What Types of Upholstery Fabric Are Available?
Upholstery fabric is available in a wide range of materials including velvet, chenille, boucle, leather, suede, weaves and cotton - so whatever your project, there's an option to suit. Velvet is a firm favourite - soft, lustrous and available in a huge range of colours, it works beautifully on sofas, armchairs and headboards. Chenille is another brilliant choice, offering a lovely soft texture with great durability. If you're after something more contemporary, boucle and weaves in natural tones are very much on trend right now. Leather and suede are timeless options if you're looking for something sleek and hard-wearing, and cotton upholstery fabric is a great choice for lighter projects or a more relaxed, casual look. If durability is your priority, take a look at our range of hard wearing fabrics - ideal for high-traffic furniture that needs to stand the test of time.
How Do You Choose the Right Upholstery Fabric?
The best upholstery fabric for your project really depends on how your furniture is going to be used. If you have pets or children, or the piece is going to see a lot of wear, it's worth opting for something durable. All of the upholstery fabrics we stock are tested to the Martindale rub test standard, so you can shop with confidence knowing they're built to last. Not sure where to begin? Our guide to the best fabric for upholstery is a great place to start, and our ultimate upholstery guide covers everything from understanding different materials to choosing the right fabric for your sofa.
Plain or Patterned - the Choice Is Yours
One of the best things about choosing upholstery fabric is the sheer variety available. A plain fabric is a versatile, timeless choice that works well in almost any interior, while a bold pattern or print can add real personality to a room. Don't be afraid to mix textures and colours either - most interiors benefit from layering different materials, and there are no hard and fast rules. Go with what feels right for your space.
Where to Buy Upholstery Fabric
Yorkshire Fabric Shop is one of the UK's largest upholstery fabric retailers, with over 6,500 fabrics available by the metre. Before you commit, it's always a good idea to order swatches so you can see and feel the fabric in your own home - it's a service we're happy to offer, so you're in safe hands. Once you're ready to go, all our fabrics are available to order by the metre. And if you need a little extra inspiration, our guide to transforming your furniture is packed with practical tips to help you get the best results. Happy upholstery fabric shopping!
FAQs on Upholstery Fabric
Can I order upholstery fabric samples?
Yes, samples are available for all of our fabrics. We offer two sizes - a small 8cm x 10cm sample, or a Jumbo Sample cut at 125cm x 20cm if you want a better feel for the fabric.
Is there a limit on how many samples I can order?
No limit at all - order as many as you need.
Is this fabric too thin for upholstery?
Not at all! The thickness of a fabric doesn't affect how it performs in upholstery - once it's fitted, you simply can't tell. Thin fabrics can wear incredibly well too, with some achieving over 100,000 Martindale Rubs.
Can I use upholstery fabric for curtains?
Yes, absolutely. Upholstery fabric tends to drape really well, making it a great choice for curtains too.
What's the difference between curtain fabric and upholstery fabric?
Upholstery fabric is versatile enough to be used for both curtains and upholstery projects, whereas curtain fabric is designed for curtains only. If in doubt, go for upholstery fabric - it gives you more flexibility.
What width are your upholstery fabrics?
All of our fabrics have a useable width of 135cm. The roll itself may be wider, but it's the useable width that matters when you're planning your project.
Will my order arrive in one continuous piece?
Yes, orders of the same fabric will always arrive as one continuous piece, so you don't need to worry about joins.
Can you flame treat my upholstery fabric?
Yes, we can treat fabrics for both domestic and contract use. Just get in touch and we'll help you find the right solution.
Can you protect my fabric against spills?
Yes, we offer soil and stain protection treatment, which is perfect for guarding against water spills and everyday marks.
Can I receive my fabric without creases?
Yes, we can send your fabric out on a roll to keep it crease-free. Please be aware there may be an additional charge depending on the number of metres and your postcode, so it's worth giving us a call before you order.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship fabric, cushions, blinds and curtains to most countries worldwide.
