Clare Louise Does your old furniture become won out but you don’t want to throw it? Well, how about reviving it again? upholstery is one of the easiest ways of doing so. Purchasing new upholstery fabrics cost much less than buying new furniture. However, with the huge availability of upholstery fabrics in the market today, it is very difficult to choose the right one.
To help you ease out, we’ve gathered the pros and cons of the most common upholstery fabrics;
Pros And Cons Of Various Upholstery Fabrics
- Leather
Pros
- Leather is known for its ease of maintenance and durability.
- It doesn’t absorb liquids.
- It is ideal for heavy use and can be put anywhere, be it the bedroom, living room, or drawing room.
- It is stain-resistant.
- Leather can be easily polished or buffed when needed.
Cons
- Good quality leather is quite expensive.
- It is not enough comfortable to sit on like other upholstery fabrics.
- It can become cracked or brittle when exposed to extreme weather conditions.
- Leather can be easily damaged by any sharp object such as the nib of a pen, scissors, etc.
- Polyester
Pros
- Polyester is relatively more stain-resistant.
- It is one of the best upholstery fabrics because of its incredible durability.
- It is relatively easier to clean.
- Polyester is comfortable.
- The material is extremely soft.
Cons
- Polyester is not eco-friendly.
- It can be flammable.
- It is vulnerable to heat and harsh weather conditions.
- It can absorb perspiration and bodily oils
- Linen
Pros
- Linen is a relatively eco-friendly and sustainable upholstery fabric.
- It is known for its softness.
- It is easy to clean.
- As linen is a natural fiber, it allows your skin to breathe.
- Linen is quite affordable.
- It is re mold and mildew resistant.
Cons
- Unlike other upholstery fabrics, linen is not enough durable.
- It gets wrinkled easily.
- It is not resistant to smells and stains. Also, the material absorbs the spills almost quickly.
- Cotton
Pros
- As cotton is breathable, it allows air to circulate.
- It is resistant to mildew, pests, and abrasions.
- Cotton can be easily washed in the machine.
- It is comfortable and soft.
Cons
- Just like linen, cotton also tends to wrinkle easily.
- It can absorb stains, spills, and smells even more quickly.
- Cotton is not as durable as other upholstery fabrics out there.
- Olefin
Pros
- Olefin is resistant to water and stains.
- It is relatively easier to clean.
- It is also resistant to discoloration, abrasions, and mildew.
Cons
- Olefin is vulnerable to heat and light.
- It is not as versatile as other upholstery fabrics listed out there.
- When exposed to sunlight for longer, olefin can get brittle.
- Velvet
Pros
- Velvet is durable and can last for decades.
- It doesn’t get fade with time.
- It is a luxury and versatile material.
Cons
- Velvet is prone to attract dirt and dust mites.
- It is not ideal for outdoor upholstery.
- It can absorb spills quickly.
- Wool
Pros
- Wool is hardwearing, durable, and comfy.
- It is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- It is moisture and flame-resistant.
- It doesn’t get stained easily.
Cons
- Wool is quite an expensive upholstery fabric.
- It is not as versatile as other fabrics.
- The material can only be dry cleaned.
These were some of the most popular upholstery fabrics. We hope you guys have got it cleary to choose the best one!
