Durable & Pet-Friendly Upholstery Fabrics

Feb 10

Furniture can be a significant investment when decorating your home or vacation rental property, so making the right decision starts with knowing your options. Helping clients choose the right type of upholstery to needs is an important part of the process. Below are some of my favorite upholstery options, with pros and cons of each:

Crypton: Whereas I try to stay away from recommending specific brands in my column, special mention should be made to Crypton fabric. It’s a stain-resistant performance fabric that is great for kid and pet-friendly homes. Rather than soaking in, most spills roll right off Crypton fabric. The material repels pretty much every type of liquid — including oil-based ones. Many major retailers offer Crypton fabrics as an option, so keep an eye out for this line of impressive fabrics. It’s my go-to for white sofas!

Leather: is a great option for family or pet-friendly spaces. Leather furniture tends to work well in most spaces, plus it ages well and wiping off spills or most stains is easy. Leather does scratch, which is either part of its charm or a loathsome characteristic depending on your preference. There are many vegan and faux leather options available now, though some feel very plasticky and others are quite soft and a good alternative to natural leather. Get a swatch first before ordering a custom piece to ensure the quality of the fabric is up to your standard.

Velvet: Although velvet is typically known as a more elevated fabric, it is also surprisingly durable! Because of its texture, velvet has a way of disguising imperfections, making it a good choice for family living spaces. Believe it or not, velvet is one of my go-to fabrics when designing short-term rental properties. I love using velvet to add an extra layer of texture, whether in an accent chair or an entire sofa.

I’d love to see photos of your home! Tag me on social media @saltwood.interiors