Tips for Choosing the Best Upholstery Fabric
Does your furniture need a refresh? The upholstery fabric for a new sofa or armchair is a big investment, and you don’t want to be second-guessing it a few months after the piece arrives at your doorstep. Choose the wrong material, and you will find yourself battling snags and stains. The upholstery on your sofa, chair, or ottoman is what will define the character of the room. Apart from aesthetic considerations, there are other factors to consider while choosing between different materials. The first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking about buying upholstered furniture is usually what color to pick. It’s usually the single biggest factor in fabric selection. So being careful when buying upholstery fabric is a good decision. There are some upholstery fabric stores out there that offer different experiences. With the many options available, selecting the best store for your needs can be hard. You need to do your homework properly to ensure you find the best upholstery fabric store that offers a wide array of quality fabrics. Below are some essential points to keep in mind before you pick the upholstery for your sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Durability: Always buy fabric that is durable and doesn’t wear off easily. Before you settle on any upholstery fabric, ask the salesperson whether it’s for light, medium, or heavy use. This way, you can eliminate options that might look aesthetically pleasing but can wear out easily. If your living room sees a lot of traffic, you might want to steer clear of printed and heavily textured fabrics, as they wear out in patches where you sit regularly. Instead, opt for fabrics with woven patterns, as those designs are meant to last a long time.
Style: Choose a fabric that complements both the piece of furniture and the interior decor of your house. Your fabric choice should be harmonious with the style and character of the piece it is covering. Some fabrics appear casual, while others look more formal. Choose the fabric that echoes your style and the mood of the decor in that room. Consider the scale of the pattern. It should be appropriate for the size of the furniture it is covering as well as the room size.
Maintenance: Look for low-maintenance fabrics. Even if you find your dream fabric that fits all the criteria mentioned above, it is vital to know how much wear and tear your sofa can take and whether you are willing to give it the care required. If possible, try to get a sample of the fabric and stretch and compress it to see if it changes its structure drastically. If your furniture is going to be placed somewhere in direct sunlight, then avoid natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as they fade over time.
To conclude, choosing the right upholstery for your furniture is much more than just picking a color. With this guide in hand, you can purchase upholstery fabric that will not only match your requirements but also leave you satisfied at the end of the day.
