A well-chosen sofa is a memorable sofa. After all, the right piece of furniture can help streamline the design of an entire room. So if you’re looking to transform your living space with the simple addition of a new sofa, you’ll need to know which sofa material types or fabrics are best suited to your needs – and we have inspiration aplenty.
Specialist types of sofa material
A sofa takes centre stage of a living room, which means careful consideration is required to get the look right. But there’s more than that – you’ll want to consider the texture, durability and craftsmanship too. Here, are our picks or specialist sofa material types for you to explore.
1. Italian leather
Synonymous with tradition and refinement, Italian leather is produced in Italy, the epicentre of quality leather production. Famed for some of the best tanneries in the world, Italy produces leather coveted for its full-grain, luxury artisan finish.
Evoking the warm nostalgia of days gone by, this traditionally produced material is full of timeless charm made to last. An Italian leather sofa speaks of comfort and, paired invitingly with tall bookcases, it injects a sense of dark academia, creating a stunning library effect.
2. Suede
Suede comes in either a faux or real variety. Real suede is delightfully soft to the touch and easy to clean – perfect for parents and pet owners. Owing to a variety of natural shadings, suede is one of the most versatile types of sofa material easily paired with a beautifully rustic décor.
Artisan sofa fabric types
3. Harris tweed
Want to inject a cosy highland flair into your sitting room? Then Harris tweed is your best option. Crafted from the pure virgin wool of Cheviot or Scottish Blackface sheep, this traditional sofa fabric embraces the essence of autumn and is a delightful companion to an eclectic country lounge or sophisticated reading room.
And it doesn’t have to steal all the limelight. Harris tweed makes a beautiful accent alongside leather, just take this classy Harris Tweed And Italian Leather Sofa. The combination of these two artisan sofa material types really speaks for itself!
4. Jacquard fabric
Crafted using a Jacquard loom, a method originating from the 19th century, this fabric has a rich history as well as a stunning traditional look. The attention to detail required to weave the design or motif into the weave, making jacquard fabric sofas premium standard and resilient as well as attractive.
5. Velvet
Velvet has been trendy since the Italian Renaissance during which the fabric graced European aristocracy with its signature glamour. Nowadays, anyone can enjoy its sumptuous look and feel, living it up like royalty at home.
A velvet sofa is unmistakeably bold and will add a pinch of drama into a room needing a little lift. Thanks to the rich variety of shades from powder blue to silky carmine red you can make a statement to match any décor, contemporary or classic.
6. Patchwork wool blends
If it’s the wow factor you’re looking for, the combination of traditional leather and patchwork wool upholstery could be the very thing you were looking for. Utterly unique, you could opt for a multicoloured wool blend to make classic values and contemporary style collide. This style of design is perfect for those want to see their colourful personalities translated into décor.
7. Corduroy
Corduroy is a fun way to introduce added depth and texture into a room and could make the centrepiece of an awkward living room layout. With its interesting feel and texture, corduroy is ideal for maximalist designs splayed with colour and quirky decorative items. Style it with the right cushions and you could bring the whole room together.
Sofa feet finishes
It’s not just the types of sofa body material or upholstery you should be considering – your choice of sofa feet finishes is there to complete the look.
Oak
Chunky hardwood legs not only keep your sofa firmly rooted to the spot but make a gorgeous finishing touch alongside antique studding or buttoned back design. Oak finishes work particularly well with a rustic sitting room accented with pops of warm colour.
Mahogany
Mahogany is simply luscious. This dark finish is a beautiful touch for a room bathed in a deep colour palette, paired perfectly with our Hamilton upholstery colour range.
Brass castor wheels
Furniture castors are an ergonomic addition to your sofa, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have to be beautiful too! This brassy finish keeps things elegant and sophisticated, reflecting warm hues of light around the room.
Takeaway: endless options!
With a beautiful array of sofa material types at your disposal, each boasting different colour swatches, textures and aesthetics, the options are truly endless. If this post sparked joy, why not peruse the rest our furniture and interior design blog.