Choosing the right upholstery fabric

The most crucial aspect of any upholstery project is the upholstery fabric you choose. Upholstery is as much about appearance as it is about function.

The cloth you select will either make or ruin the appearance of your furniture. The elements to consider when selecting upholstery fabric are listed below.

1. Start with the price

Upholstery materials are priced differently based on the material and quality. However, this does not imply that “good” materials with desirable characteristics must be expensive. Modern technology has enabled the production of extremely high-performing and pleasant materials at a low cost.

To avoid going overboard with your spending, look up how much fabric it will take to upholster your preferred product and estimate the prices.

2. Consider the overall aesthetic

Different textiles are associated with certain emotions. They can either blend in or enhance your furnishings. Look for something that complements the rest of your decor.

3. Look for durability

Fabric durability refers to how many rubs it will take to reveal wear. So, consider what the fabric will be used for, where it will be placed, the presence of children and pets, and so on, as these factors will all influence how tough the fabric needs to be.

Sofas, for example, require some of the greatest rub counts because they are utilised (and rubbed) far more than a headboard.

4. Consider the maintenance requirements

Leather, for example, does not adhere to trash, odours, or anything else and can, for the most part, be wiped clean. Fabrics, on the other hand, discolour easily and simply attract pets and bugs.

Worse, highly delicate fabrics such as silk must be professionally cleaned to avoid damage. As you can see, different textiles need a wide range of work in the maintenance department.

Keeping this in mind, machine washable fabrics are ideal for heavy cleaning of large pieces. Remember this because it will save you hours of scrubbing time in the future.

5. Look at the necessary treatments and coatings

Some fabrics are treated in order to change their natural qualities. This could involve making them resistant to fire, fading, and stains, among other things. These can sometimes change the texture of the fabric, so keep an eye out for that.

Even soft, ostensibly comfortable textiles may lack permeability, making perspiration and vapour difficult to escape.  That’s not ideal for furniture in very hot or cold areas.

It will be hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter. Of course, not all fabric treatments are responsible for this. As it turns out, certain therapies are really beneficial.

The most popular fabric treatments are used to make materials stain resistant. These are often intended to be extremely durable. In reality, they are sweeping the globe and rejuvenating the textile sector for higher-priced materials.

These have permanent stain resistance built in, and many of them are also fade-resistant, bleach cleanable, waterproof, and have a slew of other desirable characteristics.

Make the right upholstery fabric choice by following the insights provided above.

Also read: How to decorate your home on a tight budget