Over the last two years, most of us have been spending a lot more time at home. And, if we’ve learned anything from it, it’s that having a comfortable home that can withstand the ins and outs of family life is important.

Majorly important.

And, if you didn’t give it that much thought before, it’s likely you do now. You might even find yourself asking all sorts of questions, specifically about your family room — Is it a comfortable place for everyone who lives there? Do you find yourself relaxed or are you constantly fretting over wear and tear? Are you happy with the current furniture or is it time for something new? Does the space serve its purpose to the fullest or are there some improvements that can be made?

Whatever your situation is, if you have a busy home life, you need upholstery that can stand up to the test. Let’s take a look at what you can do to ensure that your upholstery is tough enough to withstand the abuse a busy family can give it.

Go For Minimal Textures

If you want your upholstery to sustain wear and tear better, stick with fabrics that aren’t overly textured. Textures are nice and can certainly elevate the visual appeal within a room, but with excessive use, they can fray easily. Some flat weaves to consider are sensuede, cotton, and any fabrics that fall into the indoor/outdoor category, such as performance fabrics, which include olefin, acrylic, nylon, and polyester. Performance fabrics are becoming incredibly popular for indoor use, primarily in rooms that can really benefit from what they have to offer. Vinyl is another stylish option that offers a bit more texture while remaining durable.

Lean Towards a Color That Falls In the Middle

When you’re sorting through colors, it’s very important to remember that soil shows easily on light solids and dirt shows more on dark solids. A happy medium would be to find a shade that’s balanced between the two extremes. Even better, find an upholstery fabric that is medium in color but patterned. It’d be a great way to add depth and visual interest with color while keeping stains concealed. Keep in mind, however, that not all patterns offer longevity. To avoid being stuck with a pattern that makes you unhappy in a few years, opt for a pattern that’s classic. Some choices might include an updated floral, stripes, or even a small-scale geometric. Of course, if the thought of a patterned sofa is too much for you, stick with the solid sofa and top it off with some patterned throw pillows.

Opt For Natural Fibers Of a High Thread Count

Not only are natural fibers more eco-friendly, but they also absorb stains more quickly and are easier to clean than synthetic ones. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The higher the count, the more durable it’s going to be. Natural fabrics include cotton, leather, linen, wool, and silk.

Think About Incorporating a Slipcover

Slipcovers aren’t for everyone, but they are definitely worth considering if you have a busy home. Slipcovers offer protection and versatility and are easy to clean. If you’re looking for a quick fix until you can either buy new furniture or reupholster what you have, you can easily find a one-size-fits-all type of slipcover at just about any department store. However, if you’d prefer a slipcover that’s better fitted for the long term, have one custom-made in a fabric you love. To learn more about slipcovers and why they just might be exactly what your family room needs, pop over to our blog Say Yes To Slipcovers!

Keep It As Clean As Possible

Regular maintenance is definitely going to prolong the life of your upholstery no matter what you have. Rotating, vacuuming, and wiping down cushions will help your furniture survive the many years your family will spend in that room. If you are shopping around for fabric, ask the retailer if your upholstery fabric comes pretreated with stain repellent. If they are unable to treat it for you, shop around for someone who can. Some fabrics should not be treated so read labels carefully.

Family-Friendly Upholstery At Cutting Corners

When you are looking for a fabric store that can provide you with beautiful family-friendly upholstery, stop by our Cutting Corners location in Dallas, Tx. We have great deals on discount designer fabrics that will stand up to daily family life while remaining beautiful and stylish.