In our expert opinion, durability is the most crucial characteristic to look for in upholstery fabric. When you invest in a custom sofa or upholstered chair, you want it to last — not just look good for a few months. Choosing durable upholstery fabric ensures that your furniture will stay clean, comfortable, and attractive for years to come.
But with so many kinds of sofa fabric to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and it can be hard to make an informed decision. This is where we come in. The furniture experts at Living Designs Furniture are here to discuss our top picks for furniture fabric and spill our not-so-secret answer for the most durable material for upholstery. (If you follow us on social media, you already know the answer.)
Why does durability matter in upholstery?
Furniture is made to be lived on — it experiences daily wear from sitting, lounging, napping, and everything in between. Whether it’s your go-to sectional or a cozy accent chair, the pieces you invest in should stand the test of time. That’s where upholstery fabric comes in. It’s your furniture’s first line of defense against damage, everyday wear, and fading, playing a major role in how long your pieces will last.
Which upholstery fabric is most durable? Though we have hundreds of fabric options to choose from in our showroom, there is one fabric that truly gets this job done…
Crypton: the most durable sofa fabric
For families and pet owners,Cryptonis one of the best-kept secrets in furniture design. It’s a high-performance fabric engineered to resist stains, repel liquids, and fight wear and tear — all while remaining soft and stylish. Each thread is coated with a protective layer to create a long-lasting and effective material that every home can benefit from.
It is one of the best methods to protect your furniture, and it continuously maintains the champion title for “most durable sofa fabric” in the market. Here’s why.
Easy to clean
Crypton has an impenetrable moisture barrier where liquids roll right off the surface, keeping messes from penetrating into the fabric. Crypton fabrics are ideal for hosting guests or homes with kids, where spills are bound to happen. All you have to do is lightly dab the fabric with a paper towel, and the substance will disappear before your eyes like magic. This means you will spend less time cleaning up and more time making memories with your friends and family!
And if you’re worried about maintaining your furniture, learning how to protect a couch from stains becomes much easier with a fabric that practically cleans itself. Don’t believe us? Watch furniture expert Sarah Zubowski demonstrate how spills and stains don’t stand a chance against Crypton performance fabric.
Stain-resistant finish
But there is so much more to this fabric than this liquid-proof barrier. Crypton also includes a stain-resistant finish with built-in soil release to make cleaning simple and easy. There is no need to worry about pets with muddy paws or unwanted dust seeping into the lower layers of your furniture. This means you can fearlessly buy any color you want — even those light pastels you never thought you could use in a home with children and pets around.
Extreme durability
Crypton is engineered to be virtually indestructible with enhanced abrasion resistance. Crypton fabrics are constructed with a tightly woven structure, which means the fibers are packed more densely than in standard upholstery. This makes the surface tougher and more resistant to friction from repeated use (like sitting, shifting, or rubbing).
If this fabric is tough enough for industrial use in environments such as hospitals and five-star hotels, just imagine how well it will hold up on the furniture in your home!
Cost-efficient
Although performance fabric may come with a higher price tag, you’ll get more bang for your buck. Because of its durable qualities, Crypton fabric prolongs the life of your furniture and offers the added value of furniture that is made to last. Compared to other fabrics with fewer features, Crypton offers the best value for your money! You won’t have to worry about flipping the cushions to hide stains or throwing away furniture due to soiled or worn-out fabric.
Eco-friendly
Environmentally-conscious customers will be thrilled to know that Crypton fabric is also a green product. It is low-emitting and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Additionally, it is antibacterial and improves your home’s indoor air quality — essential for the Houston pollen season! With Crypton, you can prevent allergy-causing dust and odors from becoming trapped inside your sofa to create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
Looking for a Crypton fabric sofa? At Living Designs Furniture, we offer fully custom pieces using this advanced material to bring long-lasting beauty and practicality to your home. Crypton also comes in a vast array of colors, textures, and patterns for maximum personalization.
What type of material is best for upholstery?
The answer to this question can depend on a few factors:
- Your lifestyle
- Your unique style
- The purpose of the furniture
- Your budget
From natural fibers to high-performance textiles, each material for upholstery offers different benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance. Based on our expertise, here are our recommendations for certain circumstances.
| Lifestyle Needs | Recommended Material for Upholstery | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Families with kids and pets | Crypton, leather, microfiber, canvas |
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| Entertainers | Crypton, performance blends, leather |
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| Low-traffic homes | Cotton, linen blends, wool |
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| Design enthusiasts | Leather, velvet, wool, silk |
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If you’re unsure which upholstery fabric would work best in your space, Living Designs Furniture offers custom upholstery fabric services! Simply tell a design expert what your lifestyle needs are, and we can recommend a durable upholstery fabric within your budget, style preferences, and practical needs. We carry an endless supply of fabric types, colors, patterns, and textures to make finding your perfect fit as simple as possible.
Where to find high-quality material for upholstery in Houston
If you’re searching for a fabric store in Houston that offers a wide selection of durable materials for custom furniture, look no further than Living Designs Furniture. Unlike typical retail stores, we manufacture everything locally in our Downtown Houston factory and showroom.
That means you’ll get:
- Direct access to an endless amount of premium and affordable fabrics
- Expert help selecting the best fabric for your lifestyle
- Custom-built furniture crafted from scratch
- Lower, factory-direct pricing
Whether you’re looking for a performance fabric for a family-friendly sectional or an elegant material for a formal armchair, we have the best options for you. Already have a fabric you love? Bring it in! Our designers can incorporate your personal selection to create a truly one-of-a-kind custom piece for sofas, sectionals, chairs, chaises, and anything in between.
Living Designs Furniture: Invest in fabric that works as hard as you do
Choosing the right material for upholstery isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort, longevity, and practicality. From Crypton to classic leather, the best fabric is one that complements your lifestyle while standing the test of time.
Whether you’re searching for the most durable upholstery fabric for chairs or the perfect color for your living room sofa, trust that Living Designs Furniture has what you need to bring home furniture you will love that will last.
Visit any of our Houston furniture stores to touch, feel, and compare different options with the guidance of our design experts.
More Helpful Articles by Living Designs Furniture:
- How Long Should Living Room Furniture Last?
- Trend Alert: Customizable Furniture
- How to Choose the Best Sectional Sofa
- 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy Furniture Online
- Different Types of Sofas: Which is Best for Your Living Room?