How to Choose the Right Fabric for Reupholstery That Lasts

If your furniture calls for a change, it might be time to consider reupholstery Los Angeles residents can count on. The daily wear and tear of your furniture’s fabric can make the living space appear like a haunted house.

That’s where the option of reupholstery comes in. It can be a long-term investment in the right fabric for a long time. To learn how, read this guide thoroughly to get all the answers! 

Types of Reupholstery Fabrics You Should Know

A procedure that might feel confusing can feel like fun once you learn about the different kinds of fabrics used in it. Two types of fabrics exist mainly for the reupholstery of furniture. It involves the natural and man-made (synthetic fabrics).

1. Natural Fabric

All those fabrics that nature lends to humans are the natural ones. From plants to animals and worms, all of these are sources of natural fabric.

• Cotton: A breathable, light, soft fabric; a plant product of cotton. It is non-binding, can easily be cleaned, and is woven in numerous varieties like canvas or twill. Cotton is a good choice, though lots of activity can cause it to wear out.
  
• Silk: An exquisite, finely woven material of silkworm cocoons. It is most suitable in formal furniture subjected to low use because it is fragile and needs much care. 
  
• Wool: A long-lasting material best for winter use, consisting of an animal fleece. The good thing is it prevents colour from fading and can stand stains.
  
• Linen: The one and only source of linen is the flax plant. With porous structure and sturdiness, its texture appears crispy. However, it tends to wrinkle and stain and is thus only appropriate in low-use places or formal applications.

2. Man-made/Synthetic Fabric

Synthetic fabrics undergo a chemical process and finally take a shape. Some of the man-made fabrics are;

• Nylon: It stands out for its durability and wear resistance. Often blended with other fibers, it becomes more pliant and lightweight, making it best for high-traffic areas.
  
• Polyester: Artificial, a low-priced, but non-fading, purpose cloth with bright and attractive colors. Best for the kids’ room.
  
• Acrylic: It is woolly in texture and resists any fade, mildew, and stain. The fabric is also excellent for outdoor use as it is suitable for the weather and comfort.
  
• Microfiber: A firmly constructed, supple, solid, and stain-proof blend. It has fine strands; hence, its nature makes it suitable for houses containing pets or children since it can easily be cleaned and is durable.

Various Reupholstery Fabrics For Different Needs 

Different types of upholstery fabrics exist on the market. If you’re having a tough time finding one, you can consult the Valley Drapery & Upholstery Blog for assistance, as they cater to the upholstery needs of individuals. 

However, these are some of the fabrics you can rely on according to different needs.

• Living Space With Children: Kids create a lot of mess, whether in the bedroom or the living room. So, in living spaces with children use fabric that is easy to clean such as microfiber or polyester. 
• For Seniors: Comfort is important in the match-making process, so go soft with breathable materials like cotton blends or chenille. Some slippery materials, such as silk, should be avoided, as sitting or standing up becomes hard. You may also use antimicrobial finishing to enhance hygiene.
• Automotive Industry: Automotive upholstery requires strength and wear resistance to ultraviolet and temperature changes. The best materials are vinyl and leather (or faux leather) because they are highly durable and easy to clean. Polyester blends are also employed in car seats and interiors since they do not fade and are cheap.
• For Pets: Scratch-resistant, hairless and stain-proof pet-friendly textiles are recommended. In terms of durability and maintenance, tight-knit synthetics such as polyester or nylon are the best. It would be best to avoid fabrics susceptible to scratching like silk as it may snag. 

What Should You Look For When Choosing the Right Fabric for Reupholstery

The following are the factors when choosing a new fabric for your furniture’s upholstery.

• Comfort and Quality: Prefer the fabric that is soft to touch and comfy to feel. Microfiber or cotton blends are soft but durable and may be used daily with the comfort of use and durability. Before making the decision, test fabric samples regarding texture and quality.
  
• Color and Pattern: Select some colors and patterns that match your area and lifestyle. Suppose dark colors are the best for hiding scuffs, whereas light colors add a soothing effect to the living space, but are more prone to stains and scratches.
  
• Sustainability: Select environment-based fabric like organic cotton, old polyester or hemp to reduce strain on the environment. Our advice is to find certificates such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to prove that the production is not based on harmful and toxic materials.
  
• Durability: To ensure that the fabric is durable, check by assessing the number of double rubs, which refers to the resistance to abrasion. In high traffic regions, more than 15,000 double rubs (i.e., microfiber, nylon) are expected. Such fabrics as silk should be used in decorative items that have limited use.

Wrapping It Up!

Choosing the right fabric for your furniture can feel tough at first, but it’s worth it when you find the perfect one. With so many fabrics available on the market, it’s hard to decide. But after considering your preferences and some crucial factors like comfort, durability, and more, mentioned in this guide, you can easily pick the right fabric for the furniture’s upholstery.