The rise of performance fabrics: How they’re redefining home decor

As you browse through your favourite homeware brands, you may have come across the phrase, “performance fabric”. 

Crate & Barrel, West Elm and more, feature this product in their furniture upholstery and rugs.

But what is performance fabric?

Early use of this phrase came from outdoor cushion and fabric manufacturers.

They needed fabrics that would be easy to clean and withstand outdoor weathering. 

While they look just as aesthetically pleasing as other textiles, performance fabrics are enhanced to meet certain demands.

They feature stain resistance, spill repellence, and durability at their core.

What’s more, performance fabrics don’t skimp on luxury. It marries visual appeal with practicality.

From soft velvets to crisp linens, they come in a variety of textures and finishes that rival — and sometimes outshine —traditional options. 

You can have your dream sofa that looks like it belongs in a showroom and feels like it’s up for anything.

Sofa fabrics uncovered: Traditional vs performance fabric 

Let’s start with the usual suspects, or traditional sofa fabrics. 

Cotton and linen are everyone’s go-to natural fibres. They are breathable, offering a soft feel and a classic look. 

While they’re beautiful, they can be prone to wrinkles and staining, especially in busy households.

In some cases, the colour of these natural fibres tend to bleed or fade with time. 

Velvet is another classic choice. A luxurious option that adds depth and richness to any room. 

However, traditional velvet is delicate and can wear down quickly without the right care.

Then of course, there is leather: durable and timeless.

Leather is ideal for spills but can scratch easily (we’re looking at you, furry friends) and requires regular maintenance to avoid cracking.

While these fabrics have their perks, they often struggle with the demands of modern living. 

Enter performance fabric, the superhero of the home decor world. 

Prone to spills on your sofa? Fear not, spill-resistance means you have an easy job of dabbing away liquids.

Need your ottoman to last outdoors? Mildew resistance to the rescue.

Want to have your favourite chair by the window? Anti-fade properties will ensure that its colour will stay vibrant.

Have frisky cats or playful dogs? Scratch resistance ensures that your sofa is no longer off-limits for your fur-family.

Performance fabrics are more than just a trend; they’re a smart solution for making your home a sanctuary of beauty and practicality. 

Beyond performance fabric: What is the future of home fabrics?

Performance fabrics is just one collection of innovations in the world of textiles.

The fabric industry is undergoing a technological revolution, blending science, design, and sustainability to create textiles that redefine functionality.

In fact, the fashion industry has made great strides.

Take Uniqlo’s HEATTECH technology, which retains warmth using moisture from the body.

They also have Airism technology, designed for breathability and moisture-wicking, similar principles are being applied to home fabrics. 

These principals are adaptable — Imagine sofa materials in the future that adjust to room temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

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Inspired by innovations in wearable tech, like Uniqlo’s HEATTECH, researchers are also exploring embedded sensors in fabrics. 

For instance, textiles that monitor pressure or body temperature could transform furniture into health-supportive devices, offering advanced ergonomics or even monitoring wellness for elderly users.

Some refer to these as smart textiles. 

There is the perception that the more a fabric performs or the more features it has, then it contains more chemicals. 

However, this is not true as many companies are putting in the work to put your health and safety first.

Take Crypton, a performance fabric retailer, which states that all their fabrics are PFAS-free and produced using zero fluorine.

They even have multiple safety certifications to prove it as well as an eco statement stating that Crypton is committed to sustainable textiles. 

Textiles and the environment

This push towards eco-friendly textiles has been spurned on by the horrifying stats on the impact on fabric waste.

The world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year.

While this is mainly because of fast fashion, it is both clothing and other textiles which make up at least 7% of the total amount of waste in global landfill space.

Only 1% of clothes will get recycled into new garments.

While there is a movement towards thrifting old fabric and recycling, other fabric innovations have surfaced. 

Companies are developing biodegradable materials, such as mycelium-based fabrics made from fungi, which break down naturally when disposed of. 

Others are exploring regenerative textiles, which not only minimise waste but actively benefit the environment, like algae-based fabrics that absorb CO₂.

Choosing a performance fabric for your furniture is also an eco-friendly choice as it is built to last you much longer than any other fabric. 

We must change our mindset, from constantly buying new to finding ways to refresh our old items. 

For example, your sofa may not need to be replaced just because you are bored of its colour or have an unseemly stain. 

Instead, you can opt for a Comfort Works sofa cover, tailored with performance fabric that is durable, machine washable and suited for everyday use. 

The plethora of performance fabrics can easily overwhelm you, but we’re here to help you choose the perfect one for your home.

The ultimate guide to choosing the right performance fabric for your sofa

We’ve crafted a guide which will point you in the right direction, no matter what your needs.

1. What’s your lifestyle?

Think about how your space is used.

Do you have kids or pets? Look for fabrics with scratch-resistant technology like Comfort Works’ PawSafe materials, which can handle claws and spills.

Do you entertain often? Stain-resistant and easy-clean options like Care+ Canvas and Mod Boucle make post-dinner party clean-ups a breeze.

By focusing on your daily needs, you’ll pinpoint the features that matter most.

2. Match durability to your space

The key to long-lasting style is choosing a fabric that’s tough enough for its environment.

Comfort Works lab-tests its slipcovers for durability, ensuring you get materials built to last.

High-traffic areas like family rooms benefit from heavy-duty options like Mod Chenille or Mod Basketweave, which boast impressive rub test ratings.

For decorative spaces that see less wear, lighter options like Everyday Weave provide soft, breathable comfort.

If you’re outfitting outdoor furniture, fabrics equipped with our WeatherLock technology resists UV rays, mildew, and moisture, keeping your space fresh all year.

3. Prioritise easy maintenance

How to clean a performance fabric?

Well that depends on the fabric itself, so finding options that are easy to clean is important.

Here’s what to look for:

• Stain resistance: Fabrics like Signature Microfibre repel spills, allowing for quick and easy clean-up.
• Machine washability: For families, this is a game-changer. Many Comfort Works fabrics, including Signature Velvet, are designed to handle regular washes without shrinking or fading.
• Mildew resistance: If your furniture needs to battle the elements outdoors, opt for Sunbrella or Care+ Tweed. Equipped with Weatherlock technology, you can avoid dealing with moisture-related worries. 

Choose materials that make upkeep effortless, so you can spend more time enjoying your home.

4. Don’t compromise on style

Performance fabrics are as versatile as they are functional.

Love a luxe look? Opt for rich textures like Signature Velvet for a touch of elegance.

Prefer natural vibes? Options like Everyday Cotton deliver a breezy, organic aesthetic.

Bold and trendy? Go for vibrant, anti-fade choices like Mod Boucle to make a statement.

With Comfort Works’ wide range of colours and finishes, it’s easy to find a fabric that matches your vision.

5. Test and customise

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to get a feel for the fabrics. 

Order fabric swatches from Comfort Works to see how textures and colours fit into your home.

This way you can also test out how the performance fabric stands up to your daily needs. 

With the right performance fabric, your sofa can go from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Comfort Works offers a curated collection that caters to all lifestyles and aesthetics, making it easier than ever to combine style, practicality, and peace of mind.

What’s next?

Now you need to find your sofa model on our website. Don’t worry if you can’t find yours as you can opt for our made-to-measure service.