A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Upholstery Fabric
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3 Simple Steps to Upholstery Fabric Selection
- Consider the Environment & Usage
- Identify Essential Fabric Features
- Explore Available Fabric Materials
By following this framework, you can confidently pick the best fabric for any upholstery project. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Consider the Environment & Usage
Before selecting a fabric, ask yourself these two key questions:
- Will your upholstery be used indoors or outdoors?
- How often will the furniture be used?
These factors determine whether a natural or synthetic fabric is best and whether to choose a printed or solution-dyed fabric.
Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fabrics (like cotton or linen) add warmth and luxury but are susceptible to damage from moisture and UV rays. They are best suited for indoor use.
Synthetic fabrics (like polyester or acrylic) are more resistant to water, UV rays and mold, making them ideal for outdoor settings and heavy-use furniture.
Printed vs. Solution-Dyed Fabrics
Printed fabrics feature intricate designs and are budget-friendly but can fade over time. They are best for light-use indoor projects.
Solution-dyed fabrics have color embedded in every fiber, making them highly resistant to fading, stains, and weather. They are ideal for heavy-use and outdoor furniture.
Step 2: Identify Essential Fabric Features
Once you determine where and how the fabric will be used, consider the following key fabric properties:
- Durability: High-traffic furniture needs fabrics with strong abrasion resistance.
- Stain Resistance: Ideal for homes with kids or pets.
- UV & Fade Resistance: A must-have for sun-exposed areas.
- Maintenance: Choose a fabric that matches your cleaning preferences.
- Breathability: Natural fibers tend to be more breathable than synthetics.
- Eco-Friendliness: Look for OEKO-TEX® or GREENGUARD® Gold certifications for sustainable choices.
- Budget: Balance cost with long-term durability and performance.
Now that you’ve decided on the most important features for your project, you’re ready for the final step. It's time to find out which fabric materials have the features you want.
Step 3: Explore Available Fabric Materials
Sailrite offers a vast selection of upholstery fabrics, categorized into natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic fibers.
Natural Fibers:
- Cotton: Soft, breathable and versatile, but prone to fading.
- Linen: Luxurious and breathable, but wrinkles easily.
- Leather: Durable and stylish, though expensive.
Semi-Synthetic Fibers:
- Rayon: Silky and versatile but not highly stain resistant.
Synthetic Fibers:
- Polyester: Durable, wrinkle resistant and budget-friendly.
- Acrylic: Resistant to moisture and fading, great for outdoor use.
- Vinyl: Waterproof and easy to clean but not very breathable.
- Nylon: Strong and abrasion resistant but may pill over time.
- Polyethylene & Polypropylene: Highly weather resistant but less soft than natural fabrics.
- Polyurethane: A cost-effective alternative to leather.
Sailrite’s huge inventory of upholstery fabrics includes natural materials, synthetics and blends. Remember, the material you choose depends on your intended use and must-have fabric features.
Find Your Perfect Upholstery Fabric at Sailrite
Choosing the best upholstery fabric depends on your unique needs and preferences. With Sailrite’s extensive collection, finding the right fabric is easier than ever.
Need an indoor-only fabric? Explore our stylish and durable indoor upholstery fabrics.
Shop Indoor Upholstery Fabrics
Working on an outdoor project? Check out our weather-resistant options.
Shop Outdoor Upholstery Fabrics
Looking for marine grade materials? We have high-quality marine upholstery fabrics to suit your needs.
We hope this guide simplifies your fabric selection process! Take your time, explore your options and have fun giving your furniture a fresh, stylish new look.
