LYCKSELEStorage box for sleeper sofa, black

Fabric consists of fibers that are spun into yarn, which are then woven into different textiles. Textiles consist of natural or synthetic fibers. The most common natural fibers are cotton, linen and wool. Natural fibers often feel somewhat softer and more pleasant to the touch than synthetic fibers. Polyester and polyamide are examples of synthetic fibers. The advantage of synthetic fibers is that they are durable and don't shrink or stretch out when you wash them. It's common to blend natural and synthetic fibers to obtain the strength of synthetic fibers and the soft, pleasant feel of natural fibers.

The strength of a fabric is determined by fiber, yarn, weaving technique and final finishing. The strongest fibers are polyester, acrylic, polyamide and wool. Tightly twisted yarn is stronger than loosely twisted yarn and when it comes to weaving, tightly woven, heavy fabrics with a smooth surface are strongest. The fabric will also become stronger if it is finished with, for example, a stain repellent or is pre-shrunk to reduce shrinkage. A fabric that is dyed holds its color better than a fabric with a pattern printed on it.

At IKEA we test all fabrics before using them. We rub them to be sure that the fabric is durable and that the surface will remain looking good. We wash them to be sure they will keep their shape and color. We subject them to strong light to see how well they can stand up to sunlight. We even try to set them on fire to test their flame resistance and we also check them to ensure they don't contain any forbidden chemicals. That's just an example of some of the most important tests we conduct. The goal of all the tests is to be sure that the fabrics are strong and will continue to look good after you use them. It's not until a fabric is tested and approved that we use it for our sofas.

With a little care you can keep your fabric sofa looking good, longer. Vacuum it regularly, since dust and dirt break down the fibers and impair the quality of the fabric. Feather cushions should not be vacuum cleaned - the feathers can slip through the cover. Beat them instead. A tip is to move the cushions every once in a while, so your favorite seat doesn't become more worn than the other seats. Try to protect your sofa from exposure to direct sunlight. It's also a good idea to close curtains or blinds during the hours when the sunlight is strongest.

Our removable covers can either be machine washed or dry- cleaned. You should always wash the entire cover, so there is no risk of color shifts between different areas. How the fabric should be washed depends on many things, such as the material, how it is woven, the texture and the shape of the cover. For this reason it is essential to follow the washing instructions on the label. Close the zipper on the cover when you wash it - it reduces stress to the inner seams and zipper. Don't put the cover in the dryer - it may shrink. Hang it up to dry instead. It's better to iron the reverse side of the fabric and to do it while the fabric is still a bit damp. That makes it easier to get creases out - and easier to put the cover back on the sofa.

If you should get a stain on your cover, it's important to remove it immediately. Sometimes ordinary water will be all you need. If you're not sure what caused the stain, it's best to bring the cover to be professionally dry-cleaned. Otherwise, you risk "washing in" the stain rather than washing it out. If you use a stain remover, it is advisable to first test on an area of fabric that is not usually visible. The stain should be "lifted" and not rubbed away. Some of our sofas are treated with a stain repellent to repel stains. Stain repellent becomes less effective with time.

The fabric in our sofas is made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers - or a blend of different types of fibers. Different fibers have somewhat different qualities and origins. Natural fibers are, for example, cotton, linen and wool. Cotton is made of seed-hair from the cotton shrub. It is a soft and pleasant fabric that is also strong and able to withstand high temperatures. We treat the cotton so it will repel dirt and shrink less. Linen is made of fiber from the stalk of the linen plant. The fabric has a fine texture and luster, and also repels dirt. The disadvantages are that it creases easier and wears more than other fabrics, such as cotton. It's also expensive, because it takes so long to produce. Wool from sheep doesn't crease, is naturally dirt repellent and fire resistant. Coarser wool is stronger and therefore the type used for furniture covers. The disadvantage of wool covers is that they shrink if you wash them in water. Synthetic fibers are strong, easy to care for and keep their shape well. We use nylon and polyester for our sofas.

Synthetic fibers are charged with static electricity and tend to attract dust and dirt. Blended materials are quite simply a combination of different materials. The reason for this is to get the best qualities from each material. By blending cotton and linen, for example, we get the luster and texture of linen and the softness and durability of cotton. By blending cotton and polyester, the result is a soft fabric that both creases and shrinks less than a 100% cotton fabric would."

It may be useful to be familiar with a few terms when you're deciding on a fabric cover. For example, there are different types of yarn that influence the appearance of the finished fabric. Chenille has small protruding thread ends, which give the fabric a plush-like pile. Fabric of microfibers has a surface that resembles suede. Yarn-dyed fabric is made of yarn that is dyed before weaving to give the fabric a woven pattern. There are also different weaving methods. What distinguishes Jacquard weaving is that it is capable of weaving intricate patterns. Twill is another weaving method, which produces a durable, strong fabric, such as denim. Some fabrics are woven in two layers which then are cut apart. This is how velvet and corduroy get their soft surfaces. A quilted cover is one made of two layers of fabric that have been sewn together with wadding between.

There are many different fabrics and all look and feel differently. This is why at IKEA we have sofas with a wide variety of fabric covers, so you can find your very own favorite. One of the biggest advantages of our fabric sofas is that most of the covers are removable and washable. That not only makes them easy to keep clean, but also means that you can change covers whenever you want to renew your sofa. You'll find it easier to decide on a fabric sofa once you know something about them. But choosing a sofa has to do with more than facts - it has to do with feelings, too. You'll live with your sofa for a long time - so choose one that suits your own personal taste.