Did you know that on May 3rd, National Textiles Day is around the corner? It’s true. We hope you’re as excited as the team here at Chair Fair! As the number one furniture store in the area, we have to admit, we love a good piece of fabric as much as the next person.
Textiles are woven natural or synthetic materials that make life more stylish and comfortable! And, one of the best parts is that there so many different textures and colors, there is truly a fabric for every person and every style. However, if you’re new to the world of fabric, choosing the perfect upholstery for your chairs can be a bit overwhelming. Because we’re committed to providing the highest levels of service to our customers (and our readers), we’re providing you with a helpful upholstery guide!
Considering your traffic.
One of the first things you should take into consideration is how much traffic your chairs will see. Are you considering upholstering formal dining room chairs that will be occasionally used? Or, perhaps, your bar stools could use a little TLC because they’re used so often! Either way, this fact matters.
The durability of a fabric is determined by a ratable ‘rub test’ performed by the manufacturer. The test is designed to mimic the motion of someone sitting on the fabric over time. The higher the number, the more durable the fabric is considered to be. Beyond this number, you will also want to look for properties like stain resistance and water repellant (if these things are of concern).
Different types of fabric.
Once you’ve determined your durability needs, narrowing down the type of fabric that may work best is a bit easier. Below are a few of the most common fabrics and their best application.
- Chenille is an excellent choice for those looking to upholstery heavier pieces of furniture. With various colors, this comforting fabric tends to fit well in homes with less traffic.
- Microfiber is a multi-weave fabric that mimics suede. Extremely durable and easy to clean, this is an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas.
- Tweed is another excellent option if you’re looking to hide spills. Best for moderate use, this fabric will hold up well but watch the rating. Higher numbers mean less pilling and fabric pulls.
- Faux Leather is easy to clean and one of the most durable options available. While faux leather does require occasional conditioning, the maintenance is fairly simple.
Once you choose your new fabric, considering the fibers is another step. But, don’t worry – we’ll get into that later! This May 3rd, head into your favorite furniture store, Chair Fair, for the largest selection of in-house upholstered chairs! If you don’t see anything you like, our team of professionals will be happy to work and customize the perfect piece for your home!
