Fabric guide
Choosing the right cloth.
The fabric is what everyone sees, so it's worth getting right. Here's Paul's plain-spoken guide to the main options — and what to think about before you choose.
The main fabrics
Six families of fabric.
Velvet
Rich, soft, deep colour
Good for
Button-back chairs, chaise longues, statement sofas
Worth knowing
Shows pressure marks at first; cotton velvets are softer, modern performance velvets are tougher and easier to clean.
Leather
Hard-wearing, ages beautifully
Good for
Deep-buttoned Chesterfields, desk and club chairs
Worth knowing
Feels cool in winter and warm in summer. Good leather costs more but can last for decades with a little care.
Linen
Relaxed, natural, matt
Good for
Loose covers, country sofas, lighter rooms
Worth knowing
Creases easily and can mark; a linen blend with cotton or a little man-made fibre wears better on everyday seats.
Wool
Warm, springy, naturally durable
Good for
Armchairs, dining seats, family sofas
Worth knowing
Naturally resists soiling and flames. Tweeds and wool weaves hide everyday wear well.
Woven & tapestry
Patterned, textured, traditional
Good for
Wingbacks, period pieces, dining chairs
Worth knowing
Large patterns need extra fabric so they can be centred and matched across seat, back and arms.
Chenille & textured weaves
Soft, cosy, forgiving
Good for
Family sofas and everyday armchairs
Worth knowing
Loops can catch on claws, so check the weave if you have cats or dogs.
Before you choose
Six things to think about.
- How much use will it get?
- A family sofa needs a tougher fabric than a bedroom chair. Fabrics are tested for wear with a ‘rub count’ — Paul can tell you whether one is up to the job.
- Pets and children
- Tight, smooth weaves and performance fabrics cope best. Avoid loose loops and delicate silks on seats that see a lot of action.
- Sunlight
- Strong sun fades natural fibres and bright colours. Darker tones and wool or performance fabrics hold up better by a window.
- The age of the piece
- A Victorian chair often looks best in velvet, leather or a period weave — but there are no rules. Paul will help you weigh up what suits it.
- Pattern and quantity
- Stripes, florals and big repeats use more fabric so they line up neatly. Paul works out how much you need before you buy.
- Fire safety
- New upholstery in the UK must meet fire-safety rules. Many fabrics already comply; others can be used with a special interliner. Furniture made before 1950 is exempt.
Fabric questions
Still not sure?
Paul has helped people choose fabric for over 40 years. These are the questions he hears most.
Start a conversation
Got a piece that deserves better?
Send Paul a photo, ring the workshop or pop round. Honest advice and a clear quote, always.