The development of sofa materials is a history of continuous pursuit of performance optimization and sustainability. Early sofas relied on natural materials, with wood as the core frame for its sturdiness. Woods like oak and walnut not only provided strong support but also carried natural texture aesthetics. Natural fabrics such as leather and cotton-linen were used for the surface, with leather showcasing high-grade texture and cotton-linen conveying rustic charm. Despite their environmental friendliness, these materials had limitations in durability and functionality, such as cotton-linen being prone to wear and leather requiring high maintenance.

The Industrial Revolution drove material innovation, with metals leading the way. Steel and aluminum alloy improved structural stability and facilitated minimalist designs. The rise of chemical materials introduced foam sponges, replacing traditional coir pads with uniform elasticity for enhanced comfort. Artificial leather (PU) reduced costs and expanded color choices, making sofas accessible to mass consumers.

Modern society demands higher standards for sofa materials, with environmental protection and functionality at the core. Sustainable materials have become industry-wide practices: bamboo, as an emerging frame material, replaces wood with its short growth cycle and strength; recycled plastic particles are used in accessories like feet and connectors; plant-based leather mimics genuine leather texture using pineapple fibers and apple pomace while being biodegradable. Eco-friendly processes include water-based coatings to reduce formaldehyde and recycled sponges to minimize waste.

Functional material innovations abound. Memory foam adapts to body temperature and pressure, nano-coatings resist stains and water, and 3D woven fabrics enhance elasticity and breathability. Smart materials open new frontiers: conductive fibers enable heating, piezoelectric materials convert pressure to electricity, and intelligent color-changing fabrics adjust to environmental light or user preferences.

Surface fabrics also see breakthroughs. Smart humidity-regulating fabrics maintain dryness, mite-proof antibacterial fabrics use silver ions for health safety, and luminous fibers combine decoration with functionality. These innovations not only improve performance but also endow sofas with technological interactivity.

Looking ahead, sofa materials will evolve towards diversification, sustainability, and intelligence. Bio-based materials like plant fibers will gain wider use, cross-border integrations like graphene-fabric composites will create superior functions, and smart system integrations will enable intelligent user experiences. With circular economy principles and technological advancements, sofa materials will continue to drive the industry towards greener, smarter, and more comfortable futures, creating ideal home experiences where green and technology intersect and redefining "materials transforming life."