JOIN USTina Roy sheds light on the five buying points that will help you choose the right fabric for your upholstery at home
Doing up one’s home is one of the most delightful experiences and there can be no scope for mistakes. A commitment with furniture for a new home is always expected to be long-term, based on the values of good design and great quality. With varieties in colours, fabrics and silhouettes, the possibilities always seem endless, especially while considering fabrics for upholstered furniture.
For many homeowners, comfort and style are of highest priority, while some go for quantifiable benefits like durability, effortless maintenance and wear resistance. Here are some stellar tips to help you ace your upholstery fabric purchases:
World of colours
Fabric colour makes the strongest impact and is the first thing we see when making a selection. Most often, colour is the single most important reason to choose a fabric, so make sure your colour choice is one you can live with happily for a long time. For
instance, it may be best to avoid a very bold colour for a smaller room, especially if your sofa is large.
Colours significantly influence temperaments, and hence it is very important to strike the right balance — warm and cool colours affect the mood of the room significantly. Summer times evoke cooler, lighter and fresher interiors, hence go ahead on that icy blue or the misty white that you have been eyeing for a long while.
Don’t fall for trends, but do not shy away from making visual statements with your colour choice. Go for that rarely touched bold shade that translates your sensibilities by supporting it with neutrals around it — a blend that is timeless. Another great way of value addition to upholstery fabric is through piping and seam finish details. This method adds zing and contrast to a basic fabric. For instance, you could add a contrasting piping to bring out the form
of your furniture though colour and a defining pattern.
What’s your type?
When it comes to deciding the right type of fabric for your upholstery, there is a large variety to look at. To start with, always keep the purpose and end use in mind. Sensitive and expensive fabrics are appropriate for areas which are used for occasional interactions like living rooms. For frequent usage in areas like the dining room, opt for fabrics which come with ease in maintenance. Polyesters and vinyls are great as far as durability is concerned and can be vacuumed or damp-wiped when required.
No compromise on durability
Try not to restrain your choice to just comfort and style, it is also essential to think about the nature of your furniture requirement. Remember to predict the frequency of usage, if the furniture will be exposed to direct sunlight and who exactly will be
using the furniture.
Go for practical fabrics and leatherettes which promote ease of care and durability in most frequented spaces like dining chairs. Furniture prone to rough usage should be covered in tightly woven fabrics which must have high fabric abrasion properties. It’s always recommended to opt for high thread count woven fabrics as they hold up much better as well as are easy to clean.
For people with pets around, its best to a consider a microfibre fabric or leather/leatherette as these can withstand extra wear and tear.
Everything has a pattern
Patterns on your upholstery can make or break the look of your room. Consider the scale of the pattern. It should be appropriate to the size of the furniture it is covering, as well as the room size. A large bold, pattern might work better in a larger room, while a more muted or smaller one might be a better choice for a smaller space.
Most often, you need not go for overpowering colours and forms; go for a subtle look. Use tone on tone or monochromes to lift up a space. Don’t forget the solids, especially in a room with a bold colour palette or strong features. Consider offering a visual relief, either in the form of a neutral wall or solid curtains, while planning for patterns in upholstery. On larger pieces like sofas, the pattern should always look consistent and unified, ensuring an organised look, as though one piece of
fabric drapes the entire piece.
Finish & style
It’s no surprise that choosing from the never-ending range of finishes — from weather proofing and fire resistant to wrinkle free — can be confusing. But the game changer is to stick to your needs. For instance, for everyday use, apply the stain-resistant wonder to your upholstery.
Tightly packed weaves ensure sturdiness and a seamless finish. Remember, fabric strength is crucial while choosing fabrics for upholstery. If one is so caught on a design which is hard to resist, but is on a lighter weight, go for a good backing to ensure longevity. Piped edges are great alternatives to a plain seam. Tufting is also a good alternative to increase the plush feel of a product.
In particular, the fabric that you pick should complement the form and style of the furniture and add to its character.
Always remember that you must love the fabric you choose. Since you are investing a good amount of time and money on your upholstered piece, make sure you find the fabric you will appreciate for a long time to come.
(The author is design lead, decor & upholstery, Urban Ladder)