When you’re set to pick the fabric which you’d like your furniture to be upholstered in, you’ll need to craft your decisions on a little more than just the look. There is an abundance of factors to consider when you’re making a fabric selection, follow these four to ensure that your choice is the right one.
Durability and Practicality
Your first consideration is to think about the piece of furniture that the fabric will be covering, and where it’s going to live in your home. By looking at how the item will function and what conditions it will be living in, you’ll be better informed on the type of fabric you need in terms of durability.
Need a piece that is going to stand the test of time? Opt for a woven pattern with a higher thread count. This will avoid any visual fading and will maintain the fabric integrity over time due to its heavy density. This is a smart choice if the furniture will be used day-to-day, for example in your living room or bedroom.
Style
Look at the style and the structure of the furniture that needs upholstering. By matching the upholstery to the piece, you’ll have a coherent item that makes sense in your home.
Consider elements such as formality and aesthetic, if you have a traditional or classic style piece then you won’t want a hyper-modern fabric, a woven pattern would be a better fit. The same goes if you have a very relaxed item, don’t cover it with ultralight tones or absorbent fabric to make sure you feel comfortable when you’re using it.
Colour
Colour is usually the first point of reference for people when choosing upholstery. In order to make a smart decision, you will need to consider not only the room that it will be placed in, but also your home as a whole. The overall tone is a good place to start, if you favour warmer colours don’t pick a cool toned fabric, this will interrupt the flow of your space. By factoring in your existing style, your selection will harmoniously blend into your household.
Look to neutrals or muted tones if you want your fabric items to sustain over long periods of time, they are refined, elegant and easily palatable.
If you have small children and pets that will be hopping on and off the furniture, a lighter neutral won’t be ideal for you. Instead, opt for charcoals, inky blues and blacks to hide any marks and wear-and-tear.
Environmental Factors
Style, colour and use are all essential in your upholstery decision however if you don’t consider the conditions in your home you may find yourself with regrets down the line. If your furniture will be sitting directly in sunlight you’ll need to make some smart choices to avoid fading. Pick a tone that won’t discolour easily and opt for a woven fabric for added toughness.
If your home is kept at a warm temperature or if you live in a hot climate, consider picking a fabric that is mildew resistant.
If you want to make your home as inviting and open as possible, think about potential allergies that could react with your fabric choice. By picking a microfiber your furniture won’t attract or grab onto dust, dirt or Lindt which are potential irritants.
Finally, pets and kids. If your house is home to furry friends or little ones, it’s important to have furniture that both you and your family can enjoy. You’ll want stain resistant and enduring fabric for your items, like microfiber or leather. These materials can take daily wear-and-tear without much visual impact, and they won’t hold onto marks. Now that you’ve carefully considered these four factors, it’s time to select your fabric! The most important thing to remember is to make a choice that reflects you, your home and your lifestyle.
