The Best Fabric for Chair Covers

Functionality

• Decide whether you need the chair to be used regularly or if it is more of a decorative piece. A dining chair that is used daily will need to be hard wearing, easy to wipe clean and functional, so a leather or leatherette fabric would be ideal. A pretty boudoir chair may be sat on only occasionally, so a lighter fabric would be fine.

Color and Style

• Choose a color that works with the chair. Chrome and floral fabrics seldom work together, while traditional wood chairs will look nice with a rich tapestry fabric as well as with leather or silks. Look for fabrics in keeping with the age of the chair. Research what would have been available when it was made, and use similar shades or patterns. With modern furniture, be more adventurous and choose a color you love and will complement your room.

Types of Fabric

• Select your fabric to fit with your lifestyle and decor. Almost any fabric can be used as a chair cover, so you may have to factor in cost as well as personal taste. A faux suede is stain resistant, hard wearing and much cheaper than a real suede, and a plain fabric will usually cost less than a stripe because of pattern cuttings, but all will work well.

Safety Issues

• Select a fabric that is functional for the room. A dining chair may look amazing in a fluffy faux fur but could be a fire hazard in a kitchen diner. Check that fabric to be used in a public or child's room is fire retardant. You can also look for antibacterial fabrics that have been sealed and are made with water-resistant materials.