Cozey sofa fabrics vary significantly in durability, texture and how much maintenance they need. Broad rules such as "velvet is bad for pets" or "performance fabric is best for families" do not hold up well, because two fabrics in the same category can behave very differently. This guide compares the ten fabrics in the current Cozey lineup, using our own test results and product knowledge, so you can match the material to your actual household.
The eight Cozey fabrics compared
Martindale cycles measure resistance to repeated rubbing in a standard abrasion test. A higher number means more wear resistance, but it does not tell you how a fabric handles pet claws, pilling or stains. That is why the table also lists each fabric's main strength and limitation.
| Fabric | Feel | Martindale cycles | Main strength | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaforte Velvet | Ultra-soft, lustrous, buttery | 200,000 | Best overall combination of durability, stain resistance and pet suitability | Colour contrast can make fur visible |
| Aquaforte Regular | Soft, plush, dense, textured | 78,000 | Excellent stain and water resistance | We rate it Good for pets |
| Chenille | Nubby, fuzzy, soft, cool initial touch | 48,000 | Conceals pet hair and small marks; good pilling resistance | Can snag |
| Performance Plain Weave | Smooth, crisp, lightweight, dry feel | 90,000 | Clean, smooth aesthetic and washability | More open weave, moderate pet suitability |
| Performance Basketweave | Smooth, crisp, lightweight, dry feel | More than 100,000 | Clean, smooth aesthetic and washability | More open weave, moderate pet suitability |
| Performance Natural Weave | Smooth, crisp, lightweight, dry feel | 18,000 | Clean, smooth aesthetic and washability | More open weave, moderate pet suitability |
| Corduroy | Ribbed, crisp, lightweight | 15,000 | Distinctive appearance and conceals some marks | Ribbed structure more vulnerable to wear |
| Textured Weave | Soft, plush, textured, cool initial touch | 54,000 | Rich tactile appearance | Snagging, pilling and staining |
| Bouclé | Fuzzy, looped | 15,000 | Distinctive sculptural appearance | Claw snags, pilling and staining |
| Outdoor Acrylic | Crisp, coarse, lightweight | 55,000 | Outdoor suitability, stain resistance and easier pet hair removal | Not available for indoor sofas |
Pet suitability notes in this guide are Cozey's own product assessment, not independently standardized ratings.
Aquaforte Velvet, Aquaforte Regular and our performance weaves are not interchangeable
All of these are performance-oriented fabrics, but they are different products with different constructions. Aquaforte Velvet is our most durable fabric and the one we rate best for pets. Aquaforte Regular has excellent stain resistance and we rate it Good for pets. Our Performance Plain Weave, Performance Basketweave and Performance Natural Weave are smooth, lightweight weaves with a more open structure. For more on the category itself, see what performance fabric is.
Which fabric suits your household
- Best overall Cozey indoor fabric: Aquaforte Velvet.
- Best for pets: Aquaforte Velvet, followed by Chenille.
- Best for young children: Aquaforte Velvet, then Aquaforte Regular, then Chenille.
- Best for minimizing visible pilling: Aquaforte Velvet, followed by Chenille.
- Best if spills are your main concern: Aquaforte Velvet or Aquaforte Regular.
- Best for a strongly textured look: Chenille, Corduroy, Textured Weave or Bouclé, depending on the appearance you want and how much maintenance you are willing to accept.
- Best for outdoor furniture: Outdoor Acrylic.
Corduroy and Bouclé are tested to 15,000 cycles and pass the abrasion test for home upholstery, so choose them mainly for their texture and look.
An honest note on pilling
Some pilling is a natural result of using any textile, and the amount and intensity vary with the fabric's construction. Our current fabrics differ meaningfully in how they perform. Cozey's former fabrics drew more pilling complaints, and those fabrics were discontinued in 2024. Complaints about premature pilling have since become relatively rare. We still cannot promise that any fabric will never pill.
If pills do form:
- Remove surface pills gently with a fabric shaver.
- Trim snagged threads carefully with scissors rather than pulling them.
Cleaning and covers
Care depends on the sofa as well as the fabric. On sofas with removable covers, such as Ciello, the covers can be machine washed cold and laid flat to dry. Not every component of every Cozey sofa has a removable cover, so check the details for the sofa you are considering. Bouclé can gradually lose some of its fluffy loft after repeated washing. For step-by-step care, see how to clean your sofa and our sofa covers guide.
Fabric vs leather
Leather is not part of the Cozey lineup. It is durable and easy to wipe clean, but it costs more, can feel cold in winter and sticky in heat, and deep claw scratches are hard to repair. Fabric offers more texture and warmth and a wider range of looks.