Choosing a child-friendly sofa? Here’s what to look for
A child-friendly sofa should above all suit the way you live. Therefore, pay attention not only to its appearance, but also to the fabric, colour, configuration, maintenance and the space your family needs. Are you looking for a sofa for a family with children? Then look for a durable, easy-care fabric, a practical colour, sufficient seating and a configuration that suits your lifestyle. A modular sofa is useful if you want to be able to change the configuration later.
What should a child-friendly sofa meet?
A good sofa for a family does not need to be indestructible. In fact, such a thing does not exist. However, you can make choices when purchasing that will make your sofa better suited to intensive daily use.
Pay particular attention to:
- a strong upholstery fabric suitable for intensive use;
- a fabric that you can properly care for according to the maintenance instructions;
- a colour and texture on which small stains and crumbs do not immediately stand out;
- sufficient seating space for the whole family;
- a configuration that suits playing, watching TV and relaxing;
- flexibility when your family or living space changes in the future.
So think beyond just: which sofa do I like? A sofa that is used daily for playing, eating, reading and watching television simply requires different choices than a sofa that mainly sits in a quiet living room.
Which sofa configuration is convenient with children?
The best configuration depends on the size of your family, the available space and the way you use the sofa. Do not only look at the number of seats you need now, but also at how that use may change in the coming years.
Young children may still sit with their parents on the sofa regularly. A few years later, they may take up more space themselves or have friends over.
Therefore, consider beforehand how many people usually sit on the sofa at the same time, whether you mainly sit upright or like to relax, how much play and walking space around the sofa is needed and whether you want to be able to add extra seating later.
A modular sofa is interesting in a family situation because the sofa is composed of separate elements. This allows you to choose a configuration that suits your living room and family and rearrange or expand it later.
Which sofa fabric is suitable for children?
When choosing a sofa with children, pay particular attention to the properties of the specific upholstery fabric and not just the name of the material. Durability, weave and maintenance ultimately say more about practical use.
An important property to pay attention to is the Martindale value. Martindale is a test method used to assess the durability of upholstery fabrics. For a sofa that is used intensively by the whole family every day, durability is particularly relevant.
The texture of the fabric also plays a role. A very smooth, plain fabric looks different and shows signs of use differently than a coarser or mottled fabric. Therefore, do not only look at a fabric on a screen, but preferably feel and inspect it in person.
Ultimately, a fabric should not only be practical. You look at your sofa every day and probably sit on it every day. The colour, texture and feel of the fabric should therefore also simply suit you.
Want to know more about the different fabrics? Then read our comprehensive blog: Which fabric should you choose for your new sofa?
Which colour sofa is practical with children?
A dark sofa is not automatically more practical than a light sofa. Above all, the texture and colour shade of the fabric determine how quickly small crumbs, hairs or spots become visible.
A mottled fabric can be practical, for example. Because different shades are woven together, small signs of use often stand out less than on a completely plain fabric.
This also means that you do not have to write off a light sofa from the outset when you have children. A light sofa can fit perfectly in a family if the properties of the fabric suit daily use.
Are you torn between different colours or fabrics? Order free colour samples and look at them at home in daylight and in the evening. This way, you will not only see which colour suits your interior, but you will also get a better idea of the fabric's texture.
What do you do if a stain gets on the sofa?
If there is a stain, act quickly: dab the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth and never rub hard. Of course, things can get on the sofa with children, but by acting quickly and in the right way, you prevent rubbing the stain further into the fabric.
Is your sofa treated with Protexx and is the stain stubborn? Then the included maintenance kit contains a multi-cleaner. Use this exclusively with a dabbing motion as well and follow the instructions in the maintenance kit.
If you cannot remove the stain, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days. You can find the contact details on the service certificate that is included with the maintenance kit. If necessary, Protexx can arrange a professional cleaner.
Can you give a sofa extra protection against stains?
When purchasing your new sofa, you can choose the Protexx Stain Service with a term of three years. Upon delivery, you will receive a Protexx maintenance kit including a service certificate.
You spray the sofa directly out of the packaging with the included fibre spray. Always follow the instructions on the spray can. After treatment, the sofa needs 6 to 12 hours to dry in a well-ventilated room.
The PFAS-free protective spray is water-based and provides every fibre with an invisible protective layer, without affecting the appearance or comfort of the fabric. The fibre spray protects against most stains on a water-, oil- and grease-based.
Think, for example, of common stains from food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, chocolate milk, fruit juice, tomato sauce, ketchup or chocolate paste.
Important to know: the Protexx Stain Service is intended for existing stains and not for regular soiling. Not all types of stains are covered by the service either. Stains caused by ink, jeans and make-up are excluded, for example.
Therefore, keep your original 4x6 sofa invoice and the service certificate safe. If you cannot remove a stain yourself, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days using the contact details on the service certificate.
Why is a modular sofa convenient for a family?
A modular sofa can be particularly convenient for a family because you have more freedom in the configuration. You assemble the sofa from separate elements and can therefore better take into account the number of seats, the shape of the living room and changing living preferences.
Perhaps you currently mainly need sufficient play space. Later, you may want a larger seating area where everyone can sit together. Then it is convenient if you have already considered a sofa that can adapt to that when making the original choice.
At 4x6 sofa, all six sofa models are modular. You can combine the separate parts into, for example, a straight sofa, corner sofa or seating island. Which sofa suits your family is not determined only by the number of seats. The desired seating comfort, appearance and available space also play a role.
View the modular sofas from 4x6 sofa to compare the different models and possibilities.
6 extra tips for a child-friendly seating area
The sofa is only one part of a child-friendly living room. With a few practical choices, you make the entire seating area more pleasant for daily family use.
-
Keep walkways clear. Ensure there is enough space to easily walk past the sofa and other furniture.
-
Leave enough play space. A large sofa is nice, but not if there is hardly any floor space left for children to play.
-
Make storage easy. A basket, cabinet or drawer near the seating area helps to quickly tidy up toys.
-
Choose flexible furniture. A separate pouf or stool can be used as an extra seat or footrest and is easy to move.
-
Look at the seating area from a child's height. Pay attention to sharp corners and items that can easily fall over, for example.
-
Think about where food is eaten and drinks are consumed. The more intensively the sofa is used, the more important a practical fabric choice and proper maintenance become.
Frequently asked questions about a sofa with children
What is the best fabric for a sofa with children?
There is no single best sofa fabric for every family. Above all, look at the durability, texture and maintenance instructions of the specific upholstery fabric. The colour and texture also determine how quickly small stains or signs of use become visible.
Is a light sofa sensible with children?
Yes, that is perfectly fine. A light sofa is not automatically impractical. A mottled light fabric can, for example, make small signs of use stand out less than a completely plain fabric. Therefore, look at the combination of colour, texture and maintenance instead of only how light or dark a sofa is.
Is a fabric sofa suitable for a family with young children?
Yes. A fabric sofa can perfectly suit a family with young children when you choose a suitable upholstery fabric and know how to maintain it. Therefore, check the properties and maintenance instructions of the chosen fabric before purchasing.
What should I do if my child makes a mess on the sofa?
Dab the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth and never rub hard. Is the sofa treated with Protexx and is the stain still visible? Then use the multi-cleaner from the included maintenance kit and keep dabbing.
If you cannot remove the stain, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days. You can find the contact details on the included service certificate.
Which colour sofa is convenient with children?
There is no single colour that is most suitable for families. On a mottled fabric, small signs of use often stand out less than on a completely plain fabric. Therefore, look at the texture of the fabric as well as the colour.
Why is a modular sofa convenient with children?
A modular sofa gives you more freedom to adapt the configuration to your family and living room. You can take into account seating, play space and walkways and rearrange or expand the sofa later when your living preferences change.
A child-friendly sofa can simply be beautiful
A family with children does not mean you automatically have to choose the darkest or most practical sofa. The smartest choice is a sofa where appearance and daily use go together. Pay attention to a strong upholstery fabric, a practical colour and texture, sufficient seating space and a configuration that suits the way you live at home.
Are you unsure about the colour or fabric? View different options at home first with free colour samples. Do you mainly want to discover which model and seating comfort suit your family? Then come by our showroom to view the sofas and try sitting on them. You are always welcome, even without an appointment.
Want to be sure that one of our advisors has plenty of time for you? Then you can make an appointment in advance. This is not mandatory: dropping in spontaneously is of course also possible.
A child-friendly sofa should above all suit the way you live. Therefore, pay attention not only to its appearance, but also to the fabric, colour, configuration, maintenance and the space your family needs. Are you looking for a sofa for a family with children? Then look for a durable, easy-care fabric, a practical colour, sufficient seating and a configuration that suits your lifestyle. A modular sofa is useful if you want to be able to change the configuration later.
What should a child-friendly sofa meet?
A good sofa for a family does not need to be indestructible. In fact, such a thing does not exist. However, you can make choices when purchasing that will make your sofa better suited to intensive daily use.
Pay particular attention to:
- a strong upholstery fabric suitable for intensive use;
- a fabric that you can properly care for according to the maintenance instructions;
- a colour and texture on which small stains and crumbs do not immediately stand out;
- sufficient seating space for the whole family;
- a configuration that suits playing, watching TV and relaxing;
- flexibility when your family or living space changes in the future.
So think beyond just: which sofa do I like? A sofa that is used daily for playing, eating, reading and watching television simply requires different choices than a sofa that mainly sits in a quiet living room.
Which sofa configuration is convenient with children?
The best configuration depends on the size of your family, the available space and the way you use the sofa. Do not only look at the number of seats you need now, but also at how that use may change in the coming years.
Young children may still sit with their parents on the sofa regularly. A few years later, they may take up more space themselves or have friends over.
Therefore, consider beforehand how many people usually sit on the sofa at the same time, whether you mainly sit upright or like to relax, how much play and walking space around the sofa is needed and whether you want to be able to add extra seating later.
A modular sofa is interesting in a family situation because the sofa is composed of separate elements. This allows you to choose a configuration that suits your living room and family and rearrange or expand it later.
Which sofa fabric is suitable for children?
When choosing a sofa with children, pay particular attention to the properties of the specific upholstery fabric and not just the name of the material. Durability, weave and maintenance ultimately say more about practical use.
An important property to pay attention to is the Martindale value. Martindale is a test method used to assess the durability of upholstery fabrics. For a sofa that is used intensively by the whole family every day, durability is particularly relevant.
The texture of the fabric also plays a role. A very smooth, plain fabric looks different and shows signs of use differently than a coarser or mottled fabric. Therefore, do not only look at a fabric on a screen, but preferably feel and inspect it in person.
Ultimately, a fabric should not only be practical. You look at your sofa every day and probably sit on it every day. The colour, texture and feel of the fabric should therefore also simply suit you.
Want to know more about the different fabrics? Then read our comprehensive blog: Which fabric should you choose for your new sofa?
Which colour sofa is practical with children?
A dark sofa is not automatically more practical than a light sofa. Above all, the texture and colour shade of the fabric determine how quickly small crumbs, hairs or spots become visible.
A mottled fabric can be practical, for example. Because different shades are woven together, small signs of use often stand out less than on a completely plain fabric.
This also means that you do not have to write off a light sofa from the outset when you have children. A light sofa can fit perfectly in a family if the properties of the fabric suit daily use.
Are you torn between different colours or fabrics? Order free colour samples and look at them at home in daylight and in the evening. This way, you will not only see which colour suits your interior, but you will also get a better idea of the fabric's texture.
What do you do if a stain gets on the sofa?
If there is a stain, act quickly: dab the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth and never rub hard. Of course, things can get on the sofa with children, but by acting quickly and in the right way, you prevent rubbing the stain further into the fabric.
Is your sofa treated with Protexx and is the stain stubborn? Then the included maintenance kit contains a multi-cleaner. Use this exclusively with a dabbing motion as well and follow the instructions in the maintenance kit.
If you cannot remove the stain, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days. You can find the contact details on the service certificate that is included with the maintenance kit. If necessary, Protexx can arrange a professional cleaner.
Can you give a sofa extra protection against stains?
When purchasing your new sofa, you can choose the Protexx Stain Service with a term of three years. Upon delivery, you will receive a Protexx maintenance kit including a service certificate.
You spray the sofa directly out of the packaging with the included fibre spray. Always follow the instructions on the spray can. After treatment, the sofa needs 6 to 12 hours to dry in a well-ventilated room.
The PFAS-free protective spray is water-based and provides every fibre with an invisible protective layer, without affecting the appearance or comfort of the fabric. The fibre spray protects against most stains on a water-, oil- and grease-based.
Think, for example, of common stains from food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, chocolate milk, fruit juice, tomato sauce, ketchup or chocolate paste.
Important to know: the Protexx Stain Service is intended for existing stains and not for regular soiling. Not all types of stains are covered by the service either. Stains caused by ink, jeans and make-up are excluded, for example.
Therefore, keep your original 4x6 sofa invoice and the service certificate safe. If you cannot remove a stain yourself, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days using the contact details on the service certificate.
Why is a modular sofa convenient for a family?
A modular sofa can be particularly convenient for a family because you have more freedom in the configuration. You assemble the sofa from separate elements and can therefore better take into account the number of seats, the shape of the living room and changing living preferences.
Perhaps you currently mainly need sufficient play space. Later, you may want a larger seating area where everyone can sit together. Then it is convenient if you have already considered a sofa that can adapt to that when making the original choice.
At 4x6 sofa, all six sofa models are modular. You can combine the separate parts into, for example, a straight sofa, corner sofa or seating island. Which sofa suits your family is not determined only by the number of seats. The desired seating comfort, appearance and available space also play a role.
View the modular sofas from 4x6 sofa to compare the different models and possibilities.
6 extra tips for a child-friendly seating area
The sofa is only one part of a child-friendly living room. With a few practical choices, you make the entire seating area more pleasant for daily family use.
- Keep walkways clear. Ensure there is enough space to easily walk past the sofa and other furniture.
- Leave enough play space. A large sofa is nice, but not if there is hardly any floor space left for children to play.
- Make storage easy. A basket, cabinet or drawer near the seating area helps to quickly tidy up toys.
- Choose flexible furniture. A separate pouf or stool can be used as an extra seat or footrest and is easy to move.
- Look at the seating area from a child's height. Pay attention to sharp corners and items that can easily fall over, for example.
- Think about where food is eaten and drinks are consumed. The more intensively the sofa is used, the more important a practical fabric choice and proper maintenance become.
Frequently asked questions about a sofa with children
What is the best fabric for a sofa with children?
There is no single best sofa fabric for every family. Above all, look at the durability, texture and maintenance instructions of the specific upholstery fabric. The colour and texture also determine how quickly small stains or signs of use become visible.
Is a light sofa sensible with children?
Yes, that is perfectly fine. A light sofa is not automatically impractical. A mottled light fabric can, for example, make small signs of use stand out less than a completely plain fabric. Therefore, look at the combination of colour, texture and maintenance instead of only how light or dark a sofa is.
Is a fabric sofa suitable for a family with young children?
Yes. A fabric sofa can perfectly suit a family with young children when you choose a suitable upholstery fabric and know how to maintain it. Therefore, check the properties and maintenance instructions of the chosen fabric before purchasing.
What should I do if my child makes a mess on the sofa?
Dab the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth and never rub hard. Is the sofa treated with Protexx and is the stain still visible? Then use the multi-cleaner from the included maintenance kit and keep dabbing.
If you cannot remove the stain, contact the Protexx Stain Service within 2 working days. You can find the contact details on the included service certificate.
Which colour sofa is convenient with children?
There is no single colour that is most suitable for families. On a mottled fabric, small signs of use often stand out less than on a completely plain fabric. Therefore, look at the texture of the fabric as well as the colour.
Why is a modular sofa convenient with children?
A modular sofa gives you more freedom to adapt the configuration to your family and living room. You can take into account seating, play space and walkways and rearrange or expand the sofa later when your living preferences change.
A child-friendly sofa can simply be beautiful
A family with children does not mean you automatically have to choose the darkest or most practical sofa. The smartest choice is a sofa where appearance and daily use go together. Pay attention to a strong upholstery fabric, a practical colour and texture, sufficient seating space and a configuration that suits the way you live at home.
Are you unsure about the colour or fabric? View different options at home first with free colour samples. Do you mainly want to discover which model and seating comfort suit your family? Then come by our showroom to view the sofas and try sitting on them. You are always welcome, even without an appointment.
Want to be sure that one of our advisors has plenty of time for you? Then you can make an appointment in advance. This is not mandatory: dropping in spontaneously is of course also possible.
