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.
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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.
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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
Flock: pros and cons
The texture and feel of the material resembles velvet and looks expensive, but this is deceptive - its price is average, since the material only imitates expensive fabric. Flock is made from polyester, acrylic or nylon. It has a number of undeniable advantages:
- strength: the claws of pets will not pierce through such upholstery;
- hypoallergenic;
- moisture resistance: a dirty surface can be washed from a variety of stains;
- When cleaning a flock sofa, do not use alcohol-containing products!
- resistance to fading in the sun.
But flock is not free from drawbacks - the fleecy texture is not very durable even in a synthetic version. The material is highly electrified, which means it attracts dust, animal hair and small debris. In addition, the fabric tends to absorb odors.
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
For kitchen sofa
For the kitchen, you need to choose a material that will not absorb moisture, unpleasant odors, and most importantly, it will be cleanable. Jacquart has these properties.
Jacquard for a sofa in the kitchen
It has high wear resistance and water-repellent properties. You can also buy leatherette or flock. The second option is suitable for those who have pets.
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
For cushions on the sofa
When choosing a material for pillows, it is necessary to take into account such a moment as to make it comfortable to work with. Flock, aerated fiber, velor, and jacquard are excellent for these purposes. You can also use materials that have nothing to do with furniture products - jeans, felt, fleece. An option with fur is possible, and it can have long or short pile.
Fleece for sofa cushion
If you want to get an unusual product, you can use a combination of several materials at once. But then you need to ensure that they are of the same quality and similar in texture.
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
