October 17, 2019 James Gibbons

Types of Upholstery Fabric

The different types of upholstery fabric include cotton, linen, wool, leather, acetate, hemp, silk, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, rayon, and nylon. Upholstery fabric can be constructed from one type of yarn or a blend of yarns. Choosing the correct upholstery fabric will ensure the longevity of your furniture. In this blog, let's explore the best upholstery fabric for your project.

What type of fabric to use for upholstery ?

When it comes to upholstery, you might be a little confused on what type of fabric you’re looking for. Choosing an upholstery fabric can be difficult with so many options nowadays. You could source natural fabrics or synthetics but choosing a fabric for the right situation will ensure a longer lifespan of your furniture. Let’s explore the popular upholstery fabric options!

types of upholstery fabric

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics are usually favored by someone looking for the softest, less performance based feel to their furniture. Cotton, silk, wool, leather, and linen are some of the popular natural upholstery fabrics.

Cotton

Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber and is the cheapest. With comfort and stability, cotton is meant to provide a soft feel to your furniture. Cotton is great for durability and resistance to fading but is a susceptible to stains. Cotton is not the best choice for everyday use furniture due to the fact it can stain easily and catches dust and dirt.

If you are looking for a cotton look that can be used inside and out, please check out our pattern Brightside

cotton upholstery fabric

Silk

Silk is probably one of the more expensive options for upholstery fabric. It should only be used in a formal living room one without heavy use. Silk needs to be professionally cleaned if something is spilled or soils the furniture.

Wool

Wool is very durable and sturdy when put to the test. It is very resistant to pilling and staining making it a great choice for high traffic area. Downside of wool is when it gets wet, it can have an odor to it that's hard to get rid of.

Crest leather Hides

Leather

Probably the most durable fabric for upholstery is leather. Leather is a great option for high traffic areas while looking comfy. Leather is also recommended for those who have animals or pets. It is very easy to vacuum hair out of and lasts for a long time.

Linen

Linen is best for adult only rooms due to the fact it can wrinkle and stain easily. It’s great because most print fabric is on linen, making intricate designs more affordable. Linen can shrink when washes. It needs it be professionally cleaned to avoid damaging or changing the fabric size.

If you are looking for a cleanable linen look, please check out our performance fabric Hailey.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic upholstery fabrics were made for superior durability and clean ability with a cheaper manufacturing costs than natural fabrics. Synthetic fabrics are made by synthesizing chemicals and/or natural products to create synthetic fibers. These Synthetic fibers are then woven into fabrics we use in our everyday lives. Some you may have heard of are polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic, or rayon.

Polyester

Often used with other fibers, Polyester is a great blending fiber with cotton to add wrinkle protection to the fabric. Polyester retains dyes and was an early choice for outdoor upholstery yarn.

Polyester upholstery fabric

Olefin or Polypropylene

Olefin is another great option for upholstery fabric. Olefin, or polypropylene, is the second most produced synthetic fiber next to polyester. It is durable and cleanable without the use of protective stain treatments like Scotchgard. In fact, fluorochemicals can start to breakdown certain synthetic fibers. You might have already heard of polypropylene, or PP, by looking at your water bottles, yogurt containers, and tub ware. Polypropylene is the second most produced plastic and produces less waste by weight compared to any other plastic. Almost all recycling programs in the United States can recycle polypropylene.

Upholstery fabric

Nylon

Nylon is another fiber that is rarely used alone. Combined with other synthetic or natural fibers, Nylon is great for eliminating napping and crushing in velvet or chenille fabrics. Nylon is susceptible to pill and can fade in high sunlight or UV situations.

Acrylic

Synthesized as an imitation wool, acrylic was the original go to fiber for outdoor upholstery fabrics. Acrylic is good for fade resistance, soiling, and wrinkling, but can pill if low quality acrylic is used in the fiber.

Outdoor Fabric

Rayon

Rayon was first developed to imitate silk, cotton, and linen. Rayon can be strong and durable, but it is susceptible to wrinkling.

Whatever fabric choice you go with, please research the companies you are purchasing them from. Responsible sourcing will ultimately lead to the longevity of your furniture and that starts with good research.

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Comments

Vardhman - March 9, 2024
China suede fabric wholesalers offer an extensive variety of fabrics to suit different applications and preferences. Whether you’re looking for traditional suede fabric for apparel, upholstery suede for furniture, or microsuede for accessories, you’ll find a wide selection to choose from. Moreover, wholesalers often provide customization options, allowing customers to request specific colors, finishes, and textures tailored to their unique requirements. This level of flexibility ensures that businesses can find the perfect suede fabric to bring their creative vision to life.

Vardhman - February 28, 2024
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Velvet fabric, with its soft pile and luxurious texture, has been prized for centuries for its sumptuous feel and exquisite appearance. Traditionally made from silk, velvet is now produced using a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and rayon, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Velvet fabric is renowned for its versatility, making it suitable for a range of applications, from apparel and upholstery to home decor and accessories. Its ability to catch and reflect light gives it a lustrous sheen, while its dense pile adds depth and dimension to any design.

Vardhman - February 22, 2024
Cheapest Imported Suede
Imported suede refers to suede fabrics that are sourced from international markets and brought into the buyer’s home country. These fabrics may originate from various manufacturing hubs worldwide, including countries renowned for their textile expertise and competitive pricing such as China, India, Turkey, and others. The allure of imported suede lies in its potential for cost savings and access to a diverse range of options not readily available domestically.

Vardhman - February 19, 2024
Suede Sofa Fabric
Suede sofa fabric exudes an air of sophistication and luxury, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their living spaces. Renowned for its soft texture, rich color options, and timeless appeal, suede fabric has long been synonymous with elegance and comfort in the realm of interior design. In this article, we delve into the characteristics, benefits, care tips, and styling options associated with suede sofa fabric, offering insights into why it continues to captivate discerning homeowners and designers alike.Suede fabric is a type of leather that has undergone a specific manufacturing process to achieve its unique characteristics

vardhman - February 16, 2024
Vardhman Enterprises has always strived to go beyond the customers’ needs, emphasizing Integrity, Service, Quality, and Value as our core principles. We believe upholstery is an art form and we look forward to providing you with fabrics that are easy to work with and help you create a project that will bring joy to you or your client’s place for years to come. Need wholesale upholstery fabric? Trust Vardhman Enterprises.

muoro - February 10, 2024
Sweat Leather Sofa Fabric
Sweat leather sofa fabric exudes a luxurious aesthetic that adds sophistication and style to any interior space. Its smooth texture, subtle sheen, and rich color variations closely resemble that of genuine leather, creating an upscale ambiance that is both inviting and timeless. Whether in classic brown or contemporary white, sweat leather sofa fabric effortlessly elevates the visual appeal of sofas, loveseats, and armchairs, making a bold statement in any room.

Vardhman - February 8, 2024
Sweat Leather Sofa Fabric
In the world of interior design, the choice of sofa fabric plays a pivotal role in defining the overall aesthetic and comfort of a space. One fabric that has been gaining popularity for its luxurious appeal and durability is sweat leather. Sweat leather sofa fabric combines the elegance of genuine leather with the practicality of synthetic materials, offering a sophisticated and comfortable solution for discerning homeowners. In this article, we explore the characteristics, benefits, and allure of sweat leather sofa fabric.

vardhman - February 1, 2024
finding reliable wholesale suede fabric suppliers can be a game-changer for any business in the textile industry. As someone who’s constantly on the lookout for high-quality materials at competitive prices, I understand the importance of having trustworthy suppliers. Suede fabric adds such a luxurious touch to various products, from fashion to home decor, and having a dependable source for it can streamline production processes and ensure consistent quality. I’d love to hear recommendations or experiences with specific suppliers if anyone has any to share! Let’s support each other in sourcing the best materials for our projects.

vardhman - January 30, 2024
Sofa Fabric Manufacturers in India
In the realm of home furnishings, the choice of sofa fabric plays a crucial role in defining the comfort, aesthetics, and durability of a piece. India, with its rich textile heritage, is home to a myriad of sofa fabric manufacturers who excel in producing materials that marry style with substance. This article explores the landscape of Sofa Fabric Manufacturers in India, shedding light on the key players, their offerings, and the artistry that goes into crafting the fabrics that adorn our living spaces.

Vardhman - January 25, 2024
“Delhi has long been celebrated for its rich textile heritage, and this is vividly reflected in its wholesale markets. From traditional fabrics to contemporary materials, Delhi’s textile markets offer a kaleidoscope of choices for businesses seeking quality sofa fabrics in bulk.Delhi’s markets are strategically located and well-connected, providing businesses with easy access to wholesale suppliers. This accessibility contributes to the efficiency of sourcing sofa fabrics in bulk.

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