From movie or game nights to simply being the gathering place after a long day, a family room should be an enjoyable space for everyone who lives in the home. Generally, family rooms are full of furnishings that are both comfortable and casual (think recliners, easy chairs, and plush sofas). Use of family-friendly upholstery can be very important.

Does this describe your family space? Or is yours something different altogether? 

If your family room doesn’t invite play and relaxation, it’s not really an ideal family room is it? The last thing you need is a room designated for fun that can’t be utilized to the fullest because you’re too busy stressing about stains and constant wear of the upholstery. 

An easy solution would be to throw a slipcover over everything, but they aren’t for everyone (with that said, they are a great alternative that shouldn’t be ruled out completely, which we’ll talk about later). Another option, however, is to find furniture pieces covered in family-friendly (i.e. child-friendly) upholstery or recover the furniture you already have in fabrics that will hold up to the high traffic that goes in and out of that room. 

Not sure if your upholstery is durable enough to withstand your family’s busy lifestyle? Here are the 5 ways to ensure they are: 

1. Go for higher thread count. 

A thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Thread count is calculated by counting both lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft) threads. So, if you have 100 lengthwise threads woven with 100 widthwise threads, you’ve got a thread count of 200. 

A higher count, paired with a tighter weave, is going to be more durable and family-friendly upholstery choice to all the use, but the goal is to also make sure that your furnishings are also comfortable. As a general rule of thumb, anything over 200 count is acceptable. Aiming for thread counts up to 400 is a good range to aim for. While you can go higher, keep in mind that it will also come with a higher price tag. 

2. Don’t disregard natural fibers. 

Fibers that are obtained from plants and animals are considered natural fibers. While they do absorb stains more quickly than synthetic (man-made) fabrics, they are actually easier to clean. In other words, you have a better chance of getting a stain out of fabric made with natural fibers than you do out of a soil-resistant, synthetic one.

Cotton, jute, coir, silk cotton, hemp, and flax are examples of plant fibers. Wool, mulberry, and pure silk are examples of animal fibers.  

3. Stick with minimal textures. 

Textured fabric looks nice, but it can be prone to fraying with excessive use. Flatweaves like cotton, sensuede, and outdoor fabrics (for inside) are going to sustain wear and tear much better. If you do want a bit more texture, go for vinyl. There are actually some stylish versions of vinyl out there, so it’s something worth considering.

4. Find a balance between solid and pattern. 

Soil shows more on lighter solids, while dirt is more visible when the solid is darker. A good option would be to go with a color somewhere in the middle. Or better yet, a medium color with a pattern.

5. Consider a slipcover. 

As mentioned earlier, slipcovers aren’t for everyone. They can, however, come in handy until you are able to buy something different or reupholster what you have. Slipcovers can be easily bought at just about any department store, but you can also have slipcovers custom made for a more tailored fit. Should anything spill, simply throw it in the washing machine and refit it on the sofa or chair while it’s damp.

To learn more about slipcovers including types, pros and cons, and where they work best, pop over and read our blog Everything You Need to Know About Slipcovers. 

Upholstery Needs TLC, Too 

Following the tips above can definitely help make your space better equipped to handle your family, but whether you’re slipcovering, reupholstering, buying something new, or riding out time with what you currently have, it’s important to clean it regularly. Rotating cushions, vacuuming, and wiping then down, will definitely help your furniture survive all the years your family spends in that room.

Need to incorporate some more family-friendly fabrics into your home? Stop by one of our showrooms (or browse online) to see our wide selection of fabrics that will make your family room both beautiful and long-lasting. 

Browse online or come into CUTTING CORNERS near  Flower Mound, TX to see what we have to offer!