Since club chairs are large and take a lot of fabric linen is usually not the best option for wear and tear. But, I would go nuetral on the light side for versitilty later. you can add throw pillows with pattern for color so they will longer and go with anything. Custom slip covers are also an option to consider in a white denim or white/off white canvas fabric that can be washed. Performance Velvet - one that is durable in a lighter tone or a faux suede. A large stripe is fun also in tan and off white. Not sure what the look is you are going for so pics would help of the room. Pottery Barn has lots of nuetral club type chairs for inspiration looks.

Why would use of the sofa make an area go bald? Polyester and Rayon vary all over the place. If it's a well-made fabric, regardless of the poly-rayon combination, I don't see why it shouldn't wear well. We are VERY HEAVY sofa users (well, we use the sofa and our Labrador Retriever uses the sofa)! My sofa's have become stained, but never have they worn away because of use. One thing that does cause a problem with upholstery fabric is denim. It will stain and abrade the fabric, any fabric (except possibly leather or vinyl). Some manufacturers will not guarantee their fabric or fabric protection treatment against denim damage.

Brutuses, I'll try to answer this as an interested consumer. I am by no means a scientist, and I can't vouch for the veracity of the tests/reports quoted in the articles I've read and linked to. If you google this, you can find a lot of alarmist type reports, which I tried to sort through and not include here. I am a fan of natural and organic, just because it makes sense. I don't want to unnecessarily alarm anyone with this info, and urge you all to do your own research on this topic. Basically, the chemical that kept stains from adhering which was used in Scotchguard in until several years ago was found to contaminate human blood and wildlife. Over 90% of the population in the late'90's had the chemical in their blood (also used in Teflon, etc). Testing revealed it to be lethal in high doses to animals, however Scotchguard, Teflon, etc used much smaller doses. The new formula does not contain those chemicals, though it has been criticized for not working as well. Furthermore, the company hadn't revealed the test results for the current chemicals, though they will say that these new chemicals do not stay in the body as long as the old ones and that the new chemicals are safe. There is some uproar over why these chemicals do not have to be proven safe before they are used and just who is responsible, if anyone, for monitoring companies like the makers of Scotchguard. The EPA concluded around 2000 (? not sure of date) the chemical was toxic and was linked to birth defects. It is no longer used in Scotchguard. These chemicals are in carpet, clothes, etc and have entered the food chain to the point of being found in baby eagle's blood (who have never left the nest, thereby leading researchers to conclude that the chemical has entered the food chain). They are not sure yet HOW these chemicals enter our bloodstreams (water, air, etc). Given this info, I'm not sure how much impact it has to choose to not use these items in our homes. Clearly, there is so much we do not have control over and therefore can't impact through our choices. But for me, it makes sense to opt out of stain/water/oil repellants whenever possible. links: http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/06/ask_ewg_why_is_there_teflon_in.htm http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/2005/02/toxictraces/ http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/22_edgerlym_3mscience/ http://www.ewg.org/reports/pfcworld/ http://www.protectingourhealth.org/press/2003/2003-0622-SJMN-scotchgard.htm Here is a link that might be useful: stain/water etc replellants

Microfiber will sag and stretch after a while and looking at your sofa would not be appealing to the style. I have had lots of furniture recovered, most recently two 1920's armchairs and I always go with my gut. I think your sofa would look great in denim and the button tufts will stand out. Sunbrella is producing a huge variety of colors and patterns and the quality is excellent. My advice is to do what pleases you. Some upholster's do not want to deal with certain fibers and fabrics. You are the one paying. Good luck.