You don't want to be second-guessing your choice of upholstery fabric for a new sofa or armchair a few months after it comes to your doorstep. If you choose the wrong fabric, you'll have to deal with snags and stains. If you choose the wrong colour or pattern, the entire space will suffer (or you'll have to spend money to have the piece reupholstered). So, before you go shopping for new upholstery fabric, keep reading to learn more about what to look for in terms of durability, comfort, and style. Here's how to pick a cloth that you'll be happy to live with for a long time.
What is upholstery?
Upholstery refers to the materials that make up the soft coverings of chairs, sofas, and other furniture, such as cloth, padding, webbing, and springs. The procedure dates back to the Middle Ages, and it became increasingly popular in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. A number of textiles have been utilised over the years, from hay to horsehair to wool. Modern upholstered furniture incorporates metal springs and foam for improved durability. Although the inside materials are not visible, they have a considerable impact on the piece's comfort. While the outside fabric can be changed at any time—and may need to be based on wear and tear—high-quality inner components will ensure that your furniture will be long-lasting.
Basic choices for furniture
Allow your practical demands to guide you while you decide how to choose sofa fabric. First, think about your lifestyle and who will be using the piece. This will assist you in determining the type of material to use. You may adore the beauty of silk velvet, but in a home with children or dogs, it will be rapidly destroyed. Furniture in high-traffic areas, such as family or living rooms, should be made of durable textiles, whereas furniture in low-traffic areas, such as a bedroom couch or headboard, can be made of any type of fabric.
A common blunder is failing to consider how a cloth or leather will age over time. Check the label and ask questions in the showroom to learn about the material's content and cleaning requirements, then consider how much upkeep you're willing to put in to protect your purchase. In five years, how will it look? Will you still like the leather once it has developed a wonderful patina from use? Will you vacuum the fabric of the couch on a regular basis? Will you close the drapes when you're not in the room or when you're not using it to prevent some of the fading that comes with exposure to sunlight?
What about home with pets or children?
Many people may have grown up in homes where kids or pets weren't allowed in certain rooms. Mostly, this could have been because parents didn't want these 'entertaining' rooms getting messed up since the furniture and fabrics weren't very durable. Knowing what ‘wear and tear’ your sofa will be subjected to can help you decide what fabric is best for couches and chairs in your home.
Luckily, there are many durable and stylish options for this environment, including indoor/outdoor fabric collections that are not only comfortable but highly durable under any condition. If you have a bustling household, silk or other textured and easily damaged fabrics should be avoided.
Consider the piece
When selecting a fabric, take into account the shape of the furniture. If you're upholstering a curvy piece, solid-coloured textiles are ideal. Patterns or textures that have a clear direction may be difficult to upholster. A pattern that looks wonderful on a bolt of fabric may not look so great when broken up and reassembled on your sofa, especially if it's a complicated, intricate shape. Take the size of the furnishings into consideration as well. Larger pieces, such as a sofa, should be covered in a rich solid colour or classic neutral, so you don't become tired of it.
Smaller pieces, such as a wonderful statement chair in a stronger shade or pattern, can help to liven things up. Consider the rest of the room's furnishings, particularly the upholstered pieces. Make sure the colours, textures, and patterns complement one another. You could even match accessories in your space with a decorative mesh to complement your furniture.
Finding quality fabric suitable for upholstery is as simple as browsing our website! Questions? Let our professionals aid you in finding the best fabric for your needs today.