When you want to refresh a room, replacing the upholstery is a great place to start. The type of upholstery you choose for your furniture can transform the appearance of each space. It’s also a great way to bring out your personality and make your furniture more practical for your household.
When choosing the new upholstery for your home, there are many qualities to consider. From color to durability, knowing what goes into different fabrics can help you make the right decision. Here’s how to pick the perfect upholstery for your home.
1. Durability
You need to choose upholstery durable enough to withstand the needs of your household. If your family includes young children or pets, you’ll likely need a more durable fabric that can withstand any nicks or messes that come its way. Both synthetic and natural materials can withstand heavy use.
- Cotton: Cotton is a solid choice for withstanding wear and tear. The heavier the weave, the more durable the fabric will be. While cotton isn’t the best material for handling stains, you can use a stain-resistant coating on cotton upholstery.
- Microfiber: Because it’s a synthetic fabric, microfiber is great for heavy-duty use. It’s tightly woven and water-resistant, making it able to withstand spilled drinks and sharp claws.
- Olefin: Olefin gets used for upholstery with a wool-like appearance. Its tight weave gives it the ability to handle heavy use.
By choosing a durable fabric, you can ensure your furniture lasts for years to come.
2. Texture
For most customers, the texture is a make-or-break point when choosing upholstery. Homeowners enjoy different fabrics, from thick and coarse to thin and smooth. Whether you have sensitivities to texture or just prefer a specific type of fabric, there are many different textures to choose from.
Thread count, material, and durability over time play a part in how a fabric feels. Leather starts as a firmer fabric but softens with use over time. Olefin stays more consistent. Materials like velvet, silk, and cotton tend to feel softer and smoother than other upholstery fabrics, while linen and polyester tend to be coarser and sturdier.
3. Color
The color of upholstery makes a significant difference in the feel of a room. Whether you’re furnishing a home or office, you want a color that helps you accomplish your goals and fits your aesthetic.
Color psychology studies how being around different colors makes people feel. Having bright, cool tones in your furniture may help you feel more energized while lighter, warmer colors can help you feel more relaxed.
Neutral colors are great options if you plan on having a bold paint color or like to change decor seasonally. White, tans, and grays are nice base colors you can dress up with pillows and throws that match the room’s decorations.
When choosing your color, you’ll also want to consider possible patterns. Printed upholstery can add visual interest to a room, but can also seem busy if paired with intricate furniture or walls. Patterns do work well with minimalist interior design or other solid colors in the room. Consider a small print if you want a pattern that can work with or without different ones in the room.
4. Price
An important consideration when choosing your home’s upholstery is the cost of different materials. Companies determine fabric prices by their weight and availability. Cotton and polyester are some of the least expensive fabrics on the market since they’re both light and easily accessible. Velvet and wool are more costly since they’re heavier materials.
Satin and velvet fabrics are delicate and light, but they’re pricier than cotton or polyester because they are harder to find. It’s essential to be aware of the cost of upholstery when making your decision so you don’t drain your bank account over your furniture.
5. Maintenance
The last thing you need to consider when deciding on upholstery is the maintenance required for each fabric. As you use your furniture, it’s bound to get dirty and some materials even need extra work to maintain throughout the years. Maintenance can cost time and money, so it’s necessary to be aware of different fabrics’ needs.
While cotton and other knit fabrics need spot cleaning and vacuuming, you must regularly brush velvet upholstery to keep it in good shape. Leather is a little more complicated, as even mild soap can stain unprotected leather. Use a terry cloth or paper towel with water to clean them.
The thinner the material, the more likely you’ll need to replace a cushion within the next few years. Woven fabric may need an occasion loose-string removal.
Choosing the Right Upholstery for Your Needs
Changing your furniture’s upholstery is an excellent way to refresh your home and represent your household. Several factors go into choosing the right upholstery, including durability, price, and design. It’s essential to be aware of these factors to make the best decision for you and your family.
Rose Morrison is a home-living writer with over five years of experience. She is the managing editor of Renovated.com, a home living site where she loves to cover home renovations and decor to inspire everyone to live their best DIY life. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
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