Width of upholstery fabric for upholstered furniture. Criteria for choosing upholstery fabric for furniture, types of materials. The best upholstery for sophisticated interiors - jacquard

The appearance of the furniture depends on how the upholstery looks. From a wide range of fabrics - varieties of textures, colors, functional properties of the canvas, everyone wants to choose the best option for themselves. The article gives a brief description of the categories and types of modern fabrics, the requirements for them and advice from experts on choosing.

Requirements

Upholstery fabrics are special upholstery materials that are mounted over sofas, armchairs and other interior items. Their quality must meet strict standards and high performance.

There are a number of increased requirements for upholstery fabric:

• durability quality;
• creative design solution (color solution, print, style);
• comfort.

The durability of the material lies in the presence of the following properties:

• strength and wear resistance;
• color fastness, resistance to fading;
• resistance to the effects of chemically active substances;
• dirt and water repellency;
• abrasion resistance;
• ecological cleanliness;
• tendency to pilling;
• the ability to maintain a marketable appearance for a long time.

Attention. Upholstery fabrics offered by suppliers are examined according to special indicators, and only after that they are included in the working collections of furniture manufacturers.

Categories of upholstery fabrics

There is a generally accepted conditional classification of upholstery fabrics into categories that characterize not the quality of the material, but their operational data. The higher the gradation of the category, the denser and more expensive the upholstery fabric.

• 0 - light, not durable, affordable;
• 1 - light, durable;
• 2 - dense, durable;
• 3 - medium-heavy with a complex texture;
• 4 - heavy, dense;
• 5 - high density, with natural fibers;
• 6 - analogues of natural leather;
• 7 - made of genuine leather, low density and cost;
• 8 - made of genuine leather of considerable density, expensive.

Types and their characteristics

The range of upholstery fabrics in the furniture world is huge. Materials can be divided into types depending on the methods of production and application.

According to the method of production are classified:

• woven - obtained by interlacing natural or artificial threads;
• non-woven - the fibers in the material are connected in other ways.

Attention. The optimal composition of the material is a combination of natural threads (70%) with artificial fibers (30%).

According to the method of application of the fabric are qualified:

1. Primary(upholstery) - used for upholstery of the outer, visible part. These are quality fabrics made of durable durable material.
2. Secondary(integumentary, cover) - serve to cover the inside of furniture, making covers. The “inside out” is made from inexpensive natural fabrics (satin, burlap, cotton, etc.).

Arpatek and faux suede

Arpatek - artificial leather of a certain type. Used for car upholstery. Cotton, viscose and polyurethane are involved in the manufacturing technology.

Characteristics:

• has the quality of tensile strength, UV resistance, abrasion;
• refined and luxurious;
• expensive, but the unusual texture and positive parameters of this upholstery make the high price justified.

alcantara

Alcantara is a material that is often confused with artificial suede, as it is very similar to it in appearance and to the touch. The patent and production belongs to the Italian company Alcantara SpA. The external luxury qualities of the material allow it to be used for insert upholstery motifs in the cabins of expensive cars.

Characteristics:

• elastic, soft, used when working with intricate shapes and miniature products;
• practical;
• very wear-resistant and durable, does not lose its original appearance during operation;
• has a rich color scheme in the collections of patterns of manufacturing factories;
• for cleaning, use detergents for leather.

Velours and microvelours

Velor is a knitted pile upholstery fabric with a durable weave. It is used for upholstery of ceremonial furniture of complex shapes in living rooms, halls, libraries. Due to the sufficient height of the pile, the material looks in draperies.

For manufacturing, high-tech fibers are used, the composition of the base includes cotton or woolen threads. The pile on the canvas is located vertically, in some parts of the upholstery it is laid on one side.

Characteristics:

• velvety, pleasant to the touch;
• has hypoallergenic and antistatic properties;
• easy to wash;
• can be damaged mechanically;
• expensive.

Velvet and its varieties (microvelvet, etc.)

Velveteen - this fabric was known in the Middle Ages and was used by crowned persons. The texture of the material resembles velvet, and is its variety. Cotton fabric (based on cotton and mixed fibers), has a thick pile and longitudinal trimmed scars on the front side. Solid color or printed pattern.

Characteristics:

• durable, has high wear resistance;
• ecologicaly clean;
• elastic;
• malleable in care;
• has an acceptable cost;
• fades in direct sunlight;
• shrinks after washing;
• subject to mechanical stress.

The fabric has the following varieties:

1. Velveteen rib - low pile, hem width 2-3 mm.
2. Cord - high pile, hem width 5 mm.
3. Shaped velveteen - the tufted surface is combined with a smooth one.
4. Velveton is a thick velvety pile.
5. Microvelveteen - hem width 1-1.5 mm.

Jacquard

For the production of jacquard fabric, special looms are used. The material is based on cotton (60%) and artificial or mixed yarn (40%). The material consists of a complex twisted weave of multi-colored threads (up to 10 shades). The pattern of the inside and the front side is different. It can be used as an upholstery fabric for upholstered furniture and mattresses.

Characteristics:

• has a high density and rigidity, which is achieved with a special jacquard weaving method;
• it is distinguished by original ornaments with options for large and small patterns;
• has a long service life;
• afraid of intensive cleaning, the canvas may lose color;
• expensive.

Thermo jacquard

The fabric has appeared recently, is an improved type of jacquard material. For manufacturing use the technology of thermal printing. The ornament is applied to the surface of the fabric using high temperature. Ready-made thermo-jacquard materials are durable and are distinguished by unique colors and patterns.

micro jacquard

Micro jacquard is one of the varieties of jacquard fabrics, it is a decorative upholstery material made of a complex weave of threads of various colors and shades. Upholstered furniture in this upholstery looks exclusive, suitable for decorating offices and living rooms.

scotchguard

Scotchgard is a modern inexpensive version of jacquard, which is impregnated with a special protective agent during manufacture. But at the same time retains the aesthetics and saturation of colors.

Characteristics:

• durable and wear-resistant;
• environmentally friendly (contains only natural ingredients);
• soft to the touch;
• does not require complex care (do not wring out the fabric, wash at high temperatures);
• has a strong protective layer.

Attention. It is advisable to use the fabric for upholstery of intensively used furniture.

Velvet

The material is similar to velor, but with a short fluffy pile. The upholstery fabric is suitable for furniture of specific shapes, for classic and refined interior styles.

chenille

Chenille - a type of fabric that is obtained by twisting dense threads with chenille threads, consisting of cotton, acrylic or polyester in equal proportions. The material has a soft rounded surface. Chenille fabrics are made on two bases: glue and fabric.

Characteristics:

• has greater wear resistance due to artificial fibers in the composition;
• dense and durable;
• voluminous, has an inimitable texture and softness;
• can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate nozzle;
• the collection of manufactured fabrics does not have a large selection of colors;
• acceptable cost.

Flock

Flock is one of the most common furniture fabrics that meets all the basic requirements for upholstery materials: comfortable, beautiful, reliable and durable. In addition, the fabric is very diverse, it can imitate chenille, suede, velor, leather.

Flock is made using an electrostatic method, with the help of which pile is sprayed onto a fabric canvas with an adhesive layer applied. The material used is cotton and polyester. The fabric is dyed with a print.

Characteristics:

• high density, keeps its shape;
• does not require complex care;
• resistance to exposure to sunlight;
• has water-repellent properties;
• does not lose color and brightness of the shade over time;
• ecologicaly clean.

microfiber

Microfiber - refers to upholstery fabrics of a new generation. Composed of microfibres of cotton or polyester. Velvety material imitating suede. It is used in the manufacture of high-quality samples of upholstered furniture for any design solutions.

Characteristics:

• dense, durable, with high wear resistance;
• has a large palette of colors;
• resistant to UV and moisture;
• resistant to chemical influences;
• requires gentle specific care, using special cleaning products;
• expensive.

artificial wool

Synthetic wool is a fabric made from synthetic polyester fibers. Comfortable upholstery material that creates an atmosphere of comfort in the house,

Characteristics:

• durable, durable;
• does not require complex care;
• practically does not wear out, suitable for upholstery of upholstered furniture, which is intensively used;
• pleasant to the touch;
• significantly cheaper than natural wool;
• does not fade in the sun;
• electrified, attracting dust.
• does not have anti-claw protection.

Faux leather

Artificial leather - fabric with one-sided monolithic or porous PVC coating. It is made from cotton and polyester knitted threads. Upholstery material, which in operation is not inferior to genuine leather, and looks attractive and respectable.

Characteristics:

• thanks to its high resistance to wear, it can be used for furniture upholstery in public places;
• does not absorb odors;
• afraid of high temperature, ultraviolet radiation;
• acceptable cost.

Leather

Genuine leather is a finishing material that is used in the upholstery of expensive, prestigious and high-quality interior items. The material is strong, durable and easy to maintain.

Attention. Since the cost of the fabric is high, where pets live, it is recommended to use anti-claw protection.

Tapestry

Tapestry is a natural soft fabric with an ornament or figures, obtained by organically interlacing yarn. A wide variety of colors and textures. Very plastic, used for finishing completely different pieces of upholstered furniture.

Characteristics:

• strong and durable;
• practical;
• natural and aesthetic;
• afraid of wet and frequent cleanings;
• expensive.

Rogozhka

Gunny - a fabric made on the basis of thick fibers, with coarse weaving of threads. It is characterized by fine texture and uniformity. Elastic durable fabric that retains its shape well. It does not require special care.

When choosing upholstery fabric for a sofa, experts recommend considering the following general criteria:

• Is the fabric easy to clean?
• what is the resistance to moisture, sunlight, abrasion and other impact factors;
• strength and durability;
• attractiveness and aesthetics;
• whether the color and texture matches the style of the interior.

The choice of sofa upholstery depends on the location:

• Kitchen. It is better to use artificial leather, as it does not require complex care, does not absorb odors.
• Children's room. Inexpensive upholstery materials that are resistant to pollution are suitable: chenille, flock, artificial leather.
• Office. We need practical materials that are resistant to abrasion and have a presentable appearance. It can be natural or artificial leather.
• Living room. The choice of upholstery fabrics for halls and halls is the most diverse, depending on the style of the interior.

Attention. In smoking areas, choose materials that do not absorb odors, such as leather and chenille.

Proper care

To P To extend the life of the upholstery fabric, you should adhere to the correct care in accordance with the requirements:

1. The higher the quality of the fabric, the more delicate the care for it.
2. For materials that require dry cleaning with organic solvents or mechanical friction, wet cleaning should not be used, otherwise damage to the fabric will result.
3. Contamination should be removed as soon as possible.
4. No need to apply excessive force and rub the fabric, so as not to disturb the structure of the material, stretch the threads or get bald spots in the pile upholstery.
5. It is recommended to wash removable furniture covers without mixing with other textiles, following the care instructions.
6. It is not advisable to mix cleaning products designed for different types of fabrics.
7. You need to wash the stains with a sponge or brush with a product applied to it.
8. If the pollution is strong, cannot be cleaned at home, you can use the services of professional dry cleaning.

It becomes clear that the choice of upholstery fabric is an important and responsible matter. Velor is pleasant to the touch, and tapestry is aristocratic, flock is modern, and matting is practical, each canvas is attractive in its own way. Having understood the features and properties of materials, you can create your own unique and inimitable style in interior design.

It is not easy to figure out the materials for upholstery on your own. Here both the type of fabric and its properties: density, wear resistance, and so on - there are really a lot of parameters. Moreover, the choice is complicated by the purpose of the furniture: different models are needed for a personal office and a living room. Let's figure out which fabric is best for and what to consider when buying?

Kinds

Velours

Spectacular velor is one of the most favorite coatings of designers. Furniture covered with it looks especially good in neoclassical interiors, in contemporary style, adds nobility and chic.

Soft velor feels like velvet, these are related categories. In another way, velor is often called velveteen, but this is not entirely true.

Velor is made from cotton or wool, it is natural and environmentally friendly. Its other advantages are practicality, high wear resistance, it does not stretch.

Microfiber is afraid of high temperatures, so it cannot be dried with a hair dryer or on a battery.

Jacquard

One of the most expensive furniture materials. It is made from cotton with the addition of artificial raw materials. Despite the thinness and softness, it is difficult to tear it, it is durable, wear-resistant.

The intricate ornate patterns that jacquard is usually covered with are an element of a rich classic style.

Jacquard does not tolerate wet cleaning, the weaving structure is disturbed from water. This makes it not the easiest to maintain.

scotchguard

Advanced jacquard - this is how scotchguard is defined. The fact is that it is more resistant to pollution. On the surface of the material there is a kind of film that protects the threads from negative effects. If you want to make a jacquard upholstery, but are worried about the safety of furniture, for example, choose products from scotchguard.

In addition, he is unpretentious in care. Remove fresh stains with a soft sponge and water, and dry stains with dry cleaning.

Tapestry

Furniture tapestry also looks like jacquard. It is cheaper and stronger, consists of natural and synthetic raw materials in different proportions.

The tangible advantages include durability, a variety of prints and colors. Cons: the tapestry fades in the sun.

chenille

Noble chenille is an expensive durable fabric. In structure, it is similar to a tapestry, just as soft and pleasant to the touch. The most valuable type is with jacquard weaving.

Chenille comes in two types: braided and glued. The second is used by companies that want to reduce the cost of production. But, as often happens, the quality also suffers: such a chenille stretches noticeably faster. By the way, the same applies to matting.

Leather and eco-leather

A leather sofa is sure to grab attention. Stylish respectable material looks great both in private apartments and in offices. Eco-leather today is in no way inferior to natural analogues, but at the same time it is much cheaper. The ethical component is also important.

High-quality leather is easy to care for, it is hypoallergenic, does not collect dust, just wipe it with a damp cloth. But, if there are animals in the house, it is not recommended to cover the sofa with it. It scratches easily, quickly loses its presentation.

The latest generation of artificial leather is called arpatek. It consists of polyurethane, viscose, cotton and polyester. It does not fade, does not cause allergies and can be compared with genuine leather in terms of wear resistance. However, the high price speaks volumes.

Cons: leather, natural and artificial, no matter how good it is, slips and stretches over time.

When choosing upholstery, it is very important to understand in which room the sofa will stand. Models that stand ten years in the office are unlikely to last as long in the kitchen.

• where the sofa is rarely used, choose more expensive decorative fabrics, such as jacquard or scotchgard.
• Soft, comfortable and, most importantly, wear-resistant models are suitable for the living room. Flock, chenille, eco-leather, microfiber - what you need.
• The main criterion is ease of care, water resistance and resistance to dirt. Flock, chenille and scotchguard have these properties.
• Finally, feel free to take leather models to or office.

Which sofa upholstery is better if you have a pet

Increases the likelihood of damage to furniture many times, alas. And do not believe the exhortations of sellers about the new technology "anti-pet" or "anti-claw". Nothing can guarantee 100% protection of fittings. What fabric is best for sofa upholstery in this case? Very, very dense, with a thin weave, such as flock or velor. So it will be difficult for the pet to pry off the thread, it will be inconvenient to sharpen the claws. And he will probably lose interest quickly.

You can also purchase protective covers, although this is a temporary measure. There is no point in using them permanently.

If there is a puppy in the house or its establishment is planned, choose furniture without fittings, on metal legs. Dogs are not indifferent to the tree, especially in puppyhood, when their teeth are being cut.

Otherwise, advice from veterinarians on raising a pet will help protect the fittings.

What to look for in the store

1. Choose only reliable manufacturers, carefully study the reviews before buying. It is better to pay more once, the savings are rarely justified. Poor-quality fabrics quickly lose their appearance. In addition, formaldehyde dyes often used in such materials can be dangerous for children and animals.
2. If the plans are to buy a kit, ordering items separately is a risky business. It happens that production technologies change. And if you later decide to add in the same upholstery, the fabric may differ, you will get a different tone.
3. Choose products with a weight of at least 330 grams per meter. The greater the weight, the higher the density of the material, which means that it will retain its shape for a long time. This is more important than the Martindale abrasion test, which is often carried out by sellers in stores. The fact is that it is very difficult to erase the thread, but it stretches quickly.

How to calculate the footage if you decide to make a constriction

It is not difficult to calculate the required amount of material for. To do this, remove the old upholstery and measure all the components at the widest and longest places. About 10-20% must be added to the vertical data - for allowances and seams. A little more if there is a drawing and its combination is necessary.

If the old upholstery cannot be removed, you will have to measure by eye. To do this, you need to measure the length, width and height of the sofa, multiply the resulting values ​​​​by two. But, of course, it is easier to call the master. A professional at the first glance can tell how many meters will be needed for the waist.

• Material prepared: Anastasia Khripunkova

When buying a sofa, the question arises which sofa upholstery fabric is better to choose. After all, the life of the sofa will depend on its quality.

The choice of the right upholstery fabric primarily depends on how you plan to use the sofa. I will give a few examples.

Living room sofa fabric. If the sofa will be used as a place to sit and relax, for example, then, first of all, the upholstery of such a sofa must be resistant to dirt and mechanical stress. Who doesn't like to eat while sitting on the couch at the TV screen, but here it's just - distracted by a match or favorite TV series and "OPS" - a piece of cutlet with ketchup instead of a mouth sent to the upholstery of the sofa. And friends with beer and fish, and a beloved cat or dog. Everyone wants to stain your favorite sofa. It's good when the fabric is not afraid of this. For intensive loads, fabrics made of synthetic fibers are well suited. They wash well and do not absorb odors and dirt.

sleep sofa upholstery fabric. Another example of the use of a sofa is a sofa for organizing a sleeping place. Such a sofa is not used as intensively as a sofa from the living room and therefore the criteria for providing comfortable rest and sleep are more important for its upholstery. The fabric of the sleeping sofa is preferably made from natural materials, or at least the composition of the upholstery fabric should contain at least 50% natural fibers. Flock fabric is not bad for a sleeping sofa. It does not lint and does not cause allergies, keeps its shape well and is suitable for daily use.

Fabric for a sofa in the nursery. The fabric of a children's sofa should be resistant to intense pollution. Kids love to improvise - paints and glue and a turtle with a hamster on the sofa are used here. But in addition to resistance to dirt, the fabric should not cause allergies, and if possible be natural. Often on children's sofas, cotton is used as upholstery. True, all natural fabrics do not tolerate pollution. As a way out, you can treat a sofa made of natural fabric with a special protective Teflon impregnation.

sofa upholstery fabric for kitchen. The upholstery of such a sofa should not absorb kitchen odors, be easy to clean and repel grease and dirt. Leatherette upholstery will do a good job with this task. Fabrics with absorbent surfaces for the kitchen are contraindicated.

I hope the principle of choosing the best fabric has become clear to you.

How to correctly evaluate the quality of fabric for sofa upholstery

From qualitative concepts - a good fabric or not very much, I will move on to a more important one - a quantitative evaluation system.

There are generally accepted characteristics by which one can judge the quality of the fabric of the sofa. Fabric testing is carried out by specialized independent companies. The result of their tests are numerical indicators of various characteristics of tissues.

Fabric manufacturers usually indicate the test parameters of their products in the quality certificate. When buying, you can ask the seller for it.

I will not dwell on the test methods, but only give their results. I collected the data in a small table

The main characteristics of fabrics that affect their performance properties

I would like to highlight Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certificate. This is a European certificate, which is issued only if there are no harmful substances banned in the European Union in the fabrics. The presence of a certificate indicates the environmental safety of the fabric

Now you have the opportunity to evaluate the quality of fabric for a sofa using a system of characteristics and you can compare different fabrics with each other.

You can proceed to the consideration of upholstery fabrics and their properties.

Before the review, I want to draw your attention to the fact that and depends on the type and quality of the upholstery fabric. After all, the fabric, along with the filler, helps to keep this shape.

chenille

The name of the fabric comes from the name of the thread that is part of the fabric. Chenille ("chenille" - French caterpillar). The thread looks like a shaggy caterpillar, has a soft rounded surface. Chenille yarn, for the production of fabric, is made by twisting dense threads with chenille thread. As a result, an inextensible thread is obtained, which determines the properties of the future fabric. Chenilles have a complex composition (natural and synthetic fibers), approximately 50% - cotton, 50% - synthetics. Chenille - a fabric with a split pile is very dense and durable. The pile of fabric can be combed on a special machine.

Chenille can have two types of base:

• fabric base- such a base is moisture resistant and withstands wet cleaning. The disadvantage of such a base is that it is not recommended to sleep on it all the time. Chenille with a fabric base from a long-term load can wrinkle and lose shape.
• glued base- such a base is afraid of wet cleaning. Due to water, such a fabric can be deformed, and after cleaning the fabric will dry for a very long time.

Advantages of chenille

• It has high wear resistance due to the presence of synthetic fibers.
• On ecological properties it is close to natural fabrics.
• Dust from chenille upholstery can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush or sponge.

Disadvantages of chenille

• The disadvantages include not a rich color scheme of the fabric, although it is quite acceptable for a moderate interior.
• When buying, it is very difficult to find out what kind of base the chosen chenille has. As a result, you can buy a fabric that is not suitable for your purposes.
• The fabric does not tolerate the impact of the claws of pets - the threads can be pulled out

Rogozhka

Gunny is a dense fabric with a fine texture. Usually monophonic. A characteristic difference between matting is the presence of thick fibers and a rather coarse weaving of threads. The fabric has increased elasticity and does not wrinkle at all for a long time, keeps its shape perfectly. Caring for matting is simple, there is no need to use special solutions and other means.

Advantages of matting

• High strength and wear resistance
• Ease of care

Disadvantages of matting

• Weak colors

Velours

Velvety, pleasant to the touch, soft fabric. The pile can be located vertically throughout the fabric or in some areas smoothed to one side. The pile is embossed, combed on a stencil or laid in a variety of patterns, so velor can be smooth, shaped, embossed, etc. Cotton and woolen velours are used for upholstery of upholstered furniture.

Advantages of velor

• The ease of care of this fabric is achieved through the use of high-tech fibers in its composition, which have antistatic and anti-allergic properties.
• Velor has a very high abrasion threshold, any dirt is easily removed from the surface of the fabric, which allows you to use this fabric for many years.

Velor Disadvantages

• High price
• Low resistance to mechanical point loads. Animal claws, injections, etc.

Flock (substitute for velvet)

It is an upholstery fabric with a polyester and cotton backing (usually 35% cotton, 65% synthetic) on which the pile is applied electrostatically. First, a canvas is made from a cotton thread of a rare linen weave (“mesh”). It is impregnated with glue and stretched in an electromagnetic field, where a pile is sprayed onto it. The result is a neutral white pile fabric. Then the fabric is printed.

Advantages of flock

• Keeps shape permanent
• Easy to wash.
• Has good light fastness
• Has water repellent properties
• Has a dense structure
• Possesses good antistatic properties - resistant to dust
• Paint durability; brightness of colors
• Health safety.

Teflon flock (curtisan)

A modern look of upholstery fabric. Belongs to the fabrics of a new generation. Fabric fibers have Teflon protection at the molecular level. Due to the presence of Teflon, Curtisan perfectly tolerates pollution. easy to clean. One of the qualities of this fabric is its good resistance to pet claws. If you have animals in your house, take a closer look at Teflon flock sofas.

Tapestry

One of those natural natural upholstery fabrics. The tapestry is distinguished by the correct interweaving of yarn with a figure or an ornamental composition and many different shades and colors. It can be washed. The tapestry is practical, durable, pleasant to the touch. The ability of the fabric to take almost any shape, its plasticity, allow it to be used everywhere: on upholstered furniture, chairs, walls, in various decorative elements.

Advantages of a tapestry

• naturalness
• Attractive appearance

Tapestry Disadvantages

• Low resistance to heavy loads
• Does not tolerate wet and intensive cleaning
• High price

Jacquard

Fabric with a complex pattern of a large report (vertical and horizontal repetition of the pattern). This is achieved by interlacing the longitudinal and transverse warp threads in a predetermined order. According to the composition of the raw material, the fabric can be homogeneous or mixed, for example, polyester with viscose, cotton or acrylic. Jacquard is one of the expensive fabrics. Such fabrics are very strong and durable, not whimsical in operation. Jacquard is used for upholstery of expensive furniture.

Advantages of jacquard

• It has high strength and durability.
• Has a rich range of colors. Looks expensive and unique

Disadvantages of jacquard

• The high price of the material. You have to pay for beauty.
• The fabric does not like intensive cleaning. As a result of diligence when cleaning, the fabric may change color.

Thermal jacquard and scotchguard

These types of upholstery are improved types of jacquard.

Thermo jacquard obtained by thermal dyeing jacquard. Drawing under the influence of high temperature is transferred to the primary tissue. The result is a stable fabric surface.

scotchguard it is a jacquard covered with a transparent impregnation, which creates a protective film on the fabric, protecting it from dirt and wear. At the same time, all the aesthetic charm of jacquard is preserved. Scotchguard is well suited for sofas with very heavy use, such as the sofa in the living room.

Boucle

The fabric - boucle is similar to a sheared lamb. Boucle means curl in French. A characteristic feature of this tissue is the presence of dense, protruding nodules on the surface of the tissue. The fabric has an original decorative look. A particularly decorative effect is achieved through the use of threads of different colors. Boucle is a fairly durable material.

Advantages of a boucle

• original appearance
• low price

Disadvantages of boucle

• Afraid of sharp objects. Contact may cause puffs on the fabric.
• Due to the porous surface, the fabric is quite easily soiled.
• In case of contamination, immediately remove stains with a clean cloth using mild soap;
• Stains are not recommended to be rubbed, they must be blotted, then (if necessary) treated with soapy water using a soft sponge and blotted again with a clean cloth.

Natural leather

Genuine leather is the main facing material for the manufacture of high-quality, "prestigious" upholstered furniture.

Advantages of natural leather

• Prestigious appearance.
• Efficient and durable in operation.
• Durable, not afraid of prolonged loads
• Easy to clean.

Disadvantages of genuine leather

• High price
• And perhaps the fact that it is not very comfortable to sit on a leather sofa without clothes.

Artificial leather (imitation leather, leatherette)

Material with one-sided monolithic or porous PVC coating on cotton and polyester knitted bases. Artificial leather is not inferior in terms of performance to genuine leather, a fairly wear-resistant material intended for both household furniture and furniture in public spaces.

Advantages of artificial leather

• High resistance to dirt and stress.
• The surface does not absorb odors and dirt
• Cleans well

Disadvantages of faux leather

• Solid colors
• Afraid of sunlight and high temperatures
• It is not comfortable to sit without outerwear, especially in hot and cold weather.

eco-leather

This type of fabric is very similar to genuine leather, and in terms of environmental friendliness it is not inferior to it.

This material is obtained by applying porous polyurethane to a base of dense cotton fabric. The result is a wear-resistant, temperature-resistant fabric with a breathable surface that is well breathable, which contributes to its impeccable environmental friendliness.

The texture of the surface and in appearance and tactile sensations resembles natural leather. The only significant difference is the price. Eco-leather is several times cheaper than genuine leather.

Arpatek

Initially, this material was developed for car seat upholstery.

Arpatek belongs to the category of artificial leather. The fabric has unique characteristics in terms of light resistance, abrasion resistance, tear strength. It feels like leather with perfect dressing. The materials for the manufacture of arpatek are viscose, cotton and polyurethane in proportions of 42% -33% -25%.

Microfiber (artificial or furniture suede)

Modern analogue of natural suede. Appeared in 1976 in Japan. The fabric has a low pile surface, its structure consists of many micro-pores. Due to micropores, the fabric has high strength and performance characteristics.

As a rule, microfiber is coated with Teflon impregnation to create a protective film on the surface of the fabric, which gives it good characteristics in terms of resistance to abrasion and stress. The material does not fade, repels dirt and grease.

Microfiber is perfect for sofas with heavy loads - in the living room or children's rooms

Cotton

Natural material. It is well dyed and breathes. The main disadvantage of cotton is its short service life. To improve the characteristics of cotton, manufacturers cover it with an impregnation that prevents paint from wiping and premature wear. Cotton is most often used for children's sofas. Firstly, the material is environmentally friendly and harmless to children, and a short service life will require replacement along with the changing needs of a grown child. Sofa for growth.

Well, now go for it!

The sofa is a comfortable place to relax. However, in order for the operation of such furniture to bring pleasure, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the external cladding. Let's try to determine the best material for sofa upholstery.

Leather

A classic option, ideal for people who are trying to reflect their viability in interior design. Externally, the upholstery can be matte or lacquered, wrinkled, embossed, with or without printed patterns. The main difficulty here lies in the choice of high-quality leather dressing of a suitable shade.

Such material for upholstery of sofas has the following advantages:

• noble appearance;
• feeling of solidity;
• durability;
• simple and fast maintenance.

Among the shortcomings of the material, gradual cracking and abrasion can be noted when choosing insufficiently high-quality leather. The obvious disadvantage for most consumers is the high cost of such a solution.

Cotton

Natural material for harmless, non-toxic. Due to these qualities, cotton is ideal for upholstering upholstered furniture that will be used in a children's room.

The fabric is easily dyed, well passes air and absorbs moisture. The only downside to cotton is that it wears out relatively quickly. The material for upholstery of sofas is on average about 5-7 years, subject to regular use. To give the fabric durability, manufacturers often treat it with special compounds that prevent abrasion and discoloration.

Jacquard

Considering the best materials for upholstery of sofas - which are suitable for these purposes - it is impossible not to mention jacquard, which is a fairly dense, high-quality and elegant base.

The material is practically not subject to abrasion, does not fade and therefore retains its original appearance for many years. Weaving here is characterized by a complex, exquisite pattern. Often, silver and gold threads are used as inclusions.

In the manufacture of the highest quality, expensive furniture, such material for upholstery of sofas as stretch jacquard is used. The latter has a breathable effect, perfectly absorbs moisture, which is reflected in the life of the upholstery. Thanks to the treatment with special antistatic impregnations, the adhesion of dust and debris to the surface of the material is reduced.

Flock

What is the best material for sofa upholstery? Many experts consider flock fabric to be the best option for these purposes, which is not only durable and attractive in appearance, but also environmentally friendly.

Outwardly, the flock is in many ways reminiscent of velvet. The composition of the material includes 65% synthetics and 35% organic cotton. The velvet look of the surface of the fabric is given by weaving of nylon and nylon pile.

Such material for upholstery of sofas looks like the best solution for decorating furniture that will be located in the living room. The fabric is able to withstand any household pollution, and even the sharp claws of pets do not leave almost any noticeable marks on its surface.

Flock upholstery has the following advantages:

• pleasant to the touch, velvety, soft texture;
• simple care and cleaning;
• there is no effect of fading in the sun;
• resistance to moisture, mechanical damage;
• variety of colors.

However, flock absorbs odors well. Therefore, its use is irrational for the upholstery of kitchen upholstered furniture.

chenille

A very common sofa upholstery material. It has a soft dense pile, presented in the form of a harmonious combination of synthetic and natural fibers. The fabric is extremely pleasant to the touch, it is distinguished by a variety of various shades.

The use of such a solution allows you to create a feeling of warmth and comfort in the house, to give upholstered furniture an extremely aesthetic look. Chenille is able to maintain its original structure and qualities for decades. As special tests show, the fabric can withstand about 70 million touches. And this equals approximately 50 years of service.

Chenille is easy to clean from dust and dirt. When caring for such upholstery, it is enough to use a conventional vacuum cleaner, a damp sponge and a brush with soft bristles.

Silk

Fabrics made from natural silk fibers are rarely used for upholstery of upholstered furniture. Only the most expensive interior items are honored with such a constriction.

Despite the visual fragility, silk is unusually strong. The material has hypoallergenic, bactericidal and antistatic properties. The surface of the fabric is extremely smooth and pleasant to the touch. Silk leaves a pleasant feeling in contact with the skin in any weather - whether it be hot or cold.

Tapestry

Trying to decide what material to choose for sofa upholstery, special attention should be paid to tapestry, which has been used for upholstering upholstered furniture since the middle of the 14th century. Modern light industry offers the consumer the widest range of such fabrics. Tapestry upholstery is strong and durable, it is distinguished by a variety of textures and plots, from the colorful avant-garde to children's motifs.

The basis of the material is cotton and woolen threads, supplemented by the use of the latter significantly increases the resistance of the fabric to wear. Like other high-quality sofa upholstery materials, the tapestry is treated with special impregnations that protect it from contamination.

The advantages of fabric are:

• luxurious appearance;
• high tensile strength and abrasion;
• production using natural, environmentally friendly bases (cotton content can be from 40 to 80%).

The main disadvantage of tapestry fabric is that it fades quickly in the sun. Therefore, furniture with such upholstery is recommended to be installed away from windows.

Arpatek

Initially, the fabric was developed as an upholstery material for car seats, therefore it has increased resistance to abrasion.

Arpatek is unique in its structure, to the touch it resembles soft, thin leather of high-quality dressing. Such upholstery is difficult to tear, all kinds of mechanical influences. The fabric does not fade in the sun, retains its original shade for a long time, does not stick to the body.

The basis of the material is natural cotton, polyurethane and viscose. Thanks to this composition, the fabric is not afraid of exposure to moisture, food contamination.

How to choose the best sofa upholstery material? The photos presented in this material allow you to determine the most attractive solutions. However, the decisive role here is played by the practicality of the fabric when used in certain conditions.

To understand which material is best suited for the upholstery of the selected sofa or chair, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. If upholstered furniture will be used as a sleeping place, it is desirable that the upholstery fabric is at least half composed of synthetic fibers. This solution will ensure the upholstery is resistant to wear.
2. As an external material for the upholstery of the sofa in the children's room, it is worth choosing a natural fabric that is easy to clean and does not require special care. The best solution in this situation is chenille, as well as cotton treated with protective compounds.
3. The sofa in the living room will become a practical means of relaxation in the presence of synthetic - wear-resistant and unpretentious in care - upholstery. A good option here looks like flock, leatherette, arpatek.
4. When choosing upholstery for a sofa that is installed in the hall, you should pay attention to genuine leather, since in this case it is not so much the performance of the material that is decisive, but the respectable appearance.

Eventually

When deciding on the nature of the upholstery for upholstered furniture, it is necessary to decide what qualities of the fabric are valuable in the existing conditions, whether it be practicality, safety, appearance, ease of maintenance, etc. To choose the best solution for interior design will allow a comparison of the characteristics of the above materials. But only practice will show how good this or that upholstery is.

The main criterion for choosing upholstered furniture is the material from which the upholstery is made, its quality, cost and resistance to wear, the location and those characteristics that can withstand conditions with high humidity, significant mechanical stress, etc. are taken into account. sofa or armchair upholstery that requires reupholstery.

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What upholstery to choose for the sofa

You need to know how to choose upholstery for a sofa so that it not only decorates the interior of the room, but also lasts as long as possible. First of all, it is necessary to determine where the piece of furniture will stand, which upholstery is the most practical in this or that case.

For the living room, the fabric should have a high degree of wear resistance, especially if there are children and animals in the house, often guests who sit on the sofa come. In this case, the best material is genuine leather, but if the owners like to sit on it late at night, without clothes, the tactile sensations from the skin are unpleasant. Flock, jacquard, tapestry, chenille can be an excellent option.

To prevent damage from the harmful effects of animals, before choosing a fabric, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics and give preference to dense “anti-claw” materials - with a short pile and dense weaving of threads. Sharp claws do not penetrate between them, so damage is not inflicted.

For a child's room, it is better to give preference to natural fabrics such as linen and cotton. When using flock, the surface can even be washed and quickly cleaned from various contaminants.

For the kitchen, the main requirement for the upholstery material is the ability to resist the penetration of moisture and odors, and most importantly, it is easy to clean. Of the common fabrics, jacquard, flock and leather (leatherette) have water-repellent and wear-resistant properties.

When the main goal is to be able to wash the upholstery and choose one that dries quickly without additional impact, scotchguard or microvelor is perfect. The first matter is made on a natural basis, has a durable coating that does not allow liquid to pass through. The second is a dirt-resistant fabric, the pile of which is designed in such a way that the liquid penetrates through it only after a while.

The best upholstery for sofas

The textile market offers many familiar fabrics and their updated variations, as well as novelties of domestic and foreign production. Considering the question of what upholstery to choose for a sofa or armchair, it is necessary to carefully study at least the most common types of them.

The best universal upholstery - flock

The interpretation of traditional velvet is flock. This is a durable, reliable, fireproof, environmentally friendly and beautiful fabric. The basis of matter is made of cotton (35%) and synthetics (65%). The coating is a pile of kapron or nylon threads, thanks to which a soft and pleasant to the touch surface is formed.

Hypoallergenic dyes are used for dyeing, so this upholstery is appropriate in residential areas where children or people who are prone to allergies live.

Thanks to a special silicone coating, the flock is able to withstand any pollution, and the density of the threads is the strongest mechanical stress and animal attacks.

Flock belongs to the category of fabrics for upholstery of the lower and middle price sector. Its main disadvantage is the accumulation of static electricity, which, when the material bends under weight, makes an unpleasant creaky sound.

The best upholstery for children's furniture - chenille

Chenille is an upholstery fabric for sofas, characterized by high strength due to the peculiarities of production and the presence of artificial fibers in the composition.

This material is the best for a child's room. It looks nice, warm and cozy. In addition, any kind of contaminants are perfectly washed off with alcohol or acetic solutions from its surface.

Microfibres

The American company Microfibres has been on the market for almost a century thanks to high-quality and wear-resistant furniture upholstery. The most popular fabric of this company has become an ultra-modern flock modification - microvelour.

Innovative production technology and the use of self-produced glue, the recipe of which is kept strictly secret from competitors, allow microfiber microfibers to be firmly bonded. This results in high performance. Thanks to them, microvelour is perceived as the best upholstery for a sofa.

For sophisticated interiors - jacquard

If the upholstery for the sofa is selected for the classic interior of the living room, jacquard may be the best option. The pattern on this material is formed by weaving threads into a structure, and it is customary to decorate plain canvases with silver and gold fibers. This is an elegant fabric, the density and thickness of which directly depend on the thread used to create it.

Jacquard is practically not subject to abrasion and fading, it is able to retain its original shape and color for many years.

Despite its many advantages, this material cannot be wet cleaned, so it is not advisable to choose it if there are small children or animals in the house.

The best material for furniture with a cover is velor

Such a fabric for a sofa, like velor, is distinguished by a velvety surface with a pile located vertically or laid on one side in some areas of the canvas. Made from cotton and wool, thanks to which it has anti-allergic and antistatic properties.

The positive characteristics also include a high degree of abrasion and ease of care. Dirt is easily removed with a simple wash. Such material retains its original characteristics for a long time.

Rogozhka

Gunny is a material equipped with thick fibers and coarse weaving. The cloth differs in high elasticity, is not rumpled, keeps the form during all term of operation.

Gunny belongs to the fabrics of the middle price range, durable and easy to care for. The negative characteristics include a small selection of colors.

Velvet upholstery

Lovers of soft fleecy surfaces should choose velveteen for sofa upholstery, completely covered with "hairy" threads, pleasant to the touch stripes, the density and size of which depends on the production technology.

There is no standard print on velveteen, the pattern can only be done in the form of embossing or printed method.

Corduroy is easy to clean, just wipe the pile with a cloth moistened with a special stain remover.

Upholstery for living rooms in country style - tapestry

Tapestry is an ancient double-sided material for upholstery of sofas, which is produced by weaving about a hundred threads of wool, cotton and synthetics. The latter began to be used to impart high wear-resistant properties to the canvas.