Reupholstering furniture is one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into your interiors. Choosing the right fabric isn’t just about color or pattern—it’s about durability, texture, and style. Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect fabric for your furniture.
High-traffic pieces: Sofas, chairs, or ottomans that are used daily need durable fabrics like linen blends, velvet, or tightly woven cotton.
Occasional-use furniture: Decorative chairs or accent pieces can embrace luxurious but delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or embroidered jacquards.
Children or pets: Consider stain-resistant or easy-to-clean fabrics, such as treated cotton, microfiber, or performance velvet.
Luxury fabrics can elevate your interiors. Here are some options:
Velvet: Soft, plush, and perfect for a statement piece. Works beautifully on sofas or accent chairs.
Linen: Breathable, natural, and versatile. Ideal for casual elegance.
Silk or silk blends: Elegant and luminous, suited for low-traffic furniture.
Cotton: Durable and easy to clean; works well for everyday chairs and sofas.
Jacquard & brocade: Ornate and textured, ideal for traditional or classic designs.
Performance fabrics: Specially treated for stain resistance and durability—perfect for family homes.
Light vs. dark: Light fabrics make a room feel airy but can stain easily. Dark fabrics hide wear but can make a room feel smaller.
Patterns:
Large-scale prints suit bigger pieces, like sofas.
Small-scale prints are ideal for chairs or ottomans.
Matching your décor: Consider the wallpaper, rugs, and curtains in the room to harmonize your new upholstery. Quadrille Fabrics’ patterns often offer timeless prints that pair beautifully with wallpapers.
Texture adds depth and character. Consider how the furniture will be touched and felt daily:
Smooth fabrics for sleek, modern pieces.
Nubby or textured fabrics for casual, tactile comfort.
Embroidered or patterned fabrics for decorative, formal pieces.
Check the rub count or Martindale rating: A higher count means the fabric can withstand more wear and tear.
For frequently used furniture, opt for hard-wearing fabrics like twill, velvet, or treated cotton.
For statement pieces, texture and beauty can outweigh durability.
Some fabrics require professional cleaning, while others are machine washable or easy to wipe down.
Velvet may need gentle brushing to maintain its look.
Linen can soften and fade over time, adding character to casual pieces.
Always request fabric swatches before making a final decision.
View the fabric in different lighting to ensure the color and texture match your vision.
Consider how the fabric feels in your hand—luxury upholstery is as much about tactile experience as visual appeal.
Consider existing wallpapers, rugs, and decorative accents.
Quadrille Fabrics offers coordinating fabrics and wallpapers, making it easy to create cohesive, luxurious interiors.
Don’t be afraid to mix textures—velvet chairs can beautifully complement patterned wallpaper.
Mix practicality with style—your furniture should be beautiful and functional.
Think long-term—choose fabrics that will still look elegant years from now.
Seek expert advice—interior designers can help you select fabrics that balance pattern, texture, and durability.
Reupholstering furniture is an opportunity to transform your space with style, comfort, and luxury. By considering fabric type, texture, color, durability, and maintenance, you can select pieces that not only look stunning but also stand the test of time. Quadrille Fabrics offers a curated selection of luxurious fabrics perfect for reupholstering, whether you’re creating a statement sofa, an elegant armchair, or a cozy reading nook.