Unless you are in the business, facts on fabrics used in upholstery are probably alien to you. Know exactly what you are getting and whether it suits your needs with this easy-to-understand guide.


 

Canvas

Canvas is a cotton material that is plain-woven, breathable, and known for its durability. Canvas is used regularly for bags and shoes because of its hardy nature, so, using it on furniture is a great choice to withstand everyday wear and tear.

 

Cashmere

Cashmere is a premium quality wool that is known for its softness, durability, and insulation capabilities. The name comes from the material's origin - hair of the cashmere goats that live in China and Mongolia. This natural fabric is among the most luxurious and expensive option for upholstery.

 

Cashmere Blend

Cashmere blend contains a percentage of other fibers (usually wool) apart from cashmere. This not only brings down the cost significantly but also has an impact on the quality and feel of the material.

 

Cotton

A natural fabric that provides breathability and comfort, pure cotton does not retain moisture too easily, making it ideal for use in stuffy or balmy warmer months.

 

Cotton Linen

High on comfort and looks, both these natural fibers are extremely breathable, with a good, open weave so your furniture isn’t likely to get musty even in damp weather. While linen has the tendency to crumple easily, cotton makes sure that the fabric is suitably crease-resistant making your sofa/chair look sharp always.

 

Leather

A natural material that is durable, stain resistant, and water repellent, leather looks and feels luxurious. It is easy to clean and its subtle aesthetic allows it to blend into most home decors, lending a sophisticated, high-end edge to sofas and lounge chairs.

 

Leatherette/Faux Leather/Synthetic Leather

With the look and feel of leather, without the animal hide, leatherette gives you luxurious looking furniture at a fraction of the cost of leather. Leatherette is easy to clean due to its non-absorbent nature. It does not fade with age; however, with heavy use, the top layer can crack, revealing the cloth underneath, making it appear more worn.

 

Linen

Linen is one of the top choices when it comes to upholstery for its comfort and breathability. It’s one of those fabrics that does not become dull and is used extensively in luxury furniture. However, the fabric tends to crease easily and doesn’t do as well as its synthetic counterparts when it comes to soiling, and wear and tear.

 

Microfiber

This is a synthetic material made from thin strands. It is affordable and is fashioned to look like suede or leather. Great for sofas and couches, microfiber is water repellent and very durable, making it a good fabric for upholstery.

 

Microsuede

Microsuede is made from polyester fibers fashioned into soft and luxurious, suede-like material. It is easily dyeable and comes in a wide range of attractive colors. Like most polyester-based fabrics, it is durable and stain-resistant, making cleaning up spills and stains very easy; perfect for households with kids and pets.

 

Polyester/Polyblend

Polyester is regularly used in upholstery as a blend with other fibers. These mixed fabrics are referred to as poly blends. Though not as breathable as cotton or linen, polyester adds durability and crease resistance that makes it a fuss-free choice of fabric. You often find polyester blends used on seating upholstery as it doesn’t fade easily and is well equipped to withstand regular use.

 

Poly Linen

Poly linen combines the look and feel of high-quality linen with the durability and strength of polyester. A breathable, soft (yet strong) cloth, it has all the textural qualities of a natural fabric, while being engineered for resilience against wear and tear, stains, moisture, and creasing.

 

Poly Silk

Poly silk is a blend of synthetic (polyester) and natural (silk) materials. However, the ratio of polyester and silk may differ from one material to another. The addition of polyester to silk makes the fabric more durable and long lasting. It also makes it resistant to creases, resulting in a great material for drapes and upholstery.

Poly Wool

Polyester and wool are blended to produce this durable material, which provides the best attributes of both fabrics. Poly wool has the suppleness and drape of wool so you will feel it soft and cozy against your body, while the presence of polyester in the fabric makes it resistant to scuff marks.

 

Sun proof Fabric

Sun proof fabric is mildew resistant, quick drying, and water repellent. It is a durable fabric, which wears less over time, making it perfect for outdoor usage. It is also resistant to chlorine.

Velvet

Velvet is a heavy and durable fabric with a sheen. Depending on the material that has been used to manufacture the velvet, the fabric displays different characteristics. Silk velvet has a soft drape and shimmering surface; whilst synthetic velvets such as those made from rayon and acetate have a strong sheen, they do not drape as well. Velvet keeps you warm in the cold season.

 

Vinyl

Vinyl is a great fabric for outdoor furniture because it is extremely durable and easy to clean. However, it stays hard, has a tendency to crack, and doesn’t breathe, making the fabric uncomfortable to sit on during hot summer days.