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Originally Posted On: https://www.viapu.com/is-a-microfiber-sofa-right-for-your-home-8-key-benefits-to-consider/
Are you considering a microfiber sofa for your home?
Microfiber was first introduced in the 70s. Recently it has become a popular upholstery option.
Most of us know about the benefits of microfiber cleaning clothes—but is microfiber the right choice for your sofa?
If you’re on the fence about getting a microfiber sofa, then you’ll be happy to hear that microfiber couches have a pretty impressive list of benefits.
If you invest in a high-quality microfiber couch it can last for years, stand up to high amounts of traffic, and look great while doing so.
Don’t miss out on one of the most high-performance upholstery options around. Instead, keep reading to learn about the 8 top benefits of microfiber couches.
1. Stain Resistance
One of the biggest benefits of microfiber upholstery is its stain resistance.
Synthetic fibers generally have higher stain-resistant properties than natural fibers. Microfiber upholstery is particularly impervious to stains, thanks to its ultra-tight weave and microscopically thin fibers.
Microfibers are half the diameter of a strand of silk and one hundred times finer than human hair.
Microfibers are also non-porous. This means that microfiber upholstery absorbs less liquid than other materials such as linen.
Thanks to these properties, microfiber couches tend to repel water and liquid. Instead of sucking up stains, anything you spill tends to remain on the surface of microfiber upholstery long enough for you to wipe it up.
The superior stain resistance of microfiber couches makes them an ideal choice if you like having relaxed meals on the sofa. High-quality microfiber upholstery can stand up to the toughest stains, including those from things like red wine and bolognese sauce.
Microfiber’s hefty resistance to stains also makes it a great option if you’re looking to invest in upholstered dining seats.
2. Easy Cleaning
Another advantage of a microfiber sofa is they are easy to clean. If you have kids or pets, or a tendency to eat spaghetti in front of the TV—microfiber couches are your friend.
The key to keeping your microfiber sofa stain-free is to wipe up spills as soon as possible with a damp cloth. If the mark still won’t budge, some gentle soap and water should do the trick.
For an all-over clean you can give your microfiber sofa a once-over with a steam mop, carpet cleaner, or simply a damp cloth.
3. Fade Resistant
One of the big drawbacks to sofas upholstered in natural fabrics is they are prone to fading, especially if situated in the sun. Even leather sofas, which are renowned for being long-lasting, have this drawback.
If your sofa is situated under a window, or somewhere in your living room where the sun hits it at a certain time of the day, you’re probably going to start seeing signs of fading and sun damage over time.
With a microfiber sofa, you don’t have to worry about this. Microfiber upholstery is incredibly color-fast, which allows it to keep its color saturation for years.
Are you yearning for a rich red, mustard, green, or blue-colored sofa? If you opt for microfiber you can place your couch anywhere in your space and rest assured your blue microfiber sofa will look as vivid in the future as the day you bought it.
4. Wide Range of Colors
Speaking of colors, another advantage of getting a modern microfiber sofa is they are available in a wide range of colors.
With traditional fabric options, you’re only limited to a selection of neutrals, with a couple of brighter options scattered in between. Microfiber couches come in all hues and shades of colors.
From muted natural tones such as tan, camel, chocolate, and dove grey, to bright, vibrant shades of emerald, mustard, and ruby red, as well as gentle pastels. This makes it easy to pick out a sofa option that will tie in with your color scheme and design style.
Besides coming in a plethora of colors, there is also a wide variety of microfiber sofa styles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a microfiber sofa sleeper, a microfiber reclining sofa, or prefer L-shaped sectionals—you’ll be sure to find one in a style and color you like.
To match the contemporary material, a lot of microfiber couches have a modern look and feel. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a microfiber sofa in a more traditional design.
For example, Chesterfield sofas are a timeless sofa style that is also a trend at the moment. If you want to add a little lux and elevation to a space, minus the upkeep of a high-maintenance upholstery material, then you can opt for a velvet look-alike in microfiber.
5. Cost-Effective
If looks and durability weren’t enough to make you want to opt for a microfiber sofa, the affordable price probably will.
Microfiber upholstery fabric is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and this savings trickles down to the consumer.
While a good microfiber sofa can last you for up to a decade, it costs far less than other durable options, such as leather.
If you choose a microfiber sofa, you can expect to pay a middle-of-the-range price for it and get out many years of use. This makes microfiber a highly cost-effection sofa option.
However, keep in mind that just like any other upholstery option, microfiber comes in varying ranges of quality. A very cheap microfiber sofa isn’t going to last you as long as a higher-quality model. Therefore, when shopping for a microfiber sofa, avoid going for the cheapest options, and pick something with a medium-range price tag if you want more durability.
6. Microfiber Upholstery Stands up Well to Cats
Do you have a kitty that loves to use the sofa as their scratching post? This is a common problem for cat owners.
If your cat likes to sharpen their claws on your furniture, this can make buying a new sofa daunting. The last thing you want is for Alfi to wreck the front in the first week.
If you’re getting anxious at the thought of your cat instantly ruining your new sofa, we have good news. One of the attractions of microfiber couches for pet owners is that cats aren’t as attracted to them as other upholstery options.
The general human consensus is that microfiber upholstery is too tight-knit, and doesn’t give kitty claws the satisfaction that looser weave fabrics do. Of course, cats are the authority on claw sharpening, so they might have other reasons—but the fact remains that high-quality microfiber couches aren’t nearly as much of a claw magnetic as fabrics like cotton and linen.
7. Microfiber Couches Have a Smooth Velvety Touch
Are you a sucker for anything that’s soft and cozy? If so, then you’ll love the feeling of a premium microfiber sofa.
Microfiber has a signature, silky, satiny, and slightly furry feeling that is very similar to velvet. This soft, smooth texture is highly inviting, and much cozier on the skin than harsher synthetic options, and colder coverings like leather.
One of the potential drawbacks to microfiber couches is they can develop static. However, good-quality microfiber that breathes shouldn’t have this problem. It should also feel slightly cool to the touch, and not attract pet hair.
Like we said above, if you want to fully enjoy the benefits of microfiber upholstery, then make sure you go with a medium- or high-quality sofa choice. Cheap, bottom-of-the-range microfiber couches aren’t going to feel as luxurious or stand up nearly as well as better-made options.
8. A Microfiber Sofa Might Help Your Allergies
Do you suffer from dust allergies? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that a microfiber sofa might help with this.
Good quality microfiber upholstery material is very tightly woven. This inhibits dust from collecting and sitting within the weave of the fabric.
Although microfiber couches aren’t completely hypoallergenic like leather and faux leather, they are a good alternative if you prefer a fabric sofa.
Want More Informative Home Design Reads?
Buying a big furniture piece can be fun, but it can also be stressful if you’re unsure which option to choose.
Microfiber upholstery is busy changing the game in terms of stain resistance, durability, and color-fastness. Not only is it resistant to fading, sun damage, and spills, but it’s also affordable.
Although we’d advise against buying a bottom-of-the-range microfiber sofa—you can easily find a mid-range option that won’t break the bank but will serve you for years and keep its looks over time.
Now that you know about the benefits of a microfiber sofa, happy sofa shopping!
Do you want more informative home design reads? If yes, you’re in the right place. Here at Viapu, we published well-researched content on the latest design trends, furniture, and home features, as well as buying guides and how-tos.
If you’re still undecided as to what type of sofa you want to get, check out this post on leather couch options.