Details about what fabric to choose for upholstering a sofa: types of upholstery and criteria for their selection

The beauty and durability of soft interior items depends not only on the elaboration of internal mechanisms. It is also important what material is used for the upholstery: the time it takes to preserve the appearance of the furniture, ease of cleaning, color preservation and the overall perception of the sofa without the need for reupholstery depend on this. In this article, we’ll look at what fabric to choose for a sofa: we’ll talk about the categories/types of upholstery, their features, and selection nuances.

Types of upholstery fabrics for sofas

Before deciding what fabric to upholster a sofa with, familiarize yourself with the types of materials. Surely some of them will suit you best.

Matting and linen

Furniture matting is a rough mixed material made of synthetic fibers, also containing wool and cotton. Linen is also used for furniture upholstery, but not in its pure form. It is necessary to add artificial fibers to it.

Everything about this sofa is practical - the gray color and the matting upholstery.

Linen is well suited for eco-style interiors because it looks natural and man-made

Velveteen

This is an excellent choice for those who value comfort. Corduroy is made using the principle of attaching mini-tassels to the base. They are arranged in even rows and form a striped relief texture. Microcorduroy has the same qualities.

Corduroy is easily recognized by its characteristic ridges on the surface.

Velvet and velor

It’s easy to confuse them, but there is a difference: velvet has a higher pile, while velor has a low pile. They can have a flat surface or a structured one - with a pattern. Interior materials are designed to withstand heavy loads and can be safely used in everyday life.

Dark colors suit velor upholstery very well

A yellow folding sofa with velor upholstery can become an interior accent

Wool

Few people choose a fabric such as wool as upholstery for a sofa. The reason is its price. But this disadvantage is compensated by such qualities as pleasant texture and durability. Wool literally envelops you with its warmth. The basis for this covering is the wool of animals such as goats and sheep.

Wool sofa in the shape of lips, reminiscent of the work of Salvador Dali, for bold natures

Wool sofa upholstery

Leather

This luxury material is good because it has a presentable appearance and an unlimited service life. With proper care, of course. Natural leather that has aged naturally takes on a special charm.

The “Chester” model sofa made of genuine leather is most suitable for a living room and a solid office

The best upholstery for leather and substitute sofas

Leather remains the most popular type of upholstery for upholstered furniture. This material is loved by many for its durability, moisture resistance and ease of care. Genuine leather has a high price, but manufacturers today offer many substitutes that are not inferior in appearance and properties to the original.

Textile Plus Stella – eco-leather for upholstered furniture

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

Stella mother-of-pearl artificial leather is produced specifically for furniture upholstery and is supplied to Russia from China. The official representative of the factory is Textile Plus. Our collection is presented in 5 colors - from light beige to dark chocolate. The top coating of eco-leather is smooth with a noble shimmer.

Material density – 380 g/m2. The declared wear resistance is 50 thousand cycles. Stella artificial leather does not fade when exposed to the sun, is resistant to moisture and is easy to clean. Roll width – 138 cm.

Pros:

environmental friendliness;
universal solid shades;
affordable price (up to 1,000 rubles per meter);
Suitable for sunny rooms.

Minuses:

sell only from 10 linear meters;
not ventilated.

Purchasing Stella eco-leather for the upholstery of one sofa is unprofitable due to the minimum purchase size of 10 meters. This option is suitable for owners of commercial properties who need to upholster several sofas and armchairs in the same style.

Loft – stylish two-tone leather

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

Designer genuine leather Loft, originally from Italy, was created for upholstery of upholstered furniture in modern urban interiors. The smooth, non-embossed texture features a two-tone design. The leather is only 1mm thick, yet it is durable and can withstand daily use.

The size of the skins is on average 4-4.5 m2, thanks to which the skin can be stretched over large sofas. The palette of Loft shades is also pleasing - there are as many as 9 of them in the collection, which is very rare for a natural woman.

Pros:

a pattern of natural marks on the skin;
large size of skins;
9 colors to choose from.

Minuses:

high price (4-4.5 thousand per square);
Sold only as whole skins.

The Loft collection of genuine leather is loved by designers working with interiors in ethno style. They prefer not to order ready-made upholstered furniture, but to create it according to their sizes and complement it with high-quality upholstery in the desired color.

Advantages of fabric upholstery

Leather sofas are solid and durable, but at home many people prefer to have furniture with a fabric surface. And that's why:

Many textile coverings do not require special detergents. But for leather ones they may be needed. And not only for cleaning stains, but also for regular regular care. After all, as you know, leather cannot be washed with plain water.
The textile does not slip or stick to the skin, it is warm and pleasant to the touch. This means that it will be comfortable to sit on such a sofa during the day and sleep at night, if the model is folding. Relaxing on a textile surface is much more pleasant than on furniture made of non-woven materials or leather.
Textile materials come in a huge variety of shades and prints, and also have interesting textures. There is always the opportunity to choose a covering that fits perfectly into the interior and matches the style of the room.
Modern fabrics are impregnated with special compounds that provide additional dirt resistance. Caring for them is easy. Most often, you can do without dry cleaning services. It is only important to follow the recommendations for removing stains step by step.
Textile coverings protect the internal parts of furniture quite well from dust and moisture. The filler, frame and mechanisms will last a long time.
Most types of textile coverings are inexpensive. And elite, noble materials today have more budget-friendly substitutes. They are no worse in quality and are not inferior in beauty.

The upholstery of the sofa should be combined with its style and the style of the interior.

Best Faux Upholstery for Sofas

Artificial fabrics are produced by chemical synthesis without using natural fibers. This sofa upholstery does not require complex care. Synthetic textiles are easy to wash, do not dry out, retain color saturation and practically do not shrink.

Alcantara "Colorado" - the leader among artificial upholstery

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

Synthetic fabric made in Italy "Colorado" is of high quality. Its structure resembles suede, but differs from it in its wear resistance of 150 thousand cycles. The rich palette and absence of patterns in the collection will allow you to choose the desired shade - from neutral gray to bright red and extravagant orange.

The fabric is produced using exclusive technology: on a cotton base there is a weave of two-component synthetic fiber, which is held together with polyurethane. This allows for high density (380 g/m2) and increases the practicality of the fabric. The base has a non-flammable Kanekaron impregnation. It retains its fire-resistant properties even after numerous cleanings.

Pros:

does not wear out;
48 shades to choose from;
easy to wash by hand and dry clean;
does not ignite.

Minuses:

exorbitant price per linear meter (about 9,600 rubles in retail stores).

Due to its high technical performance, this fabric is suitable for upholstery of upholstered furniture not only at home, but also in offices or restaurants. It is also used to decorate seats in cars and airplanes. However, you need to take into account that the roll width here is slightly smaller than the standard (142 cm).

Katar – collection of monogram chenilles

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

Turkish chenille Katar has a noble pattern with monograms. This is the type most often used for upholstering sofas, sewing decorative pillows and creating light-blocking curtains.

Textiles belong to 9, the highest category and have a density of 475 g/m2. m. Despite the low wear resistance (20 thousand cycles), it adequately withstands daily friction for a long time.

The fabric is 53% viscose and 47% polyester. The manufacturer offers several colors to choose from: beige, black, ruby, sapphire, emerald and sea wave. For each color, 3 companion fabrics are selected: with large and small monograms embroidered with gold threads, plus a plain base.

The technical characteristics are beyond praise: the fabric does not form pills, and the color is preserved even if the sofa is placed on the sunny side. Chenille Katar is elastic, but it does not stretch or shrink when wet cleaned. Thanks to this, it can be used to cover large sofas.

Pros:

high wear resistance and density;
6 colors;
environmentally friendly material;
does not roll or fade.

Minuses:

The collection is not presented in all stores.

Chenille Katar is a dense, practical fabric. However, there is no place for it in a minimalist Scandinavian interior or in a small apartment. Such textiles will look good only in a rich environment, where everything tends towards deliberate luxury.

Sic “Prima” – artificial suede

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

Artificial suede Prima from the Chinese factory Sic is similar in structure and embossing to natural suede, only its cost is much lower. The thickness of the material is only 1 mm, but the density is impressive - 550 g/m2. The base is made of polyester and cotton, and the top is made of PU and PVC.

With proper care, faux suede retains its appearance for several years. It can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth without the use of chemicals. Wear resistance of the material is 35 thousand cycles.

The Prima collection has 16 strict shades and is designed for upholstery of home and office chairs and sofas. This fabric does not fade, does not pill, and is UV resistant. It can be classified as “vandal-proof” upholstery, since such material is very difficult to tear, scratch or stretch.

Pros:

affordable cost (500-600 rubles per linear meter);
resistance to mechanical damage;
high density and wear resistance.

Minuses:

There are no bright shades in the collection.

Users note that Prima suede does not lose its qualities even with high humidity and temperature changes. Because of this, it is often used for sofas on summer terraces.

Refresh – technological microfiber

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

82%

buyers recommend this product

Korean microfiber Refresh is made of 100% polyester. It is woven from the finest fibers and therefore very pleasant to the touch. The lining base and the material itself are laser welded, which ensures the strength of the upholstery and its breathability.

The collection includes 3 companion fabrics of the same color: a plain base, with a stitch in the shape of small diamonds, with stitching in stripes. In total, the manufacturer offers 9 current colors: brick, curry, muted blue, 3 shades of gray, as well as mint, lavender and faded lilac tones.

According to the Martindale test, Refresh microfiber can withstand 100 thousand abrasion cycles and does not form pilling on the surface. Its density is 290 g per square, and the usable width of the textile is 140 cm.

Pros:

does not peel;
high resistance to friction;
the ability to combine several fabrics from the collection;
current palette.

Minuses:

gradually fades in the sun;
Do not clean with aggressive agents.

The technical characteristics of the fabric allow it to be used for upholstery of furniture both at home and in commercial establishments. However, its soilability and difficulty in cleaning make Refresh microfiber not the best option for daily use somewhere in a crowded restaurant or office.

What is better to choose

Before purchasing new furniture or covering it, it is important to consider where it will be placed and how often it will be used. For a sofa in the living room you need one thing, for the kitchen - completely different.

Impregnated upholstery

When wondering which fabric is the most practical for upholstering a sofa, one must take into account that impregnation plays a big role. This protective coating improves the quality of the material several times.

Certain types of impregnations can protect against:

dirt and dust;
water penetration;
statics.

Elimination of static is necessary so that the surface does not constantly spark from friction and does not attract dust.

Coverings for children's models

Which fabric is best for upholstering a children's sofa depends on the age of the child and his neatness. Flock is the leader in reviews on social networks and forums. It is easy to clean and has sufficient strength.

Suitable for a nursery and a tapestry - it is environmentally friendly and durable. And against its motley background, small spots, if any, will not be noticeable. The only drawback of this material is the risk of snags from sharp objects.

A bright blanket will make a children's sofa more attractive and at the same time save it from the need for dry cleaning

Microfiber

Microfiber coating

This upholstery material does not fade or fade when exposed to sunlight, dirt does not eat into it, and water does not penetrate inside. Despite this, the material allows the sofa to “breathe”. It should be mentioned that this upholstery material is susceptible to high temperatures and temperature changes. One of the disadvantages noticeable at first glance is the high cost.

The coating also requires special care measures. The material requires special formulations; washing is allowed only on a delicate cycle, and drying occurs only naturally in the open air. Upholstery material can also be treated with a vacuum cleaner, a damp sponge and a soft-bristled brush.

The material should not be ironed or exposed to acetone or other nail polish removers. To remove serious stains, you can use baking soda and a damp cloth. If we are talking about grease stains, then it is permissible to use detergent. It is also acceptable to use vodka or alcohol.

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If there are cats in the house

Owners of meowing pets are better off choosing a material for the sofa that is resistant to claws. In addition, if there are furry animals in the house and they like to sit on the furniture, then its covering should not collect wool. The above requirements are met by such coatings as eco-suede, flock, velor. The covering should not be quilted - it is easy to pull the thread out of it. Fabric with an anti-claw effect does not have loops or other elements that a cat can get caught on and tear the material.

Smooth and dense fabric without loops is not afraid of cat claws

If there is a dog

No matter how obedient a four-legged friend is, he can play pranks. Puppies are especially distinguished by this - they chew the legs and corners of any furniture. But while the dog is growing, we need to find ways to protect things from it. We recommend choosing a sofa with metal legs. For example, Claudio Bellini. And it’s worth purchasing anti-vandal upholstery for the sofa. Here again the flock comes to the rescue - it is smooth and difficult to catch on with fangs. This fabric will also withstand the pranks of other inhabitants, for example, parrots.

Puppies are usually not interested in metal furniture legs

For the living room

What fabric to choose for a sofa in the living room? There are most options here. If you often have guests, choose the most durable fabrics that can be cleaned regularly. For example, jacquard, matting, chenille. And if the load on this piece of furniture is not very large, allow yourself the pleasure of having a covering made of magnificent velor, comfortable cotton or warm faux fur.

ADVICE. A popular technique is to place upholstered furniture from different collections, upholstered in different types of fabrics. This gives the atmosphere an effect of spontaneity and naturalness.

Noble pine-green velor looks chic as upholstery for a living room sofa

Furniture matting: pros and cons

The advantages of matting fabric for furniture (sofas, armchairs) are obvious: it lasts a long time, does not wrinkle, does not wear out, does not change shape, is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. In addition, in the production of furniture it is also valued for the fact that it allows air to pass through, so it is not hot to sit on sofas upholstered with this fabric in the heat.

Matting is a universal material that goes well with other types, including pile ones. Looks stylish in combination with leather, leatherette, wood, and metal.

Note! The downside may be that animals love it. Matting fabric for a sofa is good for everyone, except for the habit of some animals to sharpen their claws on furniture. However, modern manufacturers have partly solved this problem by adding a special adhesive pad to the fabric.

Another disadvantage is that the material crumbles easily. If you use it for sewing, you need to leave a large seam allowance so that the edges of the parts can be processed.

Color fastness and test to determine it

Color fastness refers to the ability of a fabric to remain bright even after exposure to light, water and friction. This property is influenced by the quality of the dye, as well as the method of dyeing the material. Of course, over time, every fabric, especially natural ones, loses color saturation. However, in the case of a high-quality product, the upholstery is more likely to get tired over many years of service than to fade.

Color fastness is not an abstract indicator, but a very specific one. There is a special test to determine color fastness. To carry it out, you need to take two identical samples of upholstery and rub one of them with a metal disk for a long time. First wipe with a dry cloth, then with a damp one. Next, this sample is compared with the shade table. It is assigned a certain score - from 1 to 5.

An indicator of 3.5-4.5 points is considered quite good. It is rare to find fabrics that deserve a higher rating. It is worth considering that dark fabrics fade much more noticeably. Especially if they are in a room with large windows or on a loggia. The materials that are most unstable to sun exposure are those that have a printed pattern. And fabrics with a uniform composition of fibers or pile have the greatest color fastness.

The most colorfast fabric is light

Ecovelor

Eco-velor covering

This upholstery material has an impressive margin of strength, as well as high resistance to abrasion and deformation. During manufacturing, this fabric is repeatedly impregnated with water-repellent compounds. Cleaning is very simple. The material is made from natural raw materials

The upholstery material is very pleasant and soft to the touch; in addition, it does not fade or stretch. The maximum washing temperature for this material is 30 degrees; it is also permissible to use a brush with soft bristles for dry cleaning. It is not recommended to use chemically active components for cleaning ecovelor.

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Wear tests

The criterion that reports the ability of upholstery to withstand friction, heating and cooling, stretching, moisture and other physical influences is called wear resistance . The degree of wear resistance is determined using a test. There are several ways to do this.

One of the most famous tests is the Martindale method test . Its principle is as follows: a fragment of material is fixed on a flat surface made of foam plastic, and then this material is rubbed with a rotating disk with an abrasive applied to it. The test continues until three threads on the test piece break, or until all the fibers, if any, are worn off. As a result, the material is assigned a certain coefficient. For example, viscose chenille can withstand from 6 to 10 thousand disc rotation cycles, and polyester velor - more than 50 thousand. This is more than enough for home use. A coefficient of 15 thousand cycles is suitable for a banquette in the hallway, a headboard, and so on. With a figure of 20 thousand, we can talk about sufficient reliability of the upholstery.

Another method, the Visinbeck test , is used mainly in the USA. The material is rubbed along a transverse thread in a special machine, simulating the friction from sitting on a sofa. The industry standard is 15 thousand friction cycles. This upholstery is optimal for use in residential areas. Higher rates are only necessary for furniture located in public places.

When choosing a covering for upholstered furniture, remember these numbers:

for rarely used furniture, 12 thousand Martindale cycles are sufficient;
the average operating frequency requires from 15 to 20 thousand cycles;
Intensively used upholstered furniture requires fabric that can withstand 20 thousand cycles or more.

A practical gray sofa can be complemented with less practical bright pillows

Synthetic

Synthetic fabric is created from polyester and polyamide threads. Most often, nylon, nylon, acrylic and polyester are used in the production process. The materials do not deform, do not lose their original color and do not wear out.

Microfiber

The unique upholstery material has excellent breathability, practically does not fade and withstands the negative effects of direct sunlight. It is not recommended to clean dirt from surfaces using acetone and other alcohol-containing liquids.

The advantages of the material are that it is super durable, does not absorb water and dirt, does not fade, does not fade, and is easy to care for. You should avoid placing a sofa with such a covering in the kitchen, since the main disadvantage of the material is its sensitivity to temperature changes.

Forest

Durable upholstery fabric practically does not deform throughout its entire service life and retains its original shape. High-quality material withstands all negative mechanical and temperature influences.

The surface treated with a special composition has water and dust repellent properties. To clean a children's sofa from dirt, just use a vacuum cleaner or wet the surfaces with a soap solution.

The advantages of the material include:

strength;
not susceptible to contamination;
high resistance to temperature and mechanical influences.

Courtesan

The presented furniture, upholstered with modern upholstery material, can be placed in the kitchen, bedroom or children's room. The moisture-resistant material is practically not susceptible to contamination.

Furniture upholstered in courtesan is suitable for homes with small children and pets. The upholstery has a special anti-vandal effect and can withstand all mechanical impacts.

If we talk about the advantages, then among them it is worth noting:

strength;
fire resistance;
ease of care;
resistance to damage from animal claws;
does not absorb dust or moisture.

Disadvantages include high cost and instability to strong chemicals.

Microvelor

Thanks to the development of modern technologies, it has become possible to use upholstery fabric of amazing quality - microvelor. During the production process, a special additive is used, which, after drying, creates a porous elastic structure. Thanks to this technology, the upholstery has excellent breathability.

Microvelor is a modern type of flock. The fabric can be cleaned with various cleaning products and machine washed without fear of the upholstery losing its beautiful pile.

The main advantages of this material include strength, the fact that it is not afraid of water, has a dirt-repellent impregnation, and a long service life. The disadvantages include the fact that if the fabric is not wiped from dust for a long time, then in the future stains will appear on it even from ordinary water.

How to choose the right fabric

The glossy surface combines beautifully with the ornate oriental pattern

When choosing a “soft friend” for the living room or bedroom, you need to evaluate not only its visual appeal, comfortable shape and ergonomics. The basis of its beauty and comfort is the textile component. Evaluate the material according to the following criteria:

Durability . Here it is worth considering whether to choose natural fabric, but fragile, or artificial, but strong
Origin of the pile. Textiles of animal origin include, for example, pure wool. Plant representatives include cotton, linen, and silk.
Moisture resistance and hygroscopicity. The first will not allow the liquid to be absorbed, and the second eliminates the possibility that the surface will become damp in conditions of high humidity.
Anti-vandal coating. Some fabrics are treated with a special solution, which greatly extends its service life
Tactile sensations are no less important. It’s much more pleasant to rest on soft and smooth hair than on rough and itchy hair.
Decorativeness . There are matte and glossy materials, plain and colored, with different prints and applications. Find an option that suits your apartment and creates a harmonious interior in the same style

What qualities should upholstery meet?

Combining contrasting colors and different prints looks impressive

Some fabrics are easier to clean or wash, others are more durable, others look more luxurious or noble. Price also matters, because modern upholstered furniture is not cheap .

Catalog of textiles for upholstered furniture

Furniture textiles are produced using special technology. Fabrics are different: with an unequal ratio of natural and artificial threads, with increased or standard strength characteristics, woven and non-woven, with or without synthetic fibers. All indicators are displayed in the technical document of the material and are indicated in a compressed form on the label.

Let's consider the parameters by which the material is evaluated:

Resistance to wear of pile, rubbing of threads. This parameter determines whether the seats on the upholstery will become thinner, and whether they will then contrast with the back or armrests
Color fastness . Good fabric does not fade over time and does not fade under the influence of UV rays
Stability . The material should compress freely and immediately expand. Slight elasticity is welcomed for increased wear resistance
Peelability . An unclear word means resistance to pile rolling and pellet formation.
Availability of special impregnation. Most often, the fabric is treated with water-repellent compounds, as well as means to increase its strength.
Fire resistance. There are impregnations that make raw materials slightly flammable. This is an important indicator from a fire safety point of view.
Environmental friendliness . The highest rates are for natural materials. This upholstery is hypoallergenic
Air permeability . Fabric that interferes with air circulation quickly becomes unusable. Over time it cracks and tears

Types of upholstery fabric

Exterior fabric option

All furniture materials are conventionally divided into several types:

The thinnest and least wear-resistant. This includes cotton, tapestry, corduroy, suede, lightweight flock, chenille
Fabrics from the first group, but more dense and durable
Materials with relief finishing and voluminous texture
Heavy fabric with high density: thick tapestry and chenille, printed faux suede
Textiles with natural and environmentally friendly composition. A small percentage of synthetics may be added
Leatherettes
Inexpensive real leather
Noble and expensive genuine leather.

Natural materials

Let's consider the most popular upholstery materials made from environmentally friendly raw materials. These fabrics are the safest for health; they will not harm either allergy sufferers or people suffering from bronchopulmonary diseases. Natural textiles breathe, absorb moisture from the air, and reduce static electricity.

Cotton

Cotton cover is soft and tactilely pleasant

Popular textiles made from plant fibers of cotton. This matter is one of the most common in the world, known since ancient times. It is used in almost all industries.

The advantages of cotton are its hygroscopicity and breathability. The matter is harmless and safe. It lends itself well to dyeing, so there are dozens of colors and prints.

Many people like the low price. The approximate service life with average wear will be no more than 5 years. Buy a sofa with cotton upholstery only if it is coated with a special anti-wear compound.

In addition to its short service life, an important disadvantage of cotton is flammability. It ignites very quickly and smokes heavily. Good upholstery fabric must be treated with fire-resistant impregnation.

Jacquard

Jacquard fabric has a relief texture

Jacquard fabric is created through complex weaving, which simultaneously involves more than 24 intertwining threads. This allows you to create exquisite and ornate designs, unusual patterns, and intricate ornaments. The texture of such matter is very dense and embossed.