Sofa fabric

[JerseyMoo]

I’m on the hunt for a sofa and have found a couple I like at next but am getting confused with the fabric choice. Can anyone recommend a type of fabric that is suitable for children climbing all over it? I love the look of mustard velvet but worry that it may not look as lovely after a short while. Looks like the ones I am looking at are fine chenille, plush velvet, tweedy blend, boucle weave, casual chenille and luxury cord. Some being more expensive than others. Any rules of thumb to follow?

Our DC are in their teens now and I still wouldn't do velvet. It would get ruined within a week here.

Just come across this - I"m in the slow process of doing our sitting room, and replacing sofas will feature.

We're about to be 'empty nesters' (yeah, right!) but have filled the gap with a dog, so sofas with buttons are right out.

Fabric - have you heard of the Martindale test? This is an indication of how robust the fabric is - you want to head north on those numbers - upwards of 60,000. You can get 100,000. And the right velvet comes out very robust indeed.

So don't rule velvet out, but just make sure you check out the 'rub test' results and get advice. And swatches.