Selecting The Right Fabric When You Want To Reupholster

One way to revitalize older furniture is to reupholster it. However, which fabric is best, synthetic or natural? This can be a difficult choice for those who are new to this process. There is no right or wrong answer, but the option you choose should be based on your personal tastes and style. Those that prefer sustainable options will lean toward natural fabrics, while those that prefer materials which are stain resistant will prefer fabrics that are synthetic.

Fabric Features and Characteristics

Velvet which has been embossed is excellent for both couches and chairs. The options for velvet include tweed, plaid or jersey. Velvet can be both durable and soft, and is resistant to fraying. It is the ideal fabric for formal environments. Cotton has the advantage of being cheap, while also being resilient and easy to handle. It is best used for casual decorations. Imberline is a strong, satin type fabric that is often used for upholstery. It has many sophisticated patterns and is excellent for high traffic areas of the home.

Leather is one of the best upholstery materials, as it is easy to maintain and can last a half a century. However, it isn’t the best material for owners who have pets, as they may use their claws to damage it. Another great material is suede. This is a soft material which is supple and simple to wash. It is one of the best fabrics for cold weather. Flax is a natural material which is costly but durable. However, it is prone to wrinkling, so it is best to mix linen with cotton. It should also be noted that flax is environmentally friendly. Polyester is another sturdy material which is excellent for chair coverings.

Selecting the Proper Fabric

A fabric should never be chosen purely because it looks and feels good. You also have to consider the ease of washing it, as well as the cost, as some fabrics can be outrageously expensive. The strength of the fabric is also important, as it takes a tough material to effectively cover a seat without wear.

The best fabrics are those which have been double rubbed tested, which means they should be capable of handling at least 15,000 double rubs without showing signs of wear. The top fabrics also have a strong weave. If you are into fabric brands, take a look at Duralee or Bailey & Griffin.

Picking Your Preferred Style

Reupholstering can be an expensive process. As a consequence, it is a good idea to select a fabric which is neutral, and which won’t become outdated anytime soon. It is also important to select a fabric which will be compatible with the future upgrades that you’ll make to your home decorations. Those that are looking for a look which is unique or elegant, but which can also be removed whenever their tastes shift, should consider purchasing slip covers.

In truth, there is an array of fabrics available on the market, and for those that are new to upholstering, it can be intimidating and even overwhelming to decide which option is best. The ideal solution is to take your time, learn the pros and cons of each material, and then select the one you like.