We have leather and it is great for the kids. But it became an issue with our cats -- since they eventually decided they like scratching the arms. Plus even without that, just jumping around, they knicked it here and there. If we were religious about putting claw caps on them, we'd be OK, but we are not.

Our very cheapest couch - which we got used at a yard sale -- has help up the best. It is some sort of a microfiber. That said, our kids don't use it much so there are not many spills. But it is no worse for the wear from the cats.

My kid is a big drooler. Upholstered furniture would be a huge mess. We have leather and it is still taking a beating, but doing ok.

We have leather! It's great. Wipe it off if they spill and I use the leather cleaner/conditioner occasionally. We have pets too.

I do slipcovers on top of a Scotchguarded microfiber couch. Between three teenagers and various pets, slipcovers just help keep everything looking neat. I don't like them, but it's the best choice for right now.

We've got a microfiber couch that was scotch guarded when we bought it about 8 years ago. Kids are 5 and 3. It has held up remarkably well. 5yo is a bit of a neatnik and hasn't abused it, but his sister is a disaster and put the scotch guard to the test. So far has held up well to various markers, highlighters, juice, peanut butter (and jelly!). We'll probably try to keep it another 10 years, or maybe longer and then make them take it to one of their first apartments.

I HATE slipcovers and refuse to get them. We don't allow food anywhere but the table, and we're a no shoes household. We never have a problem.

Which one do you have? Is it realistically possible to maintain an upholstered sofa with kids and their friends?

Posting here since the discussion is more relevant to kids than furniture.