Martindale, pilling, and lightfastness – what do I need to know about sofa fabrics?
With our easy-care fabric collection, you no longer have to worry about stains, abrasion, or unsightly pilling. No matter which color or category you choose – our fabrics are stain-resistant, extremely durable, and also very easy to clean.
Stain-resistant by nature – not just coated
Many sofa covers are made from cotton or polyester and are subsequently coated to repel stains. The catch: this protective layer wears off over time – especially through cleaning and daily use.
Our fabrics, on the other hand, are made from 100% acrylic. This means the stain-resistant property is built directly into the fiber, not just applied to the surface. Liquids simply bead up, and even stubborn stains can be easily removed – without any loss of quality over time.
No fading, no pilling – for long-lasting beauty
Our fabrics retain their color, even when constantly exposed to sunlight. The so-called lightfastness is measured on a scale from 1 (very low) to 8 (excellent) – and our fabrics consistently achieve the highest level, 8.
Pilling – the formation of small knots due to friction – is also not an issue with our fabrics. The pilling value is tested on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning “no pilling.” Our fabrics achieve exactly this top rating: Pilling Level 5 – for permanently smooth surfaces without annoying fuzz balls.
How is pilling measured?
During the pilling test, fabric samples are rubbed against standardized materials – often wool or nylon – under controlled conditions. The surface is then visually assessed for the formation of small knots. Even after intensive testing, our fabrics show virtually no visible changes – meaning they’ll stay beautiful even after years of everyday use.
Martindale – what the number really means
The so-called abrasion resistance of a fabric is measured in Martindale – named after the corresponding test method. In this test, a fabric sample is rubbed in circular motions under standardized pressure against an abrasive wool fabric. The number of rotations (“cycles”) until the material shows visible wear is recorded.
| Martindale Value | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| < 10,000 | Decorative use only (e.g., curtains) |
| 10,000–15,000 | Light domestic use (e.g., decorative cushions) |
| 15,000–25,000 | Normal domestic use |
| 25,000–30,000 | Frequent domestic use |
| > 30,000 | Heavy use, including commercial environments |
Our fabrics start at a minimum of 30,000 Martindale – even in Category A (model "Nantes"). This makes them suitable not only for everyday family use but also for hotels, offices, or waiting areas. Some collections even reach significantly higher values – up to 60,000 and beyond.
But what does friction look like in everyday life?
You might wonder: “How much friction actually happens on my sofa?” Surprisingly, quite a lot – even if you don’t notice it. Typical sources of wear include:
- daily sitting and standing (often several times a day),
- movement from clothing (e.g., denim, zippers),
- pets walking over the sofa,
- children playing or jumping on the sofa,
- cleaning with cloths or brushes.
What seems “normal” in everyday life can already be a challenge for many fabrics – but not for our Martindale-certified materials.
Conclusion: Durable, beautiful, and easy-care – without compromise
Our fabric collection combines the best of three worlds: functionality, comfort, and longevity. Whether you have kids, pets, or frequent guests – you’ll get a sofa that looks as good as new, even after years of heavy use.
