How to Buy Stain Resistant Upholstery Fabric: A Guide for Beginners
Choosing the right upholstery fabric can completely transform a piece of furniture, breathing new life into an old chair or giving a modern touch to a brand-new sofa. Whether you’re reupholstering a beloved heirloom or updating your decor, buying upholstery fabric doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best fabric for your needs.
1. Understand Your Needs
Before diving into swatches and colors, take a moment to consider:
- Where will the furniture be used? High-traffic areas like living rooms or family rooms need durable, stain-resistant fabrics.
- Who will use it? Pets, kids, and even certain types of clothing (like jeans) can wear fabric faster.
- How often will it be used? Daily-use pieces require more resilient fabric than decorative or occasional-use furniture.
2. Know the Types of Upholstery Fabric
Upholstery fabric comes in a wide range of materials. Here’s a breakdown of common options:
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Natural Fibers:
- Cotton: Soft and breathable, but not very stain-resistant.
- Linen: Crisp look, eco-friendly, but prone to wrinkles and stains.
- Wool: Warm and durable, often blended with synthetic fibers.
- Leather: Classic and long-lasting, though it requires maintenance.
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Stain Resistant Synthetic Fibers:
- Polyester: Durable, fade-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Acrylic: Soft like wool, resistant to fading.
- Nylon: Strong and elastic, often blended with other fibers.
- Rayon: Soft and silky but less durable alone.
- Microfiber: Ultra-soft, stain-resistant, great for households with kids or pets.
3. Check the Fabric Durability
Look at the double rub count, a measure of how many times a fabric can be rubbed before it shows wear. Here's a quick guide:
- 15,000–25,000 double rubs: Light use (accent chairs, pillows).
- 25,000–50,000 double rubs: Medium to heavy use (family room furniture).
- 50,000+ double rubs: Commercial-grade, high-durability fabric.
4. Consider Color and Pattern
The fun part! When choosing a color or pattern:
- Match your style and room decor.
- Consider practicality: Light colors show stains easily; dark colors can fade.
- Think about scale: Large patterns suit big pieces; small patterns work well on smaller furniture.
- Test swatches in natural light to see true colors.
5. Get Samples
Orders samples of our stain resistant upholstery fabrics here.
Always order fabric swatches before committing. Drape them over your furniture, touch them, and test them under different lighting conditions.
6. Calculate How Much Fabric You Need
Fabric requirements depend on the size and shape of the furniture. General tips:
- Use a fabric calculator or consult with your upholsterer.
- Patterned fabric may require more to match seams.
- Standard upholstery fabric is 54 inches wide, so factor that into your measurements.
7. Set a Budget
Upholstery fabric ranges from $10 to over $200 per yard. Decide how much you want to spend before you shop and balance cost with quality and durability.
8. Where to Buy Upholstery Fabric
You can find upholstery fabric in:
9. Ask About Return Policies
Especially when buying online, confirm whether the store accepts returns on cut fabric in case it doesn’t match your expectations.
10. Don’t Forget Maintenance
Check the cleaning code on the fabric label:
- W: Water-based cleaner
- S: Solvent cleaner only
- WS: Water or solvent cleaners
- X: Vacuum only
This will help you keep the fabric looking good long after it’s installed.
Final Thoughts
Buying upholstery fabric isn’t just about picking a pretty pattern—it’s about balancing style, function, and durability. By taking the time to understand your needs and options, you’ll end up with a fabric that not only looks great but also holds up beautifully over time.