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Ask anyone with an eye for design, and they’ll tell you: white sofas are stunning. The neutral color is versatile and will fit with any décor, color scheme, or aesthetic. They never go out of style and are easily accented with colorful or patterned pillows and throws.
On the other side of the debate are those who are fiercely opposed to white sofas. As the argument goes, not only are they impractical, but they stain easily and can quickly look dirty and dingy.
White couches have the potential to be stunning focal points in your home design or a headache that requires constant cleaning. To get to the bottom of this heated debate, we asked eight homeowners their opinion on their white couches: Do you love it or are you already looking for a replacement?
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Depending on your personal look, white couches can create a perfect, blended look with white, well-lit space. They can also act as a crisp, bright contrast in a darker, moody design.
While pure white fabric is what likely comes to mind, there are numerous shades and variations of white, including off-white, cream, and ivory. The shade you choose is as personal to you as the rest of your interior design.
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According to one white couch fan, it’s a good idea to make sure you can at least remove your covers so you can wash them regularly. Not only does this help them look clean, but it’s hygienic as well. This is what Katie does, who writes that her sofa “…is now 3 years old and showing no dirt. It has been very pet friendly.”
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Jennifer echoed this sentiment as well. “We have… two kids under five and a dog. No regrets, but we have washable covers and an extra set so that we aren’t waiting when we clean it.” Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if extra covers are available to help you keep that white fabric clean and stain-free!
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You should also consider the type of fabric for your white sofa to make sure it’s up to the challenges of pets, kids, and daily wear-and-tear. “Loveeee mine,” wrote Chelsea. “…got high-performance fabric just in case and it looks great 2 years later.”
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Depending on your family and lifestyle, it’s a great idea to set some ground rules about your white furniture. Setting boundaries about eating or drinking, pets, and even shoes on the furniture are key to protecting the fabric and keeping it looking clean.
Amanda ultimately decided against a white sofa, but she wrote, “I’m still sad we don’t have a white one… I think it’s possible to keep it looking nice, just don’t eat or drink on it, don’t let your animals on it, and don’t let the kids jump on it…”
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There’s also the argument that a white couch can make a space look washed out, especially if it already features white walls and is accessorized with other white furniture. If you want a similar look, there are other color options that require less maintenance and cleaning, such as light gray, beige, or even bright, rich colors for a modern look.
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Having a white sofa is great – if you can make sure that it doesn’t get mistreated. And if you have small children, that is easier said than done. The white fabric will show any and all stains and it can become a constant source of stress to keep it looking clean.
“I regret mine,” says Ashley, “but I have 2 toddlers and a big black dog. I’m scared to sit on it and am constantly cleaning it. I wish we would have done light gray.”
April agreed, sharing that her husband likes to eat and drink on their couch. “I am constantly washing the covers and cleaning the armrests, and they still look dingy to me. It is a performance fabric too.”
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One of the most obvious reasons that so many interior designers steer away from white couches is the high likelihood of stains. The white fabric will show any and all dirt and grime and it can become a constant source of stress to keep it looking clean.
You also can’t control what stains may stick and which will come out, as Sharon knows from first-hand experience. “Had one in my last house,” she says, “and loved how it looked at first—then people with dark blue jeans sat on it and the dye transfer will never come off. Ever. Professional cleaners were consistent in saying it can’t be removed.”
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White fabric requires a significant amount of cleaning and maintenance to preserve its appearance. If you’re not willing to put the time and effort into its upkeep, it’s inevitable that it will start to show.
Make sure you consider your priorities. Does having a clean and spotless home one of your values? If so, are you willing to spend the energy on regular cleanings in order to maintain that?
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This was Bonnie’s question. “I stay for 3 months in Florida in a condo with white leather couches. I can wipe them off but… I have to cover them with blankets for fear an ink pen or something will appear. It doesn’t lend for a very comfortable stay. Is that how you want to live?”
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Depending on your lifestyle, priorities, and preferences, white sofas may be an excellent choice for you. Their neutral appearance and classic, timeless style mean they’ll work with your changing aesthetic for years to come.
However, many homeowners agree that they’re more problematic than stylish – especially when pets and children live in the home. In that case, you’re probably better off achieving a similar look with a light fabric that doesn’t come with all the headaches.
If you’re looking to spark new ideas for your own home design, make sure you look through our collections for some inspiration!
