As anyone with little ones or furry friends can tell you, there are few things more devastating in terms of home decor than a dwindling piece of furniture. It’s inevitable: when you have kids and/or pets, the things inside your living space take a toll. I’ll admit it, I’ve made the naive decision to choose style over practicality once or twice in my day. And I hate to break it to you, but it’s rarely ended in my favor.

Fortunately, I’ve learned that durability doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on style. There are just a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for durable furniture, with fabric selection being the most important. The type of fabric that is used makes a major impact on the longevity of a piece. To save you some time and $$$ in the long run, we’ve gathered a few of our go-to fabrics that are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and even red wine-friendly.

Leather

A personal fave, leather is an excellent option that will stand the test of time, even in family spaces and other frequently used rooms. Its slick surface makes wiping up spills easy and the leather still looks beautiful, even after it’s developed a bit of patina. If you’re worried about dog or cat scratches, there are good scuff repair solutions available that help keep that new look. Tip: treat your high-traffic leather pieces with a leather conditioner once or twice a year to keep it looking soft and supple.

Woven Blend

Manmade fabrics and synthetic fibers are known for their resilience, leaving you worry-free when it comes to keeping furniture looking (nearly) new in busy households. Fabric options such as polyester and solution-dyed acrylic are often stain resistant and so easy to clean. Low pile, tight, flat weave fabrics prevent snagging and pilling as well. Newer generations of fabrics, such as Perennials used on the Miramar Sofa shown below, are specifically designed to repel water, as well as resist mold, mildew, and staining.

Microfiber

Available in a wide variety of textures, including velvet, chenille, suede, and corduroy, microfiber fabrics are versatile and durable. With a low pile, they’re easy to clean and less likely to show wear and tear. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s tag before buying because some require cleaning with a compatible solvent.

Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.