Choosing Upholstery Fabric

Upholstery Fabric is the padded covering for chairs, sofas and other upholstered furniture. It hides the webbing and springs used to make the piece of furniture and provides a comfortable surface to sit on. Choosing the right upholstery fabric depends on how much use the furniture will get and the style of the room. The best upholstery fabrics are durable, abrasion resistant and not prone to fading or staining.
The fabric itself can be woven from natural or synthetic fibers. The most common are cotton, wool and polyester. Cotton is a good choice for couches and chair backs since it is breathable and provides a soft feel. It is also inexpensive, but can be soiled easily. It can be treated with stain repellent to make it more durable.

Wool is another option for upholstered furniture. It is durable, stain and dirt resistant and has a natural look to it. Wool can be expensive, but can last longer than cotton. It is also itchy to the touch, so can be a problem if children or pets sit on the furniture. Wool can be made softer by felting it, which makes it more comfortable.
Polyester is a popular upholstery fabric because it resists stains, fades and wrinkles well. It is available in many colors and patterns, which gives it a wide range of possibilities for furniture upholstery. It is a little less expensive than silk, but isn't as durable. Polyester can be treated with a stain protectant to extend its lifespan.
Synthetics like nylon and polypropylene are also used for upholstery. Nylon is a little more expensive than polyester, but it resists stains better. It can be treated with a stain protectant or used without one to extend its lifespan. Polypropylene is also recycled a lot more than other types of plastics, so it's environmentally friendly.
In addition to durability and stain resistance, the thickness of the fabric should be considered. Thicker fabrics are sturdier and can support heavier furniture. A thinner fabric may not be able to support the weight of the furniture, or it may stretch and sag over time.
The fabric's pattern should be taken into account, too. Larger patterns work best on larger furniture pieces, while small patterns and stripes are better suited to smaller pieces. The fabric should also be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most natural and some synthetic fabrics can be washed in cold water with a mild detergent, while others require professional cleaning. It is also a good idea to order samples of the upholstery fabrics before making a purchase. This will give you a chance to see how the fabric looks in your home and how it feels to the touch. It will also help you decide how much yardage to buy. Typically, upholstery fabric is rolled into 50-yard rolls. It was originally folded, but rolling was found to be a better process because it caused fewer creases when it was cut.