When it's time to put a beautiful new cover on your favorite chair or sofa, there are many things to consider. The fabric you choose will impact not only the appearance of your furniture but also its durability, maintenance, and overall feel. Below are key factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect fabric.

Purpose of the Fabric

One of the most important considerations when choosing upholstery fabric is its intended purpose.

• Do you want the furniture to be a showpiece in your living room?
• Will the furniture go into a family room where it needs to stand up to heavy use?
• Do you have pets or small children that may cause extra wear and tear?

Identifying how your furniture will be used can help guide your fabric selection toward materials that best suit your needs.

Softness vs. Durability

While this is not always the case, many soft fabrics tend to be less durable. There are two main types of wear to consider:

• Fabric wears on you: Some rougher, more durable fabrics can cause mild abrasion on the skin, leading to a longer lifespan for the fabric.
• You wear on the fabric: Softer fabrics feel luxurious but may show wear more quickly due to frequent use.

There is a wide range of fabrics between these two extremes. Often, you must choose between a fabric that feels soft and inviting versus one that is highly durable. There is no wrong choice—it ultimately depends on your priorities.

Ways to Extend Fabric Life

To help your fabric last longer, consider:

• Adding arm covers, headrest covers, and slipcovers.
• Wearing soft, home-specific clothing that won’t be abrasive to the fabric. For example, wearing jeans with rivets and sharp-edged pockets can wear down soft upholstery more quickly.

Determining Durability

In recent years, fabric suppliers have introduced durability testing using the Wyzenbeek method, which measures fabric resilience in double rubs. Double rub ratings can range from below 15,000 to over 150,000.

• For heavy-use furniture, choose a fabric with a Wyzenbeek rating of at least 50,000, preferably closer to 100,000.
• For light-use furniture, a lower double rub rating may be sufficient.

However, double rubs aren’t the only factor in determining durability. Other key considerations include:

• Color fastness – How well the fabric retains its color over time.
• Stain resistance – Some fabrics are treated to repel spills and stains.

Conducting Your Own Durability Test

You can perform a simple at-home durability test to compare different fabrics:

• Lay multiple fabric samples on a hard surface.
• Use a dull, hard object (such as your knuckles or the handle of a utensil) and press down firmly while rubbing the fabric.
• Observe which fabric shows wear most easily.

Stain Resistance Test

If spills are a concern, conduct a stain resistance test:

• Apply a small amount of a common household stain (like coffee or juice) to a fabric sample.
• Attempt to clean it with a standard upholstery cleaner.
• Evaluate how well the stain comes out and whether any discoloration remains.

Having upholstery cleaner on hand before conducting the test is advisable.

Plain Bright Colors vs. Patterned Fabrics

Fabric color and pattern impact both aesthetics and maintenance.

Benefits of Bright or Plain White Fabrics

• Can brighten up an otherwise dull or drab room.
• Provide a clean, fresh look.

Challenges of Plain Fabrics

Plain fabrics, especially in light colors, easily show stains, soil, and scuff marks. Keeping them clean may require lifestyle adjustments such as:

• Removing shoes at the front door.
• Showering and changing into clean clothes when coming home.
• Being extra cautious while sitting or eating on the furniture.

Advantages of Patterned or Textured Fabrics

Subdued fabrics with color variations can provide a more carefree experience. Some fabrics come with built-in stain resistance, such as:

• Krypton fabrics
• Charlotte Fabrics with the Lifeguard finish
• Other stain-repellant treatments like Scotchgard or Teflon finishes.

Extra Labor Costs for Light-Colored Fabrics

Upholstery workrooms are not sterile environments like hospital operating rooms. When old chairs and sofas are stripped for reupholstering, dirt, dust, hair, and other debris can be released. As hard as upholsterers try to maintain cleanliness, some specks of dirt may end up on the new fabric during the upholstery process.

Challenges of Light Fabrics in Upholstery Shops

• Very smooth and light-colored fabrics attract more dust and dirt.
• Extra cleaning and prep work are required before and after upholstery work.
• As a result, upholstery shops often charge an additional prep fee for working with very light-colored fabrics—typically around $200.

Summary

Selecting the right upholstery fabric involves balancing appearance, durability, and maintenance. Consider:

• Purpose: Where and how the furniture will be used.
• Softness vs. Durability: Do you prioritize feel or longevity?
• Durability Testing: Wyzenbeek double rub ratings and at-home tests.
• Stain Resistance: Some fabrics repel stains better than others.
• Color & Pattern: Light-colored fabrics require more care, while textured or patterned fabrics hide wear and dirt.
• Labor Costs: Light-colored fabrics may incur additional upholstery shop fees.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a fabric that meets your functional and aesthetic needs while ensuring your furniture remains beautiful and comfortable for years to come.