The seemingly endless variety and choice of fabrics can be daunting. Often colour is key, then texture and then durability. If you consider where the piece will live and how it's used, it makes type of material easier to select from. Here are some swatches of types of upholstery fabrics for example. We have books from established upholstery fabric suppliers based on their quality. We can also arrange fire-proofing treatment for any customer-supplied material as required.
Taking usage in to account there are fabrics with a higher Martindale score (rub count) than others. We have many books and can order sample swatches to match durability with style. Further thought may take the shape of the furniture into consideration – experience shows that solid colour fabrics tend to work better on curvaceous pieces and patterned fabrics suit smaller pieces.
Linen is a strong natural fibre, smooth, soft, and naturally lustrous, it naturally resists pilling and soiling, but can wrinkle so better suited for occasional use. Cotton is both soft and durable with the best-quality cotton blends containing about 45% to 60% cotton. Cotton Twill is a tight weave that resists wear and can withstand high-traffic. Wool is a very durable choice for upholstery fabric. Silk is a beautiful choice for formal settings being of luxurious texture but somewhat delicate.
Chenille fabric is made from natural fibres and can be also blended with synthetics like Rayon.
Polyester is a high-performance synthetic fabric often combined with natural fibres such as cotton and/or wool. Polyester blends provide strength, easy cleaning, and resistance to fading, wrinkling, and abrasion. Rayon was developed as a durable imitation of cotton. Velvet can be made from cotton, silk or polyester, but the polyester velvets are more durable and have richer colour options. Microfibre is softer than suede and much easier to clean. Alcantara™ is a soft, suede-like microfibre pile, durable and often used in automotive applications.
"We can 100% recommend Warren at WG Furniture Upholstery, great service, extremely professional, incredibly helpful and knowledgeable."Ms. Lisa R.
with well over 30 years experience in upholstery we have re-covered many pieces of furniture in probably every type of fabric available at one point or another.
Whilst we constantly strive for the highest standards in upholstery craftsmanship please ask us about fabric and material characteristics on furniture, it can make all the difference.
