Fabric sofas dominate the British living-room market because fabric is warmer to sit on than leather, friendlier to pets and children, and runs across every price tier. The fabric spec is what separates the sofa that lasts a decade from the one that frays in 18 months. Look for Martindale rub count above 25,000 (light residential), 30,000+ (heavy residential, the household pick), and 40,000+ (commercial, the family-with-kids pick). Andrew Martin, Aosom UK and Cheap Furniture Warehouse between them cover £17-£5,749 across the range. Fabric type: linen-blend (cool, casual, creases); chenille (warm, plush, hides wear); cotton-twill (the most-cleanable, classic look); performance fabric (engineered to repel stains, the safest household buy). Look for removable cushion covers; with them, washing or replacing the fabric is a £50 service rather than a £150 upholstery job.