The upholstery fabric you choose is the important element of any decorating project you undertake. The interior is just as important as the exterior and its purpose. The fabric you choose will make or break the aesthetic of your furniture. To get everyone on the same page, upholstery is the art of installing furniture with padding, springs, fillings, and coverings.
Before choosing the right fabric, you need to consider some important things:
1. Price. Upholstery fabrics come in a wide range of prices depending on the material and quality. But that doesn't mean "good" fabrics with desirable properties have to be expensive. Modern technology has made it possible to get some incredibly high-performance and comfortable fabrics at affordable prices. To make sure you don't spend too much, see how much fabric you'll need to upholster your desired item and estimate the cost.
2. Durability. It is important to consider what the fabric will be used for, where it will be placed, the presence of children and pets, etc., as these will all determine how tough you need the fabric to be. Furniture-like couches require some of the friction numbers because they are used (and rubbed) in more ways than headboards.
3. Maintenance. Fabrics like leather won't pick up crumbs, odors, or anything else, and can be wiped clean. Conversely, fabric (like velvet) stains are very visible and will only attract pet/dander-loving shoppers to their Black Friday sale. To make matters worse, highly delicate fabrics like silk must be professionally cleaned to prevent damage.