The sofa is the centrepiece of modern living spaces, and in 2025, consumer expectations for upholstery fabrics are higher than ever. It’s no longer just about colour or texture — durability, sustainability, and real-life performance are driving the choices made by both manufacturers and end-users.
At Peter Cook International, a leading upholstery fabric supplier in the UK, we keep a close watch on what’s changing in the industry. Here are the key trends shaping sofa design in 2025 — and how the right fabrics can meet those demands.
1. Sustainability Moves from Trend to Standard
Eco-consciousness is no longer a niche demand. Customers and specifiers now expect materials to have environmental credentials: recycled content, low chemical use, OEKO-TEX certification, and so on.
For upholstery manufacturers this means specifying fabrics that combine performance with sustainability. Peter Cook’s FibreGuard line is a great example — easy-clean, stain-resistant, and greener in its treatment processes.
👉 Check out the FibreGuard range here: FibreGuard Fabric category
2. Performance Fabrics for Real Life
Spills, pets, children, and high usage: these are the realities sofas have to deal with. Fabrics that resist stains, retain their appearance, and are easy to maintain are very high on buyer checklists.
Peter Cook’s “Fabric & Fillings” category includes FibreGuard and other contract fabrics specifically designed for durability.
👉 Explore Upholstery-grade fabrics: Fabric & Fillings at Peter Cook
3. Colour Trends: From Neutrals to Bold Statements
While neutral tones remain popular — grey, beige, taupe — bold shades are making a comeback. Deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, rust, terracotta are trending for accent sofas.
What’s handy from Peter Cook is that many of the FibreGuard / contract fabric ranges are available in these pop-colours, so you can specify on-trend palettes without sacrificing function. (See among the Peak, Bravo, Shaker, Dare collections in FibreGuard.)
4. Texture and Tactility
Velvets, bouclés, heavy weaves, tactile finishes: design is leaning more into materials you feel, not just see. These add depth, luxury and character, which consumers appreciate, especially in cushioned sofas for homes and boutique hospitality.
Peter Cook’s fabric collections include textured styles even within the performance lines. For example, some of the FibreGuard Peak range offer textured weaves that are both visually rich and functionally robust.
5. Compliance is Non-Negotiable
In both domestic and commercial projects, fabric safety standards are enforced more strictly now. Fire retardancy, chemical safety, certifications like OEKO-TEX matter.
Peter Cook ensures many of their FibreGuard fabrics meet these safety and quality standards. The FibreGuard page highlights “100% life proof … easy-clean fabrics are green-conscious … certified under the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.”
Bringing the Trends Together
The upholstery industry in 2025 needs to balance style, durability, sustainability and safety. The sofa trends we see reflect a shift toward dual-performance: pieces that look great, feel good, and work hard.
At Peter Cook International, we support this shift by offering:
- The FibreGuard range for stain-resistance + eco credentials.
- A broad Fabric & Fillings category so you can pick performance fabrics, textures, colours, and safety together.
- Knowledge and stock so that specifiers, manufacturers, upholsterers can deliver what the market expects.
👉 Browse the full FibreGuard collection: FibreGuard Fabric
👉 View all upholstery fabric & fillings: Fabric & Fillings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top upholstery fabric trends for 2025?
Key trends include sustainable textiles, easy-clean performance fabrics, richer textures like velvet and bouclé, and a broader palette from calm neutrals to bold jewel tones. See fabric options.
What is FibreGuard fabric and how does it work?
FibreGuard is a family of durable, stain-resistant upholstery fabrics designed for real-life use. Most common stains can be removed with water and a little soap, helping furniture look newer for longer. Explore FibreGuard.
Are FibreGuard fabrics suitable for contract and hospitality projects?
Yes. Many FibreGuard lines are engineered for high-traffic environments and are available with fire-retardant options for commercial use. Always check the individual fabric’s technical data before specifying.
Do your fabrics meet UK fire safety standards?
Peter Cook supplies fabrics that can meet UK compliance requirements including BS 5852 (e.g. Crib 5) and relevant commercial specifications when correctly processed. Confirm the certificate and treatment on the specific fabric’s datasheet before ordering.
How do I clean stains from FibreGuard upholstery?
Blot the spill, then use water and a little soap, gently working from the outside of the stain inward. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Always follow the fabric’s care instructions.
Do you offer eco-friendly or recycled upholstery fabrics?
Yes. We stock performance fabrics with greener credentials, including options within the FibreGuard family and contract ranges designed to reduce environmental impact. Browse fabrics.
Can I order fabric sample swatches?
Yes. Get in touch with our team to request swatches for your project shortlists. Contact sales@petercookint.com or call 0113 235 1111.
Where can I buy contract upholstery fabrics in the UK?
Peter Cook International supplies a wide range of contract-ready upholstery fabrics suitable for domestic and commercial use. Start here.
Which fabrics are best for family homes with kids or pets?
Easy-clean performance fabrics such as FibreGuard are designed to handle everyday spills and heavy use without sacrificing look or feel. See FibreGuard options.
What colours and textures are trending for sofas in 2025?
Neutrals remain strong for core ranges, while deep greens, terracotta, and jewel tones are popular as statement colours. Textures like velvet, bouclé, and heavy weaves add depth and a premium feel.
Do you supply components to pair with upholstery fabrics?
Yes. We stock threads, twine, piping cord, mechanisms, and more so you can source, stock, and supply from one place. See threads and twine.
Can you help me specify the right fabric for my project?
Absolutely. Share your brief, usage environment, and compliance needs and our team will recommend suitable options. Email sales@petercookint.com or call 0113 235 1111.
What are the typical lead times and minimum order quantities?
Lead times vary by fabric line, stock position, and finish. Many core ranges are available from stock, while special finishes may require additional time. Contact our team for current availability and MOQs.
