How to choose a fabric you will still love in ten years

Bouclé, washed linen or wool: what each one does with pets, sun and children, and why six swatches beat a screen.

Start with how you live

Measure the room, then measure the doorways. Mark the sofa's footprint on the floor with tape and live with it for a weekend before you choose a size.

Then the details

Bring a photo to a showroom or book a video call. A designer will pull fabrics, check the fit and leave you with a plan, free.