Upholstery fabric is the material that covers the frame, padding, and springs of a piece of furniture. It can make a big difference in the look, feel, and durability of your furniture. But how do you choose the right upholstery fabric for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:
Style
The style of your furniture and your room should match the style of your upholstery fabric. For example, if you have a traditional sofa, you might want to choose a classic fabric like velvet, damask, or brocade. If you have a modern chair, you might want to go for a sleek fabric like leather, microfibre, or vinyl.
Colour
The colour of your upholstery fabric can set the mood and tone of your room. You can choose a colour that complements or contrasts with your existing decor, or you can use a neutral colour that goes with everything. You can also choose a solid colour or a patterned fabric, depending on your preference and personality.
Durability
The durability of your upholstery fabric depends on how often and how roughly you use your furniture. If you have pets, kids, or frequent guests, you might want to choose a fabric that is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and abrasion-resistant. Some fabrics that are durable are canvas, denim, corduroy, and olefin.
Comfort
The comfort of your upholstery fabric depends on how soft or firm you like your furniture to be. You can choose a fabric that is smooth or textured, plush or flat, warm or cool. Some fabrics that are comfortable are cotton, linen, silk, and wool.
Cost
The cost of your upholstery fabric depends on the quality, quantity, and type of fabric you choose. Generally, natural fabrics are more expensive than synthetic fabrics, and woven fabrics are more expensive than printed fabrics. You can also save money by reupholstering your existing furniture instead of buying new ones.
Popular upholstery fabrics and how to choose them
Upholstery fabric is the material that covers the frame, padding, and springs of a piece of furniture. It can make a big difference in the look, feel, and durability of your furniture. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best upholstery fabric for your needs?
Choosing the right upholstery fabric for your furniture can be a fun and rewarding process. You can express your style, personality, and taste with the fabric you choose. You can also enhance the comfort, durability, and appearance of your furniture with the right fabric. Just remember to consider these factors: popularity, cost, maintenance, and comfort.
See also: Sofa cushioning design ideas for your living room
Popular upholstery fabrics and their pros and cons
Leather
Leather is a natural fabric that is made from animal hides. It is one of the most durable and easy to maintain upholstery fabrics. It can resist stains, scratches, and fading. It also has a timeless and elegant look that can suit any style of furniture and room. However, leather can also be expensive, cold, and slippery. It can also crack or peel over time if not properly conditioned.
Velvet
Velvet is a woven fabric that has a soft and luxurious feel. It can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your furniture and room. It can also reflect light and create a rich and deep colour effect. However, velvet can also be prone to pilling, shedding, and fading. It can also be difficult to clean and may require professional care.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric that is made from plant fibres. It is one of the most versatile and comfortable upholstery fabrics. It can come in various colorus, patterns, and textures. It can also breathe well and absorb moisture. However, cotton can also be prone to wrinkling, shrinking, and staining. It can also fade or wear out over time if exposed to sunlight or friction.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a synthetic fabric that is made from very fine fibres. It is one of the most affordable and easy to clean upholstery fabrics. It can resist stains, spills, and dust. It can also mimic the look and feel of other fabrics like suede or leather. However, microfibere can also be prone to static electricity, pilling, and snagging. It can also attract pet hair and lint.
See also: Leather sofa design to transform your living room
Cleaning of upholstery fabric
Cleaning different kinds of upholstery fabric can be a challenging task, as different fabrics require different methods and products. Before attempting to clean any upholstery, it is important to check the fabric code on the label, which indicates what type of cleaner is suitable for the fabric. Fabrics marked with a W can be cleaned with water and water-based detergents, while fabrics marked with an S can only be cleaned with water-free solvents. Fabrics marked with a WS can be cleaned with both types of cleaners, and fabrics marked with an X should only be vacuumed or brushed. Some natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, silk, velvet or linen, may also require special care or professional cleaning.
To clean upholstery fabric, start by vacuuming the surface to remove dust and loose dirt. Then, depending on the fabric code, spray or blot a suitable cleaner on the fabric, following the directions on the product label. Avoid soaking the fabric or rubbing it too hard, as this may damage the fibres or cause fading. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work in the cleaner and remove stains. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or use a stronger cleaner. After cleaning, let the fabric dry completely before using it again. You can also use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
Best Indian brands of upholstery fabric
If you are looking for the best brands of upholstery fabric in India, you have many options to choose from. Some of the popular brands are House of Quirk, Jiggster Store, Cotton Candy, Fairy Home, Bowzar, Freedom Tree, D’Decor and GTA India. These brands offer a variety of sofa fabrics, chair fabrics, curtain fabrics and leather fabrics in different prints, materials, textures and designs. You can browse and select the best sofa fabric online from their websites or visit their stores near you.
Conclusion
Choosing the right upholstery fabric for your furniture can be a fun and rewarding process. You can express your style, personality, and taste with the fabric you choose. You can also enhance the comfort, durability, and appearance of your furniture with the right fabric. Just remember to consider these factors: style, colour, durability, comfort, and cost.
FAQs
What is upholstery fabric?
Upholstery fabric covers furniture like sofas and chairs, made from natural or synthetic fibers or a mix of both.
How to choose upholstery fabric?
Consider durability, comfort, style, maintenance, and cost when picking. Different fabrics have varied pros and cons for each factor.
Common types of upholstery fabric?
Leather, polyester, linen, cotton, olefin, velvet, silk, and wool are common types, each with unique appearance, feel, strength, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning.
How to clean upholstery fabric?
Cleaning methods vary based on fabric type and stains. Some can be machine washed, dry cleaned, spot cleaned, or need professional care. Always follow care labels or manufacturer instructions.
How to measure upholstery fabric?
Measure furniture length and width, add extra inches for seams, hems, and pattern matching. Account for fabric grain direction and pattern repeat if any. Multiply length by width and divide by 36 for yardage.
How is the sewing of upholstery fabric done?
Use heavy-duty sewing machines, upholstery needles, thread, scissors, pins, and measure and cut fabric according to patterns. Pin and sew with strong stitches.
Can we dye upholstery fabric?
Prepare fabric by washing, choosing the appropriate dye, and soaking fabric in dye solution. Rinse and dry after recommended time.
How can you paint upholstery fabric?
Clean and protect fabric, dampen it, then apply thin coats of suitable paint with even strokes, letting each coat dry between applications.
How to store upholstery fabric?
Neatly fold or roll fabric on a cardboard tube, wrap it in plastic or tissue paper, and store it in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, sharp objects, and heavy items.
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