If you are a beginner when talking about upholstery, picking the perfect fabric may seem like a troublesome task. There indeed are vast types of fabric currently in the market.
The type of fabric that you will choose when planning to reupholster your furniture can make a significant difference in the durability and overall appearance.
By understanding your available options, you will be able to choose the best textile that meets your furniture piece and your family needs. So, with all the fabric types available, how would you choose the perfect one for you?
Of course, not everyone is a fibre enthusiast, that is why we have put together this tutorial to help you make a wise choice of choosing an upholstery fabric.
Linen
If you are looking for a piece of classic upholstery fabric, there is nothing that can beat linens. This type of fabric comes from flax fibres and is already available a thousand years ago.
Until today, linens are still admired today for its feel, beauty, and durability. More so, linen is a smooth, soft, and naturally shiny fabric that provides superb durability and performs as a natural repellant to abrasions, pilling, and moths.
Also, linen mixed with cotton is exceptional since it offers better elasticity. Notably, linen will bring furniture such as armchairs and traditional dining chairs a great look.
Thus, consider linen fabric when planning for furniture revamp since it is one of the best upholstery fabric for different kinds of furniture pieces.
Leather
There is one choice that stands apart from the rest if you are searching for natural upholstery fabric: the leather. Leather is one of the natural fabrics ready for upholstery, and indeed, it is a very comfortable piece of textile.
Not to mention, the leather upholstery will offer your house a unique and elegant look. It grants you a more comfortable living over time, thus considered as the best option for homes with pets and children. Also, cleaning leather upholstery is effortless than the rest of the fabric types.
Wool
Wool is the perfect choice of upholstery fabric when it comes to durability. That is to say, wools offer admirable natural protection from soiling, wrinkling, pilling, and fading.
Wool is a natural fibre made from animal hair, but, most of this fabric type you find on accent chairs and sofas are a mixture of synthetic and natural fabrics. Mixing wool with a synthetic fibre is seldom necessary, so it will be easier to clean and to lessen the chances of felting the fibres.
Cotton
Aside from leather and wool, cotton is one of the sturdiest and most durable natural upholstery fabrics available.
Though they are excellent in resisting wear and fading, cotton is somewhat prone to soiling and wrinkling. Thus, it requires fabric protection to avoid stains.
Important to realize, cotton can also be ready for dyeing, which makes it an impressive alternative for almost all furniture pieces.
Silk
In any furniture pieces, the cover always makes the first impression; so, revamping your sofa, bedding, or chair with silk is a wise choice. Unlike any other fabrics, silk can add a spark of royal and elegant touch when used in an upholstery application.
Silk fabrics in light or brilliant colours are ideal for creating a burst of colours in a neutral theme. Hence, consider mixing designs and colours to achieve a stylish touch to your rooms. Since silk is expensive, matching it with cushions is an excellent choice for bringing a fancy look if you are on a tight budget.
Likewise, silks are perfect for full-length curtains, and best to apply with an interlining to achieve a gorgeous, full look. This idea is best for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms, but it is not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
So, if you are planning to create a classy and cosy feel in your home, consider using silk fabric, and you will be amazed by the result.
Conclusion
If you are planning to reupholster your favourite sets of furniture, selecting the perfect fabric is one of the most vital decisions you will make.
With various available fabric in the market, choosing the best one can be a bit overwhelming. Pattern and colour are indeed essential, but before getting to that point, you’ll need to figure out the right type of fabric that fits your furniture, budget, and your lifestyle.
