Upholstery Fabric 7 Top Tips on How To Choose the Right One
Are you new to the world of upholstery?
Choosing the right fabric may seem like an arduous process. This is understandable considering all of the fabric types, colour and design that are available. How do you choose the one which is right for you?
Read our latest blog which gives you top tips on what you should consider before buying. The upholstery fabric you choose for your furniture is a big investment. Be it for a window seat, scatter cushion, footstool, bench or dining chair. You want to make sure you have the right one. You want to make the right fabric choice so you are happy to live with for years to come.
1. Durability: Consider how you live and who will be using the furniture. This will help the selection process on the type of material to choose.
Pieces of furniture in high-traffic areas, like dining chairs or bar stools in a kitchen, will need more durable fabrics possibly with stain-resistant finishes or have the ability to clean. Upholstering these types of furniture in leather or stain-resistant fabrics like velvet can be stylish and practical. Look for fabrics that are durable and can withstand wear and tear.
2. Colour: Choose a colour that complements the overall decor of the room. Neutral colours like beige, grey, and brown are versatile and can match any colour scheme alternatively adding pops of colour to small pieces of furniture and scatter cushions can add a statement to a room. For more information on how to choose the right coloured fabric read our blog here.
3. Texture: Consider the texture of the fabric. Smooth, flat fabrics are easy to clean and maintain, while textured fabrics like chenille, boucle and velvet can add depth and richness to a room.
4. Pattern: If you want to add visual interest to your upholstery, consider a patterned fabric. However, keep in mind that patterns can be overwhelming if used in large amounts, so use them sparingly.
5. Cleaning: Make sure to choose a fabric that is easy to clean and maintain. Fabrics that are stain-resistant or have a protective coating are a good choice.
Upholstery fabrics have different care and maintenance needs. Some fabrics are treated with stain guards, others are machine washable, some are dry clean or professional upholstery cleaning only. Consider how much maintenance you are prepared to do before you make your selection.
6. Comfort: Consider the comfort level of the fabric. If you’re looking for a cosy and comfortable feel, fabrics like cotton, velvet or wool may be a good option.
7. Budget. Setting a budget for how much you want to spend on your furniture is one place to start as this will determine part of your fabric choice. Fabric prices range drastically from tens of pounds to hundreds of per metre. If you are having a large piece of furniture made like an armchair or bench you will need many metres of fabric. The cost will form a big part of your furniture budget. For smaller pieces like dining chair seats, you won’t need as much fabric meterage so you may want to make a statement with a bold fabric
Overall, when choosing upholstery fabric, it’s important to consider the durability, colour, texture, pattern, cleaning, and comfort of the fabric.
If you would like help finding your interior style and learning how to put a design board together join us on Friday 23rd June – Introduction to Upholstery – Finding your Style.
If you need more help with your fabric search I cover this topic in detail at our ‘introduction to Upholstery’ on Tuesday 4th July.
I hope these top tips help you in your fabric search.
We’ve got this covered.
Emma x
