When it comes to interior design, upholstery fabrics play a crucial role beyond being just a finishing touch. They should be considered right from the start of your design journey.
A room's ambiance is often shaped by soft furnishings. Whether it's curtains or sofa covers, here are key factors to keep in mind when selecting upholstery fabrics, along with some of our preferred suppliers.
1. Practicality is Key When Choosing Sofa Upholstery
Finding the right balance between style and functionality is a common question. Every home has its day-to-day realities; thus, selecting durable fabrics is essential, especially in living spaces.
Families often lean towards tougher upholstery in casual areas, reserving finer materials for more formal settings like dining rooms. While cushions can be more delicate, we recommend that sofa upholstery be robust and well-structured. Fabric suppliers are usually eager to discuss your needs in detail.
2. Discovering the Most Durable Upholstery Fabric
Source
Microfiber is the most resilient choice for upholstery, crafted from polyester. Its texture resembles velvet but offers superior durability. It effectively repels stains and moisture. Additionally, nylon is often incorporated to enhance toughness.
When exploring various fabrics, checking the Martindale Rub Count is vital. Fabrics under 18,000 are suitable only for light domestic use. Categories range from General Domestic to Severe Contract, the latter being ideal for high-traffic and commercial areas.
For dining chairs and occasional furniture, a rub count around 15,000 is acceptable. Regularly used upholstery should surpass 20,000, ideally reaching 30,000, while contract upholstery often exceeds 40,000.
3. Quality Matters When Selecting Curtain Fabrics
Quality is paramount for window treatments. A well-stitched set of fully interlined curtains can endure years beyond your preference for the fabric and will hang beautifully.
Curtains can transform a house into a home, establishing the room's aesthetic and adding warmth, particularly in older properties. For practical needs, blackout blinds are excellent for bedrooms or nurseries, while Roman blinds remain a timeless and economical choice.
Keep in mind that blinds fitted within the window recess may obstruct some light when not in use, so if space allows, we recommend installing them above the window.
4. Long-Term Considerations for Upholstery Fabric
It's crucial to think about how your chosen fabric or leather will wear over time. Consult with your fabric supplier or designer on the following:
Cleaning: What's the best way to maintain your upholstery's appearance through the years?
Fading: Is the fabric fade-resistant, especially if it's near a window?
Ageing: Leather can develop a beautiful patina, but what about the fabric you're considering? Will it age gracefully?
5. Top Recommendations for Where to Buy Upholstery Fabrics
We love block prints and recommend exploring options from various suppliers. For instance, stunning designs on Belgian linen are available in beautiful color palettes.
For solid fabrics, the sustainable linen collection from a top manufacturer is a favorite, while another offers a fantastic range of embroidered fabrics suitable for both children's and adult spaces. Patterned fabrics add subtle texture and work excellently for curtains or headboards.
A leading fabric supplier offers a wide selection, including seasonal reimagined pieces from their archive collection.
