3 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Upholstery Fabric for Your Needs

When you work with an interior designer to furnish your home, the amount of fabric choices available to you is endless. It can be overwhelming. I am going to help you navigate through them to decide which ones are just right for your furniture.

1. Consider How the Piece Will Be Used

Begin by determining the function of the piece of furniture. Is this seating in your high-traffic breakfast room or low-traffic formal dining room? Is this going to be a white headboard in your main bedroom? Or a seldom sat on sofa in your Library? Certain fabrics are work-horses in terms of durability, but they may not be fancy enough for certain uses.

2. Determine the Quality & Durability of the Fabric

When durability is important, look at fabrics meant for upholstery. They’re more heavy duty than those meant for curtains or bedding. If stains are a concern, choose outdoor or Crypton fabrics. If you want to use, say, linen, on an upholstered piece, consider having the fabric knit-backed to make it thicker and more durable.

3. Choose Style, Color, & Pattern

As for design, don’t avoid colors and patterns because you think you’ll grow tired of them. It may feel risky, but you’ll end up with a more personal and unique space if you use your favorite design motifs. Going all neutral is safe, but boring. As a compromise, I often choose neutrals for the main fabrics then go bold for the accent fabrics, such as on throw pillows.

When I work with my clients, I usually start by choosing one or two “statement fabrics” per room. Then I choose the “go-withs,” or fabrics that complement the statement fabrics. I keep durability and stain protection in mind when choosing each fabric. I always narrow down the choices to keep my clients from getting overwhelmed.

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Until next time,