Style, durability, and comfort — here’s how to find the perfect fabric for your furniture.
When it comes to reupholstering your sofa, chairs, or headboard, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right fabric. With so many options in color, texture, and durability, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry — the experts at S&J Co. Upholstery are here to help.
Whether you’re designing a custom piece or refreshing a family favorite, here’s what to consider when selecting the best upholstery fabric for your home.
1. Start With How You Use the Furniture
The first and most important factor is function. Is this piece going in a formal sitting room that’s rarely used, or will it be the centerpiece of your family room where kids, pets, and snacks are a daily occurrence?
✅ High-traffic areas: Choose durable fabrics like microfiber, canvas, denim, or tightly woven synthetic blends.
✅ Low-traffic areas: You can go bolder with delicate fabrics like velvet, chenille, or linen.
2. Think About Fabric Durability
Not all fabrics are created equal. Durability is measured in double rubs — a term that indicates how well a fabric can withstand wear and tear. The higher the number, the tougher the fabric.
✅ Look for:
15,000+ double rubs for residential furniture
30,000+ for heavy-use family or pet-friendly spaces
For example, performance fabrics like Crypton or Sunbrella are built to resist stains, fading, and spills — perfect for busy households.
3. Consider Color and Pattern
Color can dramatically affect both the style and lifespan of your furniture.
Light colors: Great for open, airy spaces — but they show stains more easily. Ideal for low-use furniture or stain-resistant fabric types.
Dark colors: More forgiving and easier to maintain in high-traffic areas.
Patterns: Hide stains and wear better than solids and can add visual interest to a neutral room.
✅ Pro tip: Bring fabric swatches into your home to see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.
4. Choose the Right Texture
Texture adds depth and personality to your furniture — but it should also feel good to the touch.
Smooth fabrics (like microfiber or cotton): Comfortable and easy to clean.
Heavier textures (like tweed or boucle): Add warmth and interest but may attract pet hair or lint.
Velvet and suede: Luxurious feel but best for low-traffic areas unless it’s a performance-grade version.
5. Pets and Kids? Go Practical
If you share your home with kids or pets, choose a fabric that’s easy to clean and built to last.
✅ Best options:
Synthetic microfiber: Highly stain-resistant and soft.
Faux leather or vinyl: Easy to wipe down and resistant to scratches.
Performance fabrics: Engineered to resist spills, moisture, and bacteria.
Avoid silk, linen, and textured weaves if you want to keep cleanup easy.
6. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Some fabrics require more care than others. Always check cleaning codes or ask your upholsterer what’s best for your lifestyle.
W (Water-based cleaners): Easiest to clean
S (Solvent-based cleaners): Use dry-cleaning solutions
WS (Either): Flexible options
X (Vacuum only): Professional cleaning only
Let S&J Co. Upholstery Help You Decide
With so many fabric options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but you don’t have to make the decision alone. At S&J Co. Upholstery, we walk you through the entire selection process, helping you choose a material that fits your furniture, your lifestyle, and your vision.
