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Short answer
Textured upholstery fabrics have a surface you can see and feel, from slub and melange yarns to basketweaves and nubby weaves. They are popular for sofas because texture hides marks, creases and everyday wear far better than a flat plain. The best textures for daily use are tight and low, rated at 25,000 Martindale rubs or more; raised loops and long floats look lovely but can snag, especially with pets.
Types of texture
| Texture | How it is made | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Slub | Yarn spun with thicker and thinner places | Natural, linen-like irregularity |
| Melange or heathered | Yarns of two or more shades twisted together | A soft, flecked colour that hides marks |
| Basketweave | Groups of threads woven over and under together | A small, regular chequer you can feel |
| Flat weave | A tight, low weave with no pile | Clean, smooth and hard-wearing |
| Nubby or bouclé-style | Yarns with knots or loops | Soft and tactile, but loops can catch |
| Chenille | A soft tufted yarn | Velvety, with a gentle sheen |
See Chenille vs Velvet vs Corduroy and What Is Boucle Fabric? for those two in depth.
Why texture works on a sofa
- Hides wear. The broken surface disguises crumbs, pet hair, pressure marks and shine where people sit most.
- Hides creases. Seat cushions crease every day; a texture shows it far less than a smooth plain.
- Adds depth. A single-colour room feels richer with one textured piece.
- Feels good. Texture gives a warmer, more relaxed hand than a flat weave.
Durability: which textures last
The Martindale rub count tells you how well a fabric resists abrasion. For an everyday sofa, look for 15,000 to 25,000 rubs; for a family sofa or pets, 25,000 or more. See Martindale Rub Test.
Construction matters as much as the number. Tight, low textures wear evenly. Raised loops and long floats, where a thread runs over several others, can be caught by claws, buckles and zips, however high the rub count.
Tip
Run a fingernail across the sample. If threads lift into loops, a cat's claws, a belt buckle or a zip will do the same.
Textured weaves in the JOTEX range
| Collection | Composition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BLAKE | 100% polyester | Textured weave, 40,000 rubs |
| MARC | 90% polyester, 10% nylon | Textured weave, 40,000 rubs |
| VELA | 93% polyester, 5% cotton, 2% nylon | Textured weave, 40,000 rubs |
| TEKUSU SUZUME | 100% polyester | Texture, 40,000 rubs |
| TEKUSU OMAKE | 100% polyester | Flat weave, 40,000 rubs; a good choice with cats |
| PRANA | 91% polyester, 9% linen | Linen-look texture, 20,000 rubs |
| BENI, KAY | 100% polyester | Plain textured weaves |
| PASSION, FERGI | Polyester-cotton blends | Plain textured weaves with a softer, natural hand |
Check each collection's usage and rub count on its page before specifying it for seating. See the live table of JOTEX fabrics by rub count.
Choosing colour in a texture
Texture changes how colour reads. A melange or slub in a mid-tone, such as greige, stone, sage or slate, is the most forgiving choice for a sofa. Very pale textures can look grey where they wear; very dark ones show lint. Look at a large sample in your room, by day and under your own lights.
Caring for textured upholstery
- Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush, working with the texture, to lift dust from the weave.
- Blot spills at once with a clean, dry cloth; rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the texture.
- Snip any pulled thread level with the surface. Never pull it, which can run along the weave.
- Turn and swap cushions regularly so they wear evenly.
Watch out
Test any cleaner on a hidden area first. Textured and blended yarns can take up a cleaner unevenly.
Textured and flat-weave collections
Collections the catalogue lists as textured or flat weaves, updated automatically. Check each one's usage and rub count.
See fabrics by rub count →
Frequently asked questions
Is textured fabric good for a sofa?
Yes, if the texture is tight and low. It hides wear, creases and marks better than a flat plain. Look for 25,000 Martindale rubs or more for a family sofa.
Does textured fabric snag?
Raised loops and long floats can, especially with pets, buckles and zips. Tight, low textures and flat weaves snag the least.
What is a melange fabric?
A fabric woven from yarns that mix two or more shades, which gives a soft, flecked colour. It is very good at hiding dust, hair and marks.
What is a flat weave?
A tight, low weave with no pile or loops. It is smooth, clean-looking and among the most hard-wearing choices for a sofa.
How do I fix a pulled thread on a textured sofa?
Snip it level with the surface with sharp scissors. Never pull it, because it can run along the weave.
Is textured fabric hard to clean?
Not if you vacuum it regularly. Dust settles into the texture, so weekly vacuuming matters more than with a smooth fabric. Blot spills rather than rubbing them.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.