{"id":5252,"date":"2017-05-12T09:42:00","date_gmt":"2017-05-12T13:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=5252"},"modified":"2025-12-08T14:39:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:39:49","slug":"upholstery-buying-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/upholstery-buying-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Upholstery Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sinking into a soft living room sofa or working comfortably in an office chair requires quality construction and support. Just as important as the construction of the furniture is the delicate fabric or leather used to upholster it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous options to choose from when selecting the right fabric or leather upholstery for your custom furniture. This Upholstery Buying Guide offers\u00a0helpful points to consider when choosing a fabric with the sensational color and pattern you\u2019re looking for, backed by the durability and functionality you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun with Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fabrics can be broken down into two main types: natural and synthetic. Most upholstery you\u2019ll see is either one or a blend of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Natural fabrics are made from organic materials that come from plants or animals. They tend to offer a luxurious look and feel, drape nicely, and tailor well on frames. The trade-offs? Some natural fibers, such as wool, can pill, wrinkle, or fade more quickly in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard natural fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, and wool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cotton offers good resistance to wear, fading, and pilling. How well it holds up over time depends largely on the weave and thread count. Tighter weaves and higher thread counts generally perform better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Linen brings a crisp, tailored look that\u2019s ideal for more formal spaces or adult-only rooms. It resists fading and pilling but tends to wrinkle and soil more easily, so it\u2019s not the best choice for heavy-use family furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wool is naturally resilient and resists pilling, fading, and wrinkling. It\u2019s warm and cozy, but it doesn\u2019t breathe as well as some other fibers and may feel too warm in certain climates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Silk has a beautiful sheen and luxe feel, but it\u2019s best reserved for low-traffic, adult-only areas. It\u2019s delicate, can stain easily, and typically requires professional cleaning when spills happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic fabrics are made from man-made fibers or natural materials that have been chemically processed to enhance their performance. They\u2019re often designed to mimic the look of natural fibers while bringing extra durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synthetics tend to be lightweight, resist wrinkles, and are often more resistant to stains, sunlight, and abrasion. They\u2019re also usually easier to clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nylon, polyester, and olefin are examples of synthetic fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performance fabrics with Crypton\u00ae or similar technology are especially popular. They\u2019re engineered to resist stains, odors, and moisture, making them a smart choice for busy homes with kids, pets, and frequent guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quality Testing for Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even the best fabric will show wear over time, but you can choose upholstery that\u2019s designed to last. One helpful benchmark is the \u201cdouble rub\u201d rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In double rub testing, a special machine passes a testing pad back and forth over the fabric until it shows signs of wear. Each back-and-forth motion equals one \u201cdouble rub.\u201d A rating of 20,000 to 30,000 double rubs is considered very durable for residential use, and higher ratings are often used for commercial or heavy-use settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking at the double rub count, along with fiber content and weave, gives you a clearer picture of how a fabric will perform in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Look of Leather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to dressing your furniture with style and durability, leather stands alone in its own category. It\u2019s strong, naturally beautiful, and surprisingly easy to care for, typically requiring only vacuuming with a soft brush and wiping with a slightly damp cloth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leather often looks better with age, developing a softer feel and a rich patina where it\u2019s been used most. It\u2019s more durable than most fabrics, stands up well to everyday wear, and each hide is unique. Natural markings, such as wrinkles, scars, or brand marks, are an inherent part of genuine leather and tell the story of the hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Precedent Luna Swivel Leather Chair, for example, features full top-grain leather that showcases the hide\u2019s natural variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The leather seat and back on an Amish Executive Office Arm Chair will only gain more character over time, pairing comfort with a refined office look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faux leather is another option for those who love the look of leather but prefer a non-animal product. It starts with a fabric base that\u2019s treated with dyes and finishes (like polyurethane or wax) to create color and texture. Faux leather tends to have a very consistent color and grain, can be produced in a wide range of hues, and typically resists fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Precedent Luna Swivel Leather<\/a> Chair is crafted from full top-grain leather.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Precedent<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The leather seat and back of the Amish Executive Office Arm Chair<\/a> will only get better with age.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Starr<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Faux leather allows you to enjoy the look of leather without using an animal product. This upholstery option is made from a fabric base that is chemically treated with dye, polyurethane, or wax for color and texture. Faux leather is produced by a machine, resulting in an even, consistent color throughout. It can be dyed many colors and resists fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor fabrics have come a long way. Many are now soft enough for indoor use while still providing the durability required for outdoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunbrella\u00ae and similar performance outdoor fabrics are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n