How to Choose Upholstery Fabric to Renew Your Old Sofa
Do you have an old couch you want to integrate into your new living room design? Or perhaps you still want to keep your family sofa even though it has almost reached the end of its lifespan?
Reupholstery can help you renew a family heirloom or update your furniture according to the latest interior design trends. All you have to do is hire an upholstery professional and select the best material to renew your furniture.
Want to know how to choose upholstery fabric for a sofa? This guide will give you all the essential information you need to make the right choice.
What Constitutes the Best Fabric for Upholstery?
The material you pick can significantly affect the longevity of your reupholstered couch. If you don’t know where to begin, think about the following essential factors to ensure you select the best fabric for your upholstery project:
Material
Upholstery fabrics come in a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials. With each having its own characteristics and advantages, you need to do some research to determine which one suits your purpose best. Here are a few common options you can check to get started:
Linen
Key Characteristics:
- Natural (made from flax fibers)
- Durable
- Slightly rough
Linen is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-quality, sustainable material for your reupholstery project. Although slightly rough, it can become softer over time and keep you feeling cool during summer.
Just remember that any furniture made with this material should never be placed under direct sunlight for extended periods to avoid fading.
Wool
Key Characteristics:
- Natural
- Fire-resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Wrinkle-free
- Soft and cozy
Wool is another natural fabric used for sofa upholstery. While it is more expensive than synthetic materials and other natural fabrics, this material holds up well under heavy use and maintains its plush and warm feel for years.
Cotton
Key Characteristics:
- Natural
- Durable
- Soft and breezy
- Easy-to-clean
Cotton is considered the best fabric for reupholstering chairs and couches because it is breathable, durable, and soft. As far as natural materials go, it wears well, is easy to clean, and is quite resistant to pilling, not to mention it is quite affordable.
The only downside is that it can be prone to stains and easily catch dirt and dust. The good news is that this upholstery fabric becomes more resistant to staining if treated before use.
Polyester
Key Characteristics:
- Synthetic
- Fade-resistant
- Wrinkle-free
- Affordable
Polyester is a good option if you’re looking for affordable and cost-effective upholstery fabric. This synthetic material is known for its durability and ability to maintain its color for a long time. It is also wrinkle and sag-resistant and is easier to clean than natural fabrics like cotton and wool.
Just remember that it is non-biodegradable and not breathable, which means it may not be as friendly to the skin and the environment as natural materials.
Rayon
Key Characteristics:
- Synthetic
- Inexpensive and versatile
- Silky and soft
- Breathable
Want a versatile and low-cost alternative to cotton and silk? Rayon is your best bet.
This sofa upholstery fabric replicates the luxurious feel of silk and the breezy quality of cotton. However, it requires a bit more care because if not properly maintained, it may break down, sag, or stain easily.
Microfiber
Key Characteristics:
- Synthetic
- Stain-resistant
- Liquid-repellent
- Easy to clean
- Soft
Microfiber is the best choice if you’re looking for a soft and stain-free alternative to cotton. Made to repel liquids, this petroleum-based material holds up well in the long run. However, it is not a sustainable choice, and it attracts hair and dust a lot.
Leather
Key Characteristics:
- Natural or synthetic
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Leather can be synthetic or natural, depending on where it’s sourced.
Genuine leather is popular for its luxurious feel. It is quite durable and comes in a variety of textures. It is hypoallergenic, resistant to scratches, holds up well against tears and punctures, and can easily be wiped clean. It does need to be conditioned regularly to prevent splitting and cracking.
On the other hand, synthetic leather — more commonly known as faux leather — is manufactured from polyurethane. It offers a similar look and feel to genuine leather for a much lower price. However, it only lasts a fraction of the time compared to its genuine counterpart and tends to have a distinct synthetic smell.
Durability
When you decide to reupholster a sofa, you shouldn’t be content with anything less than its brand-new condition. Unless it’s already an antique or has some structural issues, your old couch can be returned to its former glory, if not better.
That said, one surefire way to achieve that is to pick a high-quality upholstery fabric. Look for a material that holds up well against the expected activity in your living area (read more under “Lifestyle”). It also pays to invest in fabrics with stain- and fade-resistance.
Design
Upholstery fabric comes in many different designs. This allows you to mix and match it with your existing home furnishings or update your furniture according to a new interior layout.
Experts say that fabrics within the living room need to be cohesive. While this doesn’t necessarily mean your upholstered furniture should have the same colors or patterns as the rest of the space, they should at least complement your curtain fabric.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a solid-colored fabric for your couch to make it more versatile, especially if you change curtains regularly. The best thing about this is that you can still add visual interest with uniquely designed sofa cushions.
Lifestyle
How you use your sofa also determines how long it will last after being reupholstered. The durability of fabric upholstery may vary depending on whether or not the material you choose matches the level of activity in your living room.
For example, low-maintenance fabrics that can withstand frequent sitting and movement are ideal for furniture in high-traffic areas like a common living space or family room. You may also want to consider sturdier options if you have children or pets in your household.
But if you have a reupholstered couch for a formal living room, home office, or bedroom, you can opt for more luxurious fabrics like leather, silk, and wool. Just remember to observe the temperature and overall conditions inside the room before you decide.
Bring Your Sofa Back to Life
Choosing the right upholstery fabric can transform your old sofa into a standout piece that fits your space and lifestyle. From natural to synthetic materials, each option offers distinct benefits. Selecting the right fabric depends on how you use your furniture and what you want from it.
Need help making the final call?
Consult with Sedar Global’s upholstery experts to find the perfect fabric and finish for your sofa.
