I was worried about buying this couch in cream because I have two toddlers, but the velvet seems to be a stain barrier. The first night I set it up, my youngest wiped her strawberry hands on one of the cushions. The juice came right off with water! The cushions have a tendency to shift, and I think the back cushions are a little too upright, but these are not deal breakers. I find the couch to be very firm right out of the box but the seats have softened up in the last few weeks. I would buy again.