What is the best fabric for a sofa. Which fabric is best for upholstery of a sofa and upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture is mandatory constructs in various residential or public institutions. They are distinguished by the presence of a soft seat, and also have a pleasant and high-quality upholstery. For upholstered furniture when creating upholstery can be used different types fabrics. When choosing a fabric for upholstery, it is important to remember that each variety has its own characteristics and parameters, therefore, when choosing a design, one should take into account what it is made of.

All types of fabrics intended for upholstery must meet certain requirements:

high attractiveness, compliance with a certain style and tastes of furniture owners;
the upholstery fabric must be resistant to abrasion and shrinkage, as well as to stretching;
resistance to fire, high temperatures and moisture;
environmental friendliness, since all upholstery materials must be safe for permanent use in residential premises;
resistance to burnout, if the furniture structure is installed in such a section of the room where the sun's rays will constantly fall on it;
the presence of a high-quality and durable base.

When choosing an upholstery fabric, you should decide on its category.

There are several categories of fabrics with which a coating is formed on various interior items. The category is determined depending on different parameters of the material. Its strength, operational parameters, appearance, weight and cost.

Accordingly, the fabric for furniture can be presented in the following categories:

Category 1 - servant, shannil, scotchguard;
2 and 3 categories - cotton of substantial density, flock, corduroy, suede;
4th category - tapestry, jacquard;
5, 6 categories - artificial leather, arpatek;
7 category - genuine leather of low density and cost;
Category 8 - genuine leather of considerable density and prices.

Thus, the upholstery material is produced in numerous types, differing in category and other parameters. Before purchasing any variety, it is recommended to evaluate all its features to make sure that such a purchase is advisable.

Views

Various materials can be used for upholstered furniture upholstery. They have their own parameters and properties. It is advisable to study all types in advance, as well as view photos of furniture with each type in order to make right choice.

Velor is considered to be quite an interesting choice for creating high-quality furniture upholstery. Its main features include:

velor is velvety to the touch, so it is incredibly pleasant to touch;
the pile on such a coating can always be located in an upright state, or in certain areas of the coating it can be laid on one side;
velor can be made using different bases, for which cotton or wool is used, with the woolen base being used most often;
it is easy to care for the velor coating, as it will be created using high-tech fibers;
such upholstery fabric for furniture has antistatic properties;
is a hypoallergenic material;
dirt is easily removed from the surface.

However, velor has some drawbacks. This includes the high cost of the material. Additionally, velor does not have good resistance to various mechanical influences.

This modern material possesses the same positive parameters as jacquard, but at the same time has a low price. Its advantages include:

long service life;
resistance to the appearance of various stains;
ecological purity due to the use of only natural ingredients;
the softness of the resulting upholstery;
high strength of the coating.

With such material for upholstery upholstery, you can easily remove different pollution, for which a standard soap solution is suitable. Do not use abrasives, wash fabrics at high temperatures or survive.

Jacquard is often used for furniture upholstery. This material has an original ornament, and there is certainly a large report. When choosing jacquard fabrics, it is determined whether their composition will be monochromatic or mixed.

Jacquard is an expensive material, so when choosing it, you should prepare for significant expenses.

The advantages of this material include high strength and long service life. It is produced in numerous colors, but has a high cost. If you choose a material with an anti-claw effect, then it will be expensive.

This material appeared relatively recently. Choose the fabric that is optimal for everyone soft object interior. Coloring is done using thermal printing technology. A feature of this material is the presence of unusual and unique colors, and bright colors last for a long time. Additionally, the fabric is highly wear-resistant and durable.

For various upholstered furniture, chenille is chosen quite often. The material got its name due to the fact that a special thread, similar to a caterpillar with a high pile, is included in the composition.

The positive parameters of using this material include:

it is possible to choose a fabric with an anti-claw effect, which is important for every pet owner;
the material has good density;
considered a durable fabric;
dust is easily removed ordinary vacuum cleaner with appropriate attachments;
the cost is acceptable for every buyer.

Chenille is produced on an adhesive or fabric basis. The disadvantages of the material include the low cost before exposure to moisture, as well as the drying time after cleaning.

Flock is a popular finishing material. It is made with cotton and polyester. Pile is applied to the surface of the base, for which the electrostatic method is used. Flocking is considered a popular procedure that allows you to obtain high-quality material, which is often chosen among decorative items.

Flock has the following advantages:

good strength;
ease of care;
resistance to sunlight, moisture or dirt;
has an attractive appearance.

Flock is an environmentally friendly material. It has a high density and holds its shape well. Therefore, when answering the question, which is the best fabric for upholstery, the choice often falls on flock.

The material does not fade, does not fade under constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation and has good resistance to moisture. May have a special anti-claw effect. Before choosing microfiber for upholstery, it should be noted that exposure to high humidity or temperature is not allowed.

The main disadvantage is the high cost. For a long service life of such upholstery, a lot of effort will be required for specific maintenance. To do this, you will have to purchase special care products.

The most popular types of upholstered furniture made of natural or artificial leather. If such upholstery is purchased for rooms where pets live, then there must certainly be anti-claw protection. It is so called because it provides effective protection of the material from the claws of animals.

High-quality artificial leather is similar in parameters to natural material, but has an acceptable cost. Provides truly attractive, luxurious and unusual upholstery.

The use of such material will require significant financial investments. Its advantages include high attractiveness, ease of maintenance, and it also fits perfectly into different styles interior.

The cost of the material is considered high, and also if animals live in the house, then anti-claw protection must be applied, otherwise the upholstery will quickly lose its attractiveness due to the effects of the claws of pets.

The advantages of such material include:

high resistance to wear;
ecological cleanliness;
good elasticity;
high strength;
ease of care;
acceptable cost.

The disadvantages include fading in the sun and shrinkage after washing. Various mechanical influences contribute to the loss of the attractiveness of the fabric.

Arpatek and faux suede

Previously used to form the upholstery of armchairs. It is a kind of artificial leather. Its advantages include UV and abrasion resistance. It is tear resistant. Its cost is considered quite high, but it is due to its positive parameters.

The use of artificial suede for upholstery is considered to be quite popular. The material is pleasant and has an unusual texture. Each furniture with such upholstery, for which artificial suede is used for furniture upholstery, looks exquisite, unique and luxurious.

It is represented by soft fabric with an organic weave of yarn, therefore, an unusual ornament is formed. Tapestry is available in numerous colors and textures.

Vandal-resistant fabric is easy to wash, durable, pleasant and practical. Tapestry is a plastic material, so it can be used for various interior items. Its advantages include, first of all, naturalness. The tapestry has an attractive appearance.

The disadvantages include not very good resistance to different loads. It is not allowed to clean the tapestry with wet methods, and it also has a high cost.

When purchasing a sofa in the living room, kitchen or children's room, you need to pay attention not only to the aesthetics and functionality of a set of upholstered furniture, but also to the quality of decorative fabric. Sometimes the problem of choosing an upholstery material may arise during operation. Over time, the upholstery becomes unusable and must be replaced with a new, more reliable and practical fabric cover. Manufacturers in a large assortment offer material for the sofa, which is best suited for you, we will disclose below.

Types of materials

Today there is a real opportunity to purchase environmentally friendly natural or durable artificial fabric for a sofa. In addition, the material for the upholstery of the sofa can be of vegetable or animal origin. For various premises you need upholstered furniture that has moisture resistance, hygroscopicity or a special anti-vandal effect.

Tactile sensations also play an important role. If you do not like the rough, hard upholstery of the sofa, it is better to opt for smooth, shiny surfaces.

The decorative aspect is often the main selection condition. Upholstery fabrics are multi-colored, monochromatic, have different geometries or unusual floral prints. The external design of the furniture should organically fit into the already created interior of the living space.

A set of such furniture, consisting of a sofa, armchairs, is the most favorite place for the evening pastime of all family members. To maximize the life of upholstered furniture, you should choose the right sofa facing. Consider the main types of upholstery products

Natural fabrics

The main advantage of natural material is excellent air permeability, hygroscopicity of the fabric, allowing a person to feel as comfortable as possible at any temperature conditions.

The main advantage of natural raw materials is excellent air permeability, hygroscopicity of the fabric, allowing a person to feel as comfortable as possible at any temperature conditions.

Natural raw materials are absolutely safe, harmless, so decorators recommend using them as an exterior decoration for children's sofas. The upholstery is particularly breathable and hygroscopic.

With regular use, the upholstery will last about six years. To make natural fabrics more durable, they are coated with a special compound that prevents rapid wear.

Among the advantages of this natural raw material:

naturalness;
environmental friendliness;
affordable cost;
wide range of colors.

Among the disadvantages is the limited service life.

Jacquard

The material is distinguished by a spectacular embossed texture, high density. In addition, the fabric is not subject to rapid wear and harmful effects ultraviolet radiation. The characteristic weaving has an unusual, exquisite pattern: amazing floral ornaments, ornate patterns.

The most expensive, high quality is considered a multi-color stretch - jacquard with the addition of gold or silver threads. The material is breathable and perfectly absorbs excess moisture. Special antistatic impregnations do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the fabric surface.

Jacquard has a lot of advantages, and among them are strength, wear resistance, long service life, resistance to sunlight, a wide range of colors and patterns. Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the sensitivity to moisture and the difficulty in leaving.

Tapestry

Old tapestry and jacquard upholstery materials were brought to us from France. The fabrics have much of the same manufacturing process, but reliable, expensive threads are used to create beautiful tapestries. Traditionally, upholstery was created exclusively from natural raw materials, but today artificial fibers are added to its composition.

Exquisite decorative fabrics are used by designers to decorate furniture, interior items created in the modern, empire or retro style. Tapestry sheathing has a long service life, but it does not tolerate direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Among the advantages of the material are the main ones:

rich look;
strength;
naturalness;
wide range of colors and patterns.

The main disadvantage of the material is its tendency to abrasion.

Silk

Today, a spectacular fabric made from natural silk fibers has been undeservedly forgotten and is used only for constricting antique, expensive pieces of furniture. The surface of the material is very smooth and pleasant to the touch.

Despite its apparent fragility, silk upholstery has a certain margin of safety. In addition, silk fabric is endowed with excellent hypoallergenic, antistatic properties. Among the advantages of silk, it is worth noting a beautiful appearance, hypoallergenicity, durability, ease of care. The main disadvantage is the cold coming from the material.

Leather

The classic version of upholstery is preferred by wealthy, wealthy people who want to emphasize their wealth and high position. Surfaces made of genuine leather are smooth, shiny or, on the contrary, matte. The luxury home office sofas are embossed with various embossed logos and various printed logos.

This material has many advantages:

luxurious look;
naturalness;
durability;
strength;
moisture resistance;
ease of care.

Not without its drawbacks, including:

fear of fire;
high price;
small selection of colors;
stickiness;
may crack over time.

Artificial

Artificial fabrics are created from completely recycled natural materials. Upholstery made of this material has a large margin of safety, long service life, excellent air permeability.

Durable artificial fabric was created for the top decorative coating of car seats. Has a special density and resistance to various mechanical damage.

By its texture, Arpatek looks more like soft smooth leather. The upholstery is practically resistant to tears and external mechanical influences. To remove various kinds of dirt, you can use an ordinary soap solution or non-aggressive skin cleaners.

The main advantages of the material are durability, ease of maintenance, retains color for a long time, resistance to abrasion. Among the disadvantages are the fineness of the material and the appearance of microcracks over time.

Scotchguard

Modern upholstery material looks like jacquard, but is much cheaper. The material is based on natural raw materials. Thanks to artificial additives, the material has a long service life and special strength, and resistance to the formation of various kinds of contamination.

Use a soft sponge and soapy water to clean the upholstery surfaces. It is not recommended to squeeze and wash the upholstery fabric in hot water; it is better to use dry cleaning services.

The main advantages of the material are strength, durability, environmental friendliness. As for the disadvantages, the main ones are the tendency to fade in the sun and abrasion.

Flock fabric is considered by interior designers to be the ideal cover for upholstery sofas. Outwardly, the flock is somewhat reminiscent of velvet. In addition to cotton, the combined upholstery material contains artificial additives that make the upholstery durable, and natural raw materials are "responsible" for the environmental friendliness of the fabric.

The velvety refractory material is used to decorate upholstered furniture for the living room or bedroom. Smooth upholstery fabric has beautiful textured patterns and embossed ornaments. High-quality flock is endowed with a soft bristle made of natural

Among the advantages are:

strength;
water resistance;
ease of care;
does not cling;
dust and wool do not stick.

As for the disadvantages, the main one is the absorption of odors and the wiping off of the material over time.

Recently, chenille has become widespread and is very popular not only among decorators, but also among ordinary consumers. A mixture of natural and synthetic fibers is used for the production of upholstery. The surface has a soft, pleasant to the touch pile.

Modern upholstery material is able to maintain a beautiful appearance and original structure for a long time. Testing has shown that chenille upholstery fabric will last for about half a century.

Among the main advantages are:

strength;
wear resistance;
hypoallergenic;
fades a little;
does not stretch.

The main disadvantage is the high price of the material, as well as the fact that it absorbs moisture and cats can leave claw marks on it.

Synthetic

Synthetic fabric is created from polyester and polyamide threads. Most often, nylon, nylon, acrylic and polyester are used in the production process. Materials do not deform, do not lose their original color and do not wear out.

The unique upholstery material has excellent air permeability, practically does not fade and resists negative impact direct sunlight. It is not recommended to clean dirt from surfaces using acetone and other alcohol-containing liquids.

The advantages of the material are that it is super durable, does not absorb water and dirt, does not fade, does not fade, and is unpretentious to maintain. It is worth abandoning the placement of a sofa with such a covering for the kitchen, since the main disadvantage of the material is its sensitivity to temperature changes.

Forest

Durable upholstery fabric practically does not deform throughout the entire service life and retains its original shape. A well-made material withstands all negative mechanical and temperature influences.

The surface treated with a special composition has water and dust-repellent properties. To clean the children's sofa from dirt, it is enough to use a vacuum cleaner or do a wet surface treatment with soapy water.

The advantages of the material include:

strength;
not susceptible to the formation of pollution;
high resistance to temperature and mechanical stress.

Courtesan

The presented furniture, upholstered with modern upholstery, can be placed in the kitchen, bedroom or nursery. The moisture-resistant material is practically not susceptible to the formation of dirt.

Courtesan furniture is suitable for homes with small children and pets. The upholstery has a special anti-vandal effect, withstands all mechanical stress.

If we talk about the advantages, then among them it is worth noting:

strength;
fire resistance;
ease of care;
resistance to damage from animal claws;
does not absorb dust, moisture.

Among the disadvantages are high cost and instability to strong chemicals.

Thanks to the development of modern technologies, it has become possible to use an amazing in its qualities upholstery fabric - microfiber. In the production process, a special additive is used, which, after drying, creates a porous elastic structure. Thanks to this technology, the upholstery has excellent breathability.

Microwelure is a modern type of flock. The fabric can be cleaned with various cleaning agents and machine washed without fear that the upholstery will lose its beautiful nap.

The main advantages of this material include strength, the fact that it is not afraid of water, has a dirt-repellent impregnation, and a long service life. The disadvantages include the fact that if the fabric is not wiped from dust for a long time, then in the future, stains will appear on it even from ordinary water.

Varieties for children's models

When equipping a children's room, you must first of all take care of the environmental friendliness, safety and reliability of all materials used. If the purchased upholstered furniture will be installed in a children's room, preference should be given to natural and hypoallergenic fabrics:

cotton
jacquard.

Chenille upholstery has recently gained particular popularity. The excellent quality of the material, special strength, water resistance makes the upholstery fabric an ideal option for a married couple with children. The material does not absorb odors, retains its original color for a long time. It is easy to remove from the surface all contaminants of organic, artificial origin, for example, the remains of plasticine or children's drawings made with a felt-tip pen.

What is better to choose

To choose the most optimal upholstery option for upholstered furniture, you must first determine the location of the sofa, the conditions of its use, style, color preferences. If upholstered furniture is planned to be actively used as sleeping place it is necessary to choose an upholstery fabric that contains synthetic fibers. Artificial additives will provide the upholstery with maximum abrasion resistance.

As a decorative design of children's upholstered furniture are used natural materials, which are well cleaned of dirt, do not require special care.

In a modern living room, the sofa takes center stage, so special attention is paid to its upholstery. The colors of upholstered furniture should fully correspond to the general style of the room. Most often, the fabric is combined in color with shades of curtains or curtains. Arpatek, flock or scotchguard are most often used as upholstery fabrics.

When choosing upholstery for a sofa that is installed in the kitchen, you need to pay attention to courtesan, forest or artificial leather. In this case, it will be much easier to clean all surfaces from contamination. When choosing a suitable upholstery material, preference should be given to types that organically combine practicality, reliability, durability, and attractive appearance.

Video

Most often, more space in the interior is occupied by upholstered furniture. Its durability is determined not only by the strength of the case, but also by the quality of the upholstery. Correctly selected fabric for a sofa can maintain its presentable appearance for a long time, without requiring complex maintenance.

There are several categories of fabric to consider when choosing. You need to know how to clean the material and how to care for it during operation.

How to choose the best fabric for your sofa

Before buying a new sofa or replacing worn-out upholstery, you must take into account the features of the room in which this piece of furniture will be located:

If you smoke in the room, you should not choose textured or fleecy fabrics - they easily absorb odors. In sunny rooms, the fabric for the upholstery of the sofa should have a high color fastness, the optimal indicator is 4 (the maximum is 5).

One of the most important characteristics of upholstery fabric for sofas that allows you to choose the right upholstery is its density. The indicator is measured in grams of fiber per square meter fabrics (g / m2). The minimum unit is considered to be 200 g / m2.

Types of materials for upholstery sofas

The modern variety of fabrics allows you to choose an option that meets all quality indicators. To find the right upholstery among thousands of options, you need to know its main types.

lungs - flock, chenille, tapestry;
practical - jacquard, chenille and denser versions of the first category fabrics;
dense materials with a complex texture such as dense tapestry, suede, chenille;
heavy - like chenille and tapestry;
natural - leather.

Before choosing upholstery, it is worth taking a closer look at the most popular materials.

Flock

This soft-touch fabric is very velvet-like. The material is synthetic, but very easy to clean. The composition includes two-thirds of synthetics and a third of cotton.

Of the pluses, it is worth noting:

easy cleaning (neutral detergent will do);
high density;
shape retention;
high color fastness.

Flock is great for children's rooms and bedrooms. However, you should not choose it for the kitchen or living room, because the top pile is quickly erased and absorbs odors. If you need vandal-resistant fabric for your sofa from cats and other pets, then you should choose flock.

Modern flock fiber collections are treated with Teflon and other coatings, making them resistant to mechanical coatings and dirt. Because of its properties, it is often used as a fabric for sofa covers.

Chenille

It is made from soft threads by tight weaving, which makes it look like velor. The chenille thread is very strong, which makes the upholstery virtually inextensible.

The advantages of the material include:

a large number of color variations;
high wear resistance (low pilling);
environmental friendliness.

It is better to choose it for the kitchen interior. This material practically does not absorb odors and repels dirt. To clean it from dust, it is enough to vacuum it. This is something to consider before deciding which fabric to choose for your sofa.