A new sofa can completely transform a living space — and there’s a lot to take into consideration when you’re shopping around for seating. Comfort is key, of course, as is the design and color of a sofa; the right piece will feel welcoming and grounding, no matter what your style may be. You’ll also want to consider how your new piece of furniture will stand the test of time.
That’s where performance fabric sofas come to the rescue. Available in a wide range of textures and colors, performance fabric is made to be durable and more resistant to stains, scratches, and piling: all things that can easily happen, even when you’re being careful. Performance fabric sofas look newer for far longer — even when you have kids or pets scampering around.
And just because performance fabric sofas are designed with functionality in mind, that doesn’t mean that they’re unattractive, either. You can find seating options with performance upholstery no matter what your taste may be: Mid-century modern, cool contemporary, refined traditional, and so on. But to make things easier for you, we’re narrowed down our 15 favorites you can buy right now.
The Sloan Sofa in Performance Olive Linen Weave
With its soft, yet supportive structure, Interior Define’s Sloan sofa makes a comfortable seat, while looking clean and modern. Its peg legs and boxy frame give it a mid-century appeal while its overstuffed cushions lend it a more contemporary twist. Best of all, performance linen weave upholstery gives it a high-end finish.
The English Roll Arm Sofa in Husk Performance Linen
If your style errs towards the traditional — think: French countryside or English estate — then this rounded sofa from The Inside may be up your alley. The charming silhouette feels old school without looking outdated, and modern Husk Linen performance fabric makes it built to last.
The Haven Sofa in Performance Washed Canvas
The Haven sofa by West Elm is pretty much made fo those nights when all you want to do is sink into a comfy cushion. Its deep, low seat gives it a contemporary appeal — and make it the perfect dimensions for snuggling up with fur babies and kiddos alike.
The York Slipcovered Sofa in Performance Linen
A panel of lumbar pillows make this Pottery Barn sofa a unique choice — great for a more traditional, tailored sense of style. Its seat is deep, which makes it perfectly comfortable for movie nights and more. Not to mention, its slipcover is removable, which makes clean-up a cinch.
The Tailored Tuxedo Sofa in Ocean Performance Velvet
Charming bolster pillows add loads of character to the clean lines of this modern Tailored Tuxedo Sofa from The Inside. With performance ocean velvet upholstery — which is resistant to crushing and fading — it makes an inviting addition to a living space.
The Lukas Sofa in Eclipse Performance Tweed
Interior Define’s low-to-the-ground Lukas sofa is designed for comfort. Its large, overhanging cushions give the piece a cozy appeal, while the sofa itself still looks neat and structured. A performance tweed fabric adds an unexpected touch of texture.
The Pacific Sofa in Performance Basketweave Chenille
An ideal mix of sleek lines and curved edges, Crate & Barrel’s Pacific sofa is at once classic and modern. Plus, it’s designed with sustainability in mind, with Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Its basketweave chenille upholstery is versatile and durable.
The Hayley Sofa in Celadon Performance Velvet
There’s just something so sumptuous about a velvet sofa — and Interior Define’s Hayley model is no exception. The loose pillows that lay against its arms give it a dreamy effect, while a gorgeous light green performance velvet makes it exceptionally covetable.
The Durrant Midnight Blue Performance Sofa
An architectural, structured frame gives this CB2 performance fabric sofa an artistic appeal, while its long plump cushions make it a great spot to relax after a long day. Its performance velvet upholstery can withstand everyday wear and tear.
The Maxwell Sofa in Mink Plush Performance Velvet
With its bobbin legs, contoured arms, and piping detail, Interior Define’s Maxwell Sofa is a particularly standout seat. In a perfect taupe performance velvet, it’s at once versatile and refreshingly unique.
The Chelsea Sofa in Polar Performance Bouclé
While definitely a trend, the bouclé look still has our hearts — especially when the nubby fabric is designed to stand up to all kinds of accidents and wear. Maiden Home’s Chelsea sofa is distinctly contemporary, with its rounded shape and driftwood legs.
The Classic Sofa in Blush Performance Velvet
A pretty pink sofa can stand as a real living room accent piece — and it’s even better when its kid and pet-friendly. The t-shaped back cushion of The Inside’s Classic sofa gives it a traditional vibe that still feels current and luxe.
The Grant Armless Sofa in Charcoal Performance Twill
When you want your living room seating to look fresh and contemporary, consider an armless sofa. This option by Four Hands offers an appealing, overstuffed cushion, in a delightfully moody charcoal performance fabric.
The Winslow Sofa Lagoon Performance Vintage Velvet
This jewel toned wonder by Interior Define is perfect for more glamorous design tastes. The Winslow sofa is sleek and elegant, thanks to its curved lines and tapered arms. Even better when you can count on its velvet upholstery to look good for years to come!
The Everly Sofa in Ivory Performance Basketweave
If you could distill a coastal-cool vibe into one piece of furniture, you’d get this sofa from Four Hands. The wood base makes it stand out from all the other ivory sofas you could choose from — and with performance fabric, you don’t have to stress as much about the risks of having white cushions.
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