many such dilemmas here

i would love to hear from those who have lived with crypto as well. I got some samples to test for our home with pets and a newborn.

I inherited a 1982 flexsteel sofa that no one EVER sat on in my aunt's living room. In 2003, I had it recovered in crypton. I bought the fabric (special order) from Joann Fabrics on sale. I had an expert retired upholsterer recover the sofa for me. He had been an upholsterer for 45 years and told me that the sofa was of the best quality and was in perfect condition. It didn't need any work done to it other than the new fabric. Crypton was a very new product on the market and he was amazed at the exceptional quality of the fabric. That 35 year old sofa is in my den and looks fabulous even though my husband falls asleep on it most nights while watching tv for the past 14 years. Most of my guests think that it is a brand new sofa. I vacuum it every two weeks and turn the cushions often. The $700, I spent on fabric and labor was well worth it.

@nmp19 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. With a spit-up baby whose managed to hit every cushion on our current sofa, that sounds like heaven.

Crypton and Sunbrella are fabulous fabrics. Just make sure your upholsterer is familiar with the techniques needed to work it. Heat knife for cutting and a special thread (made by GoreTex) for sewing. Leather, while beautiful, will stain (esp. from skin oils) and IMO is too hot against bare skin.