When it comes to purchasing upholstered furniture, the first thing that you need to consider is the color. This is usually the most important factor in choosing fabric. While color is undeniably important, keep in mind that there are still other factors that are equally important.
Color
Of course, the first factor that you will be looking into when purchasing furniture is the color of the fabric. This has a huge impact on your decor, especially if the furniture is a big sofa that can influence the entire look of a room. Make sure that the color that you have chosen is one that you will be happy with for a long time. For instance, with a small room, try to avoid using a very bold color, especially if you have a huge sofa. Generally, neutrals are the safest choice since they can make you feel satisfied over time.
If you have pets or kids, avoid choosing delicate colors. To obtain the perfect mood, you have to think of the color temperature. Cool and warm colors have a significant effect on the mood of the room. That is why this aspect plays an important role in your decision-making. Try to avoid selecting trendy colors, unless you really love them. They might look outdated, even before your sofa requires recovering.
Style
Pick a fabric that not only complements your furniture, but also the interior design of your house. The fabric that you choose should be in harmony with the character and style of the furniture that you will be covering. For instance, for a traditional-style frame, the best choice would be a traditional fabric. On the other hand, if you consider yourself an adventurous person, then you can choose to combine two different styles.
This strategy can add a sense of originality to that particular area. One great example of this unanticipated decision would be a geometric design used on a wing-back chair. This particular example is perfect for a contemporary room, where the wing-back chair acts as an accent. The print correlates with the rest of the decor.
Fabrics vary; some may look formal, while others appear very casual. Select a fabric that reflects your mood and style in that particular room. Think about the extent of the pattern, be sure that it fits perfectly to the size of the furniture that you will be covering. It should also be appropriate to the size of the room. For a larger room, the best option is a fabric that has a large bold pattern. On the other hand, for a smaller space, you can use a smaller or muted pattern.
Durability
The importance of durability in fabrics varies based on the type of your furniture as well as the type of room where it will be used. It will also depend on whether you have pets and children in the house. The fabric that you have chosen should be able to resolve these issues.
It has been proven that woven patterns have the ability to last longer compared to printed ones. Fabrics with tight weaves and higher thread counts can also last longer. Thread count means the number of threads included per square inch of the fabric. Denser fabric can hold longer.
When choosing a fabric, think about who will use your sofa. If you are sharing your sofa with your pets, then you should choose leather or microfiber fabric since it can withstand the extra wear and tear. The durability of the fabric is crucial if you are using your sofa or chair every day.
Additional Considerations
Before deciding on your furniture upholstery, there are still other important factors that you should consider. This includes the environment where you will be placing your sofa. Is the room frequently exposed to the sun or does it experience dampness? Do you have any member of the family that has allergies? Are you sharing the furniture with your pets?
Resistance to Mildew
If you live in a place with a humid climate, then choose a fabric that can resist mildew.
Resistance to Fading
This is one of the important factors to consider if you place your furniture in a room that gets lots of sunlight or near a window.
Pets
If you have pets in your home, then it is not advisable to use delicate fabrics such as silk as well as fabrics that include lots of texture. Instead, try to use upholstery that is pet-friendly.
Allergies
If you have a member of your household that has certain allergies, then you can consider using microfiber since it does not attract dust and is lint-free.
What Is the Most Durable Fabric to Use for a Furniture?
Furniture that is frequently used needs a durable upholstery that can hold on to its color and shape. This is especially true for certain rooms of the house that see a lot of contact, such as the family room and living room. Pieces of furniture that are frequently exposed to wear should be covered with durable, tightly woven fabrics. Generally, fabrics that have woven patterns are more durable compared to printed fabrics.
Two Types of Upholstery Fabric
Generally, there are two kinds of upholstery fabric, namely, natural and synthetic.
Natural Fabrics
As the name suggests, natural fabrics originate from plants or animals. Some examples of durable natural fabrics are cotton canvas weaves such as wool, leather, as well as duck and sailcloth.
Wool
Wool that comes from the sheep is considered very durable. The downside is, cleaning it can be a great challenge. However, if you want the best of both worlds, then you can try wool blends, which is a combination of wool and synthetic fabrics. They are durable and easy to clean.
Leather
One of the most durable and popular fabrics is leather. It is a great option for upholstery because it becomes softer with wear and age. In “The Complete Guide to Upholstery,” Cherry Dobson revealed that leather is versatile, long-lasting, and tough. To prevent the leather from cracking, you should properly condition it. The downside is leather can be quite expensive compared to the other fabrics.
Cotton
It is important to remember that the heavier the cotton weave, the more durable it can be. Some great examples include denim, duck and sailcloth. However, lighter cottons may not be as durable, such as chintz. Cotton can easily get stained, which is why it is important that you apply a stain-resistant finish to protect your furniture.
Synthetic Fabrics
On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are fabrics that are man-made. Microfiber and polyester are some examples of durable synthetic fabrics.
Microfiber
Aside from leather, one of the most durable fabrics available is microfiber. Make sure to check if it is made of 100% polyester so that it does not fade, stain, or leave any water marks. It should be easy to clean and can hold up well.
Polyester
Polyester has a lot of excellent qualities aside from being tough and durable. Always ensure that your fabric is made of 100% polyester and is not mixed with another fabric. This way, you can guarantee that it can withstand a rigorous environment.
How to Identify Upholstery Fabrics
There are a variety of fabrics that are available in the market right now. When purchasing upholstery fabrics, it is important to choose one with a high thread count. Remember that the more tightly the material is woven, the more durable it can be. In order to determine its strength, try to hold the fabric tightly in one hand and pull it with the other hand.
Do this in the opposite directions. It is important that you check the threads to be sure that they are tightly woven. Another way to test its durability is to sit on the furniture. You will know if the fabric is durable if it will spring back into place. This is a good way of testing the upholstery in a furniture store.
What Are the Best Upholstery Fabrics for a Sofa?
You have numerous fabric choices for your next sofa. There are several factors to think of when choosing the best fabric for your home. These factors include the amount of usage that you can expect, as well as whether or not you have kids or pets at home. Textured cotton looks stunning while some fabrics such as microfiber and leather are very easy to clean. Before you start shopping for your next sofa, it is vital that you should understand these facts.
Textured Cotton
Sofas that are covered with textured cotton fabrics are great for a small room that does not get plenty of traffic. As the surface starts to wear away, the sofa will look worn. Another drawback is that it can easily trap dirt, which can result in stains and odors.
Leather
Leather is typically the costliest type of fabric for a sofa. This is due to its feel, durability, and quality. You can easily wipe them down and it seldom smells bad as long as you take care of it properly. Over time, leather can feel softer, which makes it a favored fabric for its comfort.
Microfiber
Microfiber seems to be more appealing to home decorators. This is due to the fact that it has a soft and velvety feel, just like suede. This texture is made possible because of its ultra-fine polyester fiber.
Cotton and Polyester Blend
One of the most economical options for your upholstery is a cotton and polyester blend. Since it has a blend of polyester, it does not wrinkle easily, and it is more durable.
Spandex Warehouse offers a wide variety of fabrics including upholstery fabrics. For more information, you may call us at 213-629-7416. You can also send us your message at [email protected] We look forward to helping you with your fabric needs today!