Choosing The Highest Quality Fabrics For Looks And Longevity
The upholstery fabrics you choose can make or break a room. Upholstery fabrics are not just about the style - they're about the durability, comfort and functionality of your upholstered furniture. Choosing upholstery fabric is a serious decision that requires expert advice from an upholsterer who knows what they're talking about. In this blog post, we will give you insider secrets for choosing upholstery fabrics to ensure your project is successful!
- The type of upholstery fabric you use depends on many factors including its use (sofa vs armchair), budget, color options and pattern availability.
- It's important to take into account durability when making your selection so that it doesn't wear in a way that is not very flattering. Longevity is key and will actually save you money in the long run.
CHOOSING THE BEST FABRIC FOR SOFA UPHOLSTERY? CONSIDER PRACTICALITY AND DURABILITY
Upholstery fabrics come in a variety of different weights, grades and fiber contents - the weight refers to how heavy or thick the fabric is ranging from lightweight (below 16 ounces) up to heavyweight (above 20 ounces). The grade is generally an indication of quality with higher graded upholstery having superior durability compared to lower ones. Fiber content also varies between materials but for upholstery applications we recommend cotton because it has good strength and breathability making it suitable for use on sofas and armchairs as well as other pieces such as dining chairs. Cotton can be blended with polyester fibers to create an affordable and durable material known as polycotton.
WHAT IS THE MOST DURABLE FABRIC FOR UPHOLSTERY?
The most durable upholstery fabrics are those with a higher weight, which indicates the density of fibers. In general, upholstery fabrics can be lightweight (below 16 ounces) up to heavyweight (above 20 ounces). The grade is generally an indication of quality with higher graded upholstery having superior durability compared to lower ones. Fiber content also varies between materials but for upholstery applications we recommend cotton because it has good strength and breathability making it suitable for use on sofas and armchairs as well as other pieces such as dining chairs. Cotton can be blended with polyester fibers to create an affordable and durable material known as polycotton. Expert advice from our friends at Home Furniture Now about choosing upholstery fabrics.
FINDING THE BEST FABRIC FOR CURTAINS – QUALITY COUNTS
When it comes to curtains, drapes and other window dressings - quality is everything. Quality upholstery fabrics are hard wearing, look good after many washes and have the right drape to frame windows beautifully. The best upholstery fabric should also be easy care so you don’t need to spend hours each week on pressing and cleaning.
Quality upholstery fabrics such as these pictured above from Home Furniture Now offer a range of benefits over cheaper alternatives:
- superior durability;
- better resistance to creasing;
- richer colours due to higher dye concentrations resulting in brighter hues that will not fade with time or sun exposure; and most importantly for custom upholsterers…
- more accurate cuts without unsightly fraying at the edges where cheap cotton may fray easily making
HOW TO CHOOSE UPHOLSTERY FABRIC – FOR THE LONG-TERM
When choosing upholstery fabric for the long term you should always consider the quality and durability of upholstery fabrics vs. price:
- choose upholstery fabric that will last for decades not just a few years;
- opt for upholstered furniture with clean lines instead of heavy, ornate designs which may date quickly;
- avoid upholstery patterns in busy prints or