How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for your Home

Looking to make a change in your home decor? The right upholstery fabric for your furniture can make a drastic difference. But how do you make the correct choice? Whether you decide to purchase new or remodel the old, there are plenty of ways to create an inspired space with just your choice of fabric.

How to Choose the Right Quality of Upholstery Fabric?

There are a few things you will consider when purchasing your upholstery fabric or new furniture including price, colour and texture. But, you should also consider having a look at the spec (specification) sheet. I know, it looks confusing with so many numbers and words that you don’t understand. So we’re breaking it down for you below

• Martindale rubs or rub count – This is a measure of durability. It indicates how many times a fabric can be rubbed before it starts to show signs of wear and tear. For high use furniture you should look for anything from 15,000 upwards. For headboards, ottomans or the back parts of seating, anything between 9,000 to 11,000 should suffice.
• The three W’s; Warp, Weft & Weave – Warp refers to the threads that run vertically in a loom, while weft refers to the threads that run horizontally. The weave refers to the pattern in which these threads interlace. There is no real rule of thumb when it comes to the quantity of threads as each yarn has different properties. But if you are looking for a durable upholstery fabric, usually tighter weaves will last you longer.
• Washing Instructions – This may not be difficult for you to read on a spec sheet, but nonetheless, its one of the most important details to consider when making a purchase. Some fabrics are more stain resistant than others, some clean well with warm soapy water, but others may need special cleaning solvents or dry cleaning. Keep in mind what will be easiest for you in this regard.
• Additional treatments – Some upholstery fabrics have additional treatments for stain, water and fire resistance. You should always take note of this, as it will help you determine in which space these fabrics will work best for you.

The Five Most Common Upholstery Fabric Choices

Cotton

Available in different grades, 100% cotton is natural and environmentally sustainable. With the right weave it can be quite durable and won’t pill like some other fabrics. It’s also easy to clean, breathable in warm climates and fade resistant even if placed in a sunny area. This material is great for casual decor and informal spaces in your home. Although it’s soft and easy to maintain, it’s not very stain resistant and tends to absorb smell easily. Thinner cottons are prone to wrinkling which can give it an untidy look. If you’re looking for a durable cotton, you should consider our Cotton Canvas collection which is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. 

 

Boucle

This is probably one of the most popular decor choices in South Africa right now. Made with specially woven or knotted yarn, boucle can be made from wool, mohair, polyester, cotton or silk. It’s a cozy, warm fabric but still offers up a glamorous look that can fit into any decor style. Although this fabric is a wonderful addition to your home, it’s not very practical since it pills easily and has a tendency to get hooked on your clothes. This can often lead to your furniture looking old and worn soon after purchase. The best way to incorporate this upholstery fabric into your home is at the back of chairs, on cushion covers or on a statement piece. 

Velvet

One of the most popular choices for home decor, velvet is soft, luxurious and extremely comfortable. It’s a fabric that can suite any decor style including modern, casual, luxe and even classy antique. Velvet also comes with some texture varieties and in different price points. You can pair it with other upholstery fabrics or leave it on its own to elevate any room in your home. But it also has its downsides. It can be very difficult to clean and is prone to collecting dust easily. Due to the way its fibers are woven, it can also be less durable and wear out faster than other fabrics. You should also keep in mind that velvet does not fair well in direct sun.

Linen

Like cotton, linen is a natural material that is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. It’s one of the most durable upholstery fabrics you can choose and it has the advantages of washing well and is also dry cleanable. It offers a soft, comfortable feel and remains cool even in the hottest climates. That being said, linen becomes brittle if placed anywhere where there is direct or nearby sunlight. It is also not stain resistant at all so if you have pets, kids or plan to use it in an every day setting, linen may not be the best option for you.

Chenille

Another very popular choice, and probably the one you see most in furniture and upholstery supply stores in Chenille. It’s a warm and cozy fabric that holds its shape and is often more durable than other fabrics. Its specific weave allows it to hold warmth making it a great choice for slightly cooler areas. On the downside, Chenille soaks up moisture easily so take care when using this fabric in humid places, it may not last you as long as you’d like. This also means that stains are much harder to get out of this fabric, so be wary of using a light colour. 

Leather

Yes, leather is not a fabric per se, but it’s such a popular choice for upholstery we thought it was worth adding to this list. Leather can be paired with almost all of the above upholstery fabric options and its can be easily cleaned and will last you a long time if you take care of it. But it can get a little high maintence, especially if its an everyday item. If you want to know more about upholstery leather you can check out this blog post that breaks it all down for you.

Other Decor Tips to Consider When Choosing your Upholstery Fabric

While fabric makes up a large part of choosing your furniture, there are a few decor tips that can help you narrow it down a but more. 

• Don’t be afraid to pair multiple fabrics in one space. For example you can pair linen with leather to create a cool feel but still add durability to your daily use furniture. 
• When choosing your fabrics, take into consideration the colours you plan to use. If you plan to use lighter colours, ensure that you are choosing a fabric that is easy to clean or has a stain resistant treatment. 
• For daily use items, you should stay away from embroidered or embossed materials on the seating area and rather incorporate them on the sides, on throw pillows or statement pieces. 
• Consider who will be using the furniture before choosing your fabric. Some fabrics pill or stain easily making them a bad choice if you have pets and small children. 
• Take note of how much direct sunlight your furniture will be getting to ensure that you choose fabric that will last. If it is a direct sunlit area, maybe consider using stronger, UV protected upholstery fabric. 

If you’re still unsure about what you should be purchasing, you can always reach out to your local upholstery supply store where you can get advice on what upholstery fabric to choose for your home.