You might be wondering ..... what is the best fabric for a sofa or chair?
Are you looking for fabric for upholstering a sofa or chair? Usually, the first thing that most people do when thinking about choosing a fabric for upholstering furniture is what colour to choose.
But, think about other factors too.
Durability (Rub Test)
Something we are asked about quite a lot is what is a rub test and why does it matter? This test is also sometimes known as a Martindale Test and will give a good idea how long you can expect the fabric to last. Clearly, this will depend on where you place your furniture, how often you use it and whether there are children and pets.
If the fabric does not show a rub test then presume it won't last long. So, check the rub test to see if it is appropriate for the project.
Types
There are many engineered textiles now which look increasingly like natural fabrics, and can withstand wear and tear, but many natural choices are nearly as durable. - it all depends on what you choose.
Wool
Here is one of our best selling lines and is 100% wool. It is available in both domestic and contract grade.
Contract Fabric
Contract textiles are also an option. These are highly durable textiles specially produced for use in commercial buildings, although the selection is more limited.
Other durable natural textiles you can use include wool, velvet, linen, especially machine-washable Belgian linens.
Belgian Linen
Belgian linen is very good for upholstery and loose covers, but choose one to to stand wear and tear. Not all linen is the same, and there are some bad, cheap imports.Belgian linen is only manufactured in Belgium. Our Belgian linen is manufactured by three mills in Belgium. We know the owners personally and have a very good relationship with them.
Other Fabrics
It’s harder to generalise about cotton, because the category is so broad. Some are durable, others aren’t. Fabrics to avoid include silk, rayon and rayon-polyester blends.
Nearly as important as composition is where the textiles are made. We only sell textiles that have been manufactured in the UK or EU, and where we know the weaver well and get great service from them.
Woven patterns will usually last longer than printed ones, as do those with tighter weaves. However, just because a fabric looks chunky and durable, it might not be so check the rub test before you buy to ensure it is suitable.
Care
Firstly, always follow care instructions.
How long can you expect the fabric to last? Well, even the most durable fabric will break down if you don’t maintain it. Always vacuum furniture at least once a month, to get rid of dirt on the surface as combined with the friction of people moving back and forth, it will wear out the fabric faster than anything else.
If you want loose covers and be able to wash them, go for a washable fabric, but bear in mind that the fabric could shrink a little so check the shrinkage rate (if there is one) when buying the fabric and allow for this when making your choice.
Design
Choose a fabric that complements both the piece of furniture and the interior decor of your room. Merging different styles together can give a good result. Experiment as this will add originality to the space.
Another point to bear in mine is whether the fabric can be railroaded. Some fabrics can be railroaded, others can't, so check this too.
Don't be slave to fashion, but choose a fabric that echoes your own style and the mood of the decor in the room.
Consider the scale of the pattern. It should be appropriate to the size of the furniture it is covering as well as the room size. A large bold, pattern might work better in a larger room, while a more muted or smaller one might be a better choice for a smaller space.
Tartan fabric is particularly relevant regarding this. Some tartans have huge repeats which will not be suitable on a small piece of furniture. Always check the repeat is going to work well for you. Tartan is very hardwearing and is suitable for furniture.
Colour
As said before, colour is very often the first choice you make when upholstering furniture, and it has a significant impact on the decor, especially if the is a large sofa that will dominate the space.
Make sure the colour choice is one you can live with happily with. eg it might be best to avoid a very bold color for a smaller room, especially if the sofa is also large. If you are unsure, neutrals are generally easy to live with and the safest bet.
Avoid light coloured fabrics if you have children and/or pets.
Warm and cool colours affect the mood of the room and depending on whether the room is bright or on the darker side.
Avoid trendy colours, unless you really like them as they can date a room long before the sofa or chair needs recovering.
See Elle Decor Article about Decorating with Colour.
Fade Resistance
Does the room get a lot of sun? If it does, then a dark fabric will fade quicker than a lighter one, so take this into consideration when choosing.
