What is Upholstery and How Do You Pick the Right Fabric
The upholstery fabric for a new sofa or armchair is a big investment—you don’t want to be second-guessing it a few months after the piece arrives on your doorstep. Choose the wrong material and you’ll find yourself battling snags and stains. Make a mistake on the color or pattern, and the whole room suffers (or you’ll wind up splurging to have the piece reupholstered). So before you pick your new upholstery fabric, read on to find out what you should consider in terms of durability, comfort, and style. Here's how to zero in on a fabric choice you’ll be happy to live with for years.
What is Upholstery Anyway Upholstery is the materials—which include fabric, padding, webbing, and springs—that make up the soft coverings of chairs, sofas, and other furniture. The process began in the Middle Ages and grew in popularity during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Over the years, a wide variety of materials have been used, from hay to horsehair to wool. Modern upholstered items use metal springs and foam for greater durability. While the interior materials may not be visible, they make a big difference in whether the piece is comfortable . And though fabric can always be changed—and may need to be, depending on wear and tear—choosing high-quality inner layers will help make sure the piece will last for years to come.
Don’t Forget to Consider The Piece Take the shape of the furniture into consideration when you're choosing a fabric. (Your upholsterer will thank you.) If you’re upholstering a curvaceous piece, Bob recommends sticking to solid-colored fabrics. “Patterns or textures with a distinctive direction may not upholster well.” A pattern that looks great on a bolt of fabric may not look great once it is chopped up and put back together on your sofa, particularly if it's a tricky, ornate shape. Take the size of the furniture into account, too. “We like larger pieces, such as a sofa, in a rich solid color or classic neutral so you won’t tire of it over time,” says Bob. “Liven things up with smaller pieces—for instance, a great statement chair in a bolder shade or pattern.” Think about the other furnishings in the room as well—especially the other upholstered pieces. You'll want to make sure the colors, textures, and patterns work well together.
Best Upholstery Fabrics for Homes With Kids and Pets
Today, though, there are plenty of upholstery materials that match good looks with durability. “For children and pets—and maybe red-wine lovers—we like the easy care of a faux suede or the durability of a Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabric,” he says. “We’re also big fans of slipcovered upholstery. And distressed leather is great—you don’t have to worry about the occasional scuff or scratch.” If you have a busy household, stay away from delicate or textured options, like silk, which could pull and aren’t as forgiving when it comes to stains
Info from Architectual Digest