Why You Should Always Order Fabric Sample Swatches Before Buying Upholstery Fabric

Choosing the right upholstery fabric is about more than finding a color you like online. Whether you’re reupholstering a sofa, updating dining room chairs, building custom furniture, or refreshing an RV interior, the fabric you choose affects the look, feel, and long-term satisfaction of your project.

At Liz Jordan-Hill Fabrics, we strongly recommend ordering fabric sample swatches before purchasing upholstery fabric by the yard. A small sample can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the fabric you select is right for your space.

1. Screen Colors Can Be Misleading

The color you see on your computer or phone may not look exactly the same in person. Screen settings, brightness, photography, and lighting can all affect how a fabric appears online.

A warm beige may look cooler in natural daylight, while a gray may take on blue or green undertones under indoor lighting. These differences can be especially important when matching existing furniture, flooring, paint, rugs, or window treatments.

Ordering a physical fabric swatch lets you evaluate the actual color in your own home or project space before committing to multiple yards.

2. Feel the Texture Before You Buy

Product photographs cannot fully communicate how a fabric feels. Chenille, velvet, microsuede, and embossed upholstery fabrics each have their own distinctive texture and appearance.

A sample lets you experience the fabric firsthand. You can evaluate its softness, surface texture, thickness, and overall feel to determine whether it suits your furniture and intended use.

Whether you prefer the plush appearance of velvet, the inviting texture of chenille, or the smooth feel of microsuede, a physical sample helps you make a more informed decision.

3. Make Sure the Fabric Fits Your Project

Not every upholstery fabric is ideal for every application. A fabric that looks beautiful on a website may have a different appearance or feel than you expected when you see it up close.

Reviewing a sample helps you determine whether the fabric complements your furniture style and design goals. It is particularly useful for larger projects, including sofas, sectionals, recliners, headboards, dining chairs, and custom upholstery.

If you are considering a patterned fabric, a sample can also help you evaluate its visual character before ordering the yardage your project requires.

4. Evaluate Performance Before Committing

Appearance matters, but performance matters just as much.

Liz Jordan-Hill offers upholstery fabrics featuring AquaClean® stain-resistant technology, designed to make many everyday stains easier to remove using water. These performance fabrics are suitable for a range of residential and commercial upholstery applications.

Having a sample on hand allows you to examine the fabric closely and assess whether its texture, construction, and appearance meet your expectations. You can also review the product's care instructions and performance specifications before selecting it for a home with children, pets, or frequent everyday use.

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions when evaluating or testing a sample.

5. Avoid Costly Yardage Mistakes

Ordering several yards of the wrong color or texture can create unnecessary expense, delays, and frustration. Fabric is often cut specifically to fulfill an order, making it especially important to confirm your selection before purchasing a larger quantity.

A sample-first approach gives you the opportunity to compare options, coordinate colors, and make a confident decision before placing your yardage order.

This is particularly important for large furniture projects, where the fabric choice can influence the appearance of an entire room.

A little planning upfront can save considerable time and help prevent disappointment later.

6. Match Your Sample to the Correct Fabric and Color

When ordering from Liz Jordan-Hill, pay attention to both the fabric collection and the color number.

The name and number printed on the back of your sample card correspond to the color options listed on the relevant product page at LizJordanHill.com. Use these details to identify the correct fabric when you are ready to order your yardage.

Double-checking the collection name and color number helps ensure you select the intended material for your project.

How to Request Fabric Samples from Liz Jordan-Hill

Getting started is simple. Visit our dedicated sample request page to explore your options and request swatches before purchasing full yardage.

Order Fabric Sample Swatches at Liz Jordan-Hill

You can also browse our upholstery fabric collections and look for the sample option on individual product pages.

Once your samples arrive, follow these simple steps:

1. Check the color: Compare the swatch with your furniture, flooring, walls, and other design elements.

2. Examine the texture: Feel the fabric and determine whether it suits your intended application.

3. Evaluate the setting: View the sample in both natural and artificial light.

4. Confirm the product details: Match the collection name and color number on the sample card to the website listing.

5. Confirm your yardage: Consult your upholsterer or measure your project carefully before ordering the full amount.

Choose Your Upholstery Fabric with Confidence

The right upholstery fabric should look great, feel right, and suit the demands of your project. Ordering a sample swatch before purchasing yardage is one of the simplest ways to make sure your choice meets your expectations.

Explore the Liz Jordan-Hill collection of luxury upholstery fabrics, including stain-resistant velvet, chenille, microsuede, and other performance textiles designed for everyday living.

Don't guess when you can see and feel the fabric first.

Visit our Fabric Sample Request Page to get started, then shop for upholstery fabric by the yard with greater confidence.

Liz Jordan-Hill Fabrics — Luxury upholstery fabrics designed for real life.