Selecting upholstery fabric is always exciting. It promises a new beginning and a new look to your home. It can also be challenging if you are uncertain about what exactly they should be looking for. But upholstery is a big investment. There are a few things to take into consideration to make selection easier. Check out our suggestions below:
5 Factors to Consider
It helps to narrow down your thoughts to the basics first. Ask yourself these questions:
- Which room is the fabric for?
- What is your budget?
- What kind of furniture is the fabric for?
- What is the purpose of the furniture?
- Do you have children or pets in the house?
If the room is high-use, then pick a fabric that will wear traffic well. A dark colour, durable, stain-resistant, easy-to-maintain fabric is best for a home with children or pets. Neutral colours work better for larger sofas or else they will overpower the other furniture in the room. Smaller pieces display textures, accent colours and bright patterns better. However, functionality is of utmost importance. Choose upholstery while keeping its purpose in mind.
Colour & Texture
Contrast the colours of each piece of furniture in the room for a harmonious, balanced effect. Bright solid colours in statement pieces offset neutral shades. Keep the colour palette of the room in mind to pick and choose. Select contrasting textures too. Rugged, natural fabrics go well with smooth, soft textures. Linen, leather and canvas, for instance, complement the smooth, silky feel of velvet.
If the area is high traffic, make sure the fabrics are easy-to-maintain and stain-resistant, such as durable polyester. Heavy-weight prints or plain-coloured fabrics withstand heavy traffic better than lightweight upholstery fabrics. Contrast busy or bold prints with solid, single colours. Mix and match cushion colours, textures and print with the upholstery. Try the same with rugs.
Durability & Care
Durability in upholstery fabrics is measured by the double-rub test where the fabric is rubbed back and forth to mimic wear and tear from frequent use. Higher the number of backrubs, better is the durability of the fabric. Pick a fabric that is water, stain and UV ray resistant.
Keep heirloom pieces and embellished fabrics out of the way of children if possible so they look aesthetic but invite less traffic. Use spot cleaners to remove stains and protect all furniture fabric with a protective spray so spills and stains do not seep into the fabric.
Some common fabrics used popularly for upholstery offering high comfort and durability are chenille, faux suede or microfiber suede, easy-to-clean, spill and stain-resistant velvet, tweed, faux leather, marine vinyl and jacquard.
Common fabrics that can be blended to become more durable are fade-resistant are cotton, stain and fade-resistant linen, luxurious stain-resistant wool, polyester, acrylic and olefin. Silk and Rayon are more delicate and luxurious, hence not recommended for heavy traffic or everyday use.
Jenso Upholstery Inc. – Oakville and Surrounding Areas
Are you considering reupholstering your couch, sofa or dining chairs? You can trust Jenso Upholstery Inc. for a flawless finish, high aesthetics and durability!
We are a one-stop-shop for home decor, reupholstery and furniture restoration. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, all our products are guaranteed. Our talented upholsters are skilled in turning your old, worn-out furniture brand new with delivery right at your doorstep. Contact us for a free consultation.
