone after a low-maintenance recliner, including the Tech 8 Smart Grey 2 Seater Electric Recliner Sofa and the Sianna Corner Sofa.
Explore More
Available in black and grey. You can also purchase recliner sofas online or shop cinema sofas online to compare finishes and features.
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FABRIC 12
Faux Leather
Faux Leather is used throughout the Roma recliner range and as a contrasting leather-look element on mixed-material designs such as Rio, which combines it with textured cord upholstery.
Composition
A PU (polyurethane) faux leather, applied over a woven backing fabric.
Stain Resistance
Good. Its non-porous surface means most spills wipe away before they can soak in.
Feel / Texture
Smooth to the touch, with a leather-style grain and stitched detailing.
Pet Friendly
Yes, with care. Easy to wipe clean, though sharp claws can still scratch the surface.
Durability
Hardwearing and resistant to everyday wear, holding up well on manual recliners such as the Roma Recliner Corner Sofa.
Cleaning & Care
Wipe with a barely damp microfibre cloth and mild soap where needed, then dry the surface immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, excess water and direct heat. For the full routine, including stain removal, read our blog on How to Clean a Leather Sofa.
Best For
Anyone wanting a leather look at a lower price point, particularly on manual recliners and corner sofas such as the Roma Recliner Corner Sofa in Black.
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Available in black and grey. You can also browse leather recliner sofas online to compare it against Aire Leather.
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FABRIC 13
Suede
The Saxon range uses a synthetic suede upholstery with a soft, directional nap, offering the tactile appearance of natural suede in a fabric designed for everyday reclining furniture. It is used across the Saxon 2 Seater Electric Recliner Sofa, Saxon 3 Seater Electric Recliner Sofa and larger sets.
Composition
A napped, suede-style upholstery fabric.
Stain Resistance
Moderate. Blot spills quickly, since suede-style fabrics can mark if liquid is left to sit.
Feel / Texture
Soft with a subtle directional nap, similar to genuine suede but easier to keep clean.
Pet Friendly
With caution. The napped surface can mark under claws, so it suits calmer households best.
Durability
Holds up well to everyday use across the Saxon range's electric recliner sofas and sets.
Cleaning & Care
Brush gently in the direction of the nap to lift dust, and blot spills rather than rubbing them in. Check the product page for the specific care code before using any cleaning product.
Best For
Anyone wanting a softer, more tactile alternative to leather on an electric recliner, particularly the Saxon 2-seater, 3-seater and 3+2 sets.
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Available in light grey.
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Sofa Fabric FAQs
What is the most durable sofa fabric?
Aire Leather is one of the most practical finishes for everyday use, especially in busy homes, because its wipe-clean surface is easier to maintain than many woven fabrics. Among our fabrics, Boston, Kensington and Enzo all hold up particularly well to daily family use.
Is chenille or plush velvet better for pets?
Chenille is usually the better choice for pet owners. Its tighter pile resists snagging more than plush velvet, and a lint roller handles everyday shedding well. Plush Velvet's softer pile marks more easily under claws, so it suits calmer households best.
How does Aire Leather compare with genuine leather?
Aire Leather is a synthetic leather-look upholstery rather than genuine hide. It offers a similar appearance at a lower price point and is generally easier to maintain, while real leather has natural grain variations and usually benefits from regular conditioning.
How is Aire Leather different from standard Faux Leather?
Both are synthetic leather-look finishes, but Aire Leather is presented as the premium option across ranges such as Tech, Sorrentino, Sianna and Foster. Standard Faux Leather is used throughout the Roma range and as a contrasting leather-look element on mixed-material Rio designs.
Which sofa fabric is easiest to clean?
Aire Leather is one of the easiest finishes to maintain, since spills wipe away with a damp cloth rather than soaking in. Among our woven fabrics, Boston and Chenille both come with removable cushion covers on selected models, so check the product page for details.
Can I get removable or washable cushion covers?
Selected models across ranges such as Chenille, Boston and Kensington include removable seat and back cushion covers. This varies by model and fabric, so check the individual product page before you buy.
