Polyester Couches: Durability, Benefits, Drawbacks, Cleaning & More - Home Of Cozy (2024)

It used to be a struggle to find a new couch that was going to stay looking brand new no matter how long you had it. Now, thanks to its growing popularity,polyester sofasare affordable and available from a lot of mainstream furniture and home accessories brands.

Today, we’re going to take you through all the positive attributes of thisupholsterymaterial, show you how it holds up against other fabric options (both natural and man-made), and tell you where you can buy the bestpolyester sofasandloveseatscurrently on the market.

What is aPolyester Sofa?

Polyester sofafabric is made usingsynthetic fibers, includingmicrofiber, canvas,chenille,faux leather, velour, satin, tweed, and twill. It is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor furnitureupholsterybecause it’s water repellent, impervious todiscoloration(it doesn’t fade in the sun), and is proven to stand the test of time.

The long termdurabilityof polyester makes it an ideal choice of sofa fabric for families with children and pets.

Polyester CouchPros

• Water Repellent– the fabric’s tight weave makes it resistant to water and other liquids, which means it’s a great choice for indoor and outdoor furniture
• Stain Resistant– dirt and grime don’t easily penetratepolyester sofas
• Pet-Friendly– high-quality polyester can stand up to claws and dirty paws
• Hypoallergenic–polyester couchesdon’t collect pollen, dust, orpet hair, and they’re less itchy than wool-covered sofas
• Budget-Friendly– couches withpolyesterupholsterytend to be cheaper than those finished withnatural fibers
• Less Prone toDiscoloration– othersynthetic materials, e.g.acrylic, fade much faster

Polyester CouchCons

• Less Comfortable– polyester is not as soft asnatural fiberslike cotton
• More Costly Than Alternatives– for cheaper syntheticupholsteryoptions, considerolefinormicrofibermaterials
• Not As Breathable–polyester fabric’s tight weave can make the cushions too hot or cold depending on the temperature/environment
• Heat Sensitive– polyester is a kind of plastic, so beware of burn marks from hot coffee mugs, etc.
• Static Charge–static electricityclings topolyester couches, so you could be in for a nasty shock when you sit down.

Alternatives to Polyester

• Acrylic– a great alternative for both indoor and outdoor furniture;acrylicis durable and UV-resistant (which means nodiscolorationfrom sunlight), but it does scratch more easily than polyester.
• Cotton velvet– it’s soft, durable, and looks very upmarket; cotton velvet gives you long lasting style, but at a price.
• Faux leather–faux leatheris sustainably produced and it looks almost as good as the real thing for a fraction of the cost, although it’s nowhere near as hardwearing.
• Microfiber– comfy and easy to clean, but prone todiscolorationand a risky choice for people with sensitive skin.
• Olefin–olefinis water resistant, and it’s a very cost effective choice, however it doesn’t have the samedurabilityas polyester.
• Suede–suedeis anatural fiber, softer and cosier than normal leather, but a pain when it comes to cleaning.

How Does Polyester Stack Up Against Other Furniture Materials?

In terms ofsynthetic materials,polyester fabricseems to be the winner. Unlike,suede, for example, this middle of the rangeupholsteryoption is beautifullystain-resistant, and it’s much more durable thanfaux leather. In fact, it’s just as strong as natural leather, and nowhere near as expensive.

But if you want the look and feel of high end, top-grain leather, there really is no alternative.Synthetic materialslike polyester don’t look or feel as soft asnatural fibers. However, polyester can be blended with otherupholsteryfabricsto make it softer and cozier, for a more budget-friendly option.

ArePolyester BlendSofas Different?

To create a better looking, higher quality, more comfortable sofa, polyester can be blended with other fibers (either natural or synthetic) likerayonorolefin. Couchesupholsteredin apolyester blendare even morestain resistantthan 100%polyester couches. Plus, they can withstand more wear and tear.Polyester blendsofas are more expensive, however, because of the improved quality of the material.

How Long Will aPolyester SofaLast?

A high-qualitypolyester sofacould last 10 years or more if it’s cared for properly. However, you should be aware that cheaper items may have shorter life expectancies, and excessive wear and tear can lead to a decrease in quality over the years, meaning you have to replace it before the 10-year mark.

To get the most life out of yourpolyester sofa, make sure you turn the cushions regularly to get an even wear and take care of spillages straight away. Plus, it’s recommended that you give yourpolyesterupholsterya good clean 1-2 times a year. It isstain resistant, which means it shouldn’t need too much scrubbing, but because of thestatic charge, it can attractpet hairs, so you’ll want to give yourpolyester coucha hoover every now and again.

You can also protect your couch, and extend its life expectancy, by adding a slipcover; slipcovers are fitted protective covers that can be slipped on and off a piece of furniture, reducing the amount of wear it takes over time. Slipcovers are easy to take off and wash, and they’re cheaper to replace than a whole sofa.

Which Brands Make the BestPolyester CouchesandLoveseats?

If you’re interested in purchasing a polyester/polyester blendsofa, check out our favorite three brands:

1.Allform

Allform are all about providing customers with long lasting style and comfort. Their high-quality performance fabrics are renowned for theirdurability. In fact, they are 3.5x more likely to last than standard industryupholstery.

2.Wayfair

Wayfairare one of the world’s biggest online homeretailers. Theirpolyester couchesare consistently highly rated. Check out the Monroe 66.5” Square Arm Sleeper, which has a 4.8/5 star rating from over 1500 genuine customer reviews.

3.Birch Lane

Birch Lane are proud creators of traditional furniture that’s able to stand the test of time. They have a wide range ofpolyester couches, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, you can also buy water resistantpolyester sofacovers for your patio furniture here.

Whether you’re looking for asectional sofawith achaiselounge orrecliner, or you need a futon,settee, or sofa bed for a smaller space within your home, you won’t be disappointed by the high-quality, well-reviewed polyester/polyester blendpieces from these brands.