A commitment with furniture for a new home is always expected to be long term, based on the values of good design and great quality. With varieties in colours, fabrics and silhouettes, the possibilities always seem endless, especially while considering fabrics for upholstered furniture.
For many, comfort and style are of highest priority, while some go for the quantifiable benefits like durability, effortless maintenance and resistance to wearing off. Here are some stellar tips to help you ace your upholstery fabric purchases.
Throw in some colour
Don’t fall for trends, but do not shy away from making visual statements with your colour choice. Most often, colour is the single most important reason to choose a fabric, so make sure your colour choice is one you can live with happily for a long time. For instance, it may be best to avoid a very bold colour for a smaller room, especially if your sofa is also large.
It is very important to strike the right balance — warm and cool colours affect the mood of the room. Summer times evoke cooler, lighter and fresher interiors, hence go ahead on that icy blue or the misty white that you have been eyeing for a long while.
Another great value addition to upholstery fabric is piping and seam finish. This method adds zing and contrast to a basic fabric. For instance, you could add a contrasting piping to bring out the form of your furniture though colour and a defining pattern.
Where? and why?
When it comes to deciding the right type of fabric for your upholstery, there is a large variety to look at.
To start with, always keep the purpose and end use in mind. Sensitive and expensive fabrics are appropriate for areas used occasionally. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk, are premium and pleasant to feel.
For frequent usage in areas like the dining room, opt for fabrics which come with ease in maintenance. Polyesters and vinyls are great for durability, and can be vacuumed or damp-wiped. A shortcoming though, is that they aren’t so great to feel, particularly in places with compelling temperatures.
No compromise
Remember to predict the frequency of usage, if the furniture will be exposed to direct sunlight and who exactly will be using the furniture. Go for practical fabrics and leatherettes to promote ease of care and durability in most frequented spaces. Furniture prone to rough usage should be covered in tightly woven fabrics which must have high fabric abrasion properties. It’s always recommended to opt for high thread count woven fabrics as they hold up much better as well as are easy to clean.
For people with pets around, it’s best to a consider a microfibre fabric or leather/leatherette as these can withstand extra wear and tear.
Patterns
This can make it or break it for you! Consider the scale of the pattern. It should be appropriate to the size of the furniture it is covering, as well as the room size. A large bold, pattern might work better in a larger room, while a more muted or smaller one might be a better choice for a smaller space. Most often, you need not have go for overpowering colours and forms, go for a subtle look. Use tone on tone or monochromes to lift up a space.
Finishing touches
It’s no surprise that choosing from the never-ending range of finishes from —weather proofing, fire resistant, wrinkle free — the list is endless and can be confusing. But the game changer is to stick to your needs. For instance, for everyday use, apply the stain- resistant wonder to your upholstery.
Tightly packed weaves ensure sturdiness and a seamless finish. Piped edges are great alternatives to a plain seam. Tufting also is a good alternative for a plush feel. Always remember you must love the fabric you choose. Since you are investing time and money on your upholstered piece, make sure you find the fabric you will appreciate for a long time to come.
— The writer is the design lead (interiors) at Urban Ladder.
