Upholstery fabrics come in various types, including natural and synthetic options. Each fabric type has unique properties, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Understanding these can help you make the best choice for your furniture, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and durability. This blog will explore the different types of upholstery fabric, their characteristics, and their best applications.

What type of fabric should be used for upholstery?

Choosing the right fabric can be overwhelming due to the myriad of options available in upholstery. You can opt for natural fabrics or synthetics, but selecting a fabric suited to the specific needs of your furniture will ensure its longevity. Let’s delve into the popular upholstery fabric options to help you make an informed decision.

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabric is often favored for its softness and aesthetic appeal. They are derived from natural sources and tend to have a luxurious feel. Here are some of the most popular natural upholstery fabrics:

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber and a popular choice for sofas due to its practical advantages. Firstly, it is one of the most cost-effective options, making it a budget-friendly choice. Secondly, cotton is highly versatile, absorbing patterns and colors well. Whether you prefer crisp white, deep indigo, animal print, or cabana stripes, cotton offers an extensive range of colors and patterns. Lastly, cotton's resistance to fading is crucial for sofas exposed to direct sunlight, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy. However, cotton is susceptible to stains and quickly catches dust and dirt. Therefore, it may not be the best option for furniture that sees everyday use.

If you want a cotton look that can be used indoors and outdoors, consider our pattern Brightside.

Silk

Silk is one of the more expensive upholstery fabric options and is best suited for formal living rooms with minimal use. It has a luxurious appearance and feel but requires professional cleaning if soiled or stained. Silk's delicate nature makes it unsuitable for high-traffic areas.

Wool

Wool is highly durable and sturdy, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. It is resistant to pilling and staining, which adds to its appeal. However, wool can emit an unpleasant odor when wet, which can be challenging to remove. Wool also scores low on the Higg Index for sustainability due to the amount of resources it uses in the manufacturing process.

Leather

Leather is arguably the most durable upholstery fabric. It is excellent for high-traffic areas and offers a comfortable and sophisticated look. Leather is recommended for households with pets, as it is easy to clean and maintain. Pet hair can be easily vacuumed from leather surfaces and has a long lifespan.

Linen

Linen is best suited for adult-only rooms because it tends to wrinkle and stain easily. It is a popular choice for intricate designs because many print fabrics are made from linen, making such designs more affordable. Linen requires professional cleaning to avoid shrinkage and damage.

If you want a cleanable linen look, consider our performance fabric, Belgian.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic upholstery fabrics are designed for superior durability and cleanability at a lower manufacturing cost than natural fabrics. They are created by synthesizing chemicals and/or natural products into synthetic fibers, which are then woven into fabrics used in everyday life. Standard synthetic fabrics include polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic, and rayon.

Polyester

Polyester is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton, to add wrinkle resistance to the fabric. It retains dyes well and was one of the first choices for outdoor upholstery yarn. Polyester's durability and versatility make it popular for various upholstery needs.

Olefin (Polypropylene)

Olefin, known as polypropylene, is the second most produced synthetic fiber after polyester. It is durable and cleanable without needing protective stain treatments like Scotchgard. Fluorochemicals can break down certain synthetic fibers, so olefin's natural resistance to stains is a significant advantage. Polypropylene is also widely recycled, making it an eco-friendly option.

Nylon

Nylon is rarely used alone and is typically combined with other synthetic or natural fibers. It eliminates napping and crushing in fabrics like velvet or chenille. However, nylon can pill and fade when exposed to high sunlight or UV.

Acrylic

Initially synthesized as an imitation wool, acrylic is a go-to fiber for outdoor upholstery fabrics. It is suitable for fade resistance, soiling, and wrinkling but can pill if low-quality acrylic is used.

Rayon

Rayon was developed to mimic the properties of silk, cotton, and linen. It is strong and durable but prone to wrinkling. Rayon’s versatility makes it a good choice for various upholstery applications but requires careful maintenance.

Responsible Sourcing and Longevity

Regardless of your fabric choice, it is crucial to research the companies you are purchasing from. Responsible sourcing can significantly impact the longevity of your furniture. Choosing fabrics from reputable companies ensures that the materials used are of high quality and produced under ethical conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Upholstery Fabric

When selecting upholstery fabric, several factors should be considered to ensure you make the best choice for your needs. For the sake of time, we're going to highlight a few considerations. If you would like to take a deeper dive, check out our Comprehensive Guide on Choosing Upholstery Fabric

Durability

Consider how much wear and tear your furniture will endure. For high-traffic areas, opt for durable fabrics like leather or synthetic blends. For pieces that will see less use, choose more delicate fabrics like silk or linen.

Maintenance

Some fabrics require professional cleaning, while others can be easily maintained at home. If you prefer low-maintenance options, synthetic or treated natural fabrics may be best. When buying treated fabrics, it’s best to find the chemicals they use to enhance their performance. Many “Scotchgard” type fabric treatments contain PFAS and PFC forever chemicals that may harm pets and humans. An alternative is to use a performance fabric that doesn’t use any chemical finishes.

Comfort

Comfort is critical, especially for furniture that will be used frequently. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool offer a soft feel, while synthetic blends can provide a balance between comfort and durability.

Aesthetics

The fabric's look and feel are essential for your space's overall aesthetic. Choose fabrics that complement your interior design and personal style.

Budget

Cost is always a consideration. Natural fabrics tend to be more expensive than synthetics, but both categories offer affordable options. Determine your budget and find a fabric that meets your needs without compromising quality.

Upholstery Fabric and Environmental Impact

In recent years, the environmental impact of upholstery fabrics has become an important consideration. Many consumers are now looking for eco-friendly options that reduce waste and promote sustainability. Here are a few tips for choosing environmentally friendly upholstery fabrics. 

Recycled Fabrics

Many synthetic fabrics, like polyester and olefin, can be made from recycled materials. Choosing recycled fabrics helps reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials.

Organic Fabrics

Organic natural fabrics like cotton or linen are grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals. These fabrics are better for the environment and healthier for your home.

Synthetic Fabrics

While you may think synthetic fabrics aren’t as environmentally friendly as their natural counterparts, think again! Some synthetic materials, like olefin, are made from an upcycled material and use far fewer resources like land, water, and livestock than natural fibers. Polypropylene yarns use no water in their dying process, resulting in no harmful chemical runoffs. The pellets are melted with natural pigments to achieve their color and then extruded to make the colored fiber. That colored fiber is then spun into yarn. These environmentally friendly aspects of olefin/polypropylene help it to score the highest on the Higg Index for sustainability.

Low-Impact Dyes

Look for fabrics dyed with low-impact or natural dyes. These dyes have a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic dyes.

Longevity

Choosing durable, high-quality fabrics can extend the life of your furniture, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste. When you choose better quality performance fabrics made in the USA, you’re ultimately increasing the longevity of that piece of furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most durable upholstery fabric?
A: Leather is considered one of the most durable upholstery fabrics. Due to its easy maintenance and long lifespan, it is ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets. Synthetic blends, such as polyester and olefin, also offer excellent durability.

Q: How do I clean my upholstered furniture?
A: Cleaning methods depend on the type of fabric. Natural fabrics like silk and linen often require professional cleaning, while synthetic fabrics can usually be cleaned with mild detergents and water. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

Q: Can I use outdoor fabrics for indoor furniture?
A: Yes, outdoor fabrics like acrylic and olefin are designed to withstand harsh conditions and can be a durable choice for indoor furniture. They offer excellent fade resistance and easy maintenance.

Q: What fabrics are best for homes with children and pets?
A: Durable and easy-to-clean fabrics, such as leather, polyester, and olefin, are ideal for homes with children and pets. These fabrics resist stains and can withstand heavy use.

Q: Are synthetic fabrics environmentally friendly?
A: Some synthetic fabrics, like those made from recycled materials, can be environmentally friendly. Additionally, choosing durable fabrics that extend the life of your furniture can help reduce waste.

Q: How do I choose the right fabric for my sofa?
A: Consider factors such as durability, comfort, maintenance, and aesthetics. For high-traffic areas, opt for durable fabrics like leather or synthetic blends. For less-used pieces, natural fabrics like cotton or linen may be suitable.

Related Topics

• How to Calculate Yardage for Upholstery Projects: This comprehensive guide explains how to give your old furniture a new look with easy reupholstering techniques and the yardage required.
• The Benefits of Performance Fabrics: Discover why performance fabrics are an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor furniture.
• Maintaining Upholstered Furniture: Tips and tricks for keeping your upholstered furniture looking new for years.
• Eco-Friendly Upholstery Options: Explore sustainable upholstery fabrics and their benefits for the environment.
• Choosing the Right Furniture for Your Home: Factors to consider when selecting new furniture pieces to complement your interior design.

Conclusion

Choosing the right upholstery fabric involves considering various factors, including durability, maintenance, comfort, aesthetics, budget, and environmental impact. By understanding the different types of upholstery fabrics available, you can make an informed decision that ensures the longevity and beauty of your furniture.

Whether you opt for natural fabrics like cotton, silk, wool, leather, or linen or synthetic options like polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic, or rayon, each type has unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Responsible sourcing and considering the environmental impact of your choices can further enhance the longevity and sustainability of your furniture.

Suitable upholstery fabric can transform your furniture, providing comfort, durability, and style for years. Take the time to research and choose the best fabric for your specific needs, and enjoy the lasting benefits of a well-upholstered piece of furniture.

We want to hear from you? What are your favorite types of upholstery fabric and why? Do you prefer natural fabric? Synthetic fabric?