How to Compare Upholstery Fabrics

Pick a fabric that stands up to the use it will get.

Some of your furniture has definitely seen better days. The overall construction is still good and the frame still works, but the upholstery appears it's been out in the yard for several seasons. Some tips will help you compare upholstery fabrics to pick the one that best suits your taste and needs.

Instructions

1. Look at the color and style. Pick a fabric that matches what you want to use it for. For instance, a large, modern couch in the middle of the family room should be dark enough to hide stains from frequent use and have a pattern that does not dominate the room or make you sick. An antique wingback chair, on the other hand, can go for a brocade or ornate style with more unusual colors since it's a smaller piece.

2. Think about durability. Go for a fabric that holds up to the abuse it's expected to get. The couch will be heavily used and needs a thick, heavy fabric such as leather or wool. The wingback chair, that no one ever sits in, may do find in silk or rayon.

3. Check out the thread count. Review the label or description to find out how many threads are used in each square inch of material, which translates to the thread count. Those with a higher thread count will be denser and hold up better.

4. Decide if you need stain or sunlight protection. Some fabrics are specially constructed or treated to ward off lots of spills and constant sun exposure. If the piece you intend to cover will be highly exposed to both, you may want to consider these options.

5. Check the grade. Fabrics are grades from A to F, with an A being the lowest grade. The grade usually determines the upholstery fabric's price, with the lower being less expensive. The grade does not necessarily reflect how durable a fabric is, just how much it cost to create it.

Tips & Warnings

• All pertinent information should be on a detailed card attached to the fabric sample. If it's not, ask for it.