3 days ago
Kids, Pets, Wine. Here's How to Pick Upholstery That Can Handle All Three.
So-called performance textiles are typically synthetic blends. They have their roots in the mid–20th century, when synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic were developed and used in parachutes, awnings, and sails. These textiles were strong, capable of withstanding moisture and temperature changes, less likely to mold, and more UV-resistant than textiles made from natural fibers. Furniture manufacturers saw an opportunity, and these fabrics eventually moved indoors.
Technological advances in fiber production, weaving, and chemical treatments have yielded fabrics that have the more pliable feel of textiles made from cotton or wool, and even velvet. And though it's possible to have a sofa that lasts a while with upholstery that isn't technically a performance fabric, performance textiles are designed with some or all of the following characteristics in mind.
Cleanable: Sometimes described as 'bleach cleanable,' these fabrics may be spot-cleaned with a solution consisting of bleach and water, typically at a 1:10 ratio, though you should be sure to rinse the bleach off with water after spot-treating. Another common cleaning directive is to use a water-based solvent, which means a solution made of primarily water plus a mild dish soap or a similar gentle cleaning agent; on the tags, look out for 'W' or 'W/S,' which indicates a water-based solvent recommendation. To avoid moisture rings, always use the minimum amount of any solution.
Fade-resistant: Upholstery that is fade-resistant doesn't fade from UV exposure or cleaning, since the threads of the fabric hold the pigment, rather than the color being applied to the surface of the textile. Because the color resides below the surface of the fabric, you can't actually rub or sun-bleach it out.
Durable: Most performance fabrics are designed and tested to withstand repeated abrasion, an indicator that they will last without fraying, pilling, or tearing. In these tests, an abrasive material is methodically rubbed on the fabric until the fabric's fibers start to break, and the number of rubs becomes the 'rub count.' The higher the rub count, the more durable the fabric. For most home use, a score between 15,000 and 20,000 is sufficient; for high-traffic locations in a home, we recommended a rub count of 30,000 for maximum durability. (For context, ideal hotel upholsteries, which see huge amounts of traffic, may have rub counts north of 100,000.)
Some residential-furniture retailers, such as Room & Board, also sell contract-grade furniture, says Juliana Daily, interior designer and co-owner of Manuel Zeitlin Architects. These retailers, which sell to professional designers furnishing hotels and other high-traffic settings, tend to list specific metrics, such as rub counts, since their pieces are geared toward the industry. But if the manufacturer you're looking at doesn't offer contract-grade pieces, or if you're unsure of a fabric's composition, don't be afraid to ask.
Stain-resistant: Most stain-resistant textiles are composed of polyester, acrylic, or polypropylene threads (also known as olefin) and are inherently moisture-, oil- and stain-resistant. These fabrics may also be treated with a chemical barrier that causes moisture to bead on the surface instead of absorbing, which makes it easier for you to wipe up small spills.
Historically, such chemical barriers used PFAS. But PFAS chemicals have been increasingly linked to a host of health risks, including cancer, pregnancy complications, and weakened immune function, and they persist in the environment for years, a concern that has led some states to ban intentionally added PFAS in textiles for sale. As a result, many manufacturers have largely shifted to alternative methods; none of the fabrics available for the sofas that we currently recommend in Wirecutter's sofa guide contain intentionally added PFAS. Petting your pup with fabric samples can illustrate how their fur will show up on your upholstery and also test how easily their fur may brush off or cling to the material. Ivy Elrod and Jason Toledo/NYT Wirecutter
