Surplus Furniture uses different upholstery fabrics, which offer particular strengths and carry certain weaknesses. Your choice of upholstery fabric depends on several conditions: the intended use and location of the furniture, your budget, the ambiance in the room, and the amount of time you are willing to spend on maintenance and care. Some of the most popular upholstery fabrics include cotton, leather, nylon, vinyl, and microfibre.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre that has been used in fabrics for ages. It is soft, durable, and easy to maintain. Cotton upholstery fabrics are available in numerous colours and designs. Some of cotton’s drawbacks: it is not fade-resistant, it wrinkles with use, and it is highly flammable.
Leather
Leather is manufactured from animal hide. It is probably the most popular and sought-after upholstery material because it is durable and stylish — and it looks better with age. But leather carries a high price and a high cost of repairs.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fibre, preferred for its durability and attractiveness. Nylon upholstery fabrics resist stains to a large extent and can be cleaned easily. However, they can fade with sun exposure.
Vinyl
Vinyl is popular because of its affordability. It can imitate leather in look and feel, but vinyl is not as durable as leather. It is also affected by surrounding temperature, making vinyl uncomfortable in very cold or warm climates. This material tends to show cracks and damage over time.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a synthetic fibre that is greatly rising in popularity as an upholstery fabric. Made of polyester, nylon, or a blend of both, microfibre upholstery fabrics are forgiving, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Microfibre also provides a soft, comfortable feel.
