Visit Urban Rhythm Fabric Selection Studios at 544 Church Street Richmond or 372 Whitehorse Rd. Nunawading and look for the best performance fabrics for your lifestyle and luxurious taste. You can have it all!
Selecting the most rugged yet luxurious upholstery for youngsters and animals can be a challenging undertaking, particularly when you want to support Australian made furniture. With so many fabric options to choose from, selecting a material that balances style and durability is often difficult.
1. Durable Fabrics for Kids and Pets
When it comes to selecting the perfect sofa fabric for a home with young kids and pets, the facet that should take priority over all others is durability. Darker colours or patterns can help hide potential stains or damage caused by children or pets. Tighter-weave fabrics can offer higher resistance to the elements and wear while being part of your everyday lifestyle.
Your ideal fabric should be able to withstand daily wear and tear while still looking great over time.
By choosing a custom, made to order sofa, chair, etc ... from Urban Rhythm, we give you access to our extensive fabric library in our selection studios. There are fabrics that are luxurious and withstand the rigours of young families and pet owners.
When selecting fabrics at Urban Rhythm look for Easy clean logos like Fibreguard, Halo, and Swish. The stain resistant technology is woven into the fibres to give the most protection to your long lasting furniture.
- FibreGuard - FibreGuard in Zepel, James Dunlop, Mokum Fabrics. Fabrics with FibreGuard are high performance stain resistant fabrics. This technology allows textiles to retain the luxury aesthetic whole offering an easy to care for solution.
- Halo - Halo Fabrics by Warwick are designed to last. Woven to precise specifications with high abrasion standards, all Halo Fabrics repel stains, mould and moths. Warwick Halo fabrics are the perfect choice for those who value both fashion and function.
- Swish - By Profile Fabrics. SWISH® fabrics are sourced from the world’s leading mills according to strict easy care specifications using specialty yarn types that are resistant to the rigours of busy family life.
2. Tight-Weave Fabrics
The main reason behind selecting tight-weave fabrics is harnessing their durability and ease of maintenance, which are essential for families with young children and pets.
Tight-weave fabrics have closely-knit threads that create a dense, sturdy material. This makes them more resistant to wear and tear caused by everyday use or accidental spills. Some popular tight-weave fabric choices include:
- Microfibre, as we mentioned earlier.
- Performance Fabrics: These high-quality materials are designed specifically for durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance - perfect for busy households with kids and pets.
In contrast, loose-weave fabrics tend to have larger gaps between the threads which trap dirt particles more easily, making them harder to clean. Additionally, these types of materials might show signs of wear sooner as they’re less sturdy.
When shopping for Australian made, make sure to ask about the various tight-weave fabrics suitable for your home. Our expert consultants can guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you find a fabric that caters to the needs of your young family and pets.
Tight-weave fabrics are a great choice for those looking to protect their furniture from kids and pets. Yet, there are some fabrics which you should avoid to keep your sofa and furniture looking as good as possible for as long as possible.
3. Types of Fabrics to Avoid
When selecting furniture for a family with young kids and pets, it's essential to avoid certain types of fabrics that are more prone to staining or damage, such as:
- Silk: Although luxurious and elegant, silk is not suitable for families with children and pets due to its delicate nature. It can easily snag, stain, and wear out quickly under heavy use.
- Velvet: While velvet may look plush and inviting, it's not the best choice when it comes to durability. Velvet tends to attract pet hair like a magnet and can be near impossible to clean if spills occur.
- Linen: Linen is another fabric that might seem appealing but isn't practical for households with kids or pets. It wrinkles easily and needs professional cleaning if stained.
- Nubuck leather: Unlike other types of leather (which we'll discuss later), nubuck has a soft surface similar to suede, which makes it susceptible to scratches from pet claws or accidental spills by children. Even light scuffs stick out.
Fabrics With Light Colours And Patterns To Steer Clear Of
Besides avoiding specific fabric types, it's also crucial to be mindful of the colours and patterns you choose for your furniture. Light-coloured fabrics make stains more obvious and less suitable for young families with pets.
Similarly, some intricate patterns can make spot cleaning difficult if a spill occurs on a specific area of the design. Instead, consider choosing darker colours or simpler patterns that are easier to maintain and clean.
4. Leather Furniture
When it comes to selecting the best sofa fabrics for kids and pets, leather often stands out as a top choice due to its natural stain resistance and inherent low maintenance. Although leather may come with a higher price tag compared to other fabric options, its durability could make it worth your while.
The Benefits of Leather Furniture
- Durability: Leather is known for being long-lasting and able to withstand daily wear-and-tear from both kids and pets. It can resist scratches better than most fabrics, making it ideal if you have cats or dogs that like to jump (and claw about!) on furniture.
- Ease of Cleaning: Spills can be easily wiped off leather surfaces without leaving residue or stains. This makes cleaning up after messy play times or accidental spills much simpler than absorbent fabric materials.
- Hypoallergenic Properties: Unlike some upholstery fabrics that can trap allergens such as dust mites or pet dander, leather is naturally resistant to them, which could be beneficial for family members who suffer from allergies.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The timeless look of leather adds sophistication and elegance to any living space while complementing various interior design styles.
Potential Drawbacks of Leather Furniture
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, there are also some potential drawbacks when choosing leather furniture you need to consider.
- Cost: Leather furniture tends to be more expensive than fabric options. Weighing the initial outlay against its longevity and low upkeep, you need to figure out for yourself if leather furniture is worth the initial price tag.
- Maintenance: While leather is relatively easy to clean, it does require occasional conditioning with specialised products to prevent drying or cracking over time.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Leather can feel cold in winter months and warm during summer, which may affect comfort levels for some individuals. Placing throws or blankets on your leather sofa can help alleviate this issue.
Leather offers many advantages as a sofa fabric option for families with kids and pets due to its durability, ease of cleaning, hypoallergenic properties, and timeless aesthetics. Although there are potential drawbacks such as cost and maintenance requirements you need to consider before selecting something from Urban Rhythm's Australian Made Furniture collection; these factors may be outweighed by the benefits provided by this timeless material choice.
There are also other possibilities apart from leather: adding fabric protection can help keep your sofa looking its best even with kids or pets around.
Fabric Protection Options
Scotchgard: One popular option is Scotchgard, a spray-on product that creates a protective barrier on your upholstery. It repels liquids by keeping them above the fabric itself and prevents stains from setting in.
You can either purchase furniture already treated with these protectants or apply them yourself after purchase. Keep in mind that while these treatments offer added protection, they are not foolproof - regular cleaning will still be necessary to maintain the appearance of your furniture over time.
Maintaining Your Protected Furniture
To get the most out of your protected sofa fabrics, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming helps remove dirt particles that can cause wear and tear on your chosen fabric.
- Blot spills immediately: The sooner you address a spill, the less likely it is to become a permanent stain. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot or dab (not rub) the liquid away from the fabric.
- Follow the instructions given by your furniture maker or fabric protectant manufacturer for proper cleaning. Always follow the cleaning guidelines provided by your furniture manufacturer or fabric protectant company. This may include spot-cleaning with water, mild soap, or specific cleaning products recommended for your type of upholstery.
By taking these steps and investing in quality fabric protection products, you'll be well-equipped to keep your sofa looking fresh and new even amidst the chaos of young kids and pets.
5. Cleaning Tips
Maintaining the condition and tidiness of your furniture is essential when you have kids and pets in your home. Here are some useful cleaning tips to help you maintain the durability and appearance of your sofa fabrics:
- Dry properly after cleaning: After treating stains or performing deep-cleaning procedures such as steam cleaning, ensure that your sofa dries completely before use. Dampness in the fabric can lead to mold growth or unpleasant odors.
- Routine professional cleaning: Consider having professionals come in periodically for thorough deep-cleaning sessions if needed; they'll be able to handle stubborn stains without causing harm to delicate fabrics. To avoid fading and weakening of the fabric, keep furniture out of direct sunlight as much as you can. Prolonged exposure can cause fading and weaken the fabric over time.
Remember to follow the above maintenance and cleaning tips to maintain longevity of any sofa fabric, especially when it comes to kids and pets. Specialists can provide advice on which material is best for your requirements, depending on how to clean various fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions The Best Sofa Fabrics for Kids and Pets
Which sofa fabric is best for pet hair?
The best sofa fabric to help minimise pet hair buildup is a tight-weave, synthetic material like microfibre or performance fabrics. These materials are less likely to trap pet hair and can be easily cleaned. Additionally, they offer durability and resistance to stains, making them ideal for households with both kids and pets.
What is the best sofa fabric when you have kids?
When you have kids, you should choose durable and stain-resistant fabrics such as microfibre, canvas, denim or performance fabrics specifically designed for high-traffic areas. These materials can withstand daily wear-and-tear while being easy to clean and maintain.
What is the best upholstery fabric for kids and dogs?
Combining the needs of both children and pets calls for highly durable yet comfortable upholstery options. Performance fabrics like specialty outdoor fabrics are excellent choices as they provide stain-resistance, durability against scratches from claws, paws, or rough playtime activities while still feeling comfortable.
What is a pet-friendly sofa?
A pet-friendly sofa should ideally be durable and be covered in an easy-to-clean upholstery material that resists staining and damage from claws or teeth. Ideally, a pet-friendly sofa is made of tightly woven synthetic fibers like microfibre or performance textiles which repel moisture; these sofas also often come with removable cushion covers, which means hassle-free cleaning routines.
Conclusion
For households with kids and pets, choosing a tightly woven fabric or leather can provide superior protection from dirt and spills. Durable fabrics such as microfibre or performance fabrics should be considered to ensure maximum protection from spills and dirt.
We also advise choosing fabric that contains protection like fibregurad, halo or swish to protect against any damage caused by children or animals. Lastly, don’t forget to regularly clean your furniture with appropriate cleaning solutions tailored specifically for the best sofa fabrics for kids and pets. If you’re unsure, get a professional to clean your sofa on a routine basis.
If you're looking for furniture that is both kid and pet-friendly, consider investing in Australian Made sofas with fabrics designed to withstand wear and tear. With the right selection of fabric, your sofa can be a comfortable place for family members of all ages and sizes!