Assuming you are talking about using Sunbrella or Crypton fabric and have no little ones or pets, I’d go white.

No pets, but I do have little ones!!

either one works. just depends what else you have in the room. if the white seems to stark, then try an off-white. quite frankly, either shade will show stains from kids or animals.

Nothing in the room year was going to build the room around the couches

With little ones, I'd recommend asking about a stain protection warranty :)

well, the pics you have are doable. but if this is a family room where the little ones will be using, then you may have to pick a fabric that is stain proof or easily washable. ditto w/the light colored rugs. If it's for a seldom used room, then just copy what you see in the pic if you like it.

choose a softer white (and go w/the brighter white wall color)

(rather than a super crisp bright white, since that leans a little more modern) .

soft grays are also an option,

I will definitely be asking about which fabric is best for stains and doing a warranty.

Our walls are BM classic gray

PS? I've had WHITE for over twenty years. Slipcovers , very fitted. I don't eat on it, unless I put down a throw. I vacuum weekly..... And I live alone with no pets!

There is no warranty on ANYTHING beyond a year. That is why I asked your penchant for discipline and maintenance. Small kids, and white or off white anything is a VIGIL. . How will you feel if you return it to its pristine condition on Friday for a party, and have to do it again on Monday, after PB AND J smears are left from Saturday am? Just asking........... because either color only looks great when pristine. They don't mention that in the photos, taken mere moments after the room was finished.

How about leather?

Thanks everyone for your input!! I am definitely rethinking the white couch. I did look at Bassett and so far they had the best warranty at 5 years.

Have your look and live in it too. White couches are attainable and family liveable, so long as they are a washable slipcover. I could not be happier with the one I purchased over two decades ago from Sofa U Love in white denim. (Made in USA)

http://www.sofaulove.com/store.php?product_item_category_id_select=product_category_444e197efa1b5ba532574&select=category&selection_scope_start_over=y

Thanks!! I will check them out!!

Basset warranty.....................

Frames – Limited Lifetime

Bassett warrants that frames will be free from defects in workmanship and material for the lifetime of the product. Decorative exposed wooden trim, including wooden legs, is not covered by this warranty.

Seat Cushion Core – Limited Lifetime

Lifetime limited coverage warrants seat cushion cores against defects in workmanship, materials and construction. Failure to follow standard care procedures voids this warranty. Cushion softening due to normal fiber compression is not covered by this warranty. Deep cushions will compress up to 1” within the first year of use. This is a characteristic and not a quality defect.

Fabrics – 1 Year

Bassett fabrics are warranted against manufacturing defects, seam slippage, fraying, and dye transfer for one year. Damage resulting from improper use, improper care, abuse or negligence or use of improper cleaning methods is not covered by the warranty. ANY RETAILER OR CONSUMER-APPLIED STAIN PROTECTION TREAT-MENT VOIDS THIS WARRANTY. Shrinking, pilling, fading and/or heavy soiling are considered evidence of mistreatment and void the limited warranty.

Springs – 5 Years

Spring systems are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and material for five years. Removal of springs from their original upholstered frame voids this warranty, unless done with prior consent from Bassett.

Tip ? Good luck "collecting" on any of it. Unless your little ones are angels, and you are the sofa police.

Why?

Take the frame: " Defects in workmanship or materials. Try proving that. Got "jumpers"? Forget it.

Fabric: yeah....................define "soil" that won't come out. Basically? You're not really getting a thing but sleeves from their vest in terms of stain or soil. Cover it up, don't eat on it. Rotate cushions twice a week and flip as well. There you go, your new job : )

Even as half of an empty nester pair I don't dare go for white upholstery in a room we use constantly, but I do love the look. I'd definitely go slipcovers if I did. If I were to do it I'd go for a blend of whites in the room so nothing I brought in looked off color because it wasn't matchy.

And I'd focus on adding textural interest. From what I've read, plenty of that is critical to the success of most white rooms. That ceiling and its shadows is a big part of this room's texture.

As the owner of 2 white Crypton couches, my opinion is, don't do it. They will become a burden. Your furniture should serve you. In my experience, with white couches, you serve your furniture. As others have said, the slipcovers sound like a good idea if you have your heart set on white.

IMO pure white is an option when you consider slipcovers for everything.

Go for the white, I think we are often held hostage by fear. The white tone really depends on everything going on in the room like your trim color, floor color, etc.