Boucle vs Sherpa: Which Furniture Fabric is Right For You?
Have you ever found yourself standing in a furniture store, running your hands over different fabric samples, lost in the myriad choices available to you? Or, in this day and age, it’s more likely you’re shopping online trying to zoom in on photos to get a better glimpse of what subtle differences exist between two of the most popular choices: boucle vs sherpa.
The luscious feel of sherpa is reminiscent of soft, plush wool - which is why it’s often compared to the textured allure of boucle, with its signature looped threads that whisper a tale of elegance and sophistication. Both fabrics have a unique appeal, each with its own story to tell. But only one of them is right for your space. Which is it?
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of boucle and sherpa fabrics. In this guide, we will unravel the threads of their distinctive features, delve into their pros and cons, and draw a comparison that will make your furniture fabric selection less of a gamble and more of a well-informed decision.
Now, if you came here just for Haute Home LA’s expert opinion on the manner, we won’t hold you in suspense. We prefer boucle over sherpa - and by the time we wrap up this conversation, you’ll understand why! That being said, let’s first dive into the difference between boucle and sherpa fabric before comparing and contrasting them side by side.
What is the Difference Between Boucle and Sherpa Fabric?
At first glance, s might seem quite similar. Both fabrics provide a sense of warmth, inviting comfort, and a visual appeal to any furniture piece. However, they have distinctive characteristics that make them stand apart in the world of upholstery fabrics.
So, to provide more context on this conversation, we’ll need to break them down individually first - starting with our personal preference, boucle fabric.
What is Boucle?
What is boucle fabric, you ask? It’s one of the most stunning, practical fabrics in the world. And it’s finally making a comeback in this modern world!
Boucle fabric is a textured, woven material known for its unique looped pile, a feature that gives it the French name "boucle", meaning "loop". This fabric originated in France and was commonly used in haute couture fashion before making its way into the realm of interior design.
Boucle has a slightly irregular texture that lends it an artisanal charm. Its complex weave of loops creates a tactile, almost knobbly texture, that adds depth and interest to any piece of furniture.
Available in a range of colors, it imparts an aura of sophisticated elegance that speaks volumes about the homeowner's refined taste. Boucle is popularly used in making couches, chairs, and cushions that are meant to stand out and invite cozy conversations. It’s clear to see why we love it so much! Now, let’s introduce the other half of this conversation.
What is Sherpa?
Sherpa fabric, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic the soft, dense, and woolly texture of sheepskin. It’s named after the Sherpa people of Nepal who wear clothing made of sheepskin. Thus, the fabric has a plush, fuzzy side, and a smooth, knitted side.
The fleece-like texture of sherpa is incredibly soft and warm, making it a popular choice for throw blankets, linings of jackets, and furniture upholstery meant for absolute comfort and snugness. sherpa imparts a casual, laid-back aesthetic that is incredibly inviting, perfect for a cozy evening curled up with a book or a leisurely conversation with loved ones.
Let’s make one thing clear before we start comparing boucle vs sherpa fabric. Each of these has its merits, and either one can serve the right purpose exceptionally well.
So, it’s not a matter of one being “better” than the other - but rather, one being the right fit for your home or office. You also need to consider which one better suits your specific tastes. This is the same debacle as choosing between a modular vs sectional sofa.
That being said, let’s compare and contrast sherpa vs boucle fabric below to help you feel more confident about which is the ideal pick for your unique situation!
Boucle vs Sherpa: Comparing and Contrasting the Two Fabrics to Help You Choose the Right One
Below, we’ll compare and contrast boucle vs sherpa furniture based on what we believe to be the most important considerations: texture, durability, maintenance, cost, style, and comfort. Then, we’ll further explain our point as to why we prefer boucle in most cases over sherpa.
Comparing the Textures
Boucle and Sherpa offer unique tactile experiences. Boucle fabric is distinctive with its irregular loops and curls, providing a unique, textured finish. It adds a level of sophistication and depth to any piece.
On the flip side, Sherpa is renowned for its soft, plush, and fuzzy texture. Designed to mimic the wool of a sheep, it's incredibly comforting and perfect for snuggling into during cold winter nights. That means on hot summer days it is not the ideal choice - but we’ll talk more about comfort specifically later on.
Assessing the Durability
In terms of durability, boucle often comes out on top. Its weaving technique, which involves complex looping, imparts strength and resilience. It's built to withstand frequent use and time.
While sherpa is exceptionally soft and comfortable, it may not be as durable as boucle. Its plush pile tends to flatten with heavy use over time, which can affect its appearance and lifespan.
While both look stunning at first, boucle looks beautiful for longer. As such, it has the edge in durability and longevity. On that note, let’s talk about the maintenance and care requirements for each respective fabric.
Comparing the Maintenance and Care Requirements
Maintenance for boucle fabric is typically straightforward. It usually requires spot cleaning for spills, and occasional professional cleaning can help it maintain its beautiful look. You can learn more in our guide on how to clean boucle fabric.
In contrast, sherpa, though machine-washable, requires a little more attention. Air-drying is recommended, and brushing it out can prevent matting, helping the fabric maintain its lush appearance.
And as mentioned earlier, even with proper maintenance and care, sherpa furniture will not last as long as its boucle counterpart. So, from an “investment” standpoint, it’s fair to say that boucle comes out on top. What about the initial cost of sherpa vs boucle fabric, though?
Cost Comparison
Just as with how much a cloud bed costs, both boucle and sherpa vary in cost depending on factors like quality and origin. Generally, boucle is a high-end fabric used in designer furniture, which can make it more expensive than sherpa.
However, its durability could make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run. You typically get what you pay for when buying furniture, and the consideration between sherpa vs boucle fabric is an excellent example of this.
Style Considerations
At a certain point, choosing between sherpa and boucle fabric comes down to assessing which style will integrate best into your existing space. For example, while you may prefer the look and feel of sherpa fabric, boucle may be better if your home or modern or minimalist. That being said, let’s talk a bit more about design/style.
Furniture with boucle tends to project a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic. Its textured surface and subtle shine make it a statement piece, fitting seamlessly into modern, contemporary, or minimalist interiors.
Sherpa, with its cozy and casual vibe, suits rustic settings. It adds a touch of warmth and comfort, creating an inviting and homely atmosphere in any space.
But, let’s be clear - you don’t have to limit yourself to these standards. If you want a boucle couch in your rustic setting, go for it. Now, let’s look at the final point of comparison in this sherpa vs boucle conversation.
Practicality and Comfort
Both fabrics offer practicality and comfort in their unique ways. Boucle, with its robust weave, is excellent for furniture that sees heavy use. Sherpa, with its soft, plush texture, is ideal for creating cozy corners and comfort-centric spaces.
As mentioned earlier, consider your climate when choosing a furniture fabric. But beyond climate, think about how you intend on using the furniture and what your own personal preferences are.
At this point, it’s time we gave our opinion on the boucle vs sherpa debate and helped you choose the right one for your space.
So, Which is Right For Your Home or Office Decor: Sherpa vs Boucle?
As we mentioned earlier, when it comes to the choice between sherpa and boucle, there is no absolute answe. It really boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your space.
However, given the factors we've discussed, boucle almost always seems to edge ahead with its robustness, aesthetic appeal, and relatively straightforward maintenance. It adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to any room, making it a versatile choice for a variety of decor styles.
As such, it’s our personal recommendation - especially as the resurgence in popularity of this fabric is just beginning! You can be ahead of the curve by choosing this fabric today.
Sherpa, with its plush and warm feel, is an excellent choice if you're looking to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. However, it may require a bit more effort in terms of care, and its durability may not match that of boucle.
At a certain point, your best bet is to get a sense of both fabrics in person at a furniture store near you - even if your heart is set on shopping online. There is nothing wrong with doing a bit of window shopping, and who knows - maybe you’ll fall in love with a piece in person!
That being said, you can’t beat the selection of high-quality, thoughtfully designed boucle beds and other furnishings in store for you at Haute Home LA. We offer furnishings that elevate your home’s aesthetic and add a touch of practicality as well. Whether you’re looking for a dining table with leaf, plush sectional sofa, a modular love seat, or even a cloud bed frame - we’ve got you covered.
We encourage you to explore our online storefront and see what catches your eye. For now, though, we’re going to wrap up this conversation and let you make your decision between sherpa vs boucle fabric.
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Boucle vs Sherpa Fabric
We hope this breakdown on boucle vs sherpa fabric has provided clarity on the key differences between these two styles, leaving you certain as to which is right for your home or office. Choosing between boucle and sherpa depends on various factors - personal taste, style, the functionality you seek from your furniture, and the time you're willing to invest in its care.
Despite the comfort and warmth that sherpa offers, boucle triumphs with its timeless appeal, resilience, and low maintenance requirements. Investing in boucle furniture means investing in pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability.
Visit Haute Home LA today to explore our vast range of boucle furniture. Experience first-hand the elegance and sophistication of boucle, and let our experts guide you in choosing pieces that will elevate your decor to new heights.
After all, we believe in not just selling furniture, but in helping create spaces that resonate with your unique style and needs. Discover the transformative power of boucle with Haute Home LA!
