Types of upholstery fabrics for furniture, an overview of options
Upholstered furniture is a must-have design in various residential or public institutions. They are distinguished by the presence of a soft place, and also has a pleasant and high-quality upholstery. For upholstered furniture, different types of fabrics can be used to create upholstery. When choosing a fabric for furniture upholstery, it is important to remember that each variety has its own characteristics and parameters, so when choosing a design, you should consider what it is made of.
Categories
All types of fabrics designed to create upholstery must meet certain requirements:
- high attractiveness, compliance with a certain style and tastes of furniture owners;
- the upholstery should be resistant to abrasion and shrinkage, as well as to stretching;
- resistance to fire, high temperatures and moisture;
- environmental cleanliness, since all upholstery materials must be safe for continuous use in residential premises;
- resistance to burnout, if the furniture structure will be installed in such a section of the room where it will be constantly exposed to sunlight;
- the presence of a quality and resistant base.
When upholstery fabric is selected, you should decide on its category.
There are several categories of fabrics, with the help of which a coating is formed on different interior items. The category is determined depending on different material parameters. It takes into account its strength, operational parameters, appearance, weight and cost.
In accordance with this, fabric for furniture can be presented in the categories:
- 1st category - servant, chennil, scotchguard;
- 2 and 3 categories - cotton of substantial density, flock, velveteen, suede;
- 4th category - tapestry, jacquard;
- 5, 6 categories - artificial leather, arpatek;
- 7th category - genuine leather of low density and cost;
- 8th category - genuine leather of considerable density and price.
Thus, the upholstery material is produced in numerous forms, differing in category and other parameters. Before purchasing any variety, it is recommended to evaluate all its features to make sure that such a purchase is advisable.
Kinds
Various materials can be used for upholstery. They have their own parameters and properties. It is advisable to study all types in advance, as well as view photos of furniture with each variety in order to make the right choice.
Velours
A rather interesting choice for creating high-quality furniture trim is velor. Its main features include:
- Velor is velvety to the touch, so touching it is incredibly nice;
- the pile on such a coating can always be upright or in certain areas of the coating can be laid on one side;
- velor can be made using different bases, for which cotton or wool is used, and the woolen base is used most often;
- It’s easy to take care of the velor coating, as it will be created using high-tech fibers;
- such upholstery fabric for furniture has antistatic parameters;
- is hypoallergenic material;
- dirt is easily removed from the surface.
However, velor has some disadvantages. This includes the high cost of the material. Additionally, velor does not have good resistance to various mechanical stresses.
Scotchguard
This modern material has the same positive parameters as jacquard, but at the same time has a low price. Its advantages include:
- long service life;
- resistance to the appearance of various spots;
- ecological purity due to the use of only natural components;
- softness of the resulting upholstery;
- high strength coating.
With this material for upholstery of upholstered furniture, various impurities can be easily eliminated, for which a standard soap solution is suitable. It is not allowed to use abrasives, wash fabric at high temperature or survive it.
Jacquard
Jacquard is used quite often for furniture upholstery. This material has an original ornament, and there is certainly a large report. When choosing jacquard fabrics, it is determined whether their composition will be plain or mixed.
Jacquard is an expensive material, so choosing it, you should prepare for significant expenses.
The advantages of this material include high strength and long service life. It is produced in numerous colors, but has a high cost. If you choose a material with the effect of an anti-claw, then it will be expensive.
Thermoacchard
This material appeared relatively recently. Choose the fabric optimally for every soft interior item. Staining is performed using thermal printing technology. A feature of such a material is the presence of unusual and unique colors, with bright colors remaining for a long time. Additionally, the fabric is characterized by high wear resistance and durability.
Shenill
For different upholstered furniture, chenille is chosen quite often. The name of the material was obtained due to the fact that a special thread is included in the composition, similar to a caterpillar with a high pile.
The positive parameters of the use of this material include:
- it is possible to choose a fabric with the effect of an anti-claw, which is important for every pet owner;
- the material is of good density;
- considered durable fabric;
- dust can be easily removed with a conventional vacuum cleaner with appropriate nozzles;
- The cost is acceptable for every buyer.
Chenille is produced on a glue or fabric basis.The disadvantages of the material include the low cost before exposure to moisture, as well as the drying time after cleaning.
Flock
Flock is a popular decoration material. It is made using cotton and polyester. A pile is applied to the surface of the base, for which the electrostatic method is used. Flocking is considered a popular procedure that allows you to get high-quality material, which is often chosen among decorative products.
Flock has the advantages of:
- good durability;
- ease of care;
- resistance to exposure to sunlight, moisture or dirt;
- It has an attractive appearance.
Flock is an environmentally friendly material. It has a high density and holds its shape well. Therefore, when answering the question which fabric is better for upholstery, the choice often falls precisely on the flock.
Microfiber
The material does not fade, does not fade with constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation and has good resistance to moisture. May have a special anti-claw effect. Before choosing microfiber for upholstery, it should be noted that exposure to high humidity or temperature is not allowed.
The main disadvantage is the high cost. For the long service life of such upholstery, much effort will be required for specific care. To do this, you will have to purchase special care products.
Faux leather
The most popular types of upholstered furniture made of genuine or artificial leather. If you purchase such upholstery for rooms where pets live, then there must certainly be anti-claw protection. It is so called because it provides effective protection of the material from the claws of animals.
High-quality artificial leather is similar in parameters to natural material, but has an acceptable cost. Provides a truly attractive, luxurious and unusual upholstery.
Genuine Leather
The use of such material will require significant financial investments. Its advantages include high attractiveness, ease of care, and it also fits perfectly into different interior styles.
The cost of the material is considered high, and if animals live in the house, then anti-claw protection must certainly be applied, otherwise the upholstery will quickly lose its attractiveness due to the impact of pet claws.
Velveteen
The advantages of this material include:
- high resistance to wear;
- ecological cleanliness;
- good elasticity;
- high strength;
- ease of care;
- reasonable cost.
The disadvantages include sunburn and shrinkage after washing. Various mechanical effects contribute to the loss of attractiveness of the fabric.
Arpatek and faux suede
Previously used to form upholstery. It is a kind of artificial leather. Its advantages include resistance to ultraviolet and abrasion. It is tear resistant. Its cost is considered quite high, but it is due to its positive parameters.
The use of artificial suede for furniture upholstery is considered quite popular. The material is pleasant and has an unusual texture. Each furniture with such upholstery, for which artificial suede is used for furniture upholstery, looks exquisite, unique and luxurious.
Tapestry
It is represented by soft matter, which has an organic weave of yarn, so an unusual ornament is formed. The tapestry is available in numerous colors and textures.
The anti-vandal fabric is easy to wash, is durable, pleasant and practical. A tapestry is a plastic material, so it can be used for various interior items. Its advantages include primarily naturalness. The tapestry has an attractive appearance.
The disadvantages include not very good resistance to different loads. It is not allowed to clean the tapestry with wet methods, and it also has a high cost.
Velvet
Velvet is a unique fabric equipped with a fluffy pile, however it should be short. If the pile is long, then the material is called velor. Velvet is usually chosen for interior items that have specific shapes.
Velvet fabric can have different patterns, and is also produced in plain color.
Velvet makes any sofa or chair sophisticated, luxurious and fits perfectly into different classic interior styles. Black or blue velvet is most often chosen. These colors contribute to a unique atmosphere in any room.
Selection tips
What fabric is best used to create upholstery? It is allowed to choose different types of materials, but certain criteria are taken into account:
- ease of cleaning from pollution;
- resistance to moisture, ultraviolet, abrasion and other exposure factors;
- long service life;
- attractiveness;
- matching colors and textures to a particular style of interior.
With the right choice of upholstery, it provides an attractive and bright interior item. It will fit well with the existing style, and will also suit the tastes of users.