How to Choose Fabrics for Furniture

Upholstered chair

Whether reupholstering furniture or buying new, the choice of fabric can make or break the look. The fabric is also the first part to wear out and the first to be replaced. Before selecting upholstery, assess how and where the furniture will be used. Consider whether children and pets will be using the furniture, or if it is intended only for an occasional guest.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric swatches

Instructions

1. Choose a tightly woven fabric with a high thread count for furniture that will get a lot of use, such as a large couch in a family or recreation room. For these places, choose natural wool or a synthetic fabric, such as acetate, acrylic or microfiber. These materials are stain-resistant and also resist wear and tear. Most of these fabrics may be dry-cleaned or spot-cleaned with a mild detergent and water. A synthetic, water-resistant material works well for furniture, such as kitchen chairs, that will be exposed to food or other spills.

2. Select a more delicate fabric for furniture that will be used only occasionally. Silk offers a refined look and may be cleaned with a mild detergent. However, silk should not be exposed to strong sunlight, which causes the fabric to degrade over time. Cotton is cool and comfortable, and takes many different dyes well, offering a wide range of colors. It also stains and wrinkles easier than other materials.

3. Make sure that the fabric complements the furniture style. Thicker fabrics, such as wool or a wool-synthetic blends, complement a variety of contemporary styles and are available in a range of textures, from smooth to coarse. Leather or suede can provide a bold choice for modern furniture, such as a solid, boxy sofa. Synthetic silk material or soft velvet complements a more traditional piece, such as a chair or love seat in the style of Louis XV.

4. Pick up fabric swatches to help you choose a color to complement an already furnished room. Light colors show stains more than dark colors. The room's lighting affects the appearance of the fabric color. There is a noticeable difference between natural sunlight and various types of artificial lighting. Colors can appear warmer or cooler depending on the type of lighting. Bright, natural light shows colors most accurately and can help determine the ideal color to use.

5. Consider a patterned fabric to add interest. Bolder patterns work well in larger rooms, while solid colors, small stripes or prints work well in smaller rooms. Large-scale patterns can overwhelm small spaces, while tiny patterns can get lost in large, open spaces. Medium-scale patterns work in both large and small rooms. A solid color is a conservative choice when adding a new piece of furniture to an existing set already upholstered with a patterned fabric.

References

• More on Fabrics
• More on Choosing Upholstery

Resources

• Decorating Tips