What are the different types of upholstered materials?

There are many different types of upholstery materials, including cotton, linen, wool, acetate, hemp, silk, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, rayon and nylon. Upholstered material can be created using one type of yarn or a blend of more than one type. The longevity and lifespan of your furniture are dependent on whether you have chosen the right type of upholstery material.

Types of upholstered material used:

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics for your upholstery material include cotton, linen, silk, wool and leather these fabrics are the most popular natural upholstery materials. Natural upholstery material is usually desired by someone who is searching for the softest, minimal performance-based feel for their furnishings.

• Cotton - Cotton is the most popular natural fabric and also the cheapest too. Cotton offers comfort as well as stability providing a soft and cosy feel to your furniture. Though, cotton is not the ideal choice for everyday use. This is because it stains very easily and also gathers a lot of dust and dirt.
• Silk- Silk is the most expensive upholstery material, it should only be used for furniture that isn’t going to get a lot of use such as the furniture that is placed in formal living rooms. Silk will also need professional cleaning if it does become dirty or stained and this is very inconvenient.
• Wool - Wool is a durable material that is also strong. It doesn’t get stained easily which makes it perfect for areas that get a lot of traffic nans people. Though the negative of this material is that it can start to smell when getting wet.
• Leather- Leather is the most durable upholstery material. Leather is another great choice for high-traffic areas as it’s durable but also comfortable. It’s also ideal for anyone who has pets as it can be vacuumed and cleaned very easily.
• Linen - Linen is a fabric that gets wrinkled and creased very easily. Linen materials usually come in a pattern or print and do need to clean professionally.

Synthetic fabrics

The synthetic fabrics that are used for upholstery are polyester, olefin, nylon, acrylic or rayon. Synthetic fabrics are extremely durable and are very easy to clean and are a lot cheaper to make than natural fabrics.

• Polyester - Polyester is a great fabric to blend and it is often combined with other fibres.
• Olefin and polypropylene - Olefin can a good choice for upholstery material. Olefin and polypropylene is the second most popular and used synthetic fibre after polyester. These synthetics are durable and can be cleaned without using any harsh chemicals.
• Nylon - Nylon is a fibre that is hardly ever used on its own, it is usually blended with other synthetic or natural fibres. Nylon is good at getting rid of crushing and napping in chenille fabrics such as velvet.
• Acrylic - Acrylic is the go-to fibre for outdoor upholstery furniture. Acrylic is amazing at fade resistance, wrinkling and soiling.
• Rayon - Rayon was originally created to imitate silk, cotton and linen. Rayon is very strong and durable but the downside to it is that it does wrinkle.