How To Choose Upholstery Fabric

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There can be many choices when it comes to furniture upholstery, so make sure you’re weighing your options. Upholstered furniture contributes heavily to the creation of a unique and perfect interior, so choose wisely.

Remember that your upholstery will impact the durability of the furniture and the furniture’s appearance over its lifespan. Also, the colour choice will leave a lasting impact on your interior. So, choose something that is durable, that is appealing, and that complements the colour scheme of your décor or creates a pleasant contrast. With that in mind, the following is a list of the highest quality materials for furniture upholstery:

1. Flock

Flock is the most common choice for a furniture set. The composition of the flock includes a combination of natural and synthetic fibres, which allows the fabric to breathe seamlessly and remain safe. Thanks to the synthetic materials, flock retains its appearance for a long time and resists rubbing and tearing. Its fleecy texture looks great and adds a sense of comfort to any interior. Before upholstery, the flock is pre-impregnated with a particular material that protects the furniture surface from dirt and fire. Lastly, its versatility means there will be next to no problems finding a colour that benefits your interior design.

2. Jacquard fabric

Jacquard fabric is made from woven threads that make the material dense and pleasant to the touch. Nowadays, jacquard is made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibres that add some additional wear-resistance, so it should last a long time. That being said, Jacquard fabric cannot be wet washed. If it gets dirty, then dry-cleaning is your only option.

Regardless, Jacquard fabric looks nice, and it will add a certain air of sophistication to your design choices.

3. Chenille

Chenille is a variant of jacquard fabric made with denser weaving and smooth, fluffy fibres.  Thanks to this method, the fabric is soft to the touch. You can clean the material with a wet brush and powder, for delicate washing.

4. Tapestry

Tapestry is a unique fabric that is made by weaving cotton fibres which can be painted in bright and attractive colours. Tapestry creates a gorgeous, individual style that is sure to benefit any room. It lasts for a long time and is rather durable, so you can count on it to maintain its original appearance over the years.

5. Velour

Velour looks great and offers a very comforting feel, so it is an excellent choice for a more relaxed aesthetic. Velour is generally either woolen or knitted, so tread carefully. It is very delicate and may require increased care. A damp brush and cleaner are ideal for more delicate furniture.

6. Microfiber

Microfiber is one of the latest innovations in furniture upholstery. It can be made from 100 percent synthetic or cotton, then it is coated with Teflon impregnation. Microfiber is a durable and practical upholstery choice because it resists various impurities including damage from moisture and sunlight. On top of that, the fireproof material provides an extra level of security, so rest assured that it will look great for a long time.


FR Systems International is your place for professional fabric that can serve your every need. With over 30 years of experience in providing fire retardant, technical, and industrial textiles to several fields (including medical textiles, school housing, and furniture), FR Systems will provide durable, reliable textiles for your needs. Please visit frsystems.ca for further inquiries.

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