How To Choose Upholstery Fabric For Upholstered Furniture
Posted by Jim Sutter on Thu, Feb 17, 2011 @ 08:46 AM
When updating your home or room, the greatest impact in making a change is
upholstered furniture fabric. It’s the most visible indication of fashion and quality. It’s also the part of an upholstered piece to show soil and wear fastest.
Choosing upholstery fabric for your furniture can be a daunting task. There are so many options. Not only with regard to color and design, but also texture and durability are important considerations. Patterns, solids and prints com in many fabric choices including cloth, leather, and many vinyl and high-tech synthetics.
So how do you select a fabric that has the style, durability and feel that you want? It’s all in knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask. First, we’ll point out some basic decorating and shopping considerations, and then we’ll look at the differences between fabric types.
Here are some ideas on making the right selection that will fit the design of your home as well as the appropriate material:
Style: The fabric should be appropriate to the style and character of the piece it is covering. A traditional frame will usually look best with a more traditional fabric selection. Second, ornate designs can conflict if they are disproportionate to the environment. The larger the room, the grander the design on the fabric can be. Generally, larger repeat designs or patterns will look better in larger rooms, for smaller areas, a smaller and more dainty fabric design is more appropriate.
Texture: Texture is important as well. A nubby, textured fabric is typically used in a less formal environment, while brocades and shantungs are more formal. Leathers are great for offices because they have a rich feel and wear well. Kitchen chairs may be covered with a vinyl treated fabric that is impervious to stains, yet feels like fabric.
Color: People sometimes select certain fabrics because they love the color. Sometimes the color may not be a great choice. There are several factors to take into consideration, not the least of which is the amount of use the furniture will receive. Durability and stain resistance are important in rooms that get more use and where pets or small children will be frequently. Light colors will brighten a room, unless they are smudged and stained. Also consider whether the fabric color is warm or cool, and be sure it’s the righ “mood” for the room the furniture is going into.
What are your concerns when it comes to selecting a fabric for reupholstering your furniture? Our design consultants are ready to help.