When you are designing your home, choosing the right upholstery fabric is essential to ensure that it matches your style and personality. This is particularly true for upholstery fabrics that are made of natural fibres like wool or linen. These materials are renowned for their durability and easy cleaning. You can also choose from other materials such as polyester velvet or leather. These banquette seating Sydney fabrics are well known for their quality and style, making them popular for upholstery.

Material

Choosing the right fabric for your upholstery is a crucial part of your furniture’s overall look. There are many types of fabric, and the right choice will depend on your needs and your budget. In general, upholstery fabrics are made from either natural or man-made components. Natural fabrics are derived from natural sources, while synthetic fabrics are made from man-made components. Typically, the heavier the fabric is, the less drapeable it is. However, some heavier fabrics are more durable than others.

When selecting a fabric for upholstery, it’s important to think about how much use it will get. If your furniture is not likely to see much use, a synthetic fabric may be better for you. Polyester, for example, has a high abrasion resistance and is resistant to stains and mildew. It is also soft and durable. You can find different varieties of polyester in the market today.

Durability

The Martindale test is a widely accepted test used to determine the durability of upholstery fabrics. It measures how well a fabric can resist abrasion and distress from daily use. The higher the Martindale score, the more durable the fabric is likely to be. A fabric should have a 30,000 or higher score to be considered durable for commercial use.

Although it may be hard to clean, wool is one of the most durable materials available today. Wool blends with other materials are also a good choice. Polyester is another great option for upholstery. It is a high-quality fabric with excellent resilience and abrasion resistance. Microfiber is another durable material that doesn’t leave water marks and is easy to clean.

Color

The color of upholstery fabric can make a huge difference in the mood of a room. For instance, a light shade on a small sofa makes the room appear more spacious. On the other hand, a dark shade can hide stains. When choosing a fabric color, try to keep the selection simple. Consider the season and try to find a color that goes well with the style and pattern of the room.

Before you start shopping for upholstery fabric, think about how you will use it. Decorative trims will make your upholstery project pop. You may also want to choose a fabric with a design or pattern. For instance, a vintage Alky chair could look great with hot pink piping, which contrasts with the blue of the steel frame. Alternatively, a double welt trim can hide visible staples and raw edges.

Care

Proper care is critical to the long-term appearance and usefulness of upholstery fabric. For example, upholstery fabric should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause fading and damage. Parents, in particular, often have the most trouble taking care of their furniture, as their children are prone to spilling food, dirt, and other substances.

It is important to carefully read the care instructions provided with your upholstery fabric. Avoid using solvent-based cleaning agents or water-based foam cleaners. Both of these can cause excessive shrinking and staining of the fabric. Likewise, avoid using detergents that contain bleach, as they can damage the backing of the fabric. Tumble-drying is also not advisable, because it stretches the fabric.

Care for upholstered furniture

You should take great care of upholstered furniture to keep it looking new and comfortable. They can take a lot of wear and tear from children, pets and everyday use. Cleaning and repairing upholstered pieces is not easy, but proactive care can prevent expensive repairs and replacements. Regular vacuuming is the best way to keep your upholstered furniture clean, as it will prevent buildup of pet hair and allergens. You should also check for loose buttons, threads and zippers. If possible, use a vacuum with a soft attachment for the best results.

You should also make sure that you have the right ventilation in your house. The right ventilation will protect your upholstered furniture from airborne pollutants. It can also help control odors.