Our Top 10 Upholstery Fabric Picks for Furniture
Choosing the right upholstery fabric for your furniture can be quite a challenge, with so many options available. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when every fabric seems like a great deal. Some people might find a fabric they love, but it doesn’t quite meet their practical needs. Others might discover the perfect performing upholstery that just doesn’t appeal to their sense of style.
To help you navigate this decision, our furniture experts at The Furniture Depots have curated a list of the top 10 upholstery fabrics. This read will ensure you find the right match for your requirements while also keeping your aesthetic preferences in mind.
Microfiber Upholstery Fabric
Starting with the microfiber, a top choice for many due to its incredible softness and practicality. Made from a blend of synthetic fibers, predominantly polyester, this upholstery fabric features a tight weave that enhances its durability. Microfiber’s texture is often compared to suede, providing a luxurious feel that you’ll love.
One of microfiber’s standout properties is its resistance to liquid spills. The tight weaving allows spills to bead up on the surface, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. It is resilient enough to withstand daily use from pets and children, showing little sign of fading or pilling.
Additionally, if you have allergies or respiratory concerns, microfiber is an excellent option. Its denser structure prevents dust, pollen, and pet dander from settling in, which makes cleaning a breeze; just wipe it down or vacuum it regularly.
Linen and Linen Blends
Linen is a classic choice, well-loved for its natural beauty and versatility. This upholstery fabric has graced the furniture industry for centuries, thanks to its organic nature and cool, breathable feel. One standout feature of linen is its lightly textured, matte finish, which offers a blend of comfort and sophistication.
Over time, linen softens, becoming even more comfortable without sacrificing strength, making it a perfect choice for warmer climates. In today’s market, you’ll find linen available in two main forms: pure organic linen and linen blends.
- Organic Linen: This option showcases a refined, natural aesthetic, perfect for a fresh, earthy vibe.
- Linen Blends: Typically mixed with fibers like cotton, polyester, or viscose, these blends enhance durability and wrinkle resistance.
Polyester Upholstery Fabric
Next on the list is polyester, a widely used upholstery fabric that’s perfect for everyday furniture like couches and armchairs. This synthetic material option is popular for its durability and affordability, making it a staple in many households. Whether you have kids, pets, or just a busy home, polyester holds up beautifully to wear and tear.
It has a long-lasting nature, meaning it can endure heavy use without showing signs of wear. Plus, polyester is naturally resistant to stains and fading. You can place it in sunlit areas without worrying about color distortion. Maintaining polyester upholstery is also easy, requiring minimal effort to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Cotton and Cotton Blends
Cotton is another top contender when it comes to furniture upholstery fabrics, preferred for its breathability and comfort. It has a wide variety of colors, patterns, and weaves available from vibrant solids to intricate florals. Like linen, cotton also comes in organic form and fabric blends that enhance durability and extend the life.
- Natural Cotton: This fabric boasts a relaxed and pliable texture, perfect for creating a cozy environment. Its smooth surface can vary from semi-textured to completely crisp, depending on the weave.
- Cotton Blends: By combining cotton with synthetic fibers like polyester or rayon, manufacturers achieve a fabric that retains the softness and breathability of organic cotton but gains improved durability. This means less wrinkling and stretching, making cotton blends not only practical but also budget-friendly.
Velvet (Silk, Cotton, and Polyester)
If you’re looking to make a statement with your upholstered furniture, velvet might just be the right fabric for you. Renowned for its luxurious look and plush feel, velvet is meticulously woven to create a dense pile of fibers.
Originally made from silk, contemporary velvet often incorporates cotton, polyester, or rayon, offering a more affordable and durable option. It is ideal for everyday use without losing its glamorous appeal. What truly makes velvet captivating is its soft texture, which invites you to sink in and enjoy its cozy embrace.
Additionally, velvet holds dye exceptionally well, resulting in an extensive range of bold jewel tones and soft neutrals. Whether you opt for vibrant hues or muted shades, velvet ensures a rich and dimensional look that enhances any room.
Genuine Leather
Another timeless and luxurious upholstery fabric on the list is leather. This highly sought-after material not only shines in fashion and accessories but is also ideal for upholstered furniture. Made from the tanned hide of animals (primarily cowhide), genuine leather has a refined, upscale appearance and unique character.
Moreover, it has incredible longevity. With proper care, leather can last for decades and gets even more beautiful with age, developing a charming patina. Cleaning is also a breeze with leather as it doesn’t trap dust or dander and resists spills.
You’ll find variations like full-grain leather, which is the most authentic form, derived from the top layer of hide. Then there’s top-grain leather and genuine leather, both slightly processed but more budget-friendly.
Tweed Upholstery Fabric
One highly popular and durable option for furniture upholstery is tweed. Originally made from a wool blend, this fabric is tightly woven, resulting in a unique nubby texture. Tweed is a fantastic choice for both formal and everyday furniture if durability is your main concern.
It offers a sophisticated look that requires minimal maintenance. Tweed is typically associated with formal furniture with a touch of vintage and opulent charm reminiscent of its Scottish roots.
The closely woven structure makes it highly resistant to wear and tear, perfect for high-traffic areas. However, the real beauty of this furniture fabric lies in its multi-tone texture, which cleverly disguises stains and dirt, making it a low-maintenance dream.
Chenille Upholstery
This is yet another upholstery fabric that exudes warmth and sophistication when used in furniture. Chenille is often found in formal or decorative pieces like accent chairs and elegant sofas. It has a plush, velvet-like feel and a subtle sheen. It has short, cut pile fibers that result in its luxuriously fuzzy and cozy texture.
Chenille upholstery is made from both natural and synthetic fibers like cotton, rayon, and polyester. This furniture fabric is not only visually appealing but also comfortable to the touch. The unique tufted surface is created by weaving short lengths of yarn, resulting in a tactile experience that’s perfect for cozy seating.
Faux Leather
Next up, faux leather is an excellent alternative for genuine leather without breaking the bank. It provides a luxurious appearance similar to top-grain or full-grain leather but at a fraction of the cost. This synthetic material is incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the fuss associated with real leather care.
One of the greatest advantages of faux leather is how easy it is to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough due to its non-absorbent nature. Furthermore, just like real leather, it doesn’t retain dust, dander, or spills, which makes it more appealing for upholstered furniture.
Not to mention, some faux leathers are resistant to UV rays, so they won’t fade easily in the sunlight. Best of all, it’s animal-friendly and vegan, as it contains no animal products, making it a cruelty-free option for conscious consumers.
Olefin Upholstery Fabric
Last but not least, we have olefin, also known as polypropylene. This is another synthetic furniture fabric ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. While many upholstery fabrics fall short outdoors, olefin stands out with its versatile qualities.
It’s highly durable and abrasion-resistant, ensuring it withstands heavy use without showing signs of wear. Moreover, it’s also resistant to water, which prevents mold and mildew, making it even more amazing for outdoor settings.
Olefin has also got you covered in case of stains and spills. Liquids typically bead up on the surface, allowing for easy cleanup with a simple towel. Not only is olefin functional, but it’s also environmentally friendly, made from recyclable materials with minimal waste in production.
