What is the best fabric for upholstery?
Natural fibers such as wool and linen offer strength, resilience and lasting comfort, making them exceptionally well suited to upholstery. The best upholstery fabric depends on how the finished piece will be used. For high-use furniture, choose a fabric with a high Martindale rub count and excellent durability. For occasional-use pieces, fabrics with a lower rub count may be suitable.
What is the most durable fabric for upholstery?
Durable upholstery fabrics are designed to withstand regular use while maintaining their appearance over time. When selecting an upholstery fabric, the Martindale rub count is an important indicator of durability. Generally, the higher the Martindale rating, the more suitable the fabric is for demanding upholstery applications.
How many rubs does upholstery fabric need, and what is the Martindale test?
The Martindale rub count measures a fabric's resistance to abrasion by simulating natural wear. A higher score indicates a greater level of durability and suitability for more demanding environments. As a guide:
50,000+ rubs: Severe Contract / Commercial. Suitable for demanding commercial environments and very high-traffic public spaces.
30,000-50,000 rubs: Contract / Commercial. Suitable for hotels and other high-traffic commercial settings.
25,000-30,000 rubs: Heavy Domestic. Ideal for heavily used furniture in the home.
15,000-25,000 rubs: General Domestic. Suitable for everyday household furniture.
10,000-15,000 rubs: Light Domestic. Appropriate for occasional-use furniture.
Under 10,000 rubs: Decorative. Best suited to cushions, accent furniture and decorative applications.
Does upholstery fabric need to be flame resistant?
Flame-resistance requirements for upholstery fabrics depend on their intended use and location. Residential applications typically have different requirements than commercial or contract projects, which may be subject to specific fire safety standards. Many natural fibers, including wool, have inherent flame-resistant properties. Where additional performance is required, interliners, backings or specialist treatments may be used to help meet relevant regulations.
How much fabric do I need for upholstery?
The amount of fabric required depends on the type and size of the furniture, as well as the fabric design and pattern repeat. Larger pieces, such as sofas, require significantly more fabric than dining chairs or ottomans, while patterned fabrics may require additional yardage for matching repeats. For accurate quantities, we recommend consulting your upholsterer or measuring the piece carefully before ordering.
How wide is upholstery fabric?
Upholstery fabric widths vary depending on the design and fiber composition, but most standard fabrics are between 51 and 59 inches (130-150 cm) wide. The exact width of each fabric is listed on the product page to support accurate planning and specification.
Is upholstery fabric available by the yard, and can I order samples?
Our upholstery fabrics are available by the yard, offering flexibility across a wide range of residential and commercial projects. Samples can also be ordered to experience the texture, weight and colour before specifying. We ship samples and fabric orders throughout the United States, and customers are welcome to visit our New York showroom to explore the collection in person.
