I will have to come back and read all of the tips. I, too, own white Ektorps (everything-- 2 chairs, sofa, and loveseat). I have 5 kids and 2 cats (but cats don't really count, do they?). It does get dirty and, even with bleach or Oxyclean, I can't get all of the stains out. My kids eat only in the DR or kitchen (not because of the sofas, but because eating all over the house means way too much work for me) and we do not wear shoes in the house, but dirt happens. It IS a lot of work to change them. The washing isn't bad . . .just the putting on and off (esp. the on, even though I leave it a little damp). What I do is have 2 sets, so I wash one set slowly (at my leisure) but the sofa is always covered. No way would I wash every week! But, DH and I still think this is the best option. He hates leather (the feeling) and I feel a little iffy about it (I've been a vegetarians for decades), plus the cats' claws would scratch it. We see how disgustingly dirty the white gets from just BODY DIRT (I'm not even talking food!). Yuck. So, I like the fact that they are actually clean, even though they may not be spotless. DH wants to replace them when the kids get older, but frankly, guests have put more spots on the sofas then the kids . . . Oh, and the nice thing about the white covers is that they are truly cheap. I still cannot figure out how a sofa cover is only $49. So, if the stains get bad enough, I'll get another set. I used to use matelasse coverlets on them, too, but it ended up getting messed up too often, so I stopped.

wow, thanks so much for all the great info! Unfortunately I have to do most of my shopping online (or drive about 3 hours one way) to look at the brands I'm looking for. Although hubby and I may take a drive in the next few weeks, I'd like to have it narrowed down at least by then. Hubby is NOT a shopper and complains about his legs hurting after only walking around for about 30 mins (funny how he can play basketball for 3 hours and not complain - ha!) I had not seen PB's performance twill fabric, but if it gets out stains that easily I'm DEFINITELY all over it! Thanks for the tip! And nmladybug, that is horrible that you spent so much for a piece of junk sectional! I'm so sad for you! I was actually considering the Pearce sofa so thanks for the advice. Do you know who the manufacturere of your sectional is? Thanks again for all the suggestions and I'll keep ya posted :)

I saw a Ralph Lauren photo somewhere where they put a single long, fairly thin pad on top of the cushions. Like a velvet maybe and there may have been some light tufting. It looked really great. I'm keeping it in mind for when the wear on my leather sofa cushions finally gets to me. I liked it because then the leather around the edge still showed, while the addition of the fabric pad on top made it more intentional and less like a big bag-o-cushions. The look of fabric on the seat top only is something I love from the lodge style and antique look I try to go for. I sewed a fabric to just the top only of an antique leather chair (has a thick cushion like a sofa) and it looks like it was originally there, instead of being a "fix".

People rated this high. Common look for ivory/natural poplin-type curtains over these....? https://www.jcpenney.com/p/jcpenney-home-bamboo-woven-wood-roman-shade/1d6e1c9?COLOR=Oak&badge=onlyatjcp&catId=SearchResults&pTmplType=regular&searchTerm=bamboo+shades