Homeowners have near-endless options when it comes to decorating. One of the most daunting decisions? Picking the right upholstery fabric. It’s why we’ve created this handy guide. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know to make the best-informed decision about the best upholstery fabric choices for you.
From natural fibers like cotton, linen and leather to synthetic fibers like microfiber, polyester, and faux leather, there are many different types of upholstery fabric. Each fiber has its own unique pros and cons related to appearance, texture, elasticity and durability. For example, velvet is luxurious, but it’s also relatively challenging to clean. Conversely, microfiber is more casual in appearance, but beloved for its cleaning ease.
A critical step in choosing the right upholstery? Understanding what you’re looking for, and which fabrics fit the bill. After you narrow down your upholstery choices to the best fabrics that meet your decorating needs, there are other considerations to keep in mind — namely form and function.
While many fabric choices are beautiful, their beauty is secondary to something else: functionality. After all, if a fabric won’t hold up to wear and tear over the course of its lifetime, it ultimately amounts to a bad investment.
Recommends interior decorator Nicole Davis for Design Sponge, “When choosing an upholstered piece you want to think first of how you will use it and what your home life looks like. If you have kids or pets, you might want to use an outdoor fabric. If this is a moment to do something more luxurious, then go bold with a fun color you love or a cozy fabric like crushed velvet fabric. And remember, reupholstery is expensive, so you’ll want to keep in mind what you’ll love long-term.”
Luckily, upholstery functionality isn’t a guessing game: Most fabrics are rated to offer more insights into performance, including whether a particular fabric is suitable for light, medium or heavy use.
One last thing to keep in mind when it comes to fabric choices and function? The feel. Your house is a home, not a museum. The takeaway? In order to create a truly inviting space, comfort is key.
When we talk about form, we’re talking about the appearance of the fabric. Are you looking for a neutral color that will coordinate with anything, or are you looking to make a bold statement?
Many experts recommend sticking with solid fabrics for larger pieces. Interior designer Nicole Gibbons told Design Sponge, “When you’re choosing upholstery for a large piece of furniture, such as a sofa, it can be an investment, so I always recommend sticking with a solid fabric in a color you’ll never tire of. Prints tend to be trend-driven and although that bold print you love might look awesome now, there’s a good chance it will feel dated in a few years, whereas solids are always timeless. Plus, you can always accent your sofa with a mix of pillows in fun prints or patterns to give it personality.”
Prints and patterns work well on smaller furniture and accent pieces. “Smaller pieces are where I like to add both pattern and texture. Using bold fabric on accent chairs can really transform a room, but are easier to change out should trends evolve,” said 1000x Better creative director Kristen Blazek.
Color choice, meanwhile, can serve form and function. Dark colors and prints, for example, may be more appropriate in spill-prone environments.
While all of this information may still seem overwhelming, there’s good news: the latest upholstery fabric options mean homeowners have more chic, comfortable and endurant possibilities than ever before. Not only that, but the professionals at the Stowers Design Center offer complimentary design assistance and custom upholstery — both aimed at creating the home of your dreams. Visit our showroom on Rector St. behind North Star Mall and ask about our Design Center!
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