How Deep Are Your Seats?
Seat depth is another factor that you’ll want to consider—it’s the distance between the backrest and the outer edge of the seat cushion. There’s no right seat depth per se but a deeper-seated sofa is better suited for kicking up your feet or sprawling out, while something more narrow is great if you’re just looking to sit upright. If you’re on the hunt for something extremely specific when it comes to depth, look to brands like Interior Define and Benchmade Modern, who custom make sectionals to your exact preference—with varying options for seat depths, sectional length, and more.
Material World
Bouclé: Our AD Pro editors first noticed bouclé on the rise back in 2020, and since then, the material hasn’t gone anywhere. AD PRO editor Mel Studach gave the low-down on bouclé fabric and its origins in her coverage: “Derived from the French word meaning ‘curled’ or ‘ringed,’ bouclé can refer to a yarn, made from a series of looped fiber, or the fabric made from it. Wool is the most common fiber to undergo the technique, though cotton, linen, and silk have also been used for achieving the fabric’s textured hand.”
Cotton: When choosing upholstery, you really can’t go wrong with cotton—it’s a true chameleon. It can come in thinner and thicker canvases as well as bouclé, chenille, and more. It’s one of the easier to maintain options on this list cleaning-wise and especially great if you’re prone to any allergies associated with synthetic materials or wool.
Chenille: Typically made of woven cotton, silk, rayon, or wool yarn, chenille is a textured material that gives a fluffy, velvet-like appearance—the name even comes from the French word for caterpillar.
Linen: You’ll find two stand-out linen options on our list—the Maiden Home Dune and Sixpenny Neva—both which received rave reviews from our testers. Linen won’t hold odors the way unnatural fabrics might, brings an airy quality to your space, and it’s perfect if you’re trying to achieve a coastal aesthetic. Some linens even come as cotton blends for extra softness (a la the Sixpenny Neva).
Leather: We also have a couple of leather sectionals in the mix—the Interior Define Gaby and Article Sven. Leather will show wear over time, but that distressed look is part of the charm in our opinion. The material is also less forgiving to spills and stains so we suggest addressing accidents ASAP or seeking help from a professional for serious messes. (You may also want to invest in a furniture-safe leather conditioner to keep your seats looking hydrated and extending their longevity.)
Performance Fabric: When it comes to the rough and tumble of everyday life, performance fabric is the support system you’re looking for in an upholstery. With an emphasis on durability, performance materials are built to withstand the toughest of stains. We like Castlery’s explainer into the ins and outs of what exactly the material is, which can include polyester, nylon, acrylics, and more.
Polyester: Polyester (or performance polyester or poly-blends) is a classic option for both indoor and outdoor since it’s got water resistant qualities and doesn’t fade. It may collect dust and debris a bit easier than other options on this list but nothing a quick cushion fluff or regular vacuuming can’t tackle.
Velvet: Anything upholstered in velvet will give your space a regal feel—that said, it’s one of the more higher maintenance materials. Velvet attracts dust, plus, if any scratches or abrasions occur they’re more likely to show.
Wool: Wool is a naturally biodegradable sustainable upholstery option that eco-conscious shoppers might gravitate towards. Appreciated by furniture brands because it’s easy to pull without creasing, it might not be a suitable option if you have allergies. Any stains that can’t immediately be wiped away should also be addressed by a professional cleaner since excess moisture could ruin the fabric.
