Are you planning to reupholster your furniture but don't know where to start? With so many fabrics available, knowing which one to choose is hard. This guide takes away the guesswork! We provide detailed descriptions of each popular type of fabric used in upholstery, including how it's made, how it feels, possible applications, and even fun facts. By the end of our guide, you'll be equipped with all the information you need to choose the perfect fabric.
The Ultimate Guide to Upholstery Fabrics
Not sure which upholstery fabric to choose? Our guide has you covered! Explore popular fabric types, make an informed decision, and transform your furniture with confidence.
So why wait? Start reading now and get ready to craft stunning upholstery projects!
Bouclé
a textured fabric characterized by loops or curls created from highly twisted yarns
FEEL
Soft, Plush, Cozy
FUNCTION
Used in interior design for upholstery, cushions, and blankets, as it provides a cozy and inviting feel. Its unique texture adds depth and visual interest to furniture and accents.
FACT
Bouclé is the French word for ‘curl.’
Canvas
a sturdy and durable tightly-woven fabric, typically made from cotton or linen, known for its strength and versatility
FEEL
Sturdy, Textured, Substantial
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, drapery, and wall coverings due to its durability and ability to withstand heavy use. It provides a reliable and long-lasting foundation.
FACT
Canvas has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient times, and its resilience and versatility have made it a popular Bhoice in a wode range of applications from sailes to tents to artistic masterpieces.
Chenille
created by weaving short lengths of yarn between two core yarns, resulting in the distinctive tufted appearance
FEEL
Downy, Soft, Fuzzy
FUNCTION
Used in interior design for upholstery, pillows, and throws, as it provides a luxurious and inviting feel. Its soft texture adds warmth and comfort to furniture and enhances the overall tactile experience.
FACT
Chenille's name is derived from the French word for 'caterpillar,' referencing its fuzzy and textured resemblance to the creature.
Crypton
a high-performance textile engineered with advanced technology to provide exceptional durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning
FEEL
Smooth, Resilient, Supple
FUNCTION
Suitable for demanding environments such as homes with children or pets, hospitality settings, and healthcare facilities. It is designed to resist stains, odors, moisture, and bacteria, making it easy to maintain and ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality.
FACT
Crypton was initially developed for use in healthcare settings, where its exceptional resistance to stains and bacteria made it highly sought after.
Denim
a durable and versatile fabric, typically made from cotton, known for its characteristic twill weave and indigo dye
FEEL
Sturdy, Substantial, Slightly Textured
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery and decorative accents, offering a casual and timeless appeal. Its strength and resilience make it ideal for high-traffic areas, while its textured appearance adds a touch of rugged charm to any space.
FACT
Denim originated as a workwear fabric, designed to withstand the demands of labor-intensive activities. Its popularity skyrocketed with the advent of jeans, which became a cultural icon associated with casual fashion and youth rebellion.
Embroidery
artfully crafted with precision and skill, embroidery fabric showcases intricate designs created by hand or machine
FEEL
Textured, Embellished, Ornate
FUNCTION
Used for various applications, including pillows, curtains, upholstery, and wall hangings. Embroidery adds a touch of elegance, craftsmanship, and personalized artistry to a space.
FACT
Embroidery fabric has been used for centuries as a means of storytelling, with intricate designs often conveying cultural symbols, narratives, and personal expressions.
Linen-Looks
designed to emulate the appearance and texture of linen while offering the benefits of synthetic fibers, such as increased durability and wrinkle resistance
FEEL
Crisp to Slubby, Relaxed, Lightweight
FUNCTION
Suitable for various interior design applications, including upholstery, slipcovers, and drapery, as it provides the aesthetic appeal of linen without the high maintenance. It creates a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere.
FACT
Linen has been prized for centuries and is one of the oldest known textiles, with its use dating back thousands of years. Linen-look fabrics have gained popularity for their versatility and ability to mimic the natural look of linen.
Matelassé
fashioned through a unique weaving technique that creates a raised, quilted, or padded design, typically featuring intricate patterns or textures
FEEL
Luxurious, Textured, Padded
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, bedding, and decorative accents. Its plush and textured appearance adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to a space. It can be used to create visually interesting focal points or to add depth and dimension to furniture and accessories.
FACT
Mattelassé is derived from the French word 'matelasser' meaning 'to quilt.'
Microfiber
produced using ultra-fine synthetic fibers, microfiber fabric offers a smooth and luxurious texture that mimics the feel of natural fibers
FEEL
Silky, Velvety, Refined
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, curtains, and cleaning cloths. It's highly sought after for its softness, durability, and ability to repel liquids and stains.
FACT
In the early 1970s, Japan pioneered microfiber fabric as a high-performance material primarily designed for cleaning. Since then, microfiber has gained popularity and found its way into various industries. Microfiber is composed of incredibly thin fibers, finer than a human hair.
Prints
a textile adorned with patterns, designs, or images created through printing techniques
FEEL
Will vary, influenced by the underlying base cloth
FUNCTION
Printed fabrics add visual interest, enhance a space's aesthetic appeal, and allow for creative expression in interior design applications. They can transform a room, inject color and personality, and serve as focal points or complementary elements.
FACT
There is evidence of printing being carried out in India during the 4th century BCE, and a printing block dated at about 300 CE has been unearthed in the burial grounds of Akhmīn in Upper Egypt
Shearling
crafted from synthetic materials that mimic the appearance and feel of genuine shearling
FEEL
Soft, Luxurious, Warm
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, blankets, and decorative accents. It provides a luxurious and cozy feel, similar to real shearling, while offering the advantages of being animal friendly and easier to care for.
FACT
True shearling comes from a young lamb, whereas sheepskin is obtained from grown sheep. Synthetic shearling is designed to closely mimic the softness of true shearling!
Tweed
distinctive patterns of mixed flecks commonly constructed using a twill weave
FEEL
Thick, Sturdy, Slightly Rough
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, curtains, and decorative accents. It brings a sense of sophistication, heritage, and rustic charm to a space. It is highly regarded for its durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and providing long-lasting performance.
FACT
The word "tweed" comes from the Scottish word "tweel" which means "twill" in reference to the fabric's weaving pattern.
Velvet
crafted with densely woven, short, and dense pile fibers that create a lustrous and smooth texture
FEEL
Opulent, Plush, Fine
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, curtains, pillows, and even wall coverings. Its rich texture and softness make it ideal for adding depth and tactile appeal to furniture and décor, while its inherent sheen adds a touch of glamor and elegance.
FACT
Velvet has been associated with royalty and luxury for centuries, and its name is derived from the Latin word 'vellus,' meaning 'fleece' or 'tuft of hair.'
Woven Patterns
crafted through the interlacing of yarns in a deliberate manner, woven patterns showcase the skill and artistry of textile craftsmanship
FEEL
Tactile, Intricate, Multidimensional
FUNCTION
Used for upholstery, drapery, and decorative accents. They add visual interest, depth, and texture to a space, making them ideal for creating focal points or adding a touch of uniqueness.
FACT
Woven patterns have a rich heritage, with various weaving techniques originating from different regions and cultures around the world.
