Classic & Modern Upholstery Fabrics For Your Furniture

Welcome to ShopKollekt’s comprehensive guide on upholstery fabrics! Choosing the perfect upholstery can transform a simple chair into a statement piece, or breathe new life into your favorite sofa.

Here, we’ll explore a range of classic patterns and innovative fabric styles to help you make informed decisions about your living room furniture, bedroom chairs, or outdoor seating areas. This post will provide insights into upgrading your space with the finest upholstery fabric choices.    

A Brief Intro to Upholstery Fabrics

Upholstery fabric refers to the textile materials used to cover furniture, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal. Beyond just appearance, these fabrics must withstand daily wear, from cozy lounge chairs to dining chairs in a busy home.

Investing in quality upholstery materials keeps your pieces both beautiful and functional. Whether you're refreshing a leather sofa or choosing eco-friendly green upholstery fabric for a new project, the right stuff will make all the difference.

Popular Types of Upholstery Fabrics

Explore some of the most luxurious fabric collections that unite durability with elegance:

Twill Upholstery Fabric

Twill features a distinctive diagonal weave that gives it strength and a subtle sheen. This makes it an ideal choice for seating furniture items, as it resists wrinkles and drapes beautifully over accent chairs and ottomans.

Canvas Upholstery Fabric

Canvas is a sturdy, plain-weave textile often used for consoles and benches. Its durable nature makes it great for high-traffic areas, such as entryways and lobbies, and it can be treated to resist spills and stains.

Poplin Upholstery Fabric

Poplin offers a tight braid and smooth surface that balances comfort with resilience. Well-suited for dining chairs, it holds its shape over time and lends a crisp, tailored look to your dining furniture.

Interlock Upholstery Fabric

With its double-knit construction, interlock fabric stretches comfortably without losing form. It’s an excellent pick for slip covers on L-shape sofas or lounge chairs, providing a nice fit and easy maintenance.

Satin Upholstery Fabric

Satin delivers a lustrous finish that shows off luxury. For example, think of velvet sofas in a formal living room. While elegant, it requires careful handling and is best used on pieces like accent chairs and occasional rocking chairs.

Fleece Upholstery Fabric

Soft and cozy, fleece is particularly suitable for informal seating areas and ottomans where comfort is key. Its plush texture makes it popular for bedroom furniture and children’s stools.

Duck Upholstery Fabric

Also known as cotton duck, this heavy-duty cotton weave stands up to rigorous use. It’s often chosen for upholstering sturdy beds and storage benches in a home decor scheme that values both form and function.

Upholstery Fabrics By Pattern or Design

Patterns can set the entire mood of a room. Learn about your options below:

Solid Upholstery Fabrics

A classic choice, solid colored textiles provide a clean backdrop for patterned cushions, throws, and decorative pillows. These versatile fabrics suit everything from leather sofas to bar stools, allowing other decor elements to shine.

Patterned Upholstery Fabrics

Patterned threads add personality to the seats. From intricate damasks to playful geometrics, they can tie together your interior design palette perfectly.

Floral Upholstery Fabrics

Floral motifs bring a touch of nature indoors, complementing bedroom chairs and ottomans with a fresh, inviting charm.

Striped Upholstery Fabrics

Ticking stripe patterns offer a timeless appeal, perfect for dining room chairs or a statement armchair in a reading nook.

Checked Upholstery Fabrics

Buffalo check designs evoke rustic warmth, making them particularly appropriate for country-inspired entryway furniture and bench seats.

Geometric Upholstery Fabrics

Sharp lines and shapes in geometric fabrics add a modern flair to consoles and couches, enhancing contemporary living room furniture.

Abstract Upholstery Fabrics

Abstract prints bring artistic energy to accent chairs or lounge chairs, working well as focal points in minimalist spaces.

Plain Upholstery Fabrics

Plain weaves focus on texture rather than pattern, providing subtle depth to bedroom furniture without overpowering the room.

Printed Upholstery Fabrics

Printed techniques such as block printing or digital prints offer limitless customization, from bold illustrations on bar stools to delicate patterns on ottomans and poufs.

Upholstery Fabric for Sofas & Couches

Selecting the right sofa upholstery fabric guarantees endless comfort and longevity for your living space. No matter if you’re browsing an online furniture store or ordering upholstery fabric by the yard, consider matching the fabric with your existing decor vibe.

• Velvet Upholstery Fabric: Renowned for its soft hand and rich appearance, mohair velvet carries an air of sophistication. It works beautifully on velvet sofas and sectionals, though it may require professional cleaning.
• Leather Upholstery Fabric: Leather’s natural patina only improves with age, making it a top pick for high-end couches. It resists stains and is surprisingly easy to maintain.
• Cotton Upholstery Fabric: Breathable and versatile, cotton upholstery adapts well to both traditional and modern sofas. It pairs nicely with colorful throw pillows for a layered look.
• Wool Upholstery Fabric: Wool delivers warmth and inherent stain resistance, perfect for year-round comfort on couches and loveseats.
• Silk Upholstery Fabric: Silk brings unparalleled sheen and softness, best suited for formal living areas and accent pieces rather than heavy-use seating.
• Nylon Upholstery Fabric: Nylon yarns offer exceptional durability and colorfastness, making them excellent for family-friendly environments and highly active homes.
• Linen Upholstery Fabric: Linen’s natural texture lends a relaxed yet refined vibe, especially appealing on slip-covered sofas in coastal or farmhouse interiors.
• Polyester Upholstery Fabric: Polyester is budget-friendly and fade-resistant, a practical option for homes with pets or kids.
• Microfiber Upholstery Fabric: Microfiber mimics suede in appearance but outperforms many fabrics in stain resistance, making it a sensible choice for active households.
• Olefin Upholstery Fabric: Olefin excels in moisture-resistance, often used for outdoor upholstery fabric cushions on patio sofas and lounges.
• Jacquard Woven Upholstery Fabric: Jacquard weaves intricate patterns directly into the fabric, ideal for statement sofas and luxurious living room furniture.
• Damask Upholstery Fabric: Damask features reversible patterns and a refined finish, flawless for formal chaise lounges and futons.

Upholstery Fabric for Chairs

From office seating to dining or living room chairs, the right chair upholstery fabric can visually enhance every piece.

• Vinyl Upholstery Fabric: Vinyl offers a leather-like finish that’s easy to clean, making it a favorite for dining chairs and occasional seating.
• Rayon Upholstery Fabric: Rayon stretches elegantly and feels silky to the touch, suitable for decorative chairs in bedrooms or lounges.
• Acrylic Upholstery Fabric: Acrylic resists fading and mildew, excellent for sunlit rooms and outdoor furniture items.
• Toile Upholstery Fabric: Toile depicts scenic prints in two-tone colorways, adding a traditional touch to kitchen and accent chairs.
• Microsuede Upholstery Fabric: Microsuede balances softness with strength, working well on bedroom seating and casual occasional chairs.
• Chenille Upholstery Fabric: Chenille’s plush pile offers comfort and a cozy feel, well-suited to rocking chairs and living room armchairs.

Choosing Upholstery Fabric: Features to Consider

Selecting the finest upholstery fabric involves balancing aesthetics with performance:

• Stain Resistant: Fabrics created to hold back liquids help maintain a pristine look, especially important for family-oriented living spaces.
• Bleach Cleanable: Stuffs that tolerate a mild bleach solution are lifesavers in high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
• PFAS Chemical-Free: Eco-conscious homeowners can opt for green upholstery fabric free from harmful PFAS chemicals.
• Fire Retardant: Certain fabrics meet safety standards for public venues or rental properties, offering peace of mind.
• Eco-Friendly: Sustainable fibers, like recycled polyester or organically grown cotton, support ethical interior design practices.
• Durability: Take into account the fabric’s rub count or Martindale score to gauge how well it stands up to everyday wear.
  

How to Take Care of Your Upholstery Fabric

Proper maintenance prolongs the life and appearance of your fabrics. Follow these simple tips:

• Regular Vacuuming: Remove dust and debris from seams and crevices.
• Spot Cleaning: Address spills immediately with a mild detergent or approved cleaner.
• Professional Cleaning: Schedule deep cleaning annually for fabrics like mohair velvet, or silk.
• Rotate Covers: Even out wear patterns on sofas, consoles, and accent chairs.
• Sunlight Protection: Shield delicate fabrics from direct sun to prevent fading.

Summing Up!

From antique-inspired jacquards to revolutionary upholstery fabric innovations, the right fabric can define your space and withstand the demands of daily life. We hope this guide helps you confidently pick out upholstery fabrics for everything from leather sofas to rocking chairs. 

Don’t forget to check out our furniture fabric guide for more in-depth tips and inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure furniture for upholstery fabric?

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Outline the piece: Sketch the furniture, marking each section (seat, back, arms).
• Measure dimensions: For each section, record width, depth, and height. Add measurements for thickness if cushions are removable.
• Account for pattern repeat: If using patterned fabric, add 10–20% extra to match designs across seams.
• Allow for seams and tucks: Add 10–15 cm per edge for wrapping, stapling, or pleating.
• Calculate yardage: Total your adjusted measurements, then divide by the fabric’s usable width (usually 140–150 cm) to find the required meters or yards.

What is the best fabric to reupholster a couch?

The ideal fabric choice balances style, durability, and maintenance:

• Performance microfibers: Soft, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
• Leather: Ages gracefully, is highly durable, and wipes clean, though higher upfront cost.
• Outdoor fabrics (e.g., Olefin): Engineered for UV and moisture resistance, surprisingly comfortable indoors.

Pick based on your household’s traffic, pets, and desired look.

What is the most durable fabric for upholstery?

Durability primarily depends on weave and fiber content:

• Tightly woven synthetics (e.g., polyester/nylon blends) score high on abrasion tests and resist pilling.
• Olefin and acrylic excel in fade and moisture resistance, great for both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Leather and vinyl offer excellent longevity and surface durability, but require conditioning or gentle cleaners to maintain their look.

What is upholstery fabric used for?

Upholstery fabric provides comfort, protection, and aesthetic appeal to:

• Seating: Sofas, armchairs, dining, and bar chairs.
• Accent pieces: Ottomans, benches, and cushions.
• Built-in fixtures: Headboards, chaise lounges, and window seats.
• Outdoor furniture: Patio lounges and garden benches, when weather-resistant textiles are chosen.

What is upholstery fabric made of?

Common compositions include:

• Natural fibers: Cotton, linen, wool, and silk offer breathability and a range of textures.
• Synthetics: Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin deliver stain resistance, high abrasion ratings, and UV stability.
• Blends: Combine natural comfort with synthetic resilience, achieving both elegance and performance.
• Specialty materials: Leather, vinyl, and performance-coated fabrics for tailored applications.