There is something magical about entering a living area and seeing a pristine white couch, waiting there, like a fresh bed of snow, to receive you into the lap of luxury. At least, that’s how many of us see a glorious white couch or sofa.
Yet, is a white couch the best idea for your home? And if you are ready to become someone who owns the much-debated-and-sometimes-dreaded white couch, which white couch should you invest in? We’ve got you covered with all the info on which couch to consider, what fabric to choose, and where to get the best white couches this season in this best white couch ideas guide.
Why Would You Get a White Couch?
There are many reasons why you may consider a white sofa or couch as an investment in your home’s décor scheme. Consider that:
- A white couch offers a pure shape and can blend seamlessly with any style or design you are trying to create.
- In small rooms, having a large white sofa can create the illusion of space, which is ideal for small-scale living in modern apartments.
- While you may believe white to be a dirt magnet, it doesn’t show dust as easily as black or other dark fabrics do. A white couch can easily be dry-cleaned, where other color fabrics may fade, run, or stain with the chemical process of washing or dry-cleaning.
- A white couch creates the impression of style and opulence. It brings order to a busy décor style and it can also soothe a busy room by creating a quiet space.
- A white sofa presents a blank canvas where you can arrange and display your prized draperies or have some fun with great scatter cushions.
- Compared to the same couch in many other colors, a white couch is always simply striking. It seems to be right out of the pins on Pinterest or some glamor magazine. Why wouldn’t you want that?
Before You Get a White Couch, Read This!
So before you jump in, or take the plunge, and buy that white sofa you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest, there are a few things to consider. These may dissuade you from buying a white couch, and with good reason!
Are You a Couch Person?
If you live on your couch, as in eating pizza there, watching Netflix with your feet up and a glass of Bordeaux in hand, or snoozing there in the afternoon with your doggos for company, then a white sofa may not be the best idea.
Sofas tend to be areas where we mess, clean up, and mess again. And while a white couch can be cleaned, it does take a bit more work, and repeated cleaning won’t win your love, will it?
Are You the Only Person Who Will Use the White Couch?
If you’re the only one using the sofa, you can take precautions to keep it pristine and white. When you have a family or kids with sticky hands or pets with muddy paws, then a white sofa will become the cause of discontent. You are going to be fighting with everyone to “respect the sofa” and stay off it. Will this be worth it for you?
Do You Have Time To Clean for the Pristine?
Cleaning to maintain your white couch will mean you need to clean often, and even if you opt for slipcovers, you will have to remove them, wash them, iron them, and replace them on the seat cushions. This takes time, and you may not have that time available.
Your Cleaning Routine Will Change
Other fabrics and colors may offer easier cleaning than white fabric. Spot cleaning, surface treatments, and wiping down will not necessarily work on white fabrics as it does on colored fabrics. This may mean you’ll have to invest in an expensive cleaning machine, or high-end chemicals to clean up spots and occasional messes.
Your Choice May Be Material Dependent
Before you hop on board and buy a white couch, you need to consider that there are many different fabric or material choices of white upholstery for sofas and couches. Not all fabric is created equal.
While you may consider white leather to be easier to care for, this may not always be true, depending on the kinds of stains your couch may encounter. A white suede may give you a luxurious feel, but it may also drink up wine stains and refuse to be dry-cleaned. More on the best choices of white fabric later.
Owning a white couch is a big commitment. It’s not for everyone, but if you can commit to the duty of keeping it clean and ensuring it doesn’t become a battlefield of pizza, wine, and crayons, then your white sofa may become the most pleasurable piece of furniture in your home.
Types of White Couches
White couches look really stunning, no matter their design. Considering your overall design and décor scheme, you may choose any one of the following styles of couches.
How to Choose the Best White Couch Ever
Don’t Stuff It Up!
While you may be looking at the fabric, you shouldn’t neglect the padding or stuffing of the seat cushions, armrest, and backrest. Poor padding can result in a wrinkled appearance, which will be that much more visible on white upholstery.
Ensure you choose a sofa or couch that is firmly padded and has quality springs in the seat to prevent the padding from sagging with time and use. There’s no point in using great fabric on a poorly padded sofa.
Fabric Choices
There are a few fabric choices that are ideal for white upholstery on couches. Consider the following:
Go Natural
Linen is a great choice as it is naturally stain-resistant, and it washes well if it is high quality and already stonewashed. The fibers of linen are easily washable, making it an ideal choice for slipcovers.
Leather is also a good choice if there are no pets with sharp nails or claws in the house. However, be warned that leather is not chemical friendly, and if you stain your sofa with something tenacious like a deep red port wine, you may end up with a permanent stain.
Leather also can’t be dry-cleaned or machine washed. It is only helpful to wipe down or use a spot treatment, and you should clean spills immediately to prevent them from staining.
Consider Synthetic
Synthetic fibers may be more stain-resistant as the manufacturers can build in scotch-guarding or other methods of repelling stains. This may result in a fabric that naturally repels liquids. Wine slides off harmlessly and coffee beads run off without causing major damage.
Unfortunately, this may reduce the luxurious feel, and synthetic fabrics can have unpredictable results with chemical cleaning, but it is usually a safer bet. Faux leather or vinyl is a traditional option for upholstery that’s been proven to last, no matter the color.
Avoid Specific Textures and Patterns
While there is nothing as beautiful as a lovely textured or embossed fabric, it can become a stain hoarder, with granules and pigment gathering in the design. If you opt for a lesser quality damask embossed fabric, you could also see the pattern rubbing off as the sofa sees some use.
Textured fabric can be a good choice if the texture is uniform and doesn’t act like a cheese grater to catch lint and other soil particles. By breaking up the surface slightly, a good texture can hide stains and the minor imperfections that may result from cleaning better. Natural linen texture is an example of a good texture for white upholstery.
Protect Your White Couch
Before you swipe that card or write that check, you should check whether your new couch’s fabric is stain-proof. Has it been treated for stain prevention with something like Fiberguard or Scotchgard? If not, can it be treated?
Cleaning Your White Sofa
Okay, so the crud hit the fan, and you’re sitting with a mess on your white sofa or couch. Now what? How do you clean it?
High-quality couches usually come with cleaning instructions (keep them safe when your sofa is delivered). Have the right cleaning chemicals as per the manufacturer’s instructions handy. There’s no point in trying to clean up the stain the next day as you didn’t have product X on hand.
Always react swiftly when there’s a stain—no, that doesn’t mean yelling at the culprit—and blot up the excess mess so you can limit the stain size. Use paper toweling to gently dab at the mess and avoid scraping at it as this will only rub that bowl of lasagna deeper into the fibers. Just dab lightly to remove excess food or liquids.
Take an appropriate cleaning solution, which can be anything from bleach to dishwashing liquid, depending on the fabric of your sofa, and apply with a soft sponge or firmly bristled brush. Work from the outside in, thereby treating only the spot, not enlarging it. Again, dab up excess food and liquids, and repeat until the stain is removed. Dry naturally, letting your fabric breathe.
Guide to the Best White Couches and Sofas
We chose the recommendations based on affordability, ease of use, availability, and positive customer reviews.
Best White Double Couches
A good option is the Newberg Platinum Sofa and Loveseat set. This set is compact, has clean lines that make it ideal for any décor style, from country to contemporary, and it offers the value for money of being a two-piece deal.
The couch has the traditional three-seat arrangement, while the love seat is a two-seater. The fabric is high-quality soft platinum white chenille, which is durable and easily cleaned. The sofa comes with matching scatter pillows, which can help you create a specific look from the start, or you can mix things up and add your own scatter pillows to make something unique.
The bottom edge is classically upholstered with upholstery nails with a pewter head trim, and the padding and springs of the sofa and loveseat are of high quality. The comfort coil seating is durable and will ensure the fabric doesn’t pull or wrinkle with poor padding.
Sturdy wooden legs ensure this couch and loveseat combination is durable and can carry the load of many visitors and an active lifestyle. There is also a combination of the swivel chair and matching ottoman that is upholstered in the same fabric as the scatter pillows.
A double couch set or the traditional combination of a couch and a loveseat are great to help enlarge a smaller space. In a small-scale apartment, it is often better to get a set of two couches or a couch and loveseat combination as this will occupy less floor space than a full lounge suit or single-seater units. With the addition of white upholstery, a set of couches will really open up the space and create the illusion of the area being bigger than it is.
If you don’t like a couch and loveseat combination, you can shop for a twin couch set too or you can buy two loveseats and use these as a couch combination. The options are endless, and by using two couches, you create a much more compact seating arrangement, which will make your space seem clutter-free and inviting.
Best White Slipcover Sofa
Often, the best idea to keep your white sofa sparkly white is to buy a slipcover couch. This ensures you can slip off the covers, wash, iron, and slip them back on. While this process may not be for the faint-hearted as it can be quite labor-intensive, it does offer you a fresh and clean way to maintain your white couch.
The best white slipcover sofa we’ve come across is the Veana 84” Rolled Arm Slipcovered Sofa Bed with Reversible Cushions by Wayfair. At a price that’s hard to beat, this couch is a steal. While not a traditional three-seater, the two-seater is larger than a loveseat, and it has ample enough space to seat three people comfortably.
As an additional bonus, this sofa opens up to a full-size bed for unexpected visitors who stay the night. Not only is the sofa available in different shades of white (because white isn’t just white), but it is also available in over 50 different colors and is a classic beach-house pattern of stripes.
If you are unsure of whether this fabric is going to be suitable or if the white is going to be too white for your space, you can easily order fabric samples to try out at home. And, to make this slipcover couch more welcome in your home, you can choose from several customization options available through the manufacturer.
The upholstery is a high-quality fabric, and depending on the color you choose, it can be 100% cotton or a blend of polyurethane and polyester. The white finish we chose, with the catchy color name of classic beach white, is 100% cotton, which is easy to clean.
With an eye on comfort and durability, the pillows and seats are all down-filled, offering support and comfort. The couch frame is solid and manufactured wood, with plastic legs that are concealed by a pleated skirt. To further ease your worries, the couch comes with a lifetime warranty (though this obviously doesn’t cover the upholstery against stains).
If you choose a slipcover sofa, the best option is to choose something with reversible cushions and seats and to opt for a natural fabric like cotton or linen as these will be less likely to shrink with washing.
Best Textured White Couch
While a white sofa is serene, it need not be boring. A fine-quality textured fabric can make all the difference. However, instead of opting for a texture that will create cleaning nightmares for you, perhaps rather choose a quality semi-smooth texture like the Selzer 69.68” Vegan Leather Square Arm Sofa by George Oliver.
This classic sofa is ideal for a lounge, living room, passageway, or study. It can even add some real focus to a bedroom. The fabric is faux leather with a unique textured feel that is clean and organic at the same time. The PVC fabric is high quality, and best of all, it is a breeze to clean. Simply wipe any spills with a dry cloth, and if necessary, you can wipe with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water.
With rubberwood tapered legs, this sofa is a real classic. The single-seat cushion has the capacity to seat three comfortably, despite it being a loveseat. With a quality foam cushion and reinforcing due to the tufting in the upholstery, the seat will retain its shape better than untufted upholstery.
The support system is based on inner springs, and you can rest assured the fabric won’t make lines or pleats with use. While there is assembly required, it is fairly easy to put the sofa together as the arms and sofa back simply slot into place.
With the PVC leather upholstery, which is also known as vegan leather, you can be assured of the best maintenance possibilities. While the fabric isn’t water repellent, it is resistant to soaking up that glass of sauvignon blanc you poured so carelessly.
Best White Genuine Leather Couch
Looking for that classic contemporary look in a longer-length sofa? White genuine leather upholstery? Check! Then the Adalaide 85” Genuine Leather Sofa is ideal for you. This three-seater has ample seating space, and the frame is sturdy enough to support 600 pounds easily.
The white genuine leather upholstery is fitted with a zipper to allow for easy removal for cleaning purposes. Part of Kardiel’s Eleanor series, this couch is a classic reminiscent of the 1950s, and it will make a powerful statement in your home.
You can rest assured of the quality of the leather upholstery as it’s full-grain leather, which is the best quality and most durable of leathers. Manufactured from full-grain Aniline dyed leather that has been finished using natural oils and waxes, this ensures the softest touch possible.
With steel springs and an S-spring encased in heavy-duty fire retardant foam that prevents sagging, the Adalaide is a comfortable seat that you’ll want to lounge around in for hours on end.
Add a few bright scatter pillows to create some accent points, and build your look around this feature sofa with minimal effort and maximum style.
Best White Sectional Sofa
A sectional sofa is a statement that most people simply can’t do without. Sectionals are neither sofas nor couches, and they’re not love seats either. Yet, they are a bit of all these. A high-quality sectional in white is a powerful statement of comfort and luxury to have in your home.
The Bevis 86″ Wide Revolution Performance Fabrics® Reversible Sofa & Chaise by Mercury Row is just such a sectional. Position it as a typical sectional, or create a love seat with a chaise on its own. The white fabric is of high quality, and the foam cushion seats over sinuous springs are sturdy enough to promise long-term use.
The frame and legs are solid wood, with the legs cut in a classical tapered finish. This ensures a load capacity of 800 pounds or four people is seated at one time. Opt-in for the additional ottoman and expand on the length of the chaise with the ottoman as an extra seat.
Cleaning is a breeze. Simply dry-wipe or use a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. And with a one-year warranty, you can rest assured you will be getting a quality buy.
Best Curved White Sofa
A curved white sofa is a statement in itself. There is something organic and uber futuristic about curved sofas or couches, and they can be a really fun way to liven up a dreary room. We love the Deans 76” Sofa by Wayfair for its simplistic elegance.
Constructed from solid wood, this is a real weight carrier with a capacity of 800 pounds, meaning you can pack a whole bunch of friends onto it for a girls’ day. The premium boucle upholstery is handcrafted, and it has a very classic feel to it. Cushions are filled with fiber-wrapped foam, making for a sturdy seat over a web suspension.
Manufactured from high-quality pine and with corner joints reinforced for better quality, this is a long-lasting sofa that won’t let you down. The year-long warranty gives you plenty of time to sit around as you determine this stunning eye-piece sofa’s worth.
Best Budget White Couch
While you may turn to Ikea for shelves and other case goods, you can also go there for the best budget white couch that is comfortable and high quality. The HÄRLANDA loveseat, in inseros white, is an unbeatable budget two-seater couch, and it is ideal for any décor scheme.
With deep pocket cushions with spring seats, the HÄRLANDA is a comfortable seat padded with high resilience foam and loose polyester fibers to ensure that sink-into-comfort, setting a really great couch apart from the ordinary.
The seat covers can be removed and fully washed, which ensures cleaning accidental stains is a breeze. The seats and arm covers are all upholstered in 100% cotton, while the rest of the sofa is covered in high-quality polyester blended fabric.
With a close-fitting cut, the seat covers fit as well as a fully upholstered cover. Since the fabric is 100% cotton, you can wash and or dry-clean them as needed without fear of shrinking or staining. And the whopping 10-year warranty will definitely ensure your peace of mind.
Best Off-White Couch
Okay, so while this review is all about white sofas and couches, not everyone is ready to commit to a super neon white sofa just yet. Off-white or cream can be the next step up, which is why we’re including one such feature here. The Majorca 90” Sofa is an ideal cream-colored, fully upholstered couch that will provide a stunning anchor to your décor scheme.
This three-seater has a solid wood frame and a carrying capacity of a stunning 1,000 pounds. It’s ideal for a home with kids and pets as the cream-colored polyester blend upholstery is tear-resistant and cleans easily. You can expect comfortable seating with the web-supported cushions that feature foam and loose fiber filling so it will retain its shape for longer. The seats are further supported by a platform coil as suspension.
Note this couch requires a larger doorway of 26 inches to clear when you plan delivery, and there will be full assembly required. However, even with these considerations, it is a stunning and comfortable addition to any living space.
Best White Couch Ideas FAQs
Question: How do you ensure white couches stay clean?
Answer: White couches can be a nightmare to clean, but keeping them clean is simply a matter of getting ahead of the stain. Here’s how:
- Choose a slipcover: Adding a slipcover will ensure your sofa is spared the brunt of stains, and you can cheaply change out slipcovers instead of having to reupholster your whole couch. A well-fitting slipcover can ensure a luxurious look with minimal effort.
- Pre-treat your couch covers: By choosing the pretreated fabric as upholstery or adding a pretreatment spray to repel dirt and stains, you will be one up on any spills and messes.
- Keep your cleaners ready: Don’t wait to clean up spills or ugly spots that have magically appeared. Keep your couch cleaners ready. Handy wipes or spot spray treatments are ideal to clean up your white sofa. Don’t wait for the party to be over before you treat a spot of spilled red wine. Blot, spray, dab, and be done with the stain in a matter of minutes, or you’ll face a massive problem the next morning.
- Respect your white couch: While you know what your couch costs (and how much effort it can be to keep it clean), other people such as your children or visitors don’t. Have a few ground rules to keep your white sofa white for longer and negate the need to clean constantly. Simple rules like “no feet on the sofa” or “dogs off the sofa” can make a huge difference. If these are too hard to implement with really young children, then opt for a loose sofa cover or drape that can be washed weekly.
Question: What colors go with white couches?
Answer: Anything goes with white couches, but muted tones really complement white upholstery much better. Opt for subdued blues, grays, and browns to create a harmonious finish. If you do choose one accent color, then keep it simple and striking.
Question: Do white leather couches turn yellow?
Answer: Leather is a chemically treated natural product, and when it is exposed to air and sunlight, it experiences oxidation, which can yellow the surface. White leather shows this most, which is why you should avoid positioning your white leather sofa in direct sunlight or in a drafty room.
FAQs
Question: How do you ensure white couches stay clean?
Answer: White couches can be a nightmare to clean, but keeping them clean is simply a matter of getting ahead of the stain. Here’s how:
Choose a slipcover: Adding a slipcover will ensure your sofa is spared the brunt of stains, and you can cheaply change out slipcovers instead of having to reupholster your whole couch. A well-fitting slipcover can ensure a luxurious look with minimal effort.
Pre-treat your couch covers: By choosing the pretreated fabric as upholstery or adding a pretreatment spray to repel dirt and stains, you will be one up on any spills and messes.
Keep your cleaners ready: Don’t wait to clean up spills or ugly spots that have magically appeared. Keep your couch cleaners ready.
Handy wipes or spot spray treatments are ideal to clean up your white sofa. Don’t wait for the party to be over before you treat a spot of spilled red wine. Blot, spray, dab, and be done with the stain in a matter of minutes, or you’ll face a massive problem the next morning.
Respect your white couch: While you know what your couch costs (and how much effort it can be to keep it clean), other people such as your children or visitors don’t. Have a few ground rules to keep your white sofa white for longer and negate the need to clean constantly.
Simple rules like “no feet on the sofa” or “dogs off the sofa” can make a huge difference. If these are too hard to implement with really young children, then opt for a loose sofa cover or drape that can be washed weekly.
Question: What colors go with white couches?
Answer: Anything goes with white couches, but muted tones really complement white upholstery much better. Opt for subdued blues, grays, and browns to create a harmonious finish. If you do choose one accent color, then keep it simple and striking.
Question: Do white leather couches turn yellow?
Answer: Leather is a chemically treated natural product, and when it is exposed to air and sunlight, it experiences oxidation, which can yellow the surface. White leather shows this most, which is why you should avoid positioning your white leather sofa in direct sunlight or in a drafty room.
The Last Sitting
Adding a quality white couch to your home is a dream to many homeowners. It need not be something you adore and fear, and with some careful preparation and care, you can ensure your white couch remains pristine and luxurious for years to come. So take the plunge and add that white couch of your dreams to your home today.
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