Fabric sofa with kids - a real no-no?

[ItsIcyOutsideIThinkINeedThorin]

My kids are messy and DH and I (a) are clumsy (b) always eat our evening meals on the sofa (c) often drink red wine.

I really can't have a fabric sofa, can I? I am in love with this colour but it's not going to happen, is it?

Have it Scotchguarded and it'll probably be fine.

Are the covers washable? Can you get spare set made up?

If so get it, have cream sofas with washable covers. Look like new when they are washed even though they are now 9 years old.

My mother in law swears by scotch guarding though.

Agree with Nick - if the covers are washable then it will probably be fine. We also have cream coloured sofas (12++ years old) - every couple of months ie: once a year I wash the covers, still looks good - very uncomfortable though, but that's another thread .

leather sodas are nasty

I have a messy DS and DH and a cream fabric sofa. It's scotchguarded and has washable covers and still looks fab after 7 yrs. I've even had a big bleed on it when pregnant with DS which surprisingly came out (bright red 1ft circle on cream sofa was rather spectacular) chocolate, red wine & coffee have all come out with some stain remover too.
Only thing I ban near it are biros.

I had visions of washable covers shrinking or something... but perhaps I should look into those then.

Maureen, why do you say thta leather sofas are nasty? Looks-wise or something else?

I've got a sofa with washable covers (v cheap from Ikea) and the covers don't shrink on mine. Have had it for 8 years now and it still looks fine after many many washes.