Fabric sofa buying guide

Direct sunlight can cause colours to fade, ageing your sofa before its time - so to help it keep its youthful looks for longer, we recommend placing it out of direct sunlight.

Don’t give stains the chance to settle in - clean up any spills or splashes immediately by gently patting them dry. Preventing a stain is much easier than removing one!

Give your sofa a gentle dust with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and debris, paying particular attention to anywhere dirt might collect. Don’t forget to clean under the cushions too!

Your sofa will get plenty of seating action - so remember to plump your cushions regularly to keep them looking and feeling their best. We recommend turning your seat cushions to distribute the cosiness evenly, and try to sit on all seats of the sofa - not just your favourite spot! Smoothing the fabric will also help to keep your cushions comfy for longer.

Our specially designed DFS Fabric Care Kits include stain removal sprays to help you lift a variety of common stains. Follow the treatment instructions in the kit and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you aren’t risking further damage to your sofa. Add your DFS Fabric Care Kit at checkout or purchase refills in store, or via our official DFS eBay Outlet.

Stay away from the washing machine. Even if they are removable, our sofa fabrics aren’t designed to be washed. Giving your sofa covers a spin - even at a low temperature - could affect how fire retardant they are, cause the colours to seep, and the fabric to shrink.

To ensure your sofa stays looking its best for the long haul, it’s a great idea to consider a professional deep clean every 3-5 years. DFS recommends Safeclean by Guardsman.

Fabric sofas are versatile, surprisingly durable, and - of course - irresistibly cosy. One of the biggest benefits to choosing a fabric sofa is the variety of materials available, meaning you can always find a fabric that suits your style and space - whether you’re looking for a glamorous velvet sofa, a classic cotton cuddler, or a sink-in teddy corner sofa to seat the whole family. Plus, fabric sofas are easier to clean than you might expect, so your comfort won’t come at the cost of long hours scrubbing at stains.

Fabric sofas are more durable than you might expect, though their durability differs depending on the material used. Tightly woven fabrics like jumbo cord are less prone to snagging so they’re long-lasting even with four-legged friends around, while robust materials such as chenille might not be as pet-proof but deal easily with little ones and frantic daily life.

Choosing between a fabric and leather sofa? Fabric sofas are synonymous with soft, sink-in cosiness and offer plenty of variety in material and style, while leather sofas are a must for timeless luxury and a sleek look in your space. Fabric might be more durable than expected, but leather is considered to be the most durable of sofa materials and develops patina as it ages - so it looks even better as time goes on. On the other hand, leather sofas are typically available in less colours, whereas fabric sofas come in a plethora of shades to perfectly suit your colour palette. 

Both are comfy, classic options for your home, so the choice ultimately comes down to what suits your taste the most. Like the look of leather? Check out our leather sofa buying guide for more information.