How To Choose the Best Upholstery Fabric: A Guide

When redecorating your home—whether you decide to go with a matching furniture set or separate pieces—selecting them is easy enough. The real challenge is picking the proper upholstery. You need to match the right look with the right material that complements your décor while ensuring it’s durable and long-lasting. To help you decide, here’s a guide on how to choose the best upholstery fabric.

How Will It Be Used? (And What Can You Afford?)

The first part of this question requires an answer beyond, “For sitting, of course.” Different types of upholstery can withstand varying degrees of use, and finding the best one for your home furniture hinges on an honest assessment. For example, you’ll want to find pet-friendly furniture if you’re a dog or cat owner. Before you start looking at an upholstery fabric guide, determine the level of use and even abuse your furniture has seen and will see in the future. For example, if you’re furnishing a remodeled basement or rumpus room frequented by kids, look for tougher, synthetic fabrics that can take the stress of active bodies and occasional spills. Or, if you’re decking out a living room only used for special occasions, go for a fancier look and feel with higher-end fabric such as linen or silk. Before you start to choose, though, the first hurdle of any purchase is figuring out what you can afford. Decide on a budget for furniture while keeping the above needs in mind. As for your choices—well, keep reading. 

Different Fabrics, Different Functions

When you’re searching for the best material for upholstery, you should know that different fabrics have different functions. Fabrics can be broken down into two different types: natural and synthetic. Natural fabrics can be plant- or animal-based and can present different features and benefits. Natural fabrics include leather and cotton, among others. Leather, of course, is derived from animal hides and is easily cleaned, and there are several types. Cotton is soft, inexpensive, and available in many colors but is more likely to absorb stains and retain odors than leather. Synthetic fabric alternatives include rayon and polyester. Synthetics can be soft and stain-resistant, but over time they can wrinkle, tear, and even crack. Keep thread counts in mind because the higher the thread count is, the longer its life will be. Basically, when shopping for furnishings at furniture stores in northwest Houston, get a feel—literally and figuratively—for the types of fabric out there and see what best suits you and your home. 

How Does It Fit in the Room?

This doesn’t just mean measurements—though those are important, and you should use your tape measure to ensure a piece doesn’t physically dominate a room and interfere with airflow and traffic. But the best furniture fabric for a bedroom might not be ideal for a living room. Considering how a piece fits also means considering its size, color, and style. When redecorating, it’s good to select a central piece, such as a sofa or chair, and design around its look. Certain fabrics give off certain vibes. Velvet and leather provide a sensation of luxury, while cotton and linen give a room a soft and homely feeling. Silk can add elegance and an aura of delicateness. When considering how to choose the best upholstery fabric, fabric samples are a good guide. Pick up several samples at the store or request them from a furniture manufacturer and see how they work in the light and décor of your room. 

You can learn more about choosing the best upholstery for your home furniture by exploring our blogs. Visit our furniture store in Houston when you’re ready to find your next bedroom, living room, or dining room set.