Shopping upholstery fabrics is a great way to create unique home décor, filling your space with a fresh look that’s your own. At 1502 Fabrics we offer a wide variety of these designs from top national manufacturers.
But what goes into choosing a quality upholstery fabric?
A lot of the answer lies in application. Different fabric types are better for different uses.
Upholstery fabric made of linen blends, for example, lend a casual look to any space. Blending synthetic fibers natural ones like linen combine the best of each material, making the fabric stronger and more durable. Best yet, this blend takes nothing away from the linen-like weave many folks desire.
Using a linen-blend for upholstery adds texture that combines well with more formal fabrics. Solid linen blends are becoming a trend these days for home décor, and it’s a look that will stand the test of time.
Leather and vinyl upholstery materials are very tough. This is the reason a lot of people like leather sofas and chairs; they stand up well to heavy use for many years as long as they are well cared for. Vinyl is a popular alternative to leather because it’s more affordable and easier to care for. If you’re looking to re-upholster chairs, sofas, and other well-loved furniture, using a high quality vinyl material is great for rooms that see a lot of use.
There are also synthetic upholstery fabrics like rayon, polyester, acetate, and acrylic. Often times synthetic fabrics are sold in blends, which makes them more affordable and also creates more durable fabric.
Synthetic fabrics tend to resist fading well, and spot-clean fairly easily. For best results, we recommend using a topical fabric protector spray. This creates a protective finish on the fabric that resists stains and soil, keeping it cleaner during use. Since dirt and stains don’t set in as quickly, using a protective treatment can also make cleaning the upholstery easier.
Synthetic fabrics aren’t just for indoor use, though. For example, solution-dyed acrylics tend to comprise the upper echelon of outdoor fabrics. The dye process with acrylics permeates the fabric completely, which makes colors last even in tougher outdoor conditions.
Each of these types of fabrics have their own strengths and ideal use cases, which we’ll cover more going forward here on our fabrics blog.
Browse our online store in the mean time to find a great new look for your favorite furniture!
