Five Ways To Choose Upholstery That Will Stand Up To Even Your Kids!

Is your lounge a place where everyone is comfortable ? Or are you constantly worrying about the possibility of stains on couch or chairs? Is your living room furniture off limits to all but adults because you are worried that having children within twenty feet of it will cause it to fray, pill, or wrinkle? Lighten up, and go shopping for slipcovers! Or if you are buying new furniture , find pieces upholstered in kid-friendly fabrics. Here are five easy ways to make certain your new upholstery is suitable for every member of the family! 1.

Fabrics with a higher thread count (the number of threads per square inch) and a tighter weave are more durable than those with looser weaves. They will stand up to the hard abuse your family dishes out!

2. Natural fibres will absorb stains more quickly than synthetic fabrics, but they are easier to clean. Man-made fibres are stain-resistant but don't clean as well. (Those juice marks may be difficult to remove!)

3.Highly-textured fabrics, such as tweeds, fray easily with excessive use. The fabrics which stand up best to fraying are flat weaves such as cottons or jacquards.

4.Light colours show grime, while dark colours show debris and dirt. Why not try a medium colour with a pattern? Patterns can hide a multitude of old chocolate chips!

5.Buy washable slipcovers for whatever couch you choose. It will extend the wear of the lounge suite and help you relax! If something gets spilled, just throw the slipcover in the washing machine and refit it on the armchair while it is still slightly damp.

After you bring that spiffy new couch or chair home , remember to rotate the cushions every month and vacuum them regularly. Doing so will prolong the life of the furniture . Maybe it will even last until the kids leave home!

Pamela Cole Harris is an editor, writer, mom and eco-decorator with 35 years experience.