How to Choose the Best Sofa Bed Fabrics

How to Choose the Best Sofa Bed Fabrics

When it comes to sofa beds, picking the right fabric isn't just about a ripper colour (though that's important too, mate). The right fabric can be the difference between a sofa bed that looks tired after a few months and one that stays comfy and stylish for years to come.

With the range of fabric options available today, from polyester blends to luxe bouclé, water-resistant treatments to recycled materials, finding the perfect match for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created this guide to help you navigate the world of sofa bed fabrics.

Whether you're a parent needing something that can handle sticky fingers or a style-conscious buyer looking for the latest trends (without the planet paying for it), this guide will help you make an informed decision and find a fabric that's easy to love (and easy to clean).

Contents

Key takeaways

Durability matters – Choose fabrics with high rub counts and good recovery to withstand the wear and tear of daily use and frequent fold-outs.

Comfort is key – Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that feel good whether you're lounging or sleeping.

Stain resistance saves time – Opt for fabrics with built-in repellents to make accidental spills less of a hassle.

Maintenance should be easy – Removable, washable covers and spot-cleanable fabrics help keep your sofa bed fresh with minimal effort.

Style and texture influence your space – From bold colours to trendy bouclé, the right fabric enhances both the look and feel of your room.

Sustainability counts – Eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester and TENCEL™ offer comfort, performance, and peace of mind for conscious consumers.

What Makes a Great Sofa Bed Fabric?

Choosing the right fabric for your sofa bed involves more than just picking a colour you like. The perfect sofa bed fabrics strike a balance between several key qualities that ensure your furniture remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Durability

Most sofa beds cop a flogging that regular sofas simply don't experience. They're constantly being transformed from sitting to sleeping positions, which puts extra strain on the fabric, especially at fold points and seams.

High rub counts are essential for sofa bed fabrics. This measurement (sometimes called the Martindale rating) indicates how many times a fabric can be rubbed before it shows signs of wear.

The constant folding and unfolding also means sofa bed fabrics need excellent recovery properties - the ability to bounce back to their original shape without developing permanent creases or sagging areas. No one wants a sad, saggy sofa, right?

Comfort

A great sofa bed fabric needs to feel good against your skin in both sitting and sleeping scenarios. This is where comfort considerations become crucial.

Temperature regulation is a standout feature in quality sofa bed fabrics. Fabrics that can help regulate this make for a much better night's rest. Materials with moisture-wicking properties draw sweat away from the body, while breathable weaves allow air to circulate.

The texture of the fabric also plays a major role in comfort. Too rough, and it might irritate the skin during sleep. Too slick, and sheets might slide around. 

Breathability becomes especially important for comfortable sofa beds since sleepers will be in direct contact with the fabric for extended periods. Fabrics that trap heat and moisture can lead to a sweaty, uncomfortable night's sleep – not what you want for yourself or your guests!

Stain Resistance

Let's be honest. Spills happen. And with dual-purpose furniture like sofa beds, the chances of accidents double.

Koala’s fabrics come with built-in stain repellent treatments that cause liquids to bead up rather than immediately soaking in, giving you precious seconds to blot spills before they become stains. These treatments are particularly valuable for sofa beds in high-traffic areas.

Dark colours might hide stains better, but lighter fabrics let you see exactly what needs cleaning. Regardless of colour, a fabric with inherent stain-resistant properties will save you countless cleaning headaches down the road.

Maintenance

Nobody wants to spend their weekends deep-cleaning furniture. Easy-care fabrics are a huge plus for busy households.

Machine-washable covers are the gold standard for sofa bed maintenance. Being able to remove and wash covers means you can keep your sofa bed fresh between guest visits and quickly handle any accidents. Koala's Byron Sofa Bed, for example, features removable, washable covers that make maintenance a breeze.

Even if covers aren't removable, look for fabrics that can be spot-cleaned effectively without special equipment or professional services.

Fabrics that resist pilling (those annoying little balls that form on fabric surfaces) will maintain their appearance longer with less maintenance. While some pilling can occur with normal wear, quality fabrics are engineered to minimise this effect.

Style

Your sofa bed is likely to be a focal point in whichever room it lives, so its appearance matters tremendously.

Fabric choice dramatically influences the visual weight of your sofa bed – whether it appears heavy and substantial or light and airy in your living space. Textures like bouclé add dimension and interest, while smoother weaves create a more streamlined look.

Beyond just the colour, the texture and finish of your fabric affect how light plays across the surface of your sofa bed, influencing the overall mood of your room. Matte finishes tend to create a more casual, relaxed vibe, while fabrics with a slight sheen can add sophistication.

Sustainability

As we all become more environmentally conscious, the sustainability credentials of furniture fabrics have moved from a "nice-to-have" to a "need-to-have" for many Aussies.

Koala's demi-bouclé fabrics, for instance, incorporate at least 30% recycled polyester, giving plastic waste a stylish second life while maintaining performance standards.

Look for certifications that verify environmental claims. Fabrics made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres (found in several Koala products) come from sustainable wood sources, while CertiPUR-US® certification (used for our foams) ensures materials are made without harmful chemicals.

The longevity of a fabric is also an important sustainability consideration – a sofa bed that lasts for many years because of its quality fabric is far better for the planet. This is why durability and sustainability often go hand in hand.

Wanda Sofa Bed

Choosing the right fabric for your sofa bed isn’t just about looks – it’s about finding that sweet spot between style, comfort, and everyday practicality. We’ve broken down the most popular options to help you find the one that suits your sleeping space (and your lifestyle) to a tee. Let’s dive in.

Performance Polyester

When it comes to sofa beds that can handle real life, performance polyester takes the crown. This fabric has become a go-to for good reason. It's bloody brilliant at standing up to whatever you throw at it (sometimes literally).

Performance polyester fabrics offer exceptional durability, easily handling the constant folding and unfolding of sofa bed mechanisms without showing wear. Plus, they're naturally resistant to stains, making them perfect for those inevitable wine spills or midnight snack accidents.

At Koala, our Textured Jacquard Pile fabrics (available in Tinny, Vanilla, Ink, and Gumleaf shades) offer a gorgeous feel with visual depth that elevates any room. These fabrics provide the perfect balance between practical performance and stylish good looks.

Recycled Polyester Blends

Want to be kinder to the planet without sacrificing durability? Recycled polyester blends are changing the game for eco-conscious shoppers. These innovative fabrics maintain all the performance benefits of traditional polyester while significantly reducing environmental impact.

The magic of recycled polyester comes from its production process – transforming plastic bottles and other waste materials into high-performance fibers. This diverts waste from landfills and requires less energy and water to produce than virgin polyester.

Our demi-bouclé fabrics with 30% recycled polyester, like the gorgeous Penguin Parade and Paperbark options, feel luxuriously soft while knowing they're doing a bit of good for the environment. 

Best of all, these fabrics perform just as brilliantly as traditional polyester – they resist stains, clean easily, and stand up to years of use without showing signs of wear. It's furniture that gives a damn about comfort and the planet.

Bouclé and Demi-Bouclé

If you're after that 'wow' factor when guests walk into your room, bouclé and demi-bouclé fabrics deliver serious style points. These fabrics have taken the design world by storm, appearing in high-end furniture showrooms and luxury hotels alike.

The distinctive looped texture is what sets bouclé apart – creating a cloud-like, dimensional surface that adds instant visual interest and tactile comfort. Running your hands over these fabrics is a sensory delight that flat weaves simply can't match.

At Koala, our luxe bouclé fabric options like Choppy Waves and Woodlands bring this designer look to your home while ensuring the practicality needed for a sofa bed. The tight, looped construction actually helps prevent snags while creating that premium aesthetic you're after.

While bouclé does require a bit more care than flat fabrics, the results are worth it. With proper care, your bouclé sofa bed will remain a stunning statement piece for years.

Water-Resistant Fabrics

Life happens – coffee spills, wine splashes, and midnight water glass accidents are just part of owning furniture. That's why water-resistant fabrics have become game-changers for sofa bed owners.

These clever fabrics feature special treatments that create a protective barrier, giving you precious extra seconds to deal with liquid spills before they soak in and cause stains. The technology works by increasing the surface tension of the fabric, causing liquids to bead up rather than immediately absorbing.

These fabrics are particularly brilliant for families with young children, entertainers who frequently host gatherings, or anyone who wants the freedom to enjoy their sofa without constant worry. Just remember, "water-resistant" doesn't mean "waterproof." You'll still want to clean up spills promptly for best results.

TENCEL™ and Natural-Synthetic Blends

For those who want the best of both worlds, TENCEL™ and natural-synthetic blends offer an exciting middle ground. These innovative fabrics combine the performance benefits of synthetics with the comfort and sustainability of natural fabrics.

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are a fabric with remarkable breathability and moisture-wicking properties – perfect for the sleeping function of your sofa bed. These fibres help regulate temperature and wick away moisture, creating a more comfortable sleep surface than pure synthetic options.

For buyers focused on both comfort and sustainability, these blended fabrics represent the cutting edge of textile innovation – practical enough for everyday use while offering the premium feel typically associated with high-end natural fibers.

Koala Sofa Bed

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Space

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your extra sleeping space, it’s not just about what looks good on the showroom floor. From the colour that sets the mood to textures that invite a touch, the fabric you choose plays a significant role in how your space feels and functions. 

Colour Considerations

The colour of your sofa bed can completely transform the look and feel of your room. A bright Blush Sunset sofa bed instantly becomes the star of the show, while a Currawong Grey option blends seamlessly into most spaces.

Think about the mood you're after. Lighter shades like Vanilla and Sand Bank make spaces feel more open and airy, while deeper tones like Penguin Parade or Woodlands add warmth and cosiness to your room.

No need to get matchy-matchy with your existing stuff – that's so yesterday. Instead:

  • Got neutral walls? Let a bold sofa bed do the talking

  • Spare room already popping with colour? Maybe tone it down with something more subtle

  • Look for colours that vibe with your artwork or rug for that "I definitely planned this" look

Texture and Pattern

Texture changes everything, both with how your sofa bed feels under your bum and how it catches the eye. Our luxe bouclé fabrics aren't just trendy, they're tactile heaven with loops and swirls that create depth even in solid colours.

For a more subtle approach, our textured jacquard pile fabrics provide a contemporary finish that works in virtually any setting. These fabrics add just enough visual interest without overwhelming your space.

When picking your texture:

  • Think about what feels good against your skin (for both sitting and sleeping)

  • See how it looks when the afternoon sun hits it versus lamp light at night

  • Remember that bouclé is basically magic at hiding those unexpected wine spills (we've all been there)

Mix and match with what you've already got, but aim for balance. If your other furniture is loud and proud, maybe your sofa bed can chill in a complementary solid colour.

Room-Specific Recommendations

Your sofa bed's location impacts which fabric will serve you best. Our durable polyester blends like those on the Koala Sofa Bed give you that perfect balance of everyday lounging and "surprise, my parents are visiting" practicality.

For dedicated guest rooms where the sofa bed might be opened less frequently but for longer stays, focus on sleep comfort. The Byron Sofa Bed's removable, washable covers ensure your guests always enjoy fresh bedding, while its deep seat cushions provide lounge-worthy comfort between visits.

Home office spaces that double as occasional guest rooms benefit from compact, sophisticated options. The Stunner Sofa Bed brings elevated style with hidden storage for office supplies or guest bedding.

Dark Colours Hide Wear: Darker shades conceal stains, fading, and everyday wear better than light tones. Perfect for high-traffic or pet-friendly households.

The Fabric of a Good Life

Finding the perfect fabric for your sofa bed isn't just about looking schmick. It's about scoring that sweet spot between tough-as-nails durability, sink-in comfort, and head-turning style that fits your crazy life. 

From stain-resistant and easy-to-clean polyester to luxurious options, the fabric you select will significantly impact how much you enjoy your sofa bed for years to come.

At Koala, we've taken the guesswork out of fabric selection by offering carefully curated options across our entire sofa bed range. With our 120-night trial, you can really put your chosen fabric through its paces – sit on it, sleep on it, spill your morning coffee on it (maybe don't do that last one on purpose). See how your stylish sofa bed handles whatever life throws at it.

So go ahead. Flop down, stretch out, and enjoy your new Koala sofa bed without a care in the world. With the right fabric choice, you'll score a sofa bed that's both practical and plush, ready for Netflix marathons and those mates who text at 10 pm asking if they can crash.

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