Finding the perfect piece of furniture or décor for your space can require many different considerations – from shape and size, to color and pattern. But here we’ll share a helpful guide to make one of those decisions a bit easier: choosing your fabric.
One of the most important things to think about when searching for your next addition is the fabric type, which can range from a smooth velvet to a crisp linen. There are three main factors to consider when it comes to picking the right fabric for your piece: durability & maitenance maintenance, comfort and aesthetic. We’ll help you make sure that you choose the best fabric to fit your lifestyle and design desires, particularly for the centerpieces of your space, such as the sofa or the bed. We’ve got you covered.
DURABLITY & MAITENANCE
Kids? Pets? Or maybe just prone to the occasional spill? If you’re considering fabric for a heavy use piece of furniture, choosing a durable fabric that stands up to wear and tear will go a long way in extending the life of your furniture.
Our top choice for durability goes to fabrics that are referred to as “performance” fabrics. Composed of special hospitality-grade materials, these fabrics can be easily cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner and are more resistant to abrasion and pilling. And the good news is that choosing a durable fabric doesn’t mean sacrificing on style (yes, even for the kids’ favorite family room sofa). If you’re someone who loves the opulent look of velvet, a performance velvet (made of high-performance synthetic fibers such as polyester or acrylic) provides that luxe look and feel without the price tag and cleaning headache.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that wipes completely clean with little to no regular maintenance, leather is another option. A favorite for its stain-resistant properties, leather also doesn’t attract pet hair and allergens to the same degree that other fabrics may. However, while leather wears beautifully and naturally over time, if you have pets with sharp claws or a pencil-wielding child, you may want to think twice.
COMFORT
If we haven’t yet convinced you on the important of upholstery fabric choice, consider the fact that you’ll likely have direct contact with this fabric on a daily basis, so it’s important that it feels comfortable – and that’s defined differently by everyone, based on personal preference.
Consider an upholstered bed or headboard: some people want their sleeping environment to feel crisp cool, while others prefer cozy and soft. If you fall into the former category, you can’t go wrong with a linen, whereas the latter would love a cozy velvet. The same applies to your living room sofa, sectional and other pieces of furniture. To take your comfort preferences one step further, consider your temperature preference. For instance, leather sofas tend to stay cool in hotter months, but can also feel quite cold in the winter.
Still not sure which fabric selection you prefer for optimum comfort? Apply the swatch test! Many companies offer fabric swatches that you can order and feel in person. Test it in the same way you would experience the furniture to see if you’ve landed on a winner.
AESTHETIC
Last but certainly not least, aesthetic matters! In addition to comfort and durability, different fabrics have the power to influence the vibe of an entire room. Choosing upholstery to fit your interior design scheme or color palette doesn’t need to be hard with the following rules of thumb.
Is your vibe easygoing, beachy, or crisp? You can’t go wrong with a linen.
Maybe it’s more luxe, dramatic or romantic? Sounds like velvet, microfiber or suede.
What about earthy or organic? You’ll love a leather.
OR, perhaps you’re eager to incorporate a pop (or more) of pattern into your space. In this case, cotton is the way to go. As the most versatile fabric out there, it’s not only cost-efficient, but this is the best upholstery for showcasing your personality through pattern – from a subtle stripe or dot, to a bold geometric or animal print.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Spending a bit of time thinking through these considerations can make all the difference between selecting a piece that matches your lifestyle for the long-term and having to start the buying process over again in a few short months or years. These rules of thumb should get you close to your final decision, but at the end of the day, just remember: if you love the fabric – from the way it complements your overall design to the way it feels AND makes you feel – then it’s the absolute perfect choice.
