18 different types of upholstery fabric: advantages and disadvantages of each (2023)

Published on April 20, 2023

Upholstered furniture is known forcomfort, style and luxuryproviding. Upholstered furniture is covered in fabric with a steel or wooden frame to which springs and shock absorption are attached.

Available in many different designs, styles and color combinations, the fabric material is the most important factor in determining the look and comfort of upholstered furniture.

The suitability of the material for different uses, maintenance and overall cost all influence the choice of an upholstery fabric. Below we list the advantages and disadvantages of each available type.

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1.Leather

Leather,one of the most common and most used furniture fabrics is not synthetic fibers but tanned animal skin. The material feels luxurious and adds a touch of elegance to any room.

advantage

• Depending on the type of leather, it is generally easy to clean and maintain.
• Durable material. Depending on how well you take care of them, leather upholstered furniture can last for decades.
• Waterproof.
• Hypoallergenisk.
• Accepts pets.

Contrasts

• Depending on the type of leather, special cleaning agents may be required.
• Harder surface, may not necessarily be as comfortable as other fabrics.
• Tanned skin susceptible to cracks, splits and scratches.
• Caro.

2.Polyester

Polyesterit is a microfiber that can match any theme you choose for your interior. The material looks attractive and gives an expensive feel similar to leather upholstered furniture.

advantage

• Soft and comfortable fabric.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• The fabric dries quickly.
• Durable material: Stain and abrasion resistant.
• Hypoallergenisk.
• Improved breathability.
• Relatively cheap.

Contrasts

• May crack if exposed to extreme or fluctuating temperatures.
• Stretchable fabric that stretches over time.
• Flammable.

3.Olefin

Olefin, a petroleum-based synthetic fiber, is extremely durable and is perfectly suited to areas where furniture experiences a lot of wear and tear. Olefin is similar in appearance to wool and is one of the most durable types of upholstery fabric.

advantage

• Made of melt-resistant, water-resistant plastic.
• Chemical and fire resistant.
• Descending.
• Clean with bleach.
• The color of the fabric is consistent as the dye is added to the melted plastic instead of dyeing the fabric after it is woven.

Contrasts

• Vulnerable to oil, light and heat.
• Limited selection.
• Difficult to remove oil-based stains.
• Exposure to sunlight can make olefin brittle.

4.rayom

rayomIt is a semi-synthetic fiber and offers comfort levels similar to real natural fibers.

advantage

• Cheap.
• Soft and comfortable.
• Resistant to moths and mildew.
• Newer variants quite durable.

Contrasts

• It does not retain its original appearance for a long time.
• Scratches easily.
• Prone to wrinkling.
• it is not water resistant and loses its original appearance when wet.
• Low elastic recovery.

5.The

Theit is a natural fabric with attractive qualities that make it a comfortable choice as an upholstery material. Although wool is not commonly used for upholstery purposes, it has a number of advantages.

advantage

• Comfortable.
• Fire and water resistant.
• Environmentally friendly.
• The insulating properties make it warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
• Durable.
• Resistant to mold and mildew.
• Does not sag or wrinkle.

Contrasts

• Caro.
• It needs to be cleaned.
• Limited selection.

6.Acetate

Acetate is a synthetic substance that was originally created to mimicatin its brilliance and brilliance.Acetate upholstered furnitureit adds class and elegance to a formal living area, while not being as strong as other synthetic fibers.

advantage

• joint resistant.
• Glossy and shiny, like silk.
• Pilling resistant..
• Resistant to mofo and mofo.
• Cheap.

Contrasts

• There is a lack of power.
• Wrinkles easily.
• It needs to be cleaned.
• It is not suitable for daily use.
• It is not stain or scratch resistant.
• It lacks elasticity.

7.Cotton

Cotton,a natural fiber, it is one of the most used and durable furniture fabrics.

advantage

• 100% natural.
• It can be dyed in almost any color.
• Soft and comfortable.
• Breathable.
• Durable.
• Resists pilling.
• Abrasion resistant.
• Hypoallergenisk.

Contrasts

• Wrinkles easily.
• Absorbs stains, spills and odors.

8.At

Atit is one of the most luxurious natural fibers and is a worthwhile investment in areas of formal decor.

advantage

• Durable when well cared for.
• Luxurious and formal appearance.
• Available in a variety of colors, patterns and designs.
• Keeps its shape well.

Contrasts

• Caro.
• It needs to be cleaned.
• Not suitable for high traffic areas.
• Does not accept pets.
• Not suitable for families.
• Susceptible to sun damage.
• Exposed to spillage.

9.Acrylic

AcrylicIt is a synthetic fiber that mimics wool. It is available in several bright colors that make it the perfect choice for informal living areas.

advantage

• Soft fabric.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Dries quickly.
• Available in several colors.
• Sunproof, can be used as outdoor furniture fabric.

Contrasts

• May develop excessive pilling.
• May melt if exposed to heat or fire.
• Allergies.
• Not abrasion resistant.

10.Linen

Linenit is a natural fiber made from the flax plant and often mixed with synthetic fibers to improve its properties.

advantage

• Smooth and soft to the touch.
• Durable.
• Accessible.
• Stronger when wet.
• Do not take the pill.
• Abrasion resistant.
• Natural luster and shine. Its natural, earthy color (from beige to ecru gray) looks extremely elegant.
• Antibacterial and mildew resistant.
• Descending.
• Environmentally friendly.

Contrasts

• Wrinkles.
• Exposed to soiling.
• It is not suitable for daily use.
• It needs to be cleaned.

11.Velvet

VelvetUpholstery fabric, traditionally made of silk, is now often made of synthetic fibers.

advantage

• Luxuriously soft.
• Elegant appearance.
• Lasts a long time when well cared for.
• Durable.
• It can be dyed in rich colors.
• Excellent insulation properties.

Contrasts

• Difficult to clean and maintain.
• Caro.
• Durability depends on the density of the woven fiber piles.
• Suitable for formal wear only.

12.Million

Jute has been used for textile manufacturing for thousands of years in the Indus Valley.

advantage

• Adds an element of texture to any interior.
• Mainly used as fabric in poufs.
• Jute looks good in combination with other fabrics, such as leather.

Contrasts

• Prone to wrinkling.
• Rough and hard, uncomfortable.
• Turns yellow when exposed to sunlight.
• It loses its strength when exposed to moisture.

13.Chenille

Chenille,Caterpillar French is a super soft fabric obtained naturally. The material is a stretch fabric, which means that reinforcement is needed. Chenille is most commonly used as an upholstery fabric for children's furniture or in casual wear.

advantage

• Soft.
• Durable.
• Easy to clean.
• Available in several colors.

Contrasts

• Stretchable – Adding a support increases the cost.
• Does not accept pets.
• Dust and dirt can get trapped in long fibers.

14. Vinyl

Vinyl is a durable synthetic fabric often used in upholstery, clothing and other applications. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and is easy to clean. Vinyl is also fade and tear resistant, making it an ideal choice for many applications.

advantage

• More durable and easier to clean.

Contrasts

• Vinyl covers can crack and fade over time.
• not as breathable as leather
• It may not be as comfortable in hot weather.

15. Jeans

Denim is a tough blue-black cotton twill fabric. It is usually used for jeans, shirts and other clothes. Denim is also often used for upholstery and other applications where a durable fabric is needed. Denim is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is easy to clean.

advantage

• Robust and durable
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles

Contrasts

• It can be difficult to clean
• May disappear over time
• Not as breathable as other fabrics

16. Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic material that is used in many ways. It can be lightweight or have a more resistant design. In addition, nylon has high wear resistance. This makes it perfect for items that will be used a lot, such as clothing, upholstery and carpets. Nylon is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is easy to clean.

advantage

• High wear resistance
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles

Contrasts

• Nylon can melt if exposed to high heat.
• Maybe not as breathable as other fabrics
• Can static electricity.

17. Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made from extremely fine fibers. It is often used in clothing, upholstery and other applications where a soft, smooth fabric is desired. Microfiber is available in a wide variety of colors and styles and is easy to clean.

Its soft, smooth texture makes it a popular choice for many applications.

advantage

• Soft and smooth texture
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles
• Accessible

Contrasts

• Durable qualities like other types of fabric

18. Bonito

Coquet is a type of natural fabric made from the bark of the coquilla walnut tree. It is very strong and durable.

Coquet is used in a variety of applications including upholstery, clothing and other applications where a strong fabric is desired. It is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is easy to clean.

advantage

• strong and durable
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles

Contrasts

• Maybe not as breathable as other fabrics
• It can be difficult to clean

Furniture fabric - Top brands

1. Waverly

In 1923, a European fabric manufacturer founded Waverly to bring European furniture fashion to Americans. A few years after starting, Waverly added wallpaper to its fabric line, with a full home fashion line a few years later. TodayWaverlyHigh-quality products shine with life, color and character, regardless of which pattern, plaid or solid you choose.

2. Covington

Have you ever noticed that no matter where you travel in the world, hotel bedspreads and curtains are the same?Covingtonsupplies the world's hospitality industry and private consumers with the highest quality fabrics in hundreds of patterns and colors. In his design studio in New York, Covington makes it all, designing upholstery, bedding and curtains.

3. Mill Creek

Swavelle is the design house andMill Creek is the linehigh quality upholstery fabric. Indoor, outdoor, marine: Mill Creek has it all, pardon the pun. Any kind of pattern or color, Mill Creek has it and ships it right to your door.

4. Hamilton Fabrics

I'm sure you've seen the trucks selling North Carolina furniture in parking lots. I saw their warehouses when I stopped by to see the family in Georgia. The variety, style and colors are amazing.

You can design a chair yourself, but it won't have any personality until you upholster it with Hamilton upholstery. Oh yeah, and they're also located in North Carolina, so it's a win-win.

5. Schumacher

We all admire the impressive interior design of the famous design houseSchumacher. We see her work in magazines and online. We would love our home to look like this, and we started looking at wallpaper swatches, fabric swatches and upholstery patterns.

6. Colonial Williamsburg

If you've ever visited an antebellum home like The Hermitage outside of Nashville, TN (home of President Andrew Jackson) or the Arlington in Arlington, VA (home of General Robert E. Lee), you've seen the beautiful fabrics from the curtains, upholstery and bedspreads. You're wondering where you can buy upholstery fabrics with that old American vibe. You are lucky.

Colonial Williamsburgtextiles are not a place; it is a style and textiles are sold by many companies, such as Waverly and Swavelle. Reproductions from the 18th and 19th centuries are their specialty. You can make curtains, pillowcases and pillows as well as furniture upholstery that will make your room look like the famous houses.

7. Roth e Tompkins

Today's homeowners look to interior designers who choose natural fibers and hand-painted designs for their creations. Family owned for over 20 years,Roth and Tompkinsdoes exactly that thinking about color, composition and innovation.

Check out their embroidered and embroidered upholstery fabrics for an old fashioned look or their prints that look and some are hand painted. Look for a Roth & Tompkins dealer or designer that uses their upholstery fabrics near you.

8. HGTV drugs

Home and garden guru HGTV isn't the only place to find Property Brothers' list of home improvement shows. Learn how to cover an elegant wall with a beautiful upholstery fabric here. See how to cover the ceiling of a tray with pleated or tufted upholstery fabric.

Do you have an old-fashioned four-poster bed?HGTVwill show you how to make curtains for him. Do you want to make a padded lining for the headboard and footboard of your bed? Tune in to HGTV.

9. Lelievre Paris

For homeowners who want a more continental look in their decor, we offer a leading brand of upholstery fabrics.Lelievrefeaturing designers whose wares range from desert sands to the whims of art and outdoor furniture fabrics for lounging by the beach.

Lelievre has showrooms in London, Italy, Germany and the Middle East, so wherever you are in the world, visit and see their products.

10. Oscar de la Renta

Speaking of Property Brothers, they have lines of home furnishing items including upholstery fabrics. Pretty much every self-respecting celebrity has a range of something out there, home interior design being one of them. But hey, if you're going with a celebrity, go straight to the top.of the rentoffers furniture fabrics in light gold, red and green in calico, damask and more.

where you can buy online

Buying and purchasing upholstery fabric online is an easy process when you know where to shop online. These are some of the best options to choose from, whether you want a few meters of upholstery fabric or a large amount of fabric.

KOVI drugs

KOVI Fabrics is proudin offering furniture fabrics of the highest quality to its customers. The company states that its business and "the success of its project depends on the quality of the fabric we use".

Customers may pay a higher price compared to some other online companies that offer upholstery fabrics online. Customers know that KOVI stands out for its quality. Choose your preferred fabric, color or pattern and application from over 25,000 KOVI fabric upholstery options. Consider real leather, faux leather, suede, microsuede, denim, linen, tweed, or another favorite fabric.

The company offers samples for a small fee, which will be credited to your order.

Fabric online store

OFabric online storeoffers designer upholstery fabrics consisting of solid colors, designs and textures to choose from. The company has fabrics known for their high quality and durability.

Choose from linen, velvet, denim, imitation leather or imitation suede, jute or fire-retardant upholstery fabric. Are you looking for upholstery fabric for boats and ships or cars? The online fabric store has these in stock for you. See itupholstery yard diagramon the website so you know how much furniture fabric you need for your project.

The company ships to the US, Canada and internationally.

JOANN stores

JOANN presents upholsterysubstances for different needs. Choose from faux suede, faux leather, cotton and linen blend, cotton canvas, chenille and other options. Choose from collections that include Calming Blues, Light Neutrals, Cozy Home, Earth Tones, ROT, Tommy Bahama and more. Choose solid or patterned color for your indoor or outdoor upholstery needs.

Choose your upholstery online for small or large orders that ship nationwide for a small handling fee. The company also ships internationally.

1502 Substances

Are you looking for a unique upholstery fabric pattern, child-resistant fabrics, high-performance fabrics or designer fabrics and textures? Perhaps you want a little flower power in your choice of upholstery fabric. Look no further than1502 Interior fabricsand fabric for outer upholstery.

The company, based in High Point, North Carolina, offers free shipping on sample orders. Upholstery fabrics ship for $7.95 flat rate shipping to the 48 contiguous states.

sun visor

Sunbrella believes in carefree fabrics that retain their beauty in any setting. The company has expanded its outdoor upholstery options to include indoor upholstery needs, both and more options.

Customers choose Sunbrella fabrics for their durability, stain resistance and comfort. Choose upholstery fabric according to application, pattern type, collection, weather resistance or desired combination of upholstery fabric options.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders of $99 or more. The company has oneglobal site for international opportunities.

Fabric layers

OFabric warehouse, originally calledSharlaine's, when it started in Auburn, Maine over 50 years ago, is still known by its original name to loyal customers.

Don't assume that because the company is a discount store, the fabric isn't top notch. The company offers designer fabrics sold by theme, color, design and brand. Customers have thousands of fabric options when shopping online at Fabric Warehouse. Many drugs ship for free in the US.

BestFabricStore.com

Choose your desired fabric from light traffic, regular traffic or heavy duty upholstery fabric when you shoponline at BestFabricStore.com. Customers have options that include modern, chevron, paisley, animal, damask or geometric fabrics, among others. Choose your colour, design and width from over 4,000 options for upholstery fabric.

Request a sample that ships free within the US. The company does not offer refunds or trial credits.

teacher staff

The substance guru explainswhich can offer low prices because the company specializes in "buying large lots, store closures, remnants, closures and profits". Customers still receive the latest fabrics from leading upholstery fabric designers at costs that are often below wholesale prices.

The company offers traditional styles of upholstery fabrics, the latest trends, innovative fabrics and a variety of other fabrics. Choose from textured fabrics, fine Italian fabrics, structured solids, performance fabric, chenille, Crypton fabric, vinyl, corduroy, velvet, UltraSuede or embroidered fabric.

The company offers free shipping on orders over $99 and a flat rate of $7.95 on orders under $99, shipped within the 48 states in the region. Canadian shipping fees and taxes are not included in shipping costs.

Best type for different purposes

When choosing the best type of upholstery fabric for your home, there are a few factors to consider. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, choose a fabric that is easy to clean and does not trap pet hair or dust.

For those with sensitive skin, it is important to find fabric that does not irritate. And if you're looking for a fabric that can hold up to wear and tear, you'll want to choose something durable.

Best cleaning cloth

When it comes to cleaning, microfiber is one of the best upholstery fabrics. It is easy to clean and resists stains. For allergy sufferers, a tight weave is important to prevent dust and pollen from being trapped in the fabric. And for pet dander, a short pile fabric will make it easier to vacuum up any loose hairs.

dining room chair

When it comes to durability, leather is one of the best options for upholstery. It is strong and durable, making it a good choice for high traffic areas. However, leather can be difficult to clean and care for, so it is important to choose a quality leather that has been treated to resist stains and scratches.

For those with sensitive skin, natural fibers such as cotton or linen are often the best choice for upholstery. They are soft and

Durability (pets, children, cottages)

For those with pets or children, or who live in a cottage where furniture gets a lot of use, durability is key. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen are strong and resist wear and tear.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and microfiber are also durable and generally easier to clean than natural fibers. Leather is one of the most durable options for upholstery, but it can be difficult to care for.

warm weather temperatures

In hot climates, natural fibers such as cotton and linen breathe well and do not retain heat like synthetic fabrics. If you live in a warm climate or tend to keep your home warmer, natural fibers are a good choice for upholstery. They will help keep you cool in the summer months.

Outdoor

If you're looking for upholstery fabric for outdoor furniture, choose a durable fabric that can withstand the elements. Sunbrella is a type of fabric designed specifically for outdoor use. It is made of acrylic fibers and treated to resist water, mold and mildew.

Other synthetic fabrics such as polyester and microfiber are also good options for outdoor environments as they are moisture resistant and do not fade in the sun. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen are not as durable as synthetics when exposed to the elements and should only be used indoors.

general questions

How much upholstery fabric should I use?

The best way to determine howlots of furniture fabricWhat you need for your furniture is to consult a furniture specialist. A good rule of thumb is that most accent chairs require six yards of fabric for upholstery, sofas typically require 16 to 20 yards, and sectionals may need 34 yards or more.

How much upholstery fabric do I need for a dining table chair?

You will need a piece of upholstery fabric that is 27 inches long and 54 inches wide to upholster a standard size dining room chair. Larger dining chairs such as armchairs, priest chairs and dining chairs covered with padding in both back and seat usually require more.

Can you wash upholstery fabric? Can you wash upholstery fabric in the washing machine?

Some types of upholstery fabric can bewashed in the washing machine, while others must be spot cleaned or professionally cleaned.

Always look for the care label on the fabric to help you determine if the fabric is safe to wash in the washing machine. Make sure to select the correct settings and use the appropriate washing powder. In most cases, the cold cycle is best for upholstery fabrics.

Can I paint fabric for upholstery?

Closely woven furniture fabric can usually be painted without problems. Fine materials such as silk, linen and leather should not be painted to avoid material damage and to prevent peeling and flaking. If you plan to paint upholstery, be sure to use specially formulated upholstery paint and not wall or exterior paint.

Which upholstery fabric is best for pets?

Leather, canvas, denim, microfiber and outdoor fabrics are bestpet upholstery fabrics. These materials can withstand hard wear and tear and won't tear when claws and paws get caught in them. Look for an upholstery fabric that is easy to clean so spills won't cause stains.

What to do with upholstery fabric samples?

You can make cushion covers, table runners, lampshades, tote bags and even wall art from upholstery fabric swatches.

Look for ways to get creative so you don't waste extra upholstery fabric scraps. Make a matching pillow to match a chair or couch using the exact same fabric you used to upholster the furniture. You can also sew different fabrics together to make a quilt.

Fabric types for heavy upholstery?

The best types of fabric for heavy upholstery include wool, leather, tweed and denim. Exterior upholstery is also strong and works well in busy homes as it is durable and easy to clean. Velvet is another beautiful, soft, heavy upholstery fabric that adds a modern and elegant feel to your furniture.