Nothing has a greater effect on the look of upholstered furniture than the fabric. It's the most visible indication of fashion and quality. It's also the part of an upholstered piece to show soil and wear fastest.
So how do you select a fabric that has the style, durability and feel that you want? It's all in knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask.
Things To Consider When Selecting A Fabric
Style - First, the fabric should be appropriate to the style and character of the piece it is covering. A traditional frame will usually look best with a more traditional fabric style. Second, the scale of the pattern should be appropriate to the room size. As a rule, large repeating patterns look better in larger rooms. Also consider whether the fabric has the right "mood" for the room and the furniture it will cover.
Color - Color is probably the number one reason people select certain fabrics. But certain color fabrics may not be the best choice for durability and stain resistance. If you have small children and pets, you're probably better off choosing a color that won't show dirt easily.
Durability - Will the furniture be in an area of the house that receives the heaviest traffic? Pieces subject to daily heavy wear need to be covered in tough, durable, tightly woven fabrics. Generally, fabrics that have their pattern "woven in" will wear better than printed fabrics.
Thread Count - The higher the thread count, the more tightly woven the fabric... and the better it will wear.
Fade Resistance - Will your furniture be exposed to constant direct sunlight? To reduce the chance of fading, make sure your choices include fabrics that are sunlight resistant.
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