Harris Tweed sofas: A buyer's guide
, by Ruth Wilbur, 4 min reading time
One of Scotland’s most luxurious cloths, you’re just as likely to see Harris Tweed on the catwalk as you are in our sofa showroom, thanks to the truly versatile nature of this impressive, multi-dimensional fabric.
From the unique origins of Harris Tweed to picking a genuine Harris Tweed sofa, we look at this heritage brand up close.
What is Harris Tweed?
Lovingly known as the ‘champagne of fabrics’, Harris Tweed is a one-of-a-kind twill fabric woven on the remote Outer Hebridean islands of Scotland. Originally crafted for islanders to wear as a barrier against harsh North Atlantic elements, it wasn’t until 1843 that Lady Catherine Herbert made it the sought-after brand we upholster our beloved Harris Tweed sofas with today.
Where is Harris Tweed made?
Authentic Harris Tweed is still made in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland: not only on the Isle of Harris, but also Lewis, Benbecula, Barra, as well as North and South Uist, and a few smaller islets. Every aspect of the original Harris-Tweed-making process is honoured, although, even if the exact production is replicated elsewhere, it can’t be trademarked as a real Harris Tweed product. It has to come from the Outer Hebrides to be true.
How is Harris Tweed made?
Knowing how Harris Tweed is made helps understand what gives it its rich, hardwearing, luxury quality. Crofted from a blend of pure virgin wools – either from local island sheep or Scottish Blackface and Cheviot sheep reared on the Scottish mainland – Harris Tweed is then washed and dyed before being spun. This is what gives it a kaleidoscope of one-off shades and hues.
Next, the yarn is then spun to give it the strength it’s renowned for, then warped and woven by skilled artisans. Once the fabric is finished, it’s examined by the Harris Tweed Authority to confirm it meets the required high standards of the brand, before being granted that all-important Orb Mark certification, which is ironed on the back of the product – the ultimate seal of authenticity.
Types of Harris Tweed sofas
For us, knowing where and how Harris Tweed is made, with all its history and skilled weaving passed down through generations of island weavers, makes it feel even more special to have in our own homes.
Our Harris Tweed sofas range from deep-buttoned Chesterfields to grand Tetrad highbacks, offering a versatile choice of looks for discerning tastes. Whether you’re creating a country-chic lounge space or a maximalist statement, the blended and dyed yarns of Harris Tweed always ensure you can find a unique sofa for a true-to-you style that never goes out of fashion.
Not only are Harris Tweed sofas beautifully versatile in terms of style, they’re a real heirloom to invest in. Handcrafted with pure wool, each sofa is water-resistant and hardwearing, paying you back by standing the test of time. Plus, this natural fabric is cosy and warm in the winter, yet cool in the summer, making it the perfect home addition all year round.
Can you wash Harris Tweed sofas?
Knowing how to clean Harris Tweed is helpful, since this natural wool can be delicate. However, minor marks can be removed by hand using a wool-specific detergent (test a small, unnoticeable area first). For more extensive cleaning, it’s best to use a professional upholstery cleaning service.
So, is Harris Tweed worth it?
From our heart, yes. We wouldn’t stock anything we didn’t love ourselves, and Harris Tweed is one of the finest fabrics for a sofa, cushion, or footstool: all of which we stock in our Harris Tweed furniture collection.
Want to explore the luxury brand for yourself? We’re able to deliver Harris Tweed pieces to your home much faster than other suppliers, so explore our Harris Tweed sofas online or sink into them in person at our cosy showroom in Yorkshire’s idyllic Luddenden valley.
