Types of Fabrics for Upholstered Furniture

Natural Fabrics

• Cotton and linen are natural fabrics. Cotton blends well with other fibers, is soft and takes colors well when dyed. Cotton must also be kept out of moist areas, such as basements, where it tends to mildew. Cotton stains easily, so be careful eating and drinking on cotton upholstery. Linen is used in its natural color state, because it doesn't take other colors well. It's more tolerant to heat than cotton, but doesn't fare well under intense sunlight.

Leather

• Leather, another common natural upholstery material, is durable, can match other décor within a home and gives a room a warm, elegant look. Leather is also easy to care for by using leather cleaners and conditioners.

Wool and Silk

• Wool, a durable upholstery material that absorbs color well when dyed, is often found on heavily used furniture such as sofas. Silk, an elegant fabric, is used as upholstery on high-end sofas and chairs. It isn't used on a utilitarian basis.

Synthetic Fabrics

• Synthetic fabrics used as furniture upholstery have been chemically altered with acetate, nylon, rayon or polypropylene. Most fabrics used for upholstered furniture are a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. This combination strengthens the fibers, increasing the material's durability.

Tightly Woven Fabrics

• Tightly woven fabrics, which include polypropylene and nylon, stand up better to wear and tear. Some tightly woven fabrics, including fabrics such as satins, damask and brocade, are sensitive to everyday use. Damask and brocade are more coarse upholstery fabrics, meaning they hold shapes better. They are found on skirted sections of sofas and used for decorative purposes. Satins are soft, with a shiny surface, used for comfort and aesthetic appeal. Satin is often used on interchangeable furniture upholstery, such as slip covers, pillow cases and bed sheets.