Why Corduroy Couches Are Back — and How to Choose One

Run a hand along corduroy and you notice the ribs straight away. They also catch light across the upholstery, giving a solid-colored couch some variation without a pattern. That's a useful quality in a room where you want the fabric to provide texture.

Corduroy can look familiar without needing a retro room around it. A wood table or a plain rug gives it plenty to work with.

What the texture adds

The raised ribs, often called wales, are what give corduroy its look. Beside a smooth tabletop, the difference between the two surfaces is easy to see.

On our black 96-inch L-shaped couch, that texture continues across the regular seating and the chaise. Leave some of it visible instead of covering the whole couch with cushions and throws.

Look at black upholstery in your daytime and evening light. A nearby lamp may show the ribs more clearly than an overhead light. If you already have a patterned rug, try a plain cushion before introducing another pattern.

What sits beneath the fabric

The upholstery is only the surface you touch. Individually pocketed coils and high-density foam provide the cushioning and support in this model.

Think about how you sit when choosing the shape. A chaise gives you somewhere to stretch out. If you spend more time upright, compare the seat height and usable depth with furniture you already find comfortable.

Living with corduroy

Vacuum regularly along the ribs to remove dust and crumbs. If something spills, blot it with a clean cloth rather than rubbing it into the fabric. Follow the care directions for the selected model before using a cleaner.

Our corduroy is described as pet-friendly for everyday living, which still leaves room for ordinary care. It isn't scratch-proof or stain-proof. If removable or machine-washable covers are a priority, confirm those features before ordering.

Keep a throw where you actually use it, and keep the part of the chaise where your feet go clear. The fabric doesn't need much decoration to show its texture.