So, what is Performance Fabric?
Performance fabric is a type of textile that’s been treated—often before the fibers are even woven—to resist stains, water, fading, and wear. Brands like Sunbrella™, Crypton™, and others have developed innovative finishes that repel messes and help furniture stand up to daily life. Originally created for marine and outdoor use, performance fabrics are now available in a variety of textures and finishes suitable for interior design.
Today, you can find performance cottons, velvets, linens, and even faux leathers that look high-end and feel soft to the touch. The best part? Even seasoned designers often can’t tell them apart from traditional materials.
Where to Use Performance Fabrics in Your Home
Gone are the days of formal “no-kids-allowed” living rooms. With performance fabrics, your entire home can be beautiful and family-friendly. We recommend using them in:
- Living Rooms: Sofas, sectionals, and chairs
- Dining Areas: Banquettes, upholstered chairs, barstools
- Bedrooms: Headboards and accent pillows
- Entryways and Mudrooms: Benches and storage ottomans
If it can be sat on, leaned against, or climbed on—make it performance fabric.
Growing up, there was always a No Kids Allowed room. A room with pristine white silk couches, ornate rugs, and delicate fabrics framing the windows. Nowadays, the peak of the open floor plan mania of the 1990’s and the pandemic which forced practically every family to pivot to work from home/virtual school situations, have made these untouchable rooms (thankfully) a thing of the past. Beautiful performance fabrics are also a key factor because it makes ALL messes conquerable, therefore your upholstered furniture can always look nice. Our favorite applications for performance fabrics are EVERY upholstered kitchen item, dining room item, and of course living areas. We also add it to upholstered headboards because, these days, why not?
Real-Life Tested: White Couch vs. Kids, Pets, and Vaseline
What are performance fabrics, and why are they a lifesaver for families with kids and pets? As a mom of three and proud pet parent to a water-loving lab, a mud-seeking cat, and a mischievous bulldog, I can confidently say: performance fabric is the only reason my white couch still looks showroom-new. Here’s our real-life story—and what you need to know.
Bulldog vs. White Couch: The Ultimate Test
Let’s talk about Thatcher—the bulldog who took performance fabric to the ultimate test. After devouring an entire tub of Vaseline (yes, really), petroleum residue ended up on every surface, including our bright white couch.
I panicked. First came denial, then half-hearted dabbing, and finally acceptance: I had to face this mess. I started by sprinkling baking soda on the stains to soak up the oil. Then I used warm water with a bit of Dawn dish soap—perfect for breaking down grease.
A few passes, a lot of blotting, and a good drying session in the sun later… and the cushion looked brand new.
How to Clean Performance Fabric (Even After a Vaseline Disaster)
Now for the fun part: cleaning. The beauty of performance fabric is that most stains don’t soak in—they bead on the surface. If you catch them quickly, a simple blot with a paper towel or soft cloth will do the trick.
For deeper messes (like muddy paws, juice spills, or in our case—Vaseline), start with a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub with a soft brush, then blot dry. For oily stains, sprinkle baking soda to absorb the residue before cleaning.
Pro Tip: The longer you wait, the more patience you’ll need. But yes—these fabrics can come clean, even after the bulldog test.
Why Performance Fabrics Are Worth It
Whether you have kids, pets, guests, or a love for white furniture, performance fabrics offer peace of mind. They’re stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly resilient—perfect for real life. So yes, I still have a white couch. And yes, I still have three kids, three pets, and absolutely no regrets.
Because life is messy—and now my furniture can handle it.
Need help choosing performance fabrics for your own space? Let’s talk.
FAQs About Performance Fabrics
Performance fabrics are specially treated textiles designed to resist stains, moisture, and wear. They’re ideal for families, pets, and high-traffic areas.
Yes! Performance fabrics are perfect for homes with pets. They resist fur, stains, and are easy to clean—making them ideal for sofas, chairs, and more.
For most stains, use mild soap and water with a soft brush. For oil-based stains, start with baking soda, then clean with dish soap like Dawn.
Not at all—modern performance fabrics come in soft, stylish finishes like cotton, velvet, and linen. Many feel just like regular upholstery.
