Choosing the right fabric

The fabric is the foundation of upholstery and sets the tone for the entire piece. Different fabrics offer varying textures, patterns, and durability allowing you to create diverse styles. Here are some common fabric choices:

Cotton: Soft and breathable, cotton is a versatile and natural option suitable for various furniture pieces. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns making it easy to customise. It is washable, sustainable and doesn’t hold onto smells and good for those with allergies. It can be weaved with other fabrics to add strength and texture. Cotton does hold water and can absorb spills so this may be more suitable for occasional seating and low traffic areas.

Linen: Known for its elegant appearance and natural texture, linen adds sophistication to upholstery. Whilst it wrinkles easily, it offers a luxurious feel and is more durable and flexible than cotton and offers additional texture. This is a natural fabric and good for those with allergies. It can be washed on cool settings or dry cleaned but can shrink so care needs to be taken. Best to avoid any water areas or exposed sunlight areas as linen can be prone to fading.

Velvet: Velvet gives the feel of luxury and comfort. Its plush texture and rich colours create a sense of warmth and comfort. Whist this is a synthetic fabric, many recycled options are now available making this a more sustainable option than in the past. Velvet can be spot cleaned and comes in stain resistant versions to keep the upholstery looking fresh. It is hardwearing so can stand the test of time. It can show marks so mottled and brushed versions may benefit busy families and high traffic areas.

Leather: Leather upholstery is timeless, durable and flexible, offering a sleek and sophisticated look ans provides warmth. It ages well and develops a unique patina over time. Due to its origin, it is not vegan friendly.

Other Synthetic Fabrics: Materials like polyester, nylon, acrylics and plastics mimic the look of natural fibres while providing enhanced durability and some stain resistance.