Upholstery fabric for sofas, existing categories, pros and cons

Upholstery carries not only aesthetic value, but also protects furniture from some negative environmental factors. At the moment, the upholstery fabric for the sofa is represented by a wide selection, since it is made from different types of warp threads. As a result, it is important to choose the right material so that the product lasts longer and retains its original appearance.

What is a fabric category

There is a certain classification into categories. Thanks to this, you can find out not only operational characteristics, but also understand how high-quality fabric used for upholstery is. The higher the category, the denser and more expensive the materials.

Category No.	Type of fabric
0	Light materials - cotton, thermal shrink, adhesive tape, light series of chenille fabrics. Suitable for furniture that is rarely used. Durability up to 5 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test.
1	Somewhat denser than the previous category. Not suitable for upholstery in chairs, children's and kitchen furniture. Durability up to 7 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test.
2	Fabrics of the first category, but with increased density and wear resistance (jacquard, flock, velveteen). Withstand 10-12 thousand cycles of abrasion.
3	Cloths with non-standard weaving, denser and thicker. Strength of about 15 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test.
4	Very dense fabrics - tapestry, bookmarked chenille, suede with a pattern. Wear resistance - 18 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test.
5	Cloths lined with or mixed with natural fibers. Withstand 20-22 thousand cycles of abrasion.
6	Faux leather with wear resistance of about 30-50 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test (Arpatek, eco-leather, nano-leather).
7	Genuine leather of varying degrees of manufacture. Premium materials with complex woven patterns, high level of wear resistance. Durability of at least 50 thousand cycles according to the Martindale test.

The higher the number, the better the fabric for the sofa. That is, of course, more expensive. But if you choose the right product and properly care for it, even category 0 can last a long time.

Popular types of upholstery

There are many varieties of fabric for sofas. It can be both natural and synthetic. The differences are in price, characteristics and appearance. In order to choose a sofa with a suitable surface that can serve for a long time, you need to know its description. The following are the best upholstery fabrics.

Velours

It has a velvet surface. But he needs constant care. Upholstered furniture with velor upholstery is great for the bedroom, but completely unsuitable for the nursery, since this material attracts dust. The benefits are as follows:

perfectly breathable;
soft;
not stretched;
looks beautiful.

At the same time, one should not forget about the disadvantages of velor. Firstly, it must be constantly cleaned. Secondly, he has a predisposition to abrasion. And this reduces the operating life.

Velours

Scotchguard

This is one of the subspecies of jacquard - the most practical material for sofa upholstery. It is resistant to accumulations of dirt, as it is saturated with special substances. Suitable for products that are often used for sleep instead of beds. Benefits:

moisture resistance;
strength;
attractive appearance;
does not attract dust.

Of the minuses, only the high cost of upholstered furniture can be distinguished - due to the overpriced prices of these upholstery fabrics.

Owners of upholstered furniture with scotchguard upholstery claim that the fabric is very durable and resistant to dirt. Such sofas are suitable for a children's room. Appearance does not deteriorate with heavy use.

Scotchguard

Jacquard and Thermo-Jacquard

This is a quality material with a variety of patterns. Jacquard or thermo-jacquard sofas are suitable for living rooms. The fabric itself is very dense, wear-resistant, does not fade. However, such upholstered furniture is not recommended for cat owners. Animals leave claws on the puff material. Of the advantages, the following can be distinguished:

long service life;
strength;
aesthetics;
wide selection of colors.

Despite the positive features, there are disadvantages. The fabric has a slippery surface, which makes operation unpleasant for some people. The second factor is the mandatory observance of cleaning recommendations. Since jacquard and thermo-jacquard deteriorate from water, you will have to clean the sofa with dry methods.

These materials look luxurious and prestigious. Beautiful patterns can be applied on them.. Jacquard fabrics are most often used in a classic interior style.

Jacquard

Shenill

Among fabrics for upholstered furniture, a practical chenille is distinguished, which is a bit similar to velveteen. This is a soft material, it is nice to touch. Sofas with such upholstery are perfect for a children's room. The benefits are as follows:

over time, the color is well preserved, it is not affected by direct sunlight or frequent cleanings;
the fabric is soft and durable;
does not absorb odors;
has resistance to damage.

Among the shortcomings, it can be distinguished that cats on the surface of the material easily leave puffs, especially if there is embroidery on the fabric. It is also expensive material. A sofa with chenille upholstery will last a long time, and this plus outweighs the cons.

Shenill

Flock

Very popular material for the manufacture of upholstered furniture. There are different categories, flock colors. It is made on the basis of cotton and polyester. It has a velvety texture.

Sofas with such upholstery are suitable for a children's room, bedroom and living room. But you should not choose such products for the kitchen, because the fabric absorbs smells well. Among the positive aspects, the property of repelling moisture and debris, strength, ease of care are distinguished.

Flock sofas are suitable for homes with pets, as the material is durable and difficult to tear. Contamination can be removed with soapy water, alcohol-based products are not recommended.

Flock

Microfiber

When creating microfiber apply modern technology. In fact, this is faux suede, which has a realistic look. It is pleasant to the touch. It is covered with Teflon on top, so it does not accumulate dust and does not let water through.

The downside is that sofas with similar upholstery are not suitable for a home with pets. Claw marks easily remain on microfiber. For cleaning, you can use wet cleaning.

Microfiber

Faux leather

Faux leather is suitable for those people who like leather, but there is no way to purchase a sofa made of natural material. Eco-leather does not absorb odors and water; furniture with upholstery is suitable for the kitchen. Other benefits:

softness;
affordable price;
abrasion resistance;
simplicity in leaving.

Among the disadvantages are poor resistance to fire, the possibility of scratches, stickiness. Therefore, the reviews of the owners are mixed. Cost benefits and easy care compete with a high risk of defect formation.

Faux leather

Faux suede

Faux suede cannot have a uniform color due to its texture. The material smells of synthetics. Despite these shortcomings, such upholstered furniture has many advantages:

Combines with most styles in the interior;
does not give in to deformation;
does not fade;
perfectly breathable;
Upholstery does not stick to human skin.

Despite this, faux suede sofas are not suitable for houses with animals. The fabric accumulates dust and dirt, does not tolerate moisture. But the reviews of the owners are mostly positive - the material is high-quality and inexpensive.

Faux suede

Genuine Leather

Such products are expensive, but of all existing at the moment it is the best material for upholstery of upholstered furniture. It is the most reliable and durable. The choice of leather sofa demonstrates the good taste and well-being of the owner.

Often, leather furniture is chosen for offices, prestigious hotels. It is easy to look after this material, it has a long service life. But you should pay attention to the negative points:

high cost;
spoilage from fire;
a small selection of colors.

At home use, the upholstery received conflicting reviews. This is due to the increased risk of scratching from the claws of animals.

Genuine Leather

Velveteen

Velveteen has a second name - velvet. Attracted by the fact that the impression of a transfusion of flowers is pleasant to the touch. Resistant to moisture, therefore easy to clean. The downside is the low strength of the upholstery, which is not suitable for permanent use. Corduroy sofa upholstery is best combined with the styles of Baroque, classic, Empire.

Velveteen

Arpatek

It is a very easy-to-use skin substitute, similar to natural material. At first it was used for upholstery in car seats, but now manufacturers use it for the manufacture of furniture. Arpatek is a very durable, fade-resistant material. Its only negative is the high cost.

People who choose sofas with such upholstery claim that they do not lose their presentation over time. The material is durable, so it can be preferred in the presence of animals at home.

Arpatek

Benefits of Upholstery

The material for the sofa affects the comfort and convenience of furniture when used. Due to the variety of colors and patterns, you can choose a product that will perfectly combine with any room. The selected canvas carries not only aesthetic value. It is a protection for the inside of the product. The coating protects against dust, dirt, moisture. It becomes easier to care for, although not all types of fabrics for furniture upholstery involve the use of wet cleaning.

Most varieties of materials are affordable, and sofas with them can be bought even with a limited budget. The choice should be made from personal preferences, including depending on which room the furniture is intended for. For example, a leatherette upholstery product is an excellent solution for the kitchen. There is a huge selection on the market today, so finding something interesting is not difficult. To find out which sofa upholstery is better, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the properties of the canvas.

Since Soviet times, a mat has been used for upholstery of upholstered furniture. It is a durable fabric woven by weaving thick fibers. Today velor is popular. This begs the question of what is best for a sofa - velor or matting. Gunny is characterized by strength and rigidity, and velor softness. From the point of view of long-term operation, it is recommended to choose a hard upholstery, for your own comfort - soft.

Criterias of choice

Fabric for sofas is selected after familiarization with its characteristics. It is necessary to rely on such parameters:

What fibers are upholstered fabrics for the sofa. The material can be natural, artificial (synthetic). In some cases, a combination is allowed. When choosing upholstery, you should find out all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular fabric.
It is important that the appearance of upholstered furniture goes well with the design of the room. If you need to choose a sofa for the nursery, it is better to ask the child for an opinion. An excellent solution - if the patterns on the product repeat the pattern on the tulle, curtains.
The higher the percentage of density, the stronger and better the web. The best fabric for a sofa cover with a minimum value of an important indicator is 200 g / m2.
How resistant is the fabric to abrasion. This value is measured in cycles and checked during the development process. The indicator should be at least 15 thousand cycles of abrasion. The most durable fabric for the sofa is required if the house has pets, small children, often guests.
Resistance to wear. The fabric can greatly resist friction, stretching, and temperature changes. If you select the wrong material, defects will quickly appear on the product and you will want to change it.
Color fastness. This indicator means that the shade of the product will not fade, for example, with constant exposure to sunlight or from frequent washing. It all depends on the quality of the paint material.
The fabric should not contain harmful substances. For example, it could be chemicals - mercury or lead. It should be borne in mind that there is a permissible norm at which they do not affect human health. For children's rooms, it is better to choose a natural material for upholstery of upholstered furniture, which does not contain chemicals at all. For other rooms, synthetics are also suitable.
Breathability. The best material for sofa upholstery should let air through. Otherwise, it will accumulate moisture, which causes mold. Also, if the air exchange is poor, seams may open.
Cleaning synthetic upholstery materials is much easier than natural ones. With frequent wet cleaning, defects may appear on the last fabrics.
Peeling. If spools appear on the fabric, its quality is poor. This parameter is checked simultaneously with wear resistance.

These are not all characteristics describing the types of practical furniture fabric. But these parameters are the most important. Based on them, you can choose the highest quality product.

In addition, in order to choose the material for the upholstery of sofas, you should pay attention not only to its advantages and disadvantages, but also to the feedback of the owners of upholstered furniture. Thanks to them, you can understand whether the product will last for many years or require replacement in a short time. It is impossible to single out the best upholstery for a sofa, since each person has his own criteria, even the opinions of experts on this issue differ.