How to Pick and Test the Perfect Chair Fabric for Upholstery

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When it comes to enhancing the look and comfort of your chairs, selecting the suitable fabric for upholstery plays a crucial role! The perfect fabric can elevate the aesthetics of your furniture while ensuring durability and longevity. In this guide, we will help you learn how to pick chair upholstery fabric, explore various factors to consider and provide tips on how to test your upholstery options. Whether revamping an old chair or starting a new project, weā€™ll help with choosing the ideal chair fabric that suits your style and needs.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

living room with upholstered fabric sofa, armchairs, and bench seat. choosing chair fabric
Design: Tiffany Leigh Design, Project Cambridge. Photography by Patrick Biller

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Understanding Your Chairā€™s Purpose

Before diving into the world of choosing fabric, itā€™s essential to determine the purpose of your chair. Is it a formal dining chair that requires a sophisticated and elegant fabric? Or is it a cozy reading chair that should boast comfortable and durable upholstery? Will kids sit in these chairs, or maybe the chair is at a cottage? Identifying the chairā€™s purpose will help you narrow your fabric options and make an informed decision on how to pick upholstery for your chair.

dining room with upholstered chairs
Shop the dining room: Art, Chairs, Rug, Chandelier, Curtains (similar), Dried Hydrangeas (similar), Dining Table is antique, and decorative items are mostly thrifted.

How to Pick Chair Upholstery: Consider Durability and Maintenance

Chairs are subjected to everyday use, making durability and maintenance key considerations. When deciding how to pick the upholstery for your chair, opt for fabrics that withstand regular wear and tear, especially if you have children or pets. Look for materials that are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and can endure frequent use without losing their colour or texture. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, or synthetic blends often excel in these areas, providing long-lasting upholstery solutions. When reviewing fabric details, notes should indicate whether or not the fabric is durable.

living room with sectional
Shop the Living Room: Sconce, Sofa, Throw Pillow, Rug

Style and Aesthetics

The fabric you choose should harmonize with your existing decor and personal style. Consider your spaceā€™s colour palette, patterns, and textures to select a fabric that complements the overall design. Solid colours in neutral tones can offer versatility, allowing you to experiment with various accessories and accent pieces. Alternatively, if you prefer a bolder statement, opt for patterns and textures that add visual interest to your chairs.

Comfort and Feel

When it comes to chair upholstery, comfort should never be compromised. After all, chairs are meant for relaxation and a cozy seating experience. Test the fabric by feeling it against your skin to assess its softness and texture. Fabrics such as velvet, cotton, or linen often offer a luxurious and comfortable feel, making them ideal choices for chairs where comfort is paramount.

how to pick test chair upholstery for a cottage
Design: Tiffany Leigh Design, Project PEC Cottage. Photography by Patrick Biller

Test the Fabric Samples

Now you know how to pick chair upholstery and shortlisted a few fabric options; itā€™s time to put them to the test. Request fabric samples from suppliers or visit a local fabric store to examine them up close. Test the samples by performing a few checks:

  1. Colour Fastness: Rub a damp cloth against the fabric to see if the colour transfers. Ensure the fabric retains its colour and does not bleed or fade easily.
  2. Stretch and Resistance: Gently stretch the fabric to assess its elasticity. A high-quality upholstery fabric should be resistant to stretching and sagging.
  3. Pilling: Rub the fabric vigorously to determine if it pills. Fabrics that pill excessively might not be suitable for chair upholstery.
  4. Abrasion Resistance: Check the fabricā€™s abrasion resistance rating, known as the Martindale or Wyzenbeek test. Higher ratings indicate increased durability and longevity.
How to pick the perfect fabric for upholstery and chairs
Design: Tiffany Leigh Design, Project Cobourg. Photographer Lauren Miller

The Importance of Choosing the Right Upholstery Fabric

Picking the perfect fabric for chair upholstery involves considering various factors such as durability, style, comfort, and maintenance. By understanding the purpose of your chair and testing fabric samples, you can confidently select a material that enhances the visual appeal of your furniture and withstands everyday use. Remember to consider your personal preferences and the overall aesthetics of your space to ensure a cohesive and inviting environment. With these tips, you can choose the ideal chair fabric that adds beauty and functionality to your home.

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