Understanding Microfiber
Microfiber was developed in Japan in the 1970s and commercially refined in Europe during the 1980s. Each microfiber strand is approximately 1/100th the diameter of a human hair, and this extreme fineness gives the fabric its distinctive properties. When woven densely, microfiber creates an incredibly soft surface that mimics the feel of suede or brushed cotton. The tight weave also makes it naturally resistant to moisture penetration, stains, and dust mites. In furniture upholstery, microfiber gained massive popularity in the 2000s as a family-friendly alternative to natural fabrics — it resists spills, repels pet hair, and cleans easily. The technology has improved significantly since early versions, with modern microfiber available in textures that convincingly simulate suede, velvet, and leather at a fraction of the cost.
Microfiber in Interior Design
Microfiber's role in interior design is primarily practical — it is the workhorse fabric for homes with children, pets, and high-traffic use. Microfiber sofas and sectionals dominate the family-friendly furniture market because they withstand daily wear, resist staining, and clean with just water or mild soap. Beyond upholstery, microfiber appears in bedding (sheets and duvet covers), curtains, and throw pillows. The fabric's versatility extends to visual texture: microfiber suede adds warmth to casual and contemporary spaces, while microfiber velvet offers a budget-friendly alternative to natural velvet for accent pillows and headboards. The main design limitation is that microfiber can look and feel synthetic compared to natural fabrics, so designers often reserve it for practical applications rather than high-end decorative moments.
