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Is your family room a place where everyone can be
comfortable? Or are you constantly worrying about the
possibility of stains on sofas 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?
Well, my advice is to "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 that those with looser weaves. They will stand
up the hard abuse that your family dishes out!
2. Fabrics made of natural fibers will absorb stains
more quickly than man-made fabrics, but they will clean
up better. Fabrics made with man-made fibers are soil-resistant
but don't clean up as well (those kool-aid stains may
be difficult to remove!)
3. Highly-textured fabrics, such as tweeds, can fray
easily when they get excessive use. The fabrics which
stand up best to fraying are flat weaves such as cottons
or jacquards.
4. Light colors show soil, while dark colors show debris
and dirt. Why not try a medium color with a pattern?
Patterns can hide a multitude of forgotten chocolate
chips!
5. Buy washable slipcovers for whatever sofa you chose.
It will extend the wear of the sofa and chair and help
you relax! If something gets spilled, just throw the
slipcover in the washing machine and refit it on the
sofa while it is still slightly damp.
After you bring that spiffy new sofa or chair home,
remember to rotate the cushions every month and vacuum
them regularly. Doing so will prolong the life of the
sofa. Maybe it will even last until the kids leave home! |
