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How To Choose The Perfect Upholstery Fabric | Helpful Tips

Upholstery is the most integral part of every seating and lounging furniture, therefore it needs to be chosen with great care. This goes the same for both new and old items, as the choice of upholstery fabric goes a long way in making the furniture comfortable, high-performance and durable. And of course, this goes otherwise, if the upholstery fabric is not chosen the right way.

Upholstery Abu Dhabi is here with the best upholstery fabric selection guide which will help you decide on the ideal materials for every kind of furniture item. From couches to headboards, and sofas to chairs, you can count on this info for every requirement, whether it’s the crafting of a new piece or the restoration of an old one. Let’s proceed!

Selecting Suitable Upholstery Fabric | Useful Ideas And Tricks

We shall begin with learning about different types of upholstery fabrics first. This way, you can relate your needs and settle on what’s the most favorable choice for your situation.

1- Types Of Furniture Upholstery Fabrics 

Types Of Furniture Upholstery Fabrics

Here are the two main categories of fabrics used for upholstering and/or reupholstering furniture.

Natural Fabrics 

These are the ones that are obtained from nature, often directly, such as from plants, minerals or animals. They are either cellulose-based, mineral-based or protein-based and are extremely soft plus breathable. But they are mostly somewhat expensive, yet worth the money.

  • Cotton: Cotton is a delightful, lightweight, and breathable fabric which makes a great upholstery. It is available in vast design and color options and is easy to maintain too.
  • Linen: Linen is another great option which offers a luxurious look to all furnishing items and is reasonably durable as well. It is moisture-resistant and hypoallergenic too.
  • Wool: Wool is the most opulent and plush fabric for upholstery which is flame-retardant and does not get stained easily either. It insulates very well and is a highly hygienic option.
  • Silk: Silk is an extremely sturdy and dense fabric for covering all kinds of furniture. It has high elasticity and absorbency for versatile uses. Besides, it is resistant to moisture and heat.

Synthetic Fabrics

These fabrics contain artificial or man-made fibers and are made from petroleum by-products using chemical synthesis. They are smooth, durable, lightweight and offer decent levels of performance. Besides, they have a quite affordable price point and are cost-effective too.

  • Polyester: Polyester is a highly long-lasting and sturdy fabric which is resistant to moisture and stains. In addition, it is economical and does not require a lot of upkeep.
  • Acrylic: Acrylic offers the plus point of high wrinkle resistance and is greatly insulating too. It can also be used outdoors. It is free from fading, hypoallergenic and dries quickly.
  • Microfiber: Microfiber is an innovative fabric which is very convenient to care for and free from all kinds of wear and tear. It is also a favorable choice for people with allergies.
  • Nylon: Nylon is a mildew-resistant and insect-proof, lightweight fabric which can last for many years. It is highly colorfast and easy to clean and can be used for every item.

2- Evaluation Of The Fabric’s Performance

Evaluation Of The Fabric’s Performance

Next up, there are some criteria with which you can determine the durability, resilience and performance of any given upholstery fabric.

Stain Resistance

Get a fabric that has been coated with stain-resistant agents or treatments, so as to ensure timelessly tidy looks as well as ease of maintenance.

Rub Count

Rub count refers to the resilience level of a fabric against abrasion and ultimately more durability. So make sure you get a fabric with higher rub count to make comfort last long.

3- Testing The Fabric For Compatibility

Testing The Upholstery Fabric For Compatibility

Now comes testing the fabric in a few ways to determine whether it’s a good match or not. You can do this in the following manners.

Exposure To Light

Have a look at the fabric under different lighting conditions and angles to see how its look fluctuates. Doing so will help you choose the right color and effect in accordance with your rooms and you can stay away from clashing choices or colors that cancel out each other.

Correct Pattern Matching

This one is for when you’re getting patterned or printed upholstering fabrics. Examine the patterns across seems and make sure they fall and match accurately. This evaluation will prevent your sofa, couch or headboard from looking non-uniform and unpleasant.

Feel Of Fabric 

Touch and feel the fabric to determine its plushness and texture. If you’ve pets and/or kids, it’s best to invest in soft upholstery fabrics, so that the resultant furniture item is gentle to their skin. This also goes the same if you or other family members have any medical concerns or fatigue problems and need something extra comfy.

4- Determining Lifestyle And Major Requirements 

Determining Lifestyle And Major Requirements

Lastly, we have a few more considerations and by taking these into account, you can guarantee the best purchases.

Aesthetics 

The color and/or pattern/print of your chosen upholstery fabric must complement the existing decor or the one you plan on designing. A great way to do so is to get samples and compare them with the room walls and overall stuff. Darker colors and detailed prints can create grandeur while minimal, solid colors can offer a sleek and modern plus spacious decor.

Durability 

Having a durable and heavy-duty upholstery fabric is more than crucial if the furniture item you’re treating is going to be in a busy space, i.e. used everyday and frequently. Leather, performance fabrics and Microfiber are some of the best recommendations for busy homes.

Upkeep

Learn about the complete maintenance and care procedures of your chosen upholstery fabrics and avoid options with unreasonable upkeep requirements. Other than prioritizing stain resistance, look for fabrics that can be washed in a machine to ensure convenience for yourself.

In Essence 

This was our take on how to choose the perfect upholstery fabric for any given furniture item and ensure the best outcomes. A comfortable, sturdy, resilient and low-maintenance upholstering treatment will not only keep you relieved from frequent repairs and replacements but will also provide you with a number of health benefits. We have mentioned all the factors that should be taken care of, while selecting upholstering or reupholstering fabric, along with some of the most useful recommendations as well. Hoping for this info to be greatly beneficial for you!

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