Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Custom Furniture: A Designer’s Guide

Choosing the right fabric for upholstery is one of the most important decisions in custom furniture design. It affects everything from comfort to style and how well the piece holds up over time. With endless options available, knowing how to choose fabric that fits both your home and your lifestyle can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure lasting satisfaction.

Whether you’re designing a brand-new piece or reupholstering a favorite heirloom, understanding fabric choices for upholstery will give you more confidence and control throughout the design process.

How to Choose Upholstery Fabric That Fits Your Lifestyle

Start by thinking about how the furniture will be used daily. A family room sofa needs a very different fabric than a decorative bench in a guest bedroom.

Here are a few common scenarios:

• Homes with kids or pets: Choose performance fabrics like microfiber, solution-dyed acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella), or Crypton. These resist spills, pet hair, and wear.
• Formal living rooms: You can go with delicate materials such as silk or linen. These look beautiful but require gentle use and dry cleaning.
• Everyday pieces like sofas or sectionals: Opt for durable weaves like cotton-blend twill, polyester, or olefin. These materials clean easily and are more forgiving under daily pressure.

Tip: Always ask for a swatch and test it in your space. Look at it during the day and at night under different lighting. You’ll notice how much fabric color and texture can shift based on the environment.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), choosing materials suited to your environment and usage is one of the foundational elements of sustainable, functional design.

Types of Fabric Materials: Pros and Cons of the Most Common Options

Understanding upholstery fabric composition can help you narrow down which materials are suitable for your project.

Cotton

• Pros: Natural, breathable, soft, budget-friendly.
• Cons: Can wrinkle, fade, or stain if untreated.
• Best for: Transitional pieces and casual spaces.

Linen

• Pros: Crisp texture, cool feel, high-end aesthetic.
• Cons: Wrinkles easily, may shrink, not great for high-traffic areas.
• Best for: Light-use accent chairs, decorative pieces.

Velvet

• Pros: Luxurious appearance, rich color depth.
• Cons: Can show pressure marks and attract lint or pet hair.
• Best for: Glamorous or vintage-inspired decor.

Leather

• Pros: Durable, wipes clean, ages well.
• Cons: Can scratch and crack over time, sensitive to temperature shifts.
• Best for: Modern, masculine, or classic interiors.

Polyester

• Pros: Stain-resistant, affordable, available in many styles.
• Cons: Less breathable, can pill if low quality.
• Best for: Kids’ rooms, rental properties, or family living rooms.

Wool

• Pros: Naturally soil-resistant, insulating, long-lasting.
• Cons: Pricey, may require special care.
• Best for: Cooler climates, traditional furniture.

You can also find blended fabrics, which mix natural and synthetic upholstery fabric to improve strength, softness, or colorfastness. These blends are common in modern upholstery and often offer the best balance between performance and price.

Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between natural fabrics and synthetic fabrics can help you choose upholstery that fits your lifestyle and design goals.

Natural fabrics come from natural materials, such as plant or animal sources. Cotton, linen, wool, silk, and leather fall into this category. These materials feel breathable, soft, and often have a rich texture that gives upholstered furniture a more organic and refined appearance. They’re favored for their comfort and timeless style, especially in spaces where sustainability or luxury is important. However, they can be more sensitive to fading, staining, and wear over time. Many natural fabrics require more careful maintenance or professional cleaning.

Synthetic fabrics are man-made, commonly produced using chemical processes. Popular synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, and olefin. These fabrics are usually more durable, cost-effective, and easier to clean. They’re ideal for homes with kids, pets, or heavy daily use. Advances in textile manufacturing have allowed synthetic fabrics to closely resemble natural ones in both texture and appearance, while offering added stain resistance and longevity. That said, they can feel warmer to the touch and less breathable, which may be a factor depending on your climate or sensitivity to materials.

Choosing between natural and synthetic fabric often comes down to your priorities—whether you’re focused on comfort and feel, or long-term performance and ease of care.

Fabric Weight, Weave, and Texture: What They Tell You

Fabric isn’t just about fiber type—it’s also about how it’s woven and how heavy it is. These factors impact the look, feel, and durability.

• Heavyweight fabrics like chenille, canvas, or denim are best for sofas and chairs that get regular use.
• Medium-weight fabrics like jacquard or velvet are versatile enough for both aesthetics and moderate function.
• Lightweight fabrics like taffeta or silk should be reserved for decorative items such as cushions or headboards.

Pay attention to weave as well. Tighter weaves tend to last longer and hold shape better. Loose or open weaves may snag or stretch with use.

Color and Pattern Considerations

Fabric design directly affects how your furniture fits with the rest of the room. Don’t choose in isolation—always evaluate color and pattern in context.

• Color tips: Lighter fabrics make rooms feel open and airy, but may show dirt or stains more easily. Darker hues add coziness and hide wear.
• Patterns: Geometric or floral patterns can help disguise signs of daily use. They’re great for families or homes with pets.
• Textures: A fabric with a nubby or woven texture (like boucle) adds interest, especially in monochrome palettes.

If you’re uncertain about how to coordinate fabric with your current interior style, consider reviewing curated examples from trusted sources like Architectural Digest for visual guidance on mixing tones and materials.

Upholstery Fabric Performance: Durability, Cleaning & Longevity

For furniture you plan to keep for years, durability matters just as much as style. Here are a few factors to pay attention to:

• Rub Count (Durability Rating): Indicates how well the upholstery fabric holds up under friction. A rub count of:
  • 10,000–15,000: Light residential use
  • 15,000–25,000: General residential use
  • 25,000+: Heavy-duty or commercial-grade use
• Cleaning Codes:
  • W: Water-based cleaner safe
  • S: Solvent-based cleaner only
  • WS: Either water or solvent cleaner
  • X: Vacuum only—no water or solvent (avoid for most homes)
• Stain Protection: Ask about pre-treated or performance fabrics. These often include moisture barriers or antimicrobial finishes.

If the fabric doesn’t come with built-in protection, you can apply fabric protectors post-installation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Value of Professional Guidance

Even with research, choosing the many upholstery fabric types for your home can feel overwhelming. This is where a professional can save you time, money, and stress.

Interior designers or reupholstery experts have experience with fabric longevity, fit, and feel—and they know how to match your vision with the technical requirements of upholstery. They also have access to higher-quality materials and can help you avoid poor fabric decisions that may look good initially but wear poorly.

Local Expertise: WRF Design Center in Solana Beach

If you’re in San Diego County, WRF Design Center in Solana Beach offers hands-on support and guidance for selecting good upholstery fabric. Our experienced team helps you choose materials that meet your aesthetic goals and performance needs—whether you’re refreshing a classic piece or designing something custom from scratch.

Our Furniture Reupholstery Services include expert consultations, custom fabric sourcing, and skilled craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. With a wide library of premium textiles and decades of experience, WRF makes it easy to combine style and function in every piece they touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upholstery Fabrics

How do I know if a fabric is suitable for reupholstery?

Look for fabrics labeled specifically for upholstery use, not apparel or drapery. Upholstery fabric is typically heavier, more durable, and rated for rub count or double rubs. If in doubt, ask a professional or consult the fabric manufacturer’s specifications.

Can I use outdoor fabric for indoor furniture?

Yes, many outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella or solution-dyed acrylics work well indoors, especially in high-use areas. They’re stain-resistant, UV-resistant, and easy to clean, making them a smart choice for kitchens, playrooms, or homes with pets.

How important is fabric backing in upholstery?

Backing provides strength and structure to fabric. Woven or knit backings help reduce stretch and improve durability, especially during the reupholstery process. Unbacked fabric may sag or shift over time, particularly on large or frequently used furniture.

Are eco-friendly upholstery fabrics a good option?

Yes, there are sustainable upholstery fabrics made from organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or recycled fibers. These can offer durability and style while reducing environmental impact. Always check for certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX for verified eco standards.

What fabric is best for people with allergies?

Tightly woven fabrics like microfiber and leather are great for allergy sufferers because they don’t trap as much dust, pet dander, or pollen. Avoid highly textured or loose-weave fabrics that can collect allergens and are harder to vacuum or wipe down.