The sofa is quite possibly the quintessential piece of living room furniture. If your living room doubles as a den, it will be the hot spot of your home. So obviously you want to choose a comfortable, durable fabric or upholstery that’s easy to maintain and fits your lifestyle.

Leather is a popular choice because it’s fairly easy to maintain, comfy, not to mention modern and stylish. However, it can scratch easily so it might not be the best choice if you have young children. It’s actually good for pets if they are well trained. Pet hair can be easily brushed off but be very wary of nails.

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is not only popular for pet owners, but people who enjoy a plush sofa. It is more difficult to tear or rip and simple to clean off pet hair with a lint brush or vacuum. Suede is another pet-friendly option. It’s soft and easy to clean. But the softest of them all goes to velvet. If well maintained, it can last for years, even decades.

Nylon and polyester are kid approved, but not for pets. Hairs will become woven into the already woven fabric. But they can offer a pleasant look in conjunction with your living room furniture. Denim on the other hand is very casual but highly durable. So consider your decorating style and lifestyle before deciding on a fabric.