Types of upholstery material
What categories of upholstery fabric are there? Today the range of sofa upholstery is very wide. Among all the abundance, you can choose a suitable option for a sofa, the operation of which can occur in different conditions.
Velours
This is a soft material with which you can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. A sofa covered with such fabric should be installed in the living room for meeting friends or a significant other. To make velor, natural raw materials are used, more precisely cotton and wool. The appearance of the finished product is very beautiful, and the colors of the material are very wide.
If you feel the fabric, it is very pleasant and warm. Velor is characterized by a high sense of strength, as a result of which it does not deform under the influence of the weight of people sitting on it. In addition, the material perfectly allows air to pass through. Here is more information about the velor material.
Velor for sofa
Caring for velor coating is easy. It is necessary to go over it with a vacuum cleaner, and to remove more serious contaminants you will have to use powder. Care must be taken when using velor. Try to protect the material from staining from coffee, sauce and juice. The reason is that it is problematic to wash this kind of material with your own hands, especially if the stain is outdated.
The next disadvantage of velor is its short service life. The material wears off quickly, and after a while you can notice how the velor falls out. Thus, its appearance is disrupted.
Velor for sofa upholstery has the following indicators:
- environmental friendliness - the material is made from natural raw materials;
- excellent thermal conductivity - the fabric is very warm;
- strength - the upholstery will not sag;
- softness;
- excellent ventilation;
- short service life.
You can buy velor at a price of 1000 rubles per m2.
Flock
If you need to choose a material for upholstering a sofa that is periodically susceptible to attacks from pets, then this option is perfect. This non-woven finishing material is very similar to velvet. Such soft furniture is not afraid of your pet's claws. In addition, flock is hypoallergenic, therefore, it is absolutely safe for children.
Velor for sofa
If you touch the material, you can understand that it is pleasant and soft. In addition, the fabric is very easy to wash. You need to apply a small amount of washing powder to the sponge, and then wash the stain from the fabric. Another advantage of flock is its resistance to fading.
And although the material has many advantages, it also has disadvantages. First of all, flock can be abraded, so after a certain time a sofa with such upholstery will lose its appearance. In addition, the finishing material absorbs foreign odors and retains them for a long time. So you can’t install such a sofa in the kitchen.
Most often, flock is used for sofas that will be installed in the living room or children's room. For the first option, it is worth using fabric of light and soft colors. Also, flock furniture will be an excellent decoration for a veranda and loggia.
The main characteristics of the material include:
- environmental friendliness - it is obtained from natural raw materials;
- strength - cannot be deformed;
- resistance to mechanical stress - the material is difficult to pierce, cut or tear;
- ease of use - the fabric is very easy to wash;
- increased moisture resistance - the fabric is not affected by water;
- softness – pleasant to the touch;
- short service life , as it is susceptible to abrasion.
- low level of wear resistance.
The cost of flock is 800 rubles per m2. Here is more information about flock furniture fabric.
Tapestry
A characteristic feature of this finishing material is its high price, so they have to be used for finishing upholstered furniture that will be installed in expensive homes. With such upholstery, any room acquires luxury and wealth. Tapestry is a fabric that is not only environmentally friendly, but also durable. It can contain from 40 to 100% cotton fibers.
Tapestry for sofa
When an allergy sufferer lives in the house, you should pay attention to upholstery with the maximum content of natural ingredients. But then you need to understand that such fabric will not last as long as we would like. The tapestry is presented in a wide range of colors. In addition, you can see intricate patterns and attractive designs on its surface.
The next advantage of the material is ease of maintenance. If a stain appears on the sofa, you can easily remove it by washing it.
If serious contamination has occurred, stronger detergents can be used. But just make sure that they do not contain alkalis or acids. In extreme cases, dry cleaning can be used. You need to install a sofa with such material where there will be no direct sunlight, otherwise the fabric will fade.
The features of this upholstery include:
- aesthetic appearance , thanks to which you can create a unique interior;
- strength - the material cannot be deformed;
- environmental friendliness - during production only natural products are used;
- Easy to clean - stains and dirt are very easy to remove.
The cost of the material is 540 rubles per m2.
Shinil
In terms of its external qualities, chinil is very similar to tapestry. Its cost is quite high, but this is explained by its presentable appearance and long-term operation. With the help of chinila you can transform any home interior and give it a little sophistication. The advantages of chenille include attractive appearance, high strength, and lack of deformation.
Shinil for the sofa
The only disadvantage of the coating is its exposure to moisture. So you shouldn’t install such a sofa in the kitchen.
The following features are characteristic of chenille upholstery:
- luxurious design;
- long service life;
- strength.
You can purchase the material at a price of 900 rubles per m2.
Jacquard
This version of the material has a very attractive appearance. On its surface you can see interesting patterns that give the fabric a luxurious look. To obtain jacquard, the technology of complex weaving of high-strength fibers is used. As a result, the material acquires rigidity and strength.
Jacquard for sewing and covering a sofa
It is not very pleasant to sit on a sofa upholstered in jacquard, as the fabric is hard and cold. People buy furniture with such a coating solely for decorative purposes. In addition, such a sofa does not carry any functional load. Jacquard fabric is afraid of moisture, so it is prohibited to wash it. The price per meter of jacquard fabric is 1,400 rubles.
Leather and leatherette
Some fabric options for sofa upholstery are very expensive and that is not why ordinary people cannot purchase them. The above examples refer to expensive fabrics. But leather and leatherette are the upholstery options that are available to everyone today. However, their performance characteristics are not very different. Maintenance of such upholstery is minimal. To remove dirt, use a damp sponge.
Leather for stitching and upholstery of a sofa
As for the shortcomings, this includes the low quality of the material, because after a while the upholstery wears out and begins to crack. In addition, the coating is slippery, so you don’t have to sleep on it. Leather upholstery is available in limited quantities relative to the color range, and is suitable for connoisseurs of classic style.
A sofa with leatherette upholstery is an option for which you don’t need to spend a lot of furniture, but at the same time you can get a classic design in the interior. Leatherette is able to resist mechanical influence, is not afraid of water, does not require special care and is completely hypoallergenic. But the upholstery is quite pleasant to the touch. The downside of the material is the possibility of cracks forming on the surface. In addition, the material is flammable, so you should not install the material near the fireplace.
The advantages of leatherette include:
- long service life;
- aesthetic appearance;
- stylish design;
- ease of use.
You can buy the material at a price of 1000 rubles per m2.
Microfiber
This finishing option does not fade over time and does not fade even under the influence of sunlight. Dirt does not eat into the fabric, and water does not penetrate inside. At the same time, microfiber is breathable. As for the downsides, matter is exposed to high temperatures and temperature surges. Such upholstery is also characterized by a high cost.
Microfiber for stitching and upholstery of a sofa
When choosing microfiber, you need to understand that you will have to take care of it. Here it will be necessary to use special compositions, and washing is possible only when setting the delicate mode.
The drying process of the material occurs naturally. The finishing material can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge with soft bristles.
Microfiber must not be ironed or exposed to acetone or other nail polish removers. If you need to get rid of serious dirt, you can use baking soda. But you can remove greasy stains using detergent. You can buy the material at a price of 900 rubles per m2.
Arpatek
This type of finishing material looks like leather. Its advantages include long service life and ease of maintenance. If you feel the material, its surface is warm and not as slippery as leather. But Arpatek has a minus - it is susceptible to cracking.
Arpatek for stitching and upholstery of a sofa
To remove dirt from the surface, you need to use a soap composition, and cleansing products applied to the skin are also allowed. It is prohibited to use compounds that contain chlorine. You also need to give up alcohol cleaners. It is best to buy products designed for caring for leather interiors. The cost is 700 rubles per m2.
Scotchgard
This option for upholstering a sofa is considered one of the most common today. It is characterized by long service life, as well as a low price. The surface of the scotch guard is not susceptible to contamination. In its production, exclusively natural raw materials are used. When you feel the fabric, you can understand that it is soft. In addition, the material is highly durable.
Scotch guard material
To get rid of dirt stains, you will only need to use soap and a soft towel. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is also suitable for these purposes. In this case, the surface of the upholstery should not be dried or wrung out. When washing, the maximum temperature is 40 degrees. It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaning products. The cost of the material is 2500 rubles per m2.
Forest
This version of the finishing material is characterized by the absence of deformation during operation. In addition, it is not susceptible to contamination or liquid penetration. Characterized by high resistance to mechanical and temperature factors.
Forest for the sofa
To clean the coating, you need to use a damp sponge. Dry vacuuming is also allowed. If there is serious contamination, you can use a soap solution and a rag. The cost of the material is 800 rubles per m2.
Ecovelor
This type of bleaching material is characterized by a high margin of safety, as well as high resistance to deformation and abrasion. During the production of fabric, it is impregnated many times with water-repellent compounds; cleaning is simple. It is based on natural raw materials.
Ecovelour for a sofa
When you feel the material, you can see how pleasant and soft it is. In addition, it does not lose its color in the sun and does not stretch. The fabric can be washed at 30 degrees. When cleaning, you can use a soft bristle brush. But it is prohibited to wash stains with chemical compounds. The cost of the material is 1200 rubles per m2.
Courtesan
A sofa upholstered in such fabric will be a real gift for any housewife. During production, courtesan was treated with water-repellent compounds, and it is also resistant to the formation of pollution. The advantages of the fabric include resistance to mechanical influences and high temperatures. But the material is expensive.
Courtesan
The process of caring for a courtesan involves the use of a vacuum cleaner and various detergent compositions. Chemical products must not be used. To remove grease stains, you can use a sponge and soap. You can buy the material at a price of 850 rubles per m2. Anti-claw furniture fabric is also popular. Read reviews.
What type of sofa is suitable for the kitchen?
As a sleeping place
If you need a sofa as a main or additional bed, then you need to choose a convertible model. There are more than 10 types of mechanisms for transforming sofas with a berth, let's take a look at some of them.
- “Dolphin” (“Kangaroo”) - sofas with this folding mechanism are perhaps the best option for a kitchen with a sleeping place. It is “Dolphin” that is used in the designs of traditional kitchen corners. Their extra sleeping place can easily be pulled out from under the seat of the long part of the sofa. This is the best option for any kitchen, especially a small one. The photo on the right shows a corner sofa for the kitchen that converts into a single bed.
Advice: the design of a high-quality and reliable Dolphin should have closer springs.
- Folding sofa-book and its variations: “Eurobook”, “Click-clack” (“Relax”) and “Tick-tock” - if you need a sleeping place that will be folded out every day, then opt for the “Eurobook” or “Click-clack” - they are extremely reliable and easy to unfold, and also have convenient places to store things. But standard “books” are suitable if the “bed” is exclusively for guests and will not be folded out every day.
Advice: a “Eurobook” that can be pulled out using profiles rather than rollers will last longer.
- The Accordion model is a good option, as they fold out very easily and quickly, but require a lot of space in front of them.
- “French folding bed” and “Sedaflex” - such sofas often have beautiful elegant backs, since during transformation they remain motionless, and the mattresses are folded out like a folding bed. They are suitable for small kitchens, as they take up very little space when assembled. Of these two types, Sedaflex is more suitable for regular use, but it is also more expensive. French folding beds are suitable for guest use only.
- Roll-out sofas are probably the least suitable for kitchen conditions - non-corner models cannot store things, they are relatively difficult to unfold, and the mechanism is not the most reliable. In addition, when disassembled, they require a lot of space in front of them.
A kitchen with a sleeping place can be equipped not only with a sofa bed, but also with a single couch, sofa or ottoman, on which you can sleep, relax and sit at the table.
Sofa instead of or in addition to chairs
If a kitchen with a sleeping place is not relevant for you and you only need a sofa as an alternative or addition to chairs, then you can choose the following types of furniture:
- A bench, straight or corner sofa for the kitchen with storage drawers is the best option for small kitchens. A kitchen sofa can often be purchased complete with a table and a pair of stools. You can read more about dining corners and see more photos in a separate article on this topic (the link will be below).
Tip: if you often plan to use large drawers under the seat, then give preference to furniture with a lifting mechanism located on the side - this way the dining table will not interfere with the opening.
- If you rely not on functionality, but on a beautiful design, then the traditional corner sofa for the kitchen can be replaced by a bench, very similar to a garden bench. It does not have a storage section, but it fits organically into the interiors of kitchens in a classic or rustic style.
- The bay window kitchen sofa is designed to be installed in a corresponding niche. As a rule, such furniture is made to order so that it exactly matches the dimensions and shape of the existing niche. The photo below shows the interior of a kitchen with a sofa in a 3 m long bay window.
- Banquettes and ottomans are the most beautiful and most often expensive type of sofa. The design of a kitchen with a sofa of this type will be stylish and not “overloaded”.
For the sofa in the living room
What fabric to choose for upholstering a sofa? When purchasing material for a sofa installed in the living room, it is necessary to take into account such points as the presence of children and animals. Leather remains the most durable material. If you buy a dark leather sofa, it will look just as attractive for a long time. But it’s just not very comfortable to be on it.
Flock for the sofa in the living room
In the living room, you can choose upholstery for the sofa from the following materials:
- flock
- velours,
- micro velor,
- tapestry,
- chenille,
- jacquard,
- leather substitutes,
- faux suede (here are the disadvantages of faux suede for furniture).
Advantages of fabric upholstery
- Variety of colors and patterns. So, you can choose a material for a sofa that will fit most harmoniously into the interior of the room, will correspond to the design idea, and will be an excellent continuation or bright accent of the room.
- Protection of the interior of furniture. Here we mean that a high-quality coating repels dust, dirt, and water, which is good both for the material itself and for the mechanisms of the sofa/chair.
- Easy care. Almost all modern materials are easy to care for; rare ones have some restrictions and rules. All this eliminates the need to call dry cleaning, the long process of removing stains, and so on.
- Price. Most upholstery options can be purchased inexpensively. And today cheaper alternatives have been invented for expensive solutions.
For kitchen sofa
For the kitchen, you need to choose a material that will not absorb moisture, unpleasant odors, and most importantly, it will be cleanable. Jacquart has these properties.
Jacquard for a sofa in the kitchen
It has high wear resistance and water-repellent properties. You can also buy leatherette or flock. The second option is suitable for those who have pets.
Mandatory parameters of the optimal sofa for the kitchen
A small sofa in the kitchen should be practical and comfortable. The item must meet the needs of the owners. It is recommended to choose multifunctional options that help solve different problems.
Which one can be washed?
Today there is a wide range of fabrics for upholstering a sofa, but not every one can be washed or removed. There are several options that can be washed and will dry quickly without using a hair dryer. Today such materials are Scotchgard and microvelor.
Scotchgard is a material obtained on a natural basis. It has a durable coating that prevents liquids from penetrating under the sofa upholstery. If you accidentally spill wine or coffee, you just need to shake it a little from the furniture with a napkin. Such furniture requires minimal maintenance. The fabric can be used to make covers for expensive furniture that is often used.
Scotch guard material for sofa
Microvelor is also a popular material for finishing sofas, because it is resistant to stains. And although it cannot be ordered as a washable fabric, its pile is designed in such a way that liquid is not immediately able to penetrate into the fabric. The upholstery is durable, resistant to dirt and various influences.
Microvelour
Execution materials
A quality item will last longer. Priority is given to practical materials. It is important to pay attention to the frame. It must be durable and its design must be stable.
Not least important is the internal filler. Comfort and durability of use depend on the padding.
The outer upholstery is of maximum importance. Kitchen upholstered furniture runs the risk of getting dirty quickly. It is acceptable to use removable covers, but it is not a bad idea to take care of the practicality of the item itself.
For cushions on the sofa
When choosing a material for pillows, it is necessary to take into account such a moment as to make it comfortable to work with. Flock, aerated fiber, velor, and jacquard are excellent for these purposes. You can also use materials that have nothing to do with furniture products - jeans, felt, fleece. An option with fur is possible, and it can have long or short pile.
Fleece for sofa cushion
If you want to get an unusual product, you can use a combination of several materials at once. But then you need to ensure that they are of the same quality and similar in texture.
Choose according to style
Each interior style needs its own sofa. Classic requires a chic appearance, graceful forms:
- For minimalism, a kitchen sofa with a sleeping place is most suitable.
- For art deco, elegant, somewhat pretentious variations are ideal.
- For modernism, a simple but stylish item is optimal.
- In the Provence style, sofas with soft border lines are used.
- Traditional country music is characterized by elementary simple things. You can create a suitable option with your own hands.
- You can do the same when choosing a model for a loft.
A well-chosen sofa will be an excellent assistant in organizing a beautiful and comfortable design. You need to approach your purchase seriously and take many factors into account. The optimal item will delight you with comfort and harmony of the environment.
Note!
Modular kitchens: reviews of new designs. Options for furniture arrangement in the kitchen + 160 photo examplesKitchen set - TOP-150 photos with options for installing a kitchen set. Varieties of furniture placement + design ideas
- Kitchen doors - reviews of types of kitchen doors. Varieties of manufacturing materials. Design ideas with photo examples
How to calculate quantity
Calculating the required amount of material for a sofa is simple. First you have to dismantle the old upholstery. Now, using a tape measure, you will have to perform a series of measurements. If there are elements of irregular shape on the sofa, then you will have to measure them in those places where they are widest. After this, using the addition method, sum up all the vertical dimensions and add 20% to them for allowances. This calculation is suitable for understanding the amount of upholstery in length. But the width of the fabric can be understood by the widest detail. Most often this parameter is 130-150 cm.
Which sofa is best for the kitchen?
When selecting a sofa for the kitchen, its design, material, upholstery color, size and type (straight, modular, corner, etc.) are usually taken into account.
The classic straight model looks great in any interior. You can place it next to the table or in the seating area. The corner one does not take up much space, but can accommodate several people. Modular can be disassembled into separate parts, so this is an ideal option for a small kitchen. All of the above criteria are influenced by the following points:
- the layout and area of the kitchen, as well as the area where the sofa will be located;
- design and color shades of room design.
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