When purchasing a set of upholstered furniture for the home, few of us think about how important the quality of the upholstery of the set we like is played. But not only the external and tactile attractiveness, but also the duration of operation of the structure largely depends on this factor. Which seat and back drapery has the maximum wear resistance? Is there an anti-vandal coating that is resistant to the sharp claws of pets? Which textile surfaces are the easiest to care for? Read about all the nuances of choosing “clothes” for a sofa in our review of the most popular furniture fabrics.
General recommendations for choosing upholstery
When choosing the upholstery of a furniture product, you should focus on the specific room in which the piece of furniture will be located. For example, sofas and armchairs placed in living rooms bear the heaviest load. On them we most often arrange friendly gatherings and spend time with family members. This means that the best option in this case will be fabrics with maximum strength.
Exquisite couches, poufs and banquettes for the bedroom can be decorated with delicate fabrics with a high content of natural fibers. Such models are distinguished by their original shapes, including asymmetrical contours or rounded details, which require great elasticity of the upholstery material. Moreover, furniture for sleeping and relaxing must be pleasant to the touch, so when covering it, preference is usually given to pile fabrics.
The main condition for decorating a children's room is the complete hypoallergenicity of all elements included in the furnishings, including textile surfaces. For kitchens, it is best to select sets with dirt-repellent impregnation, which ensures simple daily care of the seating area. Owners of cats and dogs will certainly appreciate furniture with anti-claw upholstery, which is almost impossible to leave snags and scratches on.
Pay attention to the susceptibility of the coating to ultraviolet rays. If you plan to place the set in a place where the sun constantly falls from the street, the color fastness value of the upholstery should be at least 4-5 points. Fabric with such indicators almost does not fade, maintaining the original saturation and brightness of colors for a long time.
Spunbond
Spunbond (a type of non-woven fabric) is a non-woven fabric obtained by calendering (rolling through hot rollers) polypropylene fibers. Seat and back cushions are wrapped in spunbond This makes it easy to put on fabric covers, as the fabric glides over the spunbond. During operation , spunbond protects soft materials from abrasion and matting, and also allows you to straighten the folds of the cover. fabric is a non-woven fabric used to add volume and strengthen the fabric, prevent stretching of the fabric, reduce wrinkles, do not change the properties of the fabric, and retain the size and shape of the product during use. The inner covers of back cushions and decorative pillows are sewn from spunbond Properties: hypoallergenic (used in the production of hygiene products), non-toxic, tear-resistant, breathable.
Polystyrene balls
Foamed polystyrene - foam balls , a lightweight cellular material consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are very mobile and do not form friction with each other, which allows products with this filler to quickly take the desired shape. It is a filler for “Bean-Beg” chairs and poufs . The cover is stuffed with many small polystyrene balls. The advantage of the model is its lightness, so if necessary, the chair can be easily moved from room to room. The weight of Bean Bags ranges from one to five kilograms, depending on the size. Made from durable, beautiful fabrics, Bean Bags are filled with extremely lightweight polystyrene foam balls . The balls deform over time under the weight of a person - this is a natural process. At the bottom of each product there is a zipper so that the cover can be washed, or polystyrene foam filler as it shrinks. The use of unique technology has made it possible to rid the products of the accumulation of static charge and rustling, so it is a pleasure to be in them! The filler of Bean Bags is necessarily treated with antistatic agents and components to reduce friction (by 15-20 times) - this is a distinctive characteristic of the filler for poufs. The expanded polystyrene filler does not “creak” and does not accumulate static electricity!
We calculate wear resistance according to Martindale
To more accurately determine the level of wear resistance of matter, experts recommend appealing to data obtained using the so-called Martindale test. A common technique is based on counting the number of abrasion cycles and is established experimentally for each type of upholstery fabric:
- from 10,000 to 15,000 cycles – a material of low stability with a cotton structure, more suitable for decorative use;
- from 15,000 to 25,000 cycles - ideal for upholstery of home furniture for lying and sitting, used in everyday life;
- from 25,000 to 35,000 cycles - a fabric for difficult conditions, with a long service life and low wear.
The minimum Martindale abrasion resistance values are regulated by GOST for furniture fabrics and range from 3000 to 9500 cycles. Samples with parameters exceeding 35,000 cycles are rarely used for cladding ordinary home furniture. These are fabrics with special heavy-duty weaving, which are advisable to use in the design of commercial locations with high traffic (hotels, sanatoriums, restaurants, hospitals, etc.).
Felt
Felt is a dense non-woven textile material made from felted wool. It is usually made in the form of panels that have different thicknesses, depending on the purpose. Felt is one of the mandatory fillers for upholstered furniture, a natural material rolled through hot cylinders on both sides. A hard crust forms on the surface of the material, which makes the material very wear-resistant. Felt is used in furniture factories in the production of upholstered furniture - sofas and armchairs - as a cushioning material that serves to neutralize the feeling of springs and protects polyurethane foam - PPU from direct contact with the spring block, prevents it from being pressed, and also improves the consumer properties of upholstered furniture.
Types of furniture fabrics
Depending on the composition, method of weaving threads, texture and price category, furniture fabrics are divided into several main types. Let's look at the most popular and popular ones.
Velours
Chic velvety fabric with a small pile is rightfully considered the leader in consumer demand. The simultaneous weaving of 5 or more threads makes velor incredibly durable - the material is very difficult to tear and deform. The canvas drapes beautifully, which is why it is often used for upholstering furniture of complex styles. The combination of cotton and wool fibers provides the products with high hygroscopicity and breathability. Velor sofas and armchairs fit perfectly into luxurious surroundings in the Empire, Baroque, and Classic styles. They look presentable, but require very difficult maintenance. Natural upholstery wears out quickly and does not interact well with most detergents. To maintain a beautiful appearance, velor furniture should be regularly dry cleaned, and in no case should it be allowed to absorb accidentally spilled liquid.
Tapestry
Tapestry is perhaps the most recognizable furniture material with a long history. A characteristic feature of the fabric is its heavy weight and memorable design: a picturesque ornament with a floral or animalistic plot. In the old days, tapestry bedspreads and capes testified to the high material status of home owners. And today, sofas and armchairs with tapestry upholstery are one of the most fashionable options for decorating home furniture. The undoubted advantages of this type of upholstery include high density, durability and good antistatic properties. The material hardly attracts dust, can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner and a dry soft brush, but if used carelessly, it quickly rubs and forms creases. After home washing, it may fade and become deformed. In case of severe and old stains, it is recommended to dry-clean upholstered furniture made from tapestry.
Flock
Flock is an inexpensive and popular type of sofa upholstery that harmoniously combines a pleasant “appearance”, good consumer qualities and a very budget price. It belongs to non-woven materials, as it is produced by spraying a mixture of crushed natural and synthetic fibers onto an adhesive base. Despite its visual elegance and delicate silkiness, flock can withstand significant loads. It is ideal for rooms where pets live together with people. The absence of thread weaving prevents the appearance of snags on the surface, and rupture will only occur in the event of prolonged active damage to a section of the fabric by sharp objects (for example, cat's claws). The main disadvantage of flock coatings is their lack of environmental safety. The manufacturing technology involves the use of a large amount of glue, which can be a problem for people prone to allergies.
Gozhka
The rough, laconic texture of the matting fits perfectly into fashionable minimalist trends and eco-trends in the interior. The feeling of naturalness is enhanced by some resemblance to burlap and neutral, calm shades without a noticeable pattern. The most popular shades of furniture matting are the colors of the surrounding nature: sand, gray, beige, pistachio. Models with such upholstery form an impeccable ensemble with structures made of solid wood, bamboo, rattan, forming an original, cozy space in country, scandi or ethno style. The fabric is highly breathable, easy to care for, does not wrinkle or deform. Suitable for decorating kitchens and dining rooms, as it does not absorb odors. It is quickly cleaned and has increased resistance to mechanical damage.
Jacquard
One of the most wear-resistant upholsteries, with a smooth, tactile “cold” surface and an incredibly elegant print. A wide range of color palettes and expressive combinations with monochromatic companions make jacquard the best option for decorating expensive, prestigious furniture. The fabric is made both from 100% natural raw materials and with the addition of synthetic threads. But even in the second case, the standard cotton fiber content is at least 40%. Unfortunately, the few disadvantages of jacquard upholstery logically “follow” from its main advantage. The material loses its shape after washing, shrinks from exposure to temperature and is highly sensitive to moisture, like most natural fabrics. A jacquard sofa cannot be ironed with a hot iron or bleached. This will lead to inevitable damage to the product.
Chenille
Outwardly resembling soft corduroy, chenille belongs to the group of jacquard fabrics based on the way it is weaved. The presence of threads with fibers causes a slight “fluffiness” of the coating and makes it more cozy and comfortable to use. The high density and tensile strength is due to the well-thought-out composition of the fabric: 50% cotton and the same amount of synthetics. Sofas, armchairs and chairs with such upholstery are environmentally friendly, which allows them to be used for furnishing bedrooms and children's rooms. High-quality chenille is designed for several decades of active service. The durable material is easy to cut and drapes well, which makes it possible to decorate furniture of the most bizarre configurations with chenille. The downside is the rather high price tag, which, however, is fully justified by the elegant appearance and functionality of the material.
Eco leather
Eco-leather is one of the latest developments in light industry, and is ideal for furniture for both home and commercial use. This modern polymer should not be confused with the tired “leatherette.” In contrast, soft and dense eco-leather on a cotton basis has increased practicality, while in appearance it is almost no different from its natural handmade counterpart. Upholstery made from this material is hygroscopic, elastic, resistant to temperature changes, does not crack, has no odor and is completely easy to care for. It is enough to wipe the contaminated area with a damp sponge and treat it with special polishes so that the surface of the furniture looks as elegant as the day it was purchased. When choosing a sofa made of eco-leather, we advise you to pay attention to the thickness of the polyurethane layer. The higher this value (from 20 to 70% of the total volume), the more durable the beauty of your interior will be.
Microfiber
Another innovative synthetic material that is actively used for the design of upholstered furniture of various functions. Depending on the type of base, knitted or non-woven microfiber is distinguished. Additional protection against water, dust, grease and other household contaminants is provided by a special Teflon impregnation, which is part of a high-quality coating. To the touch, microfiber upholstery resembles expensive velvet, while its performance qualities far exceed any natural textiles. The fabric belongs to the anti-vandal category. It is very difficult to damage or stain it. The only nuance that needs to be taken into account before buying a microfiber sofa is that it cannot be placed close to heating radiators. The sensitivity of the material to high temperatures can negatively affect the appearance of the product.
Scotchgard
Modern cotton material with the addition of synthetic threads for better wear resistance, is characterized by high weaving strength and expressive patterns that are printed on the surface. The low density of the fabric allows you to create original compositions from upholstery, cushion covers and light curtains sewn from a single fabric. Good air permeability will protect products from the appearance of an unpleasant odor, and will also create more comfortable conditions for use - you will not be hot on a couch or sofa made of scotchgard on the hottest summer afternoon. It is worth noting the low pillability of the material. Even after long-term use, pellets do not form on the surface of the seats, backs and armrests, thanks to which the furniture retains its neat appearance longer.
Boucle
Curly, with an uneven knotted surface, bouclé fabric is incredibly pleasant to the touch, as it resembles soft lamb wool. The texture of the fabric is slightly loose and has a beautiful relief formed by knots and curls, which are located at the same distance from each other. Initially, boucle was produced exclusively from natural raw materials (cotton, silk, wool). But reupholstering furniture requires more durable and unpretentious materials. Therefore, the composition of furniture fabrics was quite reasonably “diluted” with durable artificial threads (polyester). The upholstery is most often painted in one tone, although occasionally there are examples with patterns. Astrakhan sofas can be washed with warm water, but the use of solvents and bleaches is prohibited. Drying structures in the sun is also not recommended. This can lead to fading of the drapery.
Material categories
Fabrics for sofas are divided into several categories. The following parameters are taken into account:
- performance characteristics;
- ease;
- strength;
- appearance;
- price.
The denser and more expensive the fabric for upholstery of modern upholstered furniture, the higher its category:
- 1 - this group includes light chenille, cotton and scotchgard;
- 2 and 3 - this category of fabrics for sofas includes flock, suede, corduroy and thick cotton;
- 4 - this group includes jacquard, thick chenille and tapestry;
- 5 and 6 - these categories include suede and other dense materials with a pattern, artificial leather;
- 7 - this is natural, but light and inexpensive leather;
- 8 - this category includes dense, expensive natural leather.
Requirements
Furniture fabrics are special upholstery materials that are mounted on top of sofas, armchairs and other interior items. Their quality must meet strict standards and high performance characteristics.
There are a number of increased requirements for upholstery fabric:
- durability quality;
- creative design solution (color scheme, print, style);
- comfort.
The durability of the material lies in the presence of the following properties:
- strength and wear resistance;
- color fastness, resistance to fading;
- resistance to chemically active substances;
- dirt and water repellency;
- abrasion resistance;
- environmental cleanliness;
- tendency to pilling;
- the ability to maintain its presentation for a long time.
Attention . Upholstery fabrics offered by suppliers are examined according to special indicators, and only after that they are included in the working collections of furniture manufacturers.
Rubber-fabric belts
Most often, furniture upholstery uses a frame formed by furniture tapes - belts . They are located in the inner part of the seat and back, and for greater strength they are woven together perpendicular to each other. The tapes, as a rule, are tightly stretched and should completely cover the space on which the springs or filler will be located during the production or upholstery process. Rubber-fabric belts consist of rubber and synthetic fibers, pressed and glued together. Rubber-fabric belts stretched in the form of a mesh on a wooden frame are a type of base for sofas and armchairs, and backs of chairs . They are tensioned by a special machine that ensures uniform tension of the belts. Belts have varying degrees of stretch. Softer belts are used on the backs of upholstered furniture, while harder ones are used on the seats of sofas and armchairs.
Extend the life of furniture with proper care
Contamination is often caused by accident - coffee was spilled, berry juice dripped, or the dog got in with dirty paws. After such troubles, you need to clean the entire sofa, or a small section of it. A few tips will make this process easier:
- Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner will prolong the fresh look;
- the upholstery should not be wetted too much, because it does not dry well;
- with strong brushing, some furniture fabrics pill and lose their appearance;
- You should especially pay attention to the seams and places where buttons are attached, because this is where the main dirt accumulates;
- A weak soap solution copes well with dirt;
- tea and coffee stains are removed with a vinegar solution;
- Stains are removed from the skin with a damp cloth.
A short video with tips on what upholstery to choose if you have a cat at home:
Decoration
Decorating is a creative process that requires a sense of taste and style. You can decorate both the external parts of the product frame and the upholstery fabric. There are several interesting materials on how to update and decorate upholstered furniture:
- Glizal;
- Acrylic paints;
- Decor of upholstery fabric.
Glizal is a type of transparent varnish or paint of any shade, characterized by its absence of odor and easy application. Before application, the surface of the product must be cleaned and degreased. On a flat part of the product, previously primed, apply glisal, proportionally diluted with water. Some time after applying the glitz, images and drawings are applied using a wet sponge or hard brush.
Using acrylic paints you can decorate the side or supporting parts of upholstered furniture. Before applying paint, the surface must be cleaned and degreased. A variety of colors will allow you to create a real masterpiece. Photos of furniture alterations are impressive. The color and design of the upholstery should look harmonious with the interior of the room. At the final stage, the upholstery fabric can be supplemented with embroidered appliqués from any material or subjected to reupholstery to form a carriage texture.
Decorating is an individual process of creating a unique style in the design of upholstered furniture. External design is the calling card of the product.
Making upholstered furniture at home is a labor-intensive process. The necessary tools and materials for manufacturing, following the algorithm of actions, and the correct manufacturing technology are the key to a positive result. Don't be afraid to make your dreams come true!
Upholstery fabric decor
Painting the armrests
Glizal
