The first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking about buying upholstered furniture is what colour fabric to choose. But while the colour you choose for your chair upholstery IS important, there are other things to consider that are just as important.

 

Things you need to consider before choosing the right fabric

 

Durability

The durability of the fabric will depend on the piece of furniture you have chosen, where the furniture will be used, and if you have children or pets.

  • Chose a fabric based on who will be using your sofa – if pets will be sharing the sofa with you, consider leather or a microfibre fabric as these will withstand the extra wear and tear.
  • Woven patterns hold up longer than printed fabrics, so do tight weaves and fabrics with a high thread count. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric – with denser fabrics lasting longer.
  • Durability is important if your chair or sofa is going to be used every day.

Style

Try choosing a chair upholstery or fabrics that complement the décor of your home.

The fabric you choose should blend in with the character and style of the piece it is covering. For example, a traditional style of fabric is perfect for a traditional style of frame. If you have an *adventurous* sense of style and you know how to merge different styles together – go for it!

An approach such as this will add originality to your space. For example, a classic wing backed chair with a bold geometric design. This will work well in a contemporary style room – the wing-back chair is the accent and the print connects to, or compliments the rest of the decor in the room.

Remember that some fabric can look quite formal, while other fabrics are more casual. Choose a fabric that echoes your own sense of style and the mood of the room.

 

Colour

The colour is often the first choice made when buying furniture, it will have an impact on the decor of the room, especially if the sofa is large and will dominate the room.

Make sure the colour you have chosen is one you can live with, avoid bold colours if the room is small. Neutral colours are often the safest since they tend to suit a room for a long time. If you have children or pets, try and avoid lighter colours.

 

Other considerations

  • Choose a chair upholstery that is fade resistant – this is important if your sofa is going to be in a room that is exposed to a lot of sunlight, or, it will be placed by a window.
  • If you live in a humid area, opt for a fabric that is mildew-resistant.
  • Consider fabrics such as microfibre if anyone in the house suffers from allergies, this material is lint free and doesn’t attract dust.
  • If you have pets, avoid choosing delicate fabrics such as silk or fabrics that have lots of texture. Look for an upholstery fabric that is pet-friendly instead.