13 Amazing Facts About Upholstery Fabric
Learning something new is always worthwhile, especially when it comes to the materials we use every day without giving them much thought. Upholstery fabrics have a fascinating story behind them, from their origins centuries ago to the advanced materials used in modern furniture.
Many people choose upholstery fabric based on colour, pattern, or texture, but there is much more to these materials than meets the eye. The world of upholstery is full of interesting developments, surprising inventions, and remarkable natural fibres that have stood the test of time.
To celebrate the rich upholstery history behind the fabrics we use today, we have gathered 13 amazing facts about upholstery fabric that you may not know.
Can't get enough of upholstery? Check our guide — What is Upholstery? The Ultimate Guide. It contains everything you need to know, from understanding upholstery fabrics and materials to choosing the right upholstery for your sofa.
1. The History of Upholstery Dates Back Centuries
One of the things that people get wrong about upholstery fabric is the belief that it is a relatively new invention. The history of upholstery stretches back much further than many people realise, and specialist fabrics have been developed and refined over centuries to meet the demands of furniture makers and homeowners alike. Early forms of upholstery began to gain popularity during the Middle Ages, with significant developments appearing during the 13th century.
At this time, upholstered furnishings were considered luxury items reserved for royalty and the wealthy elite. Rich fabrics, decorative tapestries, embroidered cushions, and luxurious bedding were symbols of status and power. Most upholstered pieces were relatively simple compared to modern furniture, with cushions, carpets, and wall hangings providing both comfort and decoration.
Homes were often cold and draughty, so fabric-covered furnishings served a practical purpose as well. Heavy textiles helped retain warmth while adding beauty to grand interiors. This period laid the foundations for the upholstery industry we know today.
2. Professional Upholstery Became Established in the Late 15th Century
Professional upholstery began to emerge as a recognised trade during the late 1400s. Following the end of the Wars of the Roses in England, furniture design evolved significantly and skilled upholsterers became increasingly important.
One famous example from this period is the Knole Settee. This highly decorative piece of furniture was originally designed for aristocratic households and often served ceremonial purposes. Its high sides and adjustable arms made it a distinctive symbol of wealth and prestige.
As royal households and wealthy landowners commissioned more elaborate furnishings, upholsterers gained greater recognition for their craftsmanship. Their work combined carpentry, sewing, fabric selection, and decorative detailing, skills that remain central to upholstery today.
3. Upholstery Fabric Can Be Made from Natural or Synthetic Fibres
Modern upholstery fabrics are available in an enormous range of materials. Most fabrics are made from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a blend of both.
Natural fibres include materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk. These fibres are valued for their comfort, appearance, and natural characteristics. Linen, for example, is known for its strength and subtle texture, while wool offers warmth and durability.
Synthetic fibres include polyester, acrylic, olefin, and nylon. These materials are engineered to provide specific benefits such as stain resistance, fade resistance, or easy maintenance.
Many contemporary upholstery fabrics combine natural and synthetic fibres to achieve the best balance of durability, comfort, appearance, and practicality.
4. Modern Upholstery Leather Has Many Alternatives
Leather remains one of the most popular upholstery materials in the world. It is valued for its durability, timeless appearance, and ability to age beautifully over time.
However, modern manufacturing has introduced several alternatives that offer similar visual appeal at a lower cost. Simulated suede and other advanced upholstery fabrics can provide the luxurious appearance and soft feel associated with traditional leather without the same price tag.
Many homeowners choose these alternatives because they are easier to maintain and can be more suitable for households with children or pets. The technology behind upholstery fabrics has improved dramatically, creating options that combine comfort, practicality, and style.
5. Cotton and Wool Have Been Used for Thousands of Years
Cotton and wool are among the oldest textile fibres known to humanity. Archaeological evidence suggests that both materials were being used to create fabrics as early as 3000 BC.
Cotton remains a popular upholstery choice because it allows air to circulate freely, helping furniture remain comfortable throughout the year. It also takes dye exceptionally well, making it available in countless colours and patterns.
Wool offers a different set of advantages. It naturally absorbs moisture, helps regulate temperature, and can reduce noise levels within a room. Wool fibres are also naturally resilient, helping furniture maintain its appearance even in busy households.
These qualities explain why both fibres have remained important throughout the long history of upholstery.
6. Microfibre Is Incredibly Fine
Microfibre is one of the most impressive developments in modern textile technology. The fibres are extremely small, often measuring less than one denier in thickness.
To put this into perspective, a single microfibre strand can be around one hundred times thinner than a human hair.
Originally developed in Japan during the second half of the twentieth century, microfibre quickly gained popularity due to its versatility. Upholstery fabrics made from microfibre are soft, durable, stain-resistant, and relatively easy to clean.
Many families choose microfibre upholstery because it performs well in busy homes while maintaining an attractive appearance for years.
7. Rayon Was Once Known as Artificial Silk
Rayon has a particularly interesting place in textile history. When it first appeared commercially during the early twentieth century, it was often referred to as "artificial silk".
Manufacturers developed rayon as a more affordable alternative to natural silk while attempting to replicate its smooth texture and attractive sheen.
Although rayon is man-made, it is produced from natural cellulose sources, usually derived from wood pulp. This gives it unique properties that differ from fully synthetic fibres.
Today, rayon is commonly blended with other materials to create upholstery fabrics that are comfortable, visually appealing, and cost-effective.
8. Silk Has Been Valued for Thousands of Years
Silk remains one of the most luxurious fabrics ever produced. Its history can be traced back thousands of years to ancient China, where the secrets of silk production were closely guarded for centuries.
The fabric is renowned for its natural shine, softness, and elegance. Even today, silk is often associated with luxury interiors and high-end furnishings.
Despite its beauty, silk requires careful handling. It can be susceptible to sunlight, moisture, and wear, making it more suitable for decorative furniture rather than heavily used seating.
Professional cleaning is generally recommended to preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan.
9. Olefin Offers Excellent Fade Resistance
Olefin is a synthetic fibre that has become increasingly popular in both indoor and outdoor upholstery applications.
One of its most remarkable characteristics is its colourfastness. During manufacturing, colour pigments are introduced directly into the molten fibres before they are formed. This process locks the colour into the material itself rather than applying it afterwards.
As a result, olefin fabrics are highly resistant to fading, even when exposed to sunlight for long periods.
The material is also resistant to moisture, mildew, and staining, making it a practical choice for conservatories, garden furniture, and other demanding environments.
10. Polyester Is One of the Most Versatile Upholstery Fibres
Polyester has become one of the most widely used upholstery materials in the world.
Its popularity comes from a combination of durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Polyester fibres are naturally resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling. They also retain their shape well, helping upholstered furniture maintain its appearance over time.
Modern polyester fabrics can mimic the texture and appearance of many natural materials, giving homeowners a wide variety of design options.
Because of its resilience, polyester is commonly used for family sofas, dining chairs, and outdoor seating where durability is a priority.
11. Acetate Provides a Silk-Like Appearance
Acetate is another manufactured fibre that was developed to offer some of the visual qualities associated with silk.
It has a smooth texture, elegant drape, and subtle sheen that can create a sophisticated appearance in upholstery applications.
Compared with natural silk, acetate is generally more affordable and can withstand greater levels of everyday use. While it may not possess all of silk's natural characteristics, it remains a popular choice for decorative upholstery where appearance is particularly important.
Its ability to reflect light beautifully has helped maintain its popularity for many years.
12. Acrylic Is Designed for Warmth and Durability
Acrylic fabrics are entirely synthetic and are often chosen for their durability and insulating properties.
The fibres are designed to replicate some of the characteristics of wool while providing additional resistance to sunlight and weather exposure. This makes acrylic a popular option for outdoor cushions, conservatory furniture, and other applications where fabrics may experience varying environmental conditions.
Acrylic materials can retain warmth effectively and maintain their colour well, even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
These qualities have made acrylic an important part of modern upholstery fabric collections.
13. Linen Is One of the Most Environmentally Friendly Fabrics
Linen has earned a strong reputation as one of the most sustainable upholstery fabrics available.
Produced from the flax plant, linen requires relatively few resources to grow compared with many other crops. Flax can thrive with limited irrigation and often requires fewer agricultural inputs than alternative fibre sources.
Beyond its environmental credentials, linen offers excellent durability and a distinctive natural texture that many homeowners love. It is naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew and remains comfortable throughout the year thanks to its breathable structure.
For people who appreciate natural materials and timeless style, linen continues to be one of the most respected upholstery fabrics available.
What Will You Reupholster Next?
From medieval castles to modern living rooms, upholstery fabrics have played an important role in shaping how we live and decorate our homes. The upholstery history behind these materials reveals centuries of innovation, craftsmanship, and evolving design. Every upholstery material has its own unique story to tell.
Ready to start your upholstery project? Browse our full range of upholstery fabric — there are hundreds of colours, textures and styles to choose from.