What is it for?
A common question we normally ask when we buy things on the market. We checked every detail and functionalities of a certain item, so we know if it is worth buying for. We can relate it to when it comes to purchasing fabrics in a shop. Most of them are quite pricey, and sometimes we ask if we can make instalments or perhaps buy it with discounts.
Knowing what type of fabric to use and their characteristics can help someone narrow down their choices. In that way, they save up some money.
Upholstery fabric is categorized into two aspects, namely; Synthetic fabrics and natural fabrics.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics are made from fibres that come from nature, especially; plants and animals. They are soft and versatile. They are breathable and have some properties to protect themselves from UV lights; which cause discolouration. Here are some examples that are part of natural fabrics.
1. Leather
It’s the type of fabric that stands apart from the rest. Leather is made from raw animal hides. Leather is a kind of upholstery fabric that is an excellent long-term investment. It’s classy and has a sophisticated touch. It’s a good option for homes with pets and children, as it’s resistant to scratches, stains, and spills. It ages well, meaning, the longer you would use it, the more it gets comfortable.
2. Cotton
It’s a common plant-based fibre. It has been used for a lot of fabric materials, even in upholstery. Since cotton is highly breathable and absorbent, you can ultimately use this fabric for winter and autumn season. It provides warmth in your furniture. You might sleep soundly on your sofa while getting cosy on cotton fabric.
3. Wool
Wool is a great option for couches in the living room. It gives a pleasant feeling for someone who wants to sit and watch TV or Netflix shows. Other than that it is fire and water-resistant. It can adapt to any weather. Its insulating properties are superb that it gets warm when the weather is cold and cold when it is hot.
4. Linen
Linen is one of the most affordable upholstery fabrics these days. It’s known for having antibacterial and resistant to mildew. An interesting fact about linen is that it gets stronger when it’s wet. Its durability is astounding that it’s recommended for heavily used furniture. Moreover, linen has fading resistant, which means it may take a while to replace them with a new one.
5. Silk
Silk is high-maintenance fabric in the sense that it requires much care to last longer. On the contrary, it’s durable and has a strong property that’s why it’s popular. Aside from its durability, the aesthetic is undeniably good compared to cotton and wool.
6. Rayon and Chenille
These fabrics are commonly paired with synthetic fibres. Both are suitable for comfy pieces like oversized recliners, sofas and children’s furniture. Unfortunately, they have specific disadvantages. Rayon is not resistant to abrasions and can be damaged if they are exposed directly to sunlight while chenille is prone to stretching.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic textiles are made of either natural fibres and inorganic products or chemicals. The mixtures of natural fabrics and some chemicals are the compositions of synthetic fabric which is commonly used in upholstery.
Nylon
One of the marvellous things that nylon could offer is resiliency. It’s resistant to almost everything; abrasions, mildew, wrinkling, and staining. Nylon fabric was originally marketed as silk replacement. The elasticity and stretchability contribute to its popularity in upholstery. You can use it for a long time because it has great resistance to tears and abrasions.
Acrylic
If nylon was marketed as silk replacement, acrylic serves as an imitation of wool. It’s often blended with natural fabrics to make upholstery more durable. Acrylic is favoured due to its characteristics like; gives the plush, soft and comfy feel, yet it’s much inexpensive and low maintenance. Acrylic is the prime choice for outdoor upholstery.
Acetate
Synthetic fabrics imitate the properties of natural materials. Acetate, which is a synthetic fibre, imitates silk. It has a similar luxurious look and feel. If you want the look of silk but not its cost, switch to using acetate. Acetate fabrics are long-wearing, resistant to pills, wrinkles, shrinking and mildew.
Olefin
Olefin is produced from melted, plastic pellets. It is highly substantial and can stand the test of time. It’s resistant to wet conditions, moisture, mildew, chemicals, and abrasion. However, the olefin can be susceptible to heat and oils, and if not treated properly, sunlight can damage it.
Whether synthetic or natural fabrics, it’s up to consumer’s choice. Their uses have already been stated and published anywhere on the internet. Yorkshire Fabric shop is just one of the various online shops to visit when you feel like looking into the upholstery. They give more than just fabric.