Different types of furniture upholstery fabrics include cotton, linen, wool, leather, acetate, hemp, silk, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, rayon, and nylon. The cover fabric can be made from one type of thread or a combination of threads. The right choice of furniture upholstery fabric will ensure the long life of your furniture.
When it comes to upholstery, you may be confused about what type of fabric to look for. Choosing an upholstery fabric can be difficult with so many options these days. You can get natural fabrics or synthetic materials, but choosing the right fabric for the situation will ensure the longevity of your furniture. Let’s explore popular options!
- Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics are often preferred by someone looking for the softest feel from their furniture with the least amount of performance. Cotton, silk, wool, leather, and linen are some of the popular natural upholstery fabrics.
- Cotton
Cotton is the most used natural fiber and is the cheapest. In addition to comfort and durability, cotton has a soft feel to your furniture. It is good for durability and fade resistance, but is prone to stains. Cotton is not the best choice for everyday furniture use as it easily stains and traps dust and dirt. If you’re looking for a cotton look that can be used indoors or outdoors, check out Brightside pattern.
- Silk
Silk is probably one of the most expensive upholstery fabric options. It should only be used in a formal living room without heavy use. If silk gets spilled or soiled on furniture, it needs to be professionally cleaned.
- Wool
The wool is very strong and durable when tested. It is lint and stain-resistant, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. The disadvantage of wool is that when it gets wet, it has an odor that is difficult to remove.
- Leather
Perhaps the most durable material for upholstery is leather. Leather is a good choice for high-traffic areas while still looking comfortable. Leather is also recommended for those who have animals or pets. It is very easy to vacuum hair and lasts a long time.
Synthetic fabrics
Synthetic upholstery fabrics are made for greater durability and cleaning with lower production costs than natural fabrics. They are made by synthesizing chemicals and/or natural products to create synthetic fibers. These synthetic fibers are then woven into the fabrics we use in everyday life. Some you may have heard of are polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic, or rayon.
- Polyester
Polyester, which is often used with other fibers, is a good blend of fibers with cotton to increase the fabric’s resistance to wrinkling. Polyester continues to dye and was the first choice for outdoor yarns.
- Olefin
Olefin, or polypropylene, is the second most produced synthetic fiber after polyester. It is durable and cleans without the use of protective treatments such as Scotchgard. In fact, fluorochemicals can begin to break down some synthetic fibers. You’ve probably heard of polypropylene or PP when you’ve looked at your water bottles, yogurt containers, and tubs.
Polypropylene is again commonly-produced plastic and produces less waste compared to all other plastics.
Do your good research!
