Fabric guide
Sofa Fabrics Compared: Corduroy, Velvet, Chenille, Linen and Leather
An honest comparison of the most popular sofa fabrics: how each looks, feels, wears and cleans, and which suits your home.
The fabric is what you see, touch and clean every week, so it is worth choosing deliberately. There is no single best fabric. Each has strengths and trade-offs, and the right one depends on who uses the sofa and how.
At a glance
| Fabric | Look and feel | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corduroy / jumbo cord | Ribbed, warm, textured | Hides marks, cosy, very current | Holds pet hair; ribs can flatten |
| Velvet | Plush, rich, soft | Looks luxurious | Marks and crushes; wants gentle care |
| Chenille | Soft, tufted, cosy | Comfortable, relaxed look | Loops can snag |
| Linen-look | Light, natural weave | Airy, breathable | Shows water rings; can crease |
| Faux leather | Smooth, smart | Wipes clean, no pile | Can feel cool; coating can crack with heat or abuse |
| Leather | Smart, softens with use | Wipes clean, durable if cared for | Needs keeping away from heat; marks with scratches |
Corduroy and jumbo cord
Corduroy has a ribbed pile, and jumbo cord is the same idea with wider, softer ribs. It has become one of the most popular living-room fabrics because it looks warm and textured without being fussy, and the ribs hide everyday marks better than a smooth fabric. The downside is that pet hair and crumbs settle into the ribs, so you will want a vacuum with a soft brush once a week. See our corner sofas and modular sofas for plenty of examples.
Velvet
Velvet is dense, soft and catches the light, which is why it looks so rich. It suits a more finished, glamorous room. It is not the best choice for muddy paws or sticky fingers, because the pile can mark and crush. If you love the look, choose a darker, mid-tone shade and brush the pile in one direction weekly.
Chenille
Chenille is made from soft, looped yarns that give a slightly fuzzy surface. It is among the most comfortable fabrics to sit on and feels cosy straight away. Loops can snag on claws and zips, so trim loose threads rather than pulling them.
Linen and linen-look
Linen-look upholstery has a natural, textured weave that brings a calm, airy feel to a room. It breathes well and looks lovely in bright, neutral spaces. Because natural-look weaves can show water rings, blot spills rather than soaking them.
Faux leather
Faux (synthetic) leather gives a smart look and a surface that wipes clean in seconds, with no pile to hold hair or crumbs. It is a practical choice for homes with children or pets, and for anyone who dislikes vacuuming a sofa. Keep it away from radiators and strong sunlight, which can dry and crack the coating, and avoid sharp objects.
Leather
Leather softens with use and wipes clean easily. It needs to be kept away from heat and, depending on the type, occasionally conditioned. It is the choice for people who want a classic look and are prepared for a little care.
How to choose
- Young children or pets: faux leather or leather for easy cleaning; corduroy if you want something warmer and are happy to vacuum.
- Quiet adult household: velvet, chenille or linen-look all work well.
- Bright, small room: a lighter linen-look or beige corduroy opens the space; darker colours add depth.
- You hate cleaning: smooth surfaces are quickest. A throw over the favourite seat helps on any fabric.
Check the label and care guide
Every upholstery label carries a code (W, S, WS or X) telling you which cleaning methods are safe. Our how to clean a sofa guide explains them, and every product page has a short care guide written for its upholstery.
Ready to compare? Browse all sofas or read the full buying guide.