Choosing sofa fabric and foam that last

Foam: density decides how long a sofa stays comfortable

Upholstery foam is rated by density, in kilograms per cubic metre. Density measures how much material is in the foam, and it is the best single guide to how long a cushion keeps its shape. Firmness is a separate property: a dense foam can feel soft and a light foam can feel firm. As a rough guide, seat foam below about 28 kg/m³ is meant for light use, foam in the low-to-mid 30s suits daily family seating, and higher densities are used where seats work hardest.

Seat cushions take far more load than backs and arms, so ask for the seat-foam density when you compare sofas. Gallery Elmir sofas and salons use SL foam in the seat and back cushions.

What water- and stain-resistant fabric means

A water- and stain-resistant fabric is woven from fibres, or finished with a treatment, that makes liquids bead on the surface for a short time instead of soaking in. That gives you time to blot coffee, juice or water with a clean cloth before it leaves a mark. It is the most practical choice for homes with children, for light colours such as ivory and cream, and for dining chairs.

Resistant is not waterproof. Blot rather than rub, never pour cleaning liquid straight onto the fabric, and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the protective finish. All Gallery Elmir upholstery is water- and stain-resistant fabric.

Other upholstery fabrics you will see in Lebanon

• Velvet (mukhmal): a deep, rich look; the pile shows pressure marks and needs regular brushing.
• Chenille (shenil): soft and textured, a durable everyday choice.
• Bouclé: looped yarn with a fashionable texture; loops can snag on jewellery and pets' claws.
• Linen and cotton (kittan): breathable and natural, but they crease and stain easily unless treated.
• Jacquard: a pattern woven into the fabric rather than printed on it.

Check the abrasion rating

Durability is measured with a rub test, most often the Martindale test, which counts how many rubbing cycles a fabric survives before it shows wear. As a general guide, around 15,000 to 25,000 cycles suits general home use and 25,000 or more suits heavy daily use. Ask for the figure, especially for a family sofa.

Choosing colour

Mid greys, taupes and beiges hide daily wear best. Ivory and cream look striking in a formal salon but show every mark, which is where a stain-resistant fabric earns its keep. Compare finished colourways on our sofas and living room sets.

Caring for a fabric sofa

• Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush.
• Turn and plump loose cushions so they wear evenly.
• Blot spills at once with a clean, dry cloth, working from the outside in.
• Keep the sofa out of strong direct sun to protect the colour.
• Use a professional upholstery cleaner for large or old stains.

Sofas made to order at Gallery Elmir

Gallery Elmir's made-to-order sofas and salons are built from beech wood and blockboard, padded with SL foam and upholstered in water- and stain-resistant fabric. They are ready in 2 to 3 weeks, with free delivery anywhere in Lebanon. Read what our furniture is made of or visit the Tripoli showroom to sit on the seating before you order.

From the collection

Marchetti Beige Living Room Set

Light neutral seating · Tapered wood-tone legs

$2,400

Como Beige Sectional Sofa

Low profile · Deep seats in a neutral palette

$1,400

Vesper Grey Living Room Set

Grey upholstery · Straight arms and curved chairs

$2,400

Grey Corner Sofa with Blue Accents

L-shaped seating · Contrasting blue accent pieces

$2,600