I don't think the linen will be any different than keeping any light colored fabric clean. When the time comes, a professional will just have to clean them. Think about your lifestyle and family - animals, small children, etc.

I'm more worried about the adults than kids. haha Also, I have cats, it's so hard to know.... We just got new leather couches, so I need some fabric chairs to go with it, I think.

Thanks, I was afraid of that. So sad, I love the looks of them, but my husband hates cat hair (which is why we got leather couches.) ;-)

Great move on the leather couch. We have one too and it is indestructible despite my 100 lb german shepherd's best attempts. Some day I will have a cushy linen couch, but right now reality says otherwise!

I think that linen chairs could be very hard to keep clean if they are in a living room/high traffic area. If you really like the chairs you could always get a cover for the chairs or add extra pillows to help cover the linen surface!

Good idea about a slipcover. If they were cheaper, I might give that a try.

You could always try a DIY one as well. That is usually cheaper than buying one :)