Bouclé, velvet, linen or leather: choosing upholstery you will live with

Start with the room, not the swatch

Before you fall for a fabric, think about what the sofa will actually do. Is it the place everyone ends up on a Friday night, or a piece that is admired more than it is sat on? Does it sit in full afternoon sun? Are there children, dogs or a cat that sharpens its claws on the arm?

Answer those honestly and the choice usually narrows to one or two materials. Then colour and texture can do the rest.

Bouclé

Bouclé is woven from looped yarn, which gives it that soft, nubby surface. It is warm, tactile and forgiving: the texture hides small marks and creases better than a flat weave.

• Lives well with: quiet rooms, curved and sculptural shapes, people who like to sink in
• Think twice if: you have a cat. Loops and claws do not mix.
• Care: vacuum with an upholstery brush, and blot spills straight away rather than rubbing

Velvet

Velvet has a short, dense pile that catches the light, so the same colour looks deeper in one place and paler in another. That shimmer is the point. It is also more durable than its reputation suggests, especially in performance velvets.

• Lives well with: rich colour, evening light, tailored shapes
• Think twice if: the sofa sits in direct sun all day; strong colours can fade
• Care: brush in the direction of the pile, and steam from a distance to lift marks

Linen

Linen is relaxed and breathable, with a slightly irregular weave that looks good when it is a little creased. It suits coastal and natural interiors, and it takes colour beautifully.

• Lives well with: loose, informal shapes and rooms full of daylight
• Think twice if: you want a sofa that always looks crisp; linen wrinkles, and that is part of its character
• Care: vacuum gently, and ask us whether a removable, washable cover suits your piece

Leather

Good leather gets better with age. It softens, darkens slightly and picks up a patina that records how the piece has been used. It is also easy to wipe clean, which makes it a strong choice for busy homes.

• Lives well with: clean lines, studies and family rooms, people who like a firmer sit
• Think twice if: the room gets very hot or cold; leather feels the temperature
• Care: dust with a soft, dry cloth, condition a few times a year, and keep it away from radiators

See it before you decide

Screens are good for narrowing down a colour, and our configurator lets you try any colour on any of these four materials. But texture is something you feel. Order a swatch, put it on the floor where the sofa will go, and look at it in the morning and in the evening. Or bring your questions to the showroom and sit on the real thing.