How Do You Choose the Best Upholstery Fabric for Sofas?

Upholstery can breathe new life into an old piece of furniture, transforming it into a stylish and comfortable addition to your home. But before you enjoy your reupholstered sofa, you'll need to choose the right fabric for the job.

So, how do you choose the best upholstery for fabric sofas?

The truth is, it can be challenging. Whether it's reupholstering or choosing a custom selection for a new fabric sofa, you need to be aware of a number of variables that determine what you need.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through choosing the best fabric for your upholstery needs. By the end of this post, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and choose a fabric that will stand the test of time in terms of style and durability.

Understanding the Purpose of the Furniture

Understanding the purpose of the furniture is an essential first step when it comes to choosing the right fabric for your upholstery project. Consider the room where the sofa will be placed and how it will be used.

There are three important questions to ask yourself to help you determine what type of fabric will work best for your needs:

1. Is it a high-traffic area with a lot of wear and tear?
2. Will it be used primarily for sitting, lounging, or sleeping?
3. Will adults, children, or pets use it?

If you're upholstering a sofa for a family room that will be used frequently, it's essential to choose a durable fabric that can withstand regular use and spills - as seen in Bonaldo’s Avarit Sofa. A fabric with a high rub count (a measure of its abrasion resistance) and stain-resistant properties would be a good choice.

On the other hand, if you're upholstering a decorative accent armchair that will be used primarily for sitting and won't see as much wear and tear - opt for a more delicate fabric such as silk or velvet for a visually appealing, soft feel.

Considering Durability and Maintenance

Taking the durability and maintenance requirements of the fabric into account is crucial when selecting upholstery for your sofa.

Choose a fabric that can withstand everyday use and be easily maintained to keep it looking great for years to come. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating the durability and maintenance requirements of upholstery fabric:

• Rub count: The rub count is a measure of a fabric's abrasion resistance. A higher rub count indicates a more durable fabric that can withstand frequent use.
• Stain resistance: Look for a fabric that is treated to resist stains or one that is naturally resistant to staining. This will make it easier to clean and maintain the appearance of your sofa.
• Colourfastness: Choose a colourfast fabric, meaning the colour won't fade or bleed when cleaned or exposed to sunlight.
• Cleaning requirements: Consider the work needed to clean the fabric. Some fabrics can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth, while others require professional cleaning.
• Pilling: Assess your sofa for any signs of pilling, which is the formation of small balls of fibre on the fabric's surface. A fabric that pills easily will not hold up well over time.

By considering these factors, you can choose a durable and easy-to-maintain fabric, ensuring that your sofa will maintain its fresh look indefinitely. At FCI London, we have a vast collection of luxury fabric sofas, all of which have been curated by the finest designers around the globe.

We pride ourselves on the premium quality of our collection and guarantee that they are heirloom-quality pieces.

Examining Weave and Texture

Examining the weave and texture of a fabric is an important factor to consider when selecting upholstery for your sofa. The weave and texture of a fabric can impact its durability, comfort, and appearance.

Here are a few elements to keep in mind when examining the weave and texture of upholstery fabric:

• Tightness of the weave: A tighter weave generally indicates a more durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear.
• Texture: The texture of the fabric can affect its appearance and comfort. For example, a nubby material provides a cosy, rustic look, while a smooth, sleek fabric like the one used in Papillon Sofa by Bonaldo creates a more modern, sophisticated feel.
• Breathability: Consider how breathable the fabric is, especially if you live in a hot or humid climate. Fabrics that don't breathe well have the potential to make the sofa uncomfortable to sit on.
• Stretch: Some fabrics have more stretch than others. Fabrics with more elasticity are generally easier to upholster around curved areas of the sofa.
• Pattern matching: If the fabric has a pattern, consider how it will look when sewn together. Ensure the pattern matches up at the seams and that the overall effect is pleasing to the eye. Fama’s Arianne Sofa is a great example of how two contrasting fabric pieces can create a sophisticated look on the same sofa.

By examining taking the above considerations into account, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to choose a material that looks great, feels comfortable, and holds up well over time.

Factoring in Colour and Pattern

Colour and pattern are essential when selecting fabric for sofa upholstery. The colour and pattern you pick will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your room. Here are some things to consider when factoring them in:

• Room decor: Consider the existing decor of the room where the sofa will be placed. You want the fabric to complement the other colours and patterns in the room.
• Light and dark colours: Lighter colours has the potential to make a room feel more spacious and airy, while darker colours will build a warm, intimate feel.
• Solid vs. patterned fabric: A solid fabric creates a sleek, modern look, while a patterned fabric adds visual interest and personality to a room.
• Scale of the pattern: Consider the size of the pattern in relation to the size of the sofa. Large patterns may overwhelm a small sofa, while smaller patterns may not be noticeable on a large sofa.
• Durability: The type of material used has an immense impact on its durability, however, the pattern is just as important. A busy pattern may hide stains and wear and tear better than a solid fabric.

By factoring in colour and pattern, you choosing a fabric that not only looks great but also fits in with the overall style of your room is not a challenging feat. The above considerations will ensure that the upholstery for your fabric sofa meets your practical needs for durability and maintenance.

Evaluating the Fabric's Weight and Strength

Evaluating the weight and strength of upholstery fabric is one of the fundamental elements to assess when selecting fabric for your sofa. The weight and strength of the fabric can impact how well it holds up over time and how comfortable it feels to sit on.

Here are some pivotal points to factor in when evaluating the weight and strength of upholstery fabric:

• Weight: The weight of the fabric is measured in grams per square metre. A heavier-weight fabric can be more durable and will withstand wear and tear better than a lighter-weight fabric.
• Strength: The strength of the fabric is measured in the fabric's tensile and tear strength. A fabric with high tensile and tear strength will hold up better over time and will be less likely to tear or stretch out of shape.
• Ply: Some fabrics are made up of multiple plies, which increases the fabric's strength and durability.
• Compression: Consider how well the fabric resists compression, or how well it springs back after being used. A fabric that compresses easily may not hold up well over time.
• Texture: The texture of the fabric also impacts its weight and strength. A tightly woven fabric will be heavier and more durable than a loosely woven fabric.

By evaluating the weight and strength of upholstery fabric, you’ll be able to pick one that is comfortable and durable enough to withstand regular use over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fabric for your sofa upholstery involves reviewing several relevant aspects, including durability, maintenance, weave, texture, colour, pattern, weight, and strength.

By keeping these factors in mind and using them to guide your decision-making process, you’ll be able to select a fabric that is visually appealing, soft, and holds up well over time.

At FCI London, we offer a wide selection of luxury fabric sofas and customisable upholstery options to assist you in building the perfect look and feel for your home. Whether you need help selecting the right fabric or want to browse our collection of designer sofas, our expert design team is here to help.

You can chat with our expert design team via WhatsApp, visit our London showroom in person or take a look at our interior design project portfolio for aesthetic encouragement. We look forward to hearing from you.