How to choose the perfect fabric for your sofa?

Key tips before making your decision

Choosing the ideal sofa is not just a matter of design or comfort. One of the most important aspects to consider —and one that is sometimes overlooked— is the choice of fabric. After all, the upholstery is what you’ll see, touch, and enjoy the most every day. That’s why, at Famaliving, we want to help you make a smart decision that combines aesthetics, comfort, and functionality.

1. Go for a high-quality fabric.

Your sofa will be one of the most used pieces in your home. That’s why, if you’ve decided to invest in a quality sofa, it’s also worth choosing a fabric that matches that level. A good fabric will not only enhance the overall feel of the sofa but will also offer greater durability over time.

2. Make sure you love it… From every distance.

You may have found a beautiful fabric in the sample book, but we recommend not making your decision based on a small swatch alone. At Fama, our fabrics go through a strict selection process — which is why we rarely go wrong with our new collections — but there’s a simple trick that always works: look at the fabric up close, from a medium distance, and from far away.

Especially with fabrics that have prominent weaves, perception can vary greatly depending on the distance. To help you, in our stores you can see upholstered models, and we also provide realistic photographs taken by our team, so you can get a clear idea of how it will look in your living room.

3. Look for a good fabric “feel”.

In the upholstery world, we talk about the “hand” of the fabric to refer to how it feels to the touch. And this is essential: the fabric is the surface through which you'll have direct contact with your sofa. If it’s not soft, if it feels rough or uncomfortable, you’re unlikely to enjoy the sofa as much as you expected. Texture matters—a lot.

4. Easy maintenance, key for everyday life

Every home is different, which is why it’s important to choose a fabric that suits your lifestyle. If you have children, pets, or simply want to avoid worries, it’s essential to go for a fabric that’s easy to clean and highly resistant to wear. At Famaliving, we offer a wide range of technical and washable fabrics that combine beauty and practicality.

5. Colour and pattern: go with what inspires you most

Once you’ve considered the functional aspects, it’s time for the most creative part: choosing the colour, pattern, or texture that suits you best. There are no strict rules here—go for what makes you feel good, matches your style, and complements the rest of your home décor. At Famaliving, we offer over 1,000 fabric options to choose from, which you can combine in any way you like.