What kinds of Fabric are Used for Upholstering?
There are many different types of fabric for reupholstering to choose from; cotton, silk, wool, leather, and linen are popular natural upholstery fabrics. People usually chose natural fabrics for their visual appeal and soft texture. There are also many synthetic upholstery fabrics such as polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic, or rayon. These are made for superior durability and ease of cleaning. Choosing the right type of fabric will ensure the longevity of your furniture.
How do I Choose Fabric for Upholstering?
There are so many fabric options out there, and it can be difficult to narrow down your search for reupholstery fabric. Below is Innuwindow’s guide to the pros and cons for each type of fabric for reupholstering.
- Cotton: Soft feel, durable, resistant to fading, and budget-friendly. However, it can stain easily and catches dust and dirt.
- Silk: Luxurious and strong, but more expensive. Silk is best for formal living areas that aren’t used everyday.
- Wool: Very durable, luxurious, great texture and feel, and keeps its shape. Great for a high-use piece of furniture.
- Leather: The most durable fabric for upholstery. Great for high-use furniture and also for households with pets. Leather is easy to clean and lasts a long time.
- Linen: Very strong, breathable and classic. Linen is less resistant to stains and fading and can shrink when washed.
- Polyester: The most popular synthetic fabric. Polyester is durable and great when blended with cotton to add wrinkle protection.
- Olefin: This is the second most popular synthetic fabric. It is durable, easy to clean, great for heavy-use upholstery.
- Nylon: Usually combined with other synthetic or natural fibers, but it is susceptible to pilling and not fade-resistant.
- Acrylic: Very durable, retains its color, easy to clean, fade-resistant. Great for heavy-use upholstery.
- Rayon: Imitates the soft feel of silk, cotton, and linen. It can be strong and durable but it is susceptible to wrinkling.
What is a Good Weight Fabric for Upholstering Furniture of Different Types?
When choosing fabric for reupholstering, it is important to pick a fabric that is medium to heavy weight. For pieces of furniture like a couch that will get lots of use, you will need heavy weight fabric that is not going to show signs of wear and tear. Heavy weight fabrics include: woven fabrics, vinyl, chenille, and cotton. For more decorative items, a more delicate fabric like silk is an option.
What is the Most Durable Fabric for Upholstering Furniture?
Living spaces that get a lot of traffic such as the family room require a durable fabric for reupholstering that is long-lasting and tightly woven. As a general rule, the more tightly woven the fabric, the more durable it is. It’s also helpful to test out different fabrics by sitting on them. A durable fabric will go back to its original form after you stand up. Here are a few of the best durable fabrics for reupholstering to choose from:
- Cotton: This fabric can withstand wear, tear, and fading. It is very budget-friendly but is not stain-resistant.
- Leather: Classic and very durable. It becomes softer as time goes by. It is easy to maintain and water-resistant. It’s also an excellent choice if you have pets and/or kids.
- Microfiber: Is a very durable synthetic fabric that was created for heavy-duty use. It is water-repellant and its tight weave makes it harder for pets to scratch through its surface.
- Olefin: Looks like wool, with a durability that makes it great for heavy-use items.
What is the Most Stain Resistant Fabric for Reupholstering?
Your furniture isn’t displayed in a museum. While we want it to look nice like a museum piece, it’s going to be lived in, so stain-resistance is important for a lot of homeowners. Below is a list of Innuwindow’s favorite stain resistant fabrics for reupholstering.
- Crypton: This fabric has a moisture barrier so that if a liquid is spilled, it will bead on the surface so you can wipe it away. It has built-in stain and odor resistance.
- Inside Out Fabrics: Made up of a polyester yarn which has a soft feel. This is comfortable and stain-resistant. It’s also very durable and fade resistant. Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics: Many different weaves and textures to choose from. This fabric is made from solution-dyed acrylic. It’s fade-resistant and resists soil, mildew and insects.
- Microfiber: Usually made from polyester so it’s stain-resistant. The tight weave makes it more resistant to spills, and it’s fade-resistant.
Where to Buy Fabric for Reupholstering?
If you are looking for durable fabrics for reupholstering your furniture, Innuwindow offers a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures. We also make the process easy with free consultations in home, in store, or virtually. Our friendly and talented design staff will help you choose the perfect fabric for your reupholstery project. Contact Innuwindow today and find out why we are Boston’s top choice for reupholstery fabric.
