The upholstery for couches, chairs, or ottomans is what will define the character of the room. It is essential to consider more than aesthetic factors when selecting materials, as each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Robust leathers, elegant silks, plush velvets – each has its own pros and cons.
You should choose a suitable upholstery fabric for functionality, plus it needs to be durable, has a coordinating color for the room, and add texture to your indoor spaces.
Searching through all the fabrics available at stores and online websites can be tough, so we enlisted some valuable tips about how to select the suitable fabric for your furniture. Read on for expert advice.
Evaluating Durability, Texture, and Color: Key Factors in Fabric Selection
If you are shopping for upholstery fabric, durability is crucial to keep in mind. Be sure the fabric can withstand the amount of wear and tear the piece will receive. Heavyweight fabrics like leather or faux leather may be better suited for high-traffic areas like living rooms and family rooms, as they’re more robust. Consider how stain resistant you need your fabric as well.
The fabrics that are printed or highly textured in your living room could wear out in patches over time if you sit on them frequently. Instead, opt for the best fabrics for upholstery with woven patterns that will last for years.
The color of upholstery fabric can make a strong impact in many ways. Light hues on large furniture in a small space can give the illusion that it is much larger than it really is. For example, new-age colors can give a room an urban, edgy feel.
Determine what kind of mood you want to create – whether you are drawn to dramatic colors or subtle hues. You can achieve this by combining solid hues in your home decor with pillows, throw rugs, mats and more that contrast or complement the furniture. You can spice up solid hues depending on your mood by adding different colored accents for your best fabric upholstery.
Exploring Different Types of Upholstery Fabrics
The advantage of natural fabrics is that they are eye-catching, airtight, and look more expensive in your interior design. However, their cosmetic benefits fade over time, meaning they do not last as long. On the plus side, Velour fabric offers numerous advantages: soft texture that’s warm to the touch; easy cleaning using a vacuum cleaner and washing; plus, it can even be dry cleaned!
However, this approach comes with its own set of risks. Stains caused by juice, coffee, or any other liquid are difficult to remove without professional assistance; you won’t be able to do it on your own.
A flock is a great choice for places where animals are present. It is a non-woven material that resembles velvet in appearance. It has the main feature of being moisture resistant, which means you can clean it up and prevent stains if liquid spills on it. Fabric can absorb and hold onto odors for extended periods, making it unsuitable for kitchen and dining room furniture.
Although tapestry, jacquard, and shilil are very expensive materials in terms of cost, their quality more than compensates for the price as your best fabric for sofa upholstery. They are both environmentally friendly and high-strength in their weave, so they will keep their attractive appearance for many years to come. Furthermore, they are extremely easy to clean and maintain. However, if you intend to place the furniture in a sunny room, you should choose a different upholstery fabric since they fade quickly when exposed to UV rays.
For office furniture or furniture that is not used frequently, leather or leatherette is a good fabric since it won’t wear out as quickly as other fabrics. Although this is not the best fabric for sofa upholstery that is used often. The material deteriorates rapidly from mechanical damage (clear cracks and scratches appear) so it should not be used in areas where children or animals are present.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Upholstery Fabrics
When purchasing the best upholstery fabric, make sure to vacuum once a month because dust and dirt, combined with friction, break down the fabric over time. Washable fabrics are another option that comes with cleaning codes.
Check the upholstery code to determine which upholstery cleaner is suitable; depending on the label, you may be able to deep clean and refresh your piece with a gentle laundry detergent and warm water mixture. To prevent color damage, always spot-test with the cleaning solution.
When vacuuming and testing, apply a small amount of the solution to the couch in small sections and soak up any excess moisture with another cloth afterward. Then turn on a ceiling or box fan to accelerate the drying process.
To deep clean upholstery, use a handheld steamer to lift dirt and debris.
Making Informed Choices for Upholstery Fabrics
Fabric selection for your upholstered furniture is key to its long-term performance and use within your household for many years to come. Choose the appropriate types for long-lasting durability, easy upkeep, and maximum performance in the household environment.
At Rebecca Munster Design, we are your local experts for furniture upholstery, and we have the largest selection of styles, colors, and patterns in the highest quality fabrics for you to choose from. Contact us for a FREE in-home consultation for all your upholstery needs. You’ll be glad you did!
