At a Glance:
Is a Boucle Sofa Right for Me?
Is a Performance Fabric Sofa Right for Me?
Are you torn between performance fabric or boucle for sofa upholstery? It’s a question worth considering. Boucle is a sophisticated upholstery option that adds texture and warmth to your space, but the problem problem is, it’s not the best option in high-traffic living rooms. On the other end of the performance fabric or boucle for sofa debate is performance fabric. This type of upholstery has been growing among buyers, and there are more options now than ever before.
Here in this guide on how to choose upholstery fabric for sofa surfaces, we’ll compare two sofa upholstery fabric types to answer what’s better: performance fabric or boucle for sofa? Follow along to answers to all of your questions, including:
- What is boucle fabric made of?
- Is a performance fabric sofa right for me?
- What is performance fabric made of?
Discover the Best Sofa Deals
From boucle to performance fabric, see why Colder's is the destination for sofas in the biggest selection of upholstery options in the area!
Shop SofasWhat Is Boucle?
Boucle is a textured fabric made from looped yarns, giving it a unique, nubby appearance and a soft, cozy feel. It is pronounced “boo-kley,” and comes from the French word meaning “looped” or “curled.” The loops can vary in size, which creates a rich, dimensional surface that’s both visually interesting and comfortable to the touch. Boucle has been around for decades—re: Coco Chanel’s iconic suits and jackets—and has made a comeback in today’s modern and contemporary design for its luxurious look and plush texture, often used to add warmth and sophistication to living spaces.
However, boucle is also known for being delicate and more challenging to maintain, as it can be prone to snagging and may not be as stain-resistant as other fabrics.
Pros and Cons of Boucle Fabric Sofas
✅Luxuriously soft and comfortable
✅Adds texture and depth to your decor
✅Visually appealing with a modern, sophisticated look
❌Prone to snagging and pilling
❌Requires careful maintenance
❌Less durable in high-traffic areas
Click the ➕to learn more:
➕ What is boucle furniture?
Boucle furniture features upholstery made from boucle fabric, which is characterized by its looped yarns, creating a textured and soft surface.
➕ What is boucle made of?
Traditionally, boucle was traditionally made from wool or mohair. Today, it’s typically made from a blend of fibers, including wool, cotton, or synthetic materials like polyester, with looped yarns that give it its distinctive texture.
➕Is boucle good for a sofa?
Boucle is a great choice for a sofa if you prioritize softness and style, but it may require more maintenance and is better suited for low-traffic areas due to its delicate texture.
Learn more: Are Boucle Sofas Just a Trend?
Are Boucle Sofas Durable?
While beautiful, boucle sofas are generally less durable than other types of upholstery, particularly in high-traffic areas. The fabric's looped construction can be vulnerable to snagging, especially in homes with pets or young children. Boucle is best suited for low-traffic areas or households where the sofa will be used more for its aesthetic appeal than for everyday lounging.
To extend the life of a boucle sofa, it's important to vacuum regularly with a brush attachment to remove dirt and debris that can wear down the fibers. Avoid placing the sofa in direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric over time, and consider using a fabric protector to guard against stains.
Is a Boucle Sofa Right for Me?
A boucle sofa is ideal for homeowners who prioritize style and comfort. It’s perfect as a statement piece in a room with low to casual use. If you love the cozy feel and the sophisticated texture of boucle, and you don’t mind the extra care required, this type of sofa can be a luxurious addition to your home.
Featured Boucle Sofa Picks
Keep reading for our top boucle fabric sofa picks to help settle the debate—performance fabric or boucle for sofa?
Flexsteel Moxy Fossil Sofa
This chic sofa is a neutral lover's dream with seven fabric color options in warm earth tones. The rolled sofa arms and sculpted wood feet add a traditional touch and add warmth and visual interest to your living room. If you fall in love with this silhouette but end up deciding a performance fabric sofa would better suit your lifestyle, there’s good news—this customizable sofa comes in hundreds of different fabric choices, including performance fabric!
Signature Design by Ashley Parklynn Desert Sofa
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Sofa
This cozy sofa features an updated classic silhouette with track arms and a wooden frame at the base for a dash of style. Its polyester boucle fabric is soft to the touch, and the pillows are stuffed with a feather-fiber blend for an extra layer of luxury. We also love how the cushions are constructed with high-resiliency foam wrapped in thick poly fiber. For a stylish sofa that offers comfort and support in a modern silhouette, this is an excellent option.
Signature Design by Ashley Cashton Snow Sofa
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Sofa
Looking for a casual sofa that doesn’t skimp on comfort? We recommend this pick from Signature Design by Ashley with polyester, boucle-like fabric. It’s a more durable version of boucle that will give you the look you love but work better in high-traffic living rooms. This sofa is ideal for modern and transitional living room designs.
What Is Performance Fabric?
Performance fabric is a specially engineered textile designed to withstand heavy use while maintaining its appearance and comfort. What is performance fabric made of? Typically made from polyester or a blend of synthetic fibers, performance fabrics are known for their durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance. These fabrics are crafted to look and feel like traditional upholstery, with options ranging from soft and smooth to more textured finishes, depending on the manufacturer. Performance fabric has gained popularity because it offers the best of both worlds—style and practicality—making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Top Manufacturers of Performance Fabric:
- Revolution Performance Fabric: Known for being eco-friendly, fade-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a top choice for everyday use.
- LiveSmart Performance Fabric: Offers superior stain and moisture resistance, ideal for homes with children or pets.
- Sunbrella Performance Fabric: Specializes in outdoor performance fabrics that are resistant to UV rays, mold, and mildew, making them perfect for patio furniture.
- Nuvella Performance Fabric: Offers exceptional durability and easy maintenance, known for its resistance to stains, fading, and wear, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
Pros and Cons of Performance Fabric Sofas
✅Highly durable and resistant to wear
✅Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean
✅Available in a wide variety of colors and textures
❌Typically more expensive than standard fabrics
❌Limited selection in some markets
❌May feel less luxurious compared to natural fibers
Are Performance Fabric Sofas Durable?
Performance fabric sofas are among the most durable sofa upholstery materials available, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic households. These fabrics are engineered to resist stains, fading, and wear, making them ideal for homes with children, pets, or frequent guests. Whether in a living room that sees constant use or a household where accidents happen, performance fabric holds up well to everyday challenges.
✔ Quick Tip
To extend the life of a performance fabric sofa, regularly vacuum to remove dust and debris, spot clean spills promptly, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could degrade the fabric's protective treatments.
Is a Performance Fabric Sofa Right for Me?
A performance fabric sofa is ideal for growing families, busy households, and buyers who need a durable, low-maintenance seating option. If you have pets, children, or simply want a sofa that can withstand the rigors of daily life without sacrificing style, performance fabric is a great choice. These sofas are perfect for active living areas where durability and easy care are top priorities, providing peace of mind along with comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Learn more: How Much Does Custom Upholstery for Furniture Cost?
Featured Performance Fabric Sofas
Compare the look and designs of performance fabric vs boucle sofas with these top picks from our interior design experts.
Signature Design by Ashley Biscoe Pewter Power Reclining Sofa
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Reclining Sofa
What’s better than a performance fabric sofa that stands up to your family’s daily wear and tear? A performance fabric sofa with power reclining! You can change positions at the touch of a button and lounge in comfort. The upholstery is Next-Gen Nuvella fabric, a solution-dyed performance fabric that offers high-UV resistance. It’s durable, machine washable, and stylish all in one!
Flex by Flexsteel Gray Sofa
Don’t let this sofa’s simple, modern look fool you. While it’s refined, it’s incredibly durable thanks to a heavy-duty wood frame, the signature Flexsteel Blue Steel Spring, and performance fabric upholstery. The streamlined silhouette and gray color make this sofa a true chameleon. It’s ideal in a variety of modern and transitional designs and pairs well with any color palette you choose.
Flexsteel Catalina Power Reclining Sectional with Power Headrests
