The Top 5 Fabric Used In Upholstery

Upholstered furniture is used in various pieces of furniture. However, it is used in your home it is important to have sufficient knowledge about different upholstery fabric can help you reach a decision easily.

 As you shop for upholstery fabric, let your practical needs lead. First determine where the furniture will be used and how many people will be using utilising the furniture. Pieces in high-traffic areas such as the living room, will need durable fabric, while furniture that doesn’t experience a lot of wear and tear such as a bedroom sofa or headboard can support any type of textile.

1. Leather

Commonly used in upholstery, leather is not only comfortable but it looks luxurious, feels grand and has an expensive smell to it. Leather upholstered furniture is ideal for the living room.

Pros

• Leather upholstery is easy to maintain.
• Leather does not absorb liquid or stains.
• Leather is a very durable material, which makes the lifespan of leather upholstered furniture longer.
• It is resistant to certain products and chemicals which may damage the furniture.
• Leather does not absorb spilled materials.
• Leather is well-suited to heavy use, while maintaining its style and elegance.

 Cons

• Leather is harder as compared to other fabric, which means it is not as comfortable as other upholstery fabric.
• Leather can split or crack or get damaged easily with sharp objects.
• Leather upholstered furniture is quite expensive.

2. Polyester

Polyester is a microfiber that is commonly used as an upholstery fabric which means it is also available in various colours. This makes it more customisable to your needs. Polyester upholstery has an ‘expensive feel’ and it similar to leather in this regard.

Pros

• Polyester is a very soft and comfortable fabric.
• It is extremely easy to clean polyester upholstered furniture.
• Polyester upholstery fabric dries very quickly.
• It is stain-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
• Polyester fabric will not absorb smells like other breathable fabric.

 Cons

• Polyester upholstery fabric can crack if it is exposed harsh temperatures.
• Polyester will stretch over time.
• The polyester material is flammable. Therefore, you can’t smoke near it, as that can be a safety hazard.

3. Cotton

Cotton is a natural fibre which makes it a common and popular upholstery fabric choice. It is the most durable upholstery fabric and it can be easily dyed to suit your style and colour choice. Cotton is a popular upholstery fabric for all the right reasons.

Pros

• Cotton is 100% natural.
• It can be dyed in almost any colour.
• It is soft and comfortable.
• It is breathable.
• Cotton is one of the most durable fabric.
• It resists abrasion.
• Cotton is hypoallergenic

 Cons

• Cotton wrinkles easily.
• Cotton is super easy to dye, meaning that is also has a high colour transfer level. Colour from clothing can easily stain a couch.
• It can soak in spills quickly your furniture may result in it having an odour.

4. Velvet

Beautiful, elegant and attractive, velvet upholstered furniture exudes sophistication and can transform any space instantly. However beautiful it may be there are obvious good and bad features about this fabric.

Pros

• Velvet is luxuriously soft and regal.
• Velvet can be dyed in rich colours.
• It has excellent insulation properties.

 Cons

• It is difficult to clean and maintain velvet.
• It is a very expensive fabric.
• The durability of velvet depends on the density of the woven fibres.
• It is only suitable for lush furniture that is meant for formal use.

5. Rayon

Rayon is semi-synthetic fibre making it versatile but also similar to the comfort level as other upholstery fabrics. Rayon is not a very durable fabric however it is a cheaper option to that of leather, cotton and velvet.

Pros

• Rayon is a very cheap form of upholstery fabric.
• It is very soft and comfortable.
• It is resistant to moths and mildew.

 Cons

• Rayon does not retain its original appearance for long and get easily damaged.
• It is not water-resistant.
• Rayon has an extremely low elastic recovery, which means it will not retain its initial shape.