At MEK Design, every upholstered sofa is made to order in England, so choosing the right fabric is an important part of creating a piece that feels personal to your home. Our six Sofa Fabric Collections bring together versatile upholstery, textured chenilles, prestige fabrics, designer weaves, Italian fabrics, leather and eco-leather finishes.

These recommendations are designed for private homes, design-led apartments and carefully considered interiors. The right fabric depends on the shape of the sofa, the atmosphere you want to create, the way you would like to use it and the overall character of your room.

Our recommendations are a starting point. Colours and textures can appear different on screen depending on lighting, display settings and the surrounding environment. If you would like to see a fabric in person before ordering, samples are available on request as an optional part of the process.

added: 04-10-2026
in category Furniture & Upholstery , Design Knowledge

How to Choose the Right Sofa Fabric for Your Handmade Sofa

Explore the Price Groups

Explore the fabrics available in each Price Group:

Price Group 1 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 2 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 3 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 4 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 5 — View the fabric collectionPrice Group 6 — View the fabric collection

Choosing a fabric for your sofa

PRIVATE HOMES AND EVERYDAY COMFORT

Choose a fabric that suits both the way your sofa will be used and the atmosphere you want to create. Relaxed chenilles, practical woven fabrics, soft textures and easy-to-coordinate finishes can create a comfortable foundation for a family living room, open-plan space or calm contemporary home.

DESIGN-LED LIVING ROOMS

For a more individual interior, consider expressive textures, bouclé, velvet, designer weaves or a distinctive leather finish. These fabrics can make a sofa feel like an important part of the room rather than simply a practical piece of furniture.

BESPOKE AND STATEMENT SOFAS

A statement sofa can become the central feature of a private interior. Rich textures, decorative patterns, Italian fabrics and tactile surfaces can work beautifully on sculptural, curved or generously proportioned sofas, helping the finished piece reflect your personal style.

Recommended Sofa Fabrics by Collection

Group 1 — Upholstery Fabric Collection

This is a broad and versatile collection of soft velvets, chenilles, bouclé fabrics and textured upholstery. It is an excellent starting point for a sofa in a private home, with options ranging from calm, understated finishes to more expressive surfaces.

Recommended fabrics

Amalfi — A versatile choice for a relaxed, elegant sofa in a contemporary private home.
Alvar — A refined upholstery option for customers looking for a composed and easy-to-coordinate finish.
Modena — A sophisticated fabric with a polished interior character for contemporary and classic sofa designs.
Tana — A calm, versatile choice for a sofa designed to sit comfortably within the wider room scheme.
Jade — An elegant option for customers who want a richer surface and a more distinctive sofa finish.
Danube — A refined fabric for relaxed living rooms and thoughtfully coordinated interiors.
Imagine Me — A versatile option for a sofa with a clean, contemporary appearance.
Cetara — A softly textured choice that works well with natural materials and understated interiors.
Astico — A practical, contemporary upholstery option for sofas intended to be enjoyed every day.
Padova — A refined choice for an elegant sofa in a more elevated interior scheme.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 1 for private homes, first homes, family living rooms, relaxed interiors and customers looking for a wide choice of versatile fabrics at an accessible price level.

Best for

Everyday sofas, family living rooms, modular sofa designs, contemporary interiors and customers who want to coordinate upholstery with wood, stone and other natural materials.

Consider this group for

Choose this collection when you want your sofa to feel comfortable, welcoming and easy to place within your interior. Select a quieter woven or textured fabric for a calm room, or choose velvet, bouclé or a more expressive surface when you want the sofa to bring additional character.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Amalfi, Alvar, Modena, Tana, Rhapsody, Jade, Copenhagen, Amber, Grit, Danube, Martello, Verbier, Dress Me, Imagine Me, Blur, Cetara, Marmellata, Braveheart, Colourwash, Cover Me, Coco, Mosaic, Mingle Mangle, Bliss, Asset, Chopper, Tilda, Shadow, Padova, Chill Me, Leopold FR, IKOO, Cubo, Astico, Aosta, Corsica, Palermo, Bermuda, Bergen, Quartz, Andes, Shetland and Island.

Group 2 — Textured and Chenille Collection

This collection brings together soft chenilles, expressive weaves, inviting textures and contemporary upholstery surfaces. It is a strong choice for customers who want a sofa to look comfortable while retaining an elegant, considered appearance.

Recommended fabrics

Albany — An elegant, softly textured choice for a welcoming sofa in a private living room.
Cambone — A contemporary option for customers looking for a clean finish with a more elevated character.
Brigadier — A versatile chenille choice for a sofa intended to be enjoyed regularly.
Cavalry — A practical, attractive option for family homes and relaxed contemporary interiors.
Linoso — A natural-looking fabric for a calm, modern sofa with a relaxed character.
Perfecto — A versatile textured plain for customers who want understated depth.
Tracy — A characterful option for a sofa that should feel warm and inviting.
Watson — A considered upholstery choice for customers looking for a contemporary chenille character.
Octavia — A refined option for a softer, more individual sofa finish.
Sabato — A textured choice for customers who want the upholstery to add visual interest.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 2 for family homes, open-plan living areas, modern apartments and customers who want their sofa to combine everyday comfort with a richer tactile appearance.

Best for

Family sofas, relaxed contemporary sofas, generously sized seating and interiors where softness and texture are important to the overall design.

Consider this group for

Choose a plain or subtly textured chenille for a calm, versatile sofa, or select a more expressive weave when you want the upholstery to become part of the room's design. These fabrics can create a welcoming centrepiece in both relaxed and carefully considered private interiors.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Albany, Cambone, Brigadier, Yarra, Niagara, Georges, Thames, Bingo, Amazon, San Remo, Cannes, Deluxe, Cavalry, Linoso, Perfecto, Fior, Tracy, Henley, Dusty, Linique, Cameron FR, Voyage, Snugly, Ambiente Collection, Watson, Octavia, Sabato, Hombre, Emoji, Atlantis, Rho and Opal.

Group 3 — Prestige Upholstery Collection

This is a more decorative and luxurious collection, bringing together bouclé, wool, velvet, sculptural textures and designer patterns. These fabrics are ideal when the sofa is intended to be a central feature of the room.

Recommended fabrics

Soren Collection — A distinctive textural choice for a sculptural sofa in a design-led home.
Granola — A warm, tactile option for relaxed luxury and inviting living rooms.
Camargue — A refined choice for customers looking for a sophisticated, considered surface.
Sapphire — A rich option for a sofa that should bring depth and character to the room.
Wool — A natural-looking choice for customers drawn to soft texture and an understated designer feel.
Vellutto — A luxurious velvet-inspired option for sofas where colour depth and surface movement are important.
Alba — An elegant choice for a refined sofa in a calm, sophisticated interior.
Embrace — A tactile option for customers who want a sofa with a softer, more enveloping presence.
Rocco — A characterful fabric for sculptural sofas and more individual living rooms.
Treviso — A polished choice for customers seeking a distinctive premium finish.

Who this group is for

Best for

Statement sofas, curved sofas, sculptural designs, premium living rooms and interiors where the upholstery is intended to be noticed.

Consider this group for

Choose this collection when your sofa is the main feature of the room. Bouclé, wool, velvet and expressive textures can enhance a generous, curved or sculptural design, while more refined surfaces can bring quiet luxury to a simpler sofa shape.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Soren Collection, Mardi Gras, Granola, Arctic, Camargue, Sapphire, Yukon, Himalaya, Wool, Boho, Vellutto, Vellutto di Cottone, Alba, Aries, Geometric Patterned Fabric Collection, Kaleidoscope, Elio, Loop II, Embrace, Cordial, Innovation, Regent, Showtime, Mentor, Treviso, Madison, Autograph Velvets, Shangri La Velvets, Rocco, Crush and Florals Collection.

Group 4 — Romo Designer Collection

This designer collection brings together expressive British design, distinctive texture, geometry, velvets, embroidery and decorative upholstery. It is especially effective when a sofa needs a stronger design identity.

Recommended fabrics

Dieter Vander Velpen Textures — A distinctive designer texture for an architectural, tactile sofa finish.
Istoria Weaves — A refined woven option for a sofa in a carefully considered interior.
Teddy FR — A tactile statement fabric for customers looking for a softer, more expressive appearance; the exact specification should be confirmed for the chosen model.
Boho Velvet — A rich velvet choice for a sofa where colour and softness are central to the design.
Alston — A sophisticated option for a premium sofa in a design-led living room.
Nuala — A refined fabric for customers seeking a more individual, elegant finish.
Muoto — A contemporary designer choice for a sofa with a confident visual character.
Ruskin — A textured option for customers who value depth, structure and a tailored appearance.
Miskina — A distinctive choice for a statement sofa and a more expressive interior scheme.
Zkara — A characterful designer fabric for customers who want the upholstery to be noticed.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 4 for private design-led homes, interior designers, statement sofas, neutral rooms that need a stronger focal point and customers who want the fabric to contribute visibly to the design.

Best for

Statement sofas, simpler sofa shapes, contemporary living rooms, expressive interiors and projects where texture or pattern is central to the scheme.

Consider this group for

Choose a designer weave, velvet or decorative texture when you want to give a simpler sofa a distinctive identity. These fabrics can work beautifully in a refined neutral room, adding depth, pattern or a carefully chosen design detail.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Labirynth, Dieter Vander Velpen Textures, Holland Park, Ornate, Sgraffito, Teddy FR, Dieter Vander Velpen Velvets, Istoria Weaves, Delaunay, Boho Velvet, Superstars, Kuboa, Zephi, Alston, Tatiana, Nuala, Roses, Muoto, Kupka, Latour, Quadrata, Cubis, Loop, Miskina, Ruskin, Dieter Vander Velpen Weaves and Zkara.

Group 5 — Designer Fabric Collection

This is a highly distinctive collection of Italian designer fabrics, including mohair, silk velvet, cotton velvet, tapestries, jacquards and luxurious textures. These fabrics are suited to sofas intended to become a defining feature of the interior.

Recommended fabrics

Adamo & Eva — A refined Italian designer choice for an elegant statement sofa.
Rododendro — A distinctive textured fabric for customers who want the sofa to bring character and depth to the room.
Belsuede — A sophisticated suede-look option for a soft, enveloping sofa appearance.
Karakorum — A dramatic tactile choice for a sculptural sofa with a strong design presence.
Vladimiro — A rich, expressive option for customers seeking an individual and luxurious finish.
Unit — A contemporary designer choice for a sofa with a confident modern identity.
Resident — A refined fabric for a composed, design-led living room.
Marabou — A tactile option for a sofa with a softer, more luxurious presence.
Nuvolari — A distinctive choice for customers looking for a premium Italian character.
Fizz — A lively designer option for an expressive sofa and an individual interior scheme.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 5 for private design-led homes, bespoke interiors, interior designers, statement sofas, luxury living rooms and customers who want the fabric to be a key part of the finished piece.

Best for

Statement sofas, sculptural sofas, premium living rooms, one-off commissions and interiors where the sofa is intended to be the central design feature.

Consider this group for

Choose this collection when you want your sofa to make a confident design statement. Rich textures, mohair, velvet, jacquard and distinctive Italian fabrics can give the finished piece a highly individual character and make it feel personal to your home.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Adamo & Eva, Rododendro, Italian Kid Mohair Velvet, Belsuede, Karakorum, Vladimiro, Darwinista, Tiger Mountain, Nouvelles Vagues, Prince, Unit, Viceversa, Amuleto, Scarabeo, Loop, Resident, Esteta, Thick, Fizz, Alpaca Alto, Splendido, Tiger Beat, Italian Silk Velvet, Lutetia, Déjà Vu Jamais, Plushy, Goodfellas, Jamu Jungle, More Is More, Filigrana Nebulosa, Hypnose, Architrame, Trame Grafiche, Urbana, Fiora, Marabou and Nuvolari.

Group 6 — Leather and Eco-Leather Collection

This collection brings together natural leather, eco-leather, faux leather and faux suede finishes. These materials can give a sofa a structured, contemporary or more classic appearance. Availability depends on the sofa model and exact specification.

Recommended fabrics and leathers

Milano & Torino — A premium natural leather choice for customers who value authentic material character.
Full Grain — A refined natural leather option where surface variation and individual character are part of the appeal.
Las Vegas — A contemporary leather-look choice for a clean, confident sofa finish.
Modena — A sophisticated option for an elegant sofa with a refined surface.
Canyon — A practical leather-look choice for a contemporary private living room.
Omega — A versatile option for customers looking for a clean, tailored appearance.
Uruguay — A structured finish for modern sofas and considered interiors.
Sunhide — A leather-inspired option for customers who want a stronger, more architectural surface.
Vintage FR — A distinctive choice for a more characterful sofa finish; the exact specification should be confirmed for the chosen model.
Nubuck — A refined suede-inspired option for a softer, more tactile sofa appearance.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 6 for private living rooms, contemporary homes, design-led apartments, home libraries, studies, loft-style interiors and customers who prefer leather or leather-look upholstery.

Best for

Contemporary sofas, tailored sofa designs, elegant living rooms, home libraries, studies and interiors where the surface of the upholstery is an important part of the design.

Consider this group for

Choose leather, eco-leather or a specialist surface when you want your sofa to have a structured, tailored appearance. Natural variation and surface character can make each finished piece feel individual, while leather-look options can create a clean and contemporary finish.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Modena, Uruguay, Canyon, Sunhide, Milano & Torino, Omega, Full Grain, Torro, Vintage FR, Faux Leather Collection, Nubuck, Colorado, Las Vegas and Toreador.

Find the right fabric for your MEK Design sofa

Tell us which sofa you are considering, the kind of interior you are creating and the atmosphere you would like to achieve. Send us a message through our contact form and we can help you choose a fabric collection and narrow down the options that best complement the shape of your sofa and your home.

Ask about sofa fabrics

Our fabric recommendations are intended to make choosing your MEK Design sofa simple and enjoyable. Colours and textures can appear slightly different on screen depending on lighting, display settings and surrounding colours. If you would like to see a fabric in person before ordering, simply mention this in your message and we can let you know about the available sample options. Samples are optional and are not required before purchasing.

Please use our contact form to ask about the chosen fabric, sofa model, upholstery layout, piping or any combination of finishes. Include as much detail as you can, and we will reply by email to help confirm the most suitable options. The exact fabric specification and availability will be confirmed with you before production begins.

Recommended Sofa Fabrics by Price Group

These recommendations are designed for private homes, design-led apartments and carefully considered interiors. The right fabric depends on the shape of the sofa, the atmosphere you want to create, the way you would like to use it and the overall character of your room.

Our recommendations are a starting point. Colours and textures can appear different on screen depending on lighting, display settings and the surrounding environment. If you would like to see a fabric in person before ordering, samples are available on request as an optional part of the process.

Explore the Price Groups

Choosing a fabric for your sofa

PRIVATE HOMES AND EVERYDAY COMFORT

Choose a fabric that suits both the way your sofa will be used and the atmosphere you want to create. Relaxed chenilles, practical woven fabrics, soft textures and easy-to-coordinate finishes can create a comfortable foundation for a family living room, open-plan space or calm contemporary home.

DESIGN-LED LIVING ROOMS

For a more individual interior, consider expressive textures, bouclé, velvet, designer weaves or a distinctive leather finish. These fabrics can make a sofa feel like an important part of the room rather than simply a practical piece of furniture.

BESPOKE AND STATEMENT SOFAS

A statement sofa can become the central feature of a private interior. Rich textures, decorative patterns, Italian fabrics and tactile surfaces can work beautifully on sculptural, curved or generously proportioned sofas, helping the finished piece reflect your personal style.

Recommended Sofa Fabrics by Collection

Group 1 — Upholstery Fabric Collection

This is a broad and versatile collection of soft velvets, chenilles, bouclé fabrics and textured upholstery. It is an excellent starting point for a sofa in a private home, with options ranging from calm, understated finishes to more expressive surfaces.

Recommended fabrics

Amalfi — A versatile choice for a relaxed, elegant sofa in a contemporary private home.

Alvar — A refined upholstery option for customers looking for a composed and easy-to-coordinate finish.

Modena — A sophisticated fabric with a polished interior character for contemporary and classic sofa designs.

Tana — A calm, versatile choice for a sofa designed to sit comfortably within the wider room scheme.

Jade — An elegant option for customers who want a richer surface and a more distinctive sofa finish.

Danube — A refined fabric for relaxed living rooms and thoughtfully coordinated interiors.

Imagine Me — A versatile option for a sofa with a clean, contemporary appearance.

Cetara — A softly textured choice that works well with natural materials and understated interiors.

Astico — A practical, contemporary upholstery option for sofas intended to be enjoyed every day.

Padova — A refined choice for an elegant sofa in a more elevated interior scheme.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 1 for private homes, first homes, family living rooms, relaxed interiors and customers looking for a wide choice of versatile fabrics at an accessible price level.

Best for

Everyday sofas, family living rooms, modular sofa designs, contemporary interiors and customers who want to coordinate upholstery with wood, stone and other natural materials.

Consider this group for

Choose this collection when you want your sofa to feel comfortable, welcoming and easy to place within your interior. Select a quieter woven or textured fabric for a calm room, or choose velvet, bouclé or a more expressive surface when you want the sofa to bring additional character.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Group 2 — Textured and Chenille Collection

This collection brings together soft chenilles, expressive weaves, inviting textures and contemporary upholstery surfaces. It is a strong choice for customers who want a sofa to look comfortable while retaining an elegant, considered appearance.

Recommended fabrics

Albany — An elegant, softly textured choice for a welcoming sofa in a private living room.

Cambone — A contemporary option for customers looking for a clean finish with a more elevated character.

Brigadier — A versatile chenille choice for a sofa intended to be enjoyed regularly.

Cavalry — A practical, attractive option for family homes and relaxed contemporary interiors.

Linoso — A natural-looking fabric for a calm, modern sofa with a relaxed character.

Perfecto — A versatile textured plain for customers who want understated depth.

Tracy — A characterful option for a sofa that should feel warm and inviting.

Watson — A considered upholstery choice for customers looking for a contemporary chenille character.

Octavia — A refined option for a softer, more individual sofa finish.

Sabato — A textured choice for customers who want the upholstery to add visual interest.

Who this group is for

Choose Group 2 for family homes, open-plan living areas, modern apartments and customers who want their sofa to combine everyday comfort with a richer tactile appearance.

Best for

Family sofas, relaxed contemporary sofas, generously sized seating and interiors where softness and texture are important to the overall design.

Consider this group for

Choose a plain or subtly textured chenille for a calm, versatile sofa, or select a more expressive weave when you want the upholstery to become part of the room's design. These fabrics can create a welcoming centrepiece in both relaxed and carefully considered private interiors.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Albany, Cambone, Brigadier, Yarra, Niagara, Georges, Thames, Bingo, Amazon, San Remo, Cannes, Deluxe, Cavalry, Linoso, Perfecto, Fior, Tracy, Henley, Dusty, Linique, Cameron FR, Voyage, Snugly, Ambiente Collection, Watson, Octavia, Sabato, Hombre, Emoji, Atlantis, Rho and Opal.

Group 3 — Prestige Upholstery Collection

This is a more decorative and luxurious collection, bringing together bouclé, wool, velvet, sculptural textures and designer patterns. These fabrics are ideal when the sofa is intended to be a central feature of the room.

Recommended fabrics

Soren Collection — A distinctive textural choice for a sculptural sofa in a design-led home.

Granola — A warm, tactile option for relaxed luxury and inviting living rooms.

Camargue — A refined choice for customers looking for a sophisticated, considered surface.

Sapphire — A rich option for a sofa that should bring depth and character to the room.

Wool — A natural-looking choice for customers drawn to soft texture and an understated designer feel.

Vellutto — A luxurious velvet-inspired option for sofas where colour depth and surface movement are important.

Alba — An elegant choice for a refined sofa in a calm, sophisticated interior.

Embrace — A tactile option for customers who want a sofa with a softer, more enveloping presence.

Rocco — A characterful fabric for sculptural sofas and more individual living rooms.

Treviso — A polished choice for customers seeking a distinctive premium finish.

Who this group is for

Best for

Statement sofas, curved sofas, sculptural designs, premium living rooms and interiors where the upholstery is intended to be noticed.

Consider this group for

Choose this collection when your sofa is the main feature of the room. Bouclé, wool, velvet and expressive textures can enhance a generous, curved or sculptural design, while more refined surfaces can bring quiet luxury to a simpler sofa shape.

Fabrics visible in this collection

Group 4 — Romo Designer Collection

This designer collection brings together expressive British design, distinctive texture, geometry, velvets, embroidery and decorative upholstery. It is especially effective when a sofa needs a stronger design identity.

Recommended fabrics

Dieter Vander Velpen Textures — A distinctive designer texture for an architectural, tactile sofa finish.

Istoria Weaves — A refined woven option for a sofa in a carefully considered interior.

Teddy FR — A tactile statement fabric for customers looking for a softer, more expressive appearance; the exact specification should be confirmed for the chosen model.

Boho Velvet — A rich velvet choice for a sofa where colour and softness are central to the design.

Alston — A sophisticated option for a premium sofa in a design-led living room.