Upholstery fabrics

Whilst all parts of upholstered furniture (frame, suspension, cushions and fabric) are important, the cover fabric usually attracts the most attention since it is the most visible element with the surface in constant contact with the user. The cover is subject to constant abrasion and flexing through body contact and will almost certainly wear out before the frame or fillings.

  

Textiles

There can be a vast range of different cover materials to choose from. Durability is not necessarily proportional to price so it is important to choose carefully. The best guide to performance is whether fabric is suitable for ‘occasional’, ‘light’, ‘general’, or ‘severe’ domestic use.It is important you discuss your requirements, needs and expectations with the retailer.

A large number of fabrics meet the ‘general domestic use’ standard. You need to weigh up the kind of use the sofa will get and purchase one with a fabric capable of meeting those conditions. Modern lifestyles make great demands on upholstery and the average family would be well advised to opt for a ‘general’ or ‘severe’ fabric grade.

Most fabrics in a display swatch are suitable for ‘general domestic use’. Where this is not the case, fabric samples often have information on them about their suitability. If your retailer does not know the fabric’s rating he can obtain this information from the manufacturer.

Textiles are generally graded as follows:

• Light domestic use
  Fabrics for light domestic use are generally fashion fabrics; these are suitable for light, careful living room use.
• General domestic use
  Fabrics for general domestic use are suitable for most styles of upholstery.
• Severe domestic use
  Fabrics classified as ‘severe domestic’ use are suitable for upholstery likely to be used throughout the day.

Leather

Leather is a natural product with its own unique characteristics – style, comfort, and durability. It will have been subjected to many environments and may bear natural marks and blemishes. The natural scars show that it is the real thing and should not give cause for concern.

There are different types of leather, classified as follows:

Aniline leather
This is a leather that has been dyed to colour, but has not received any coating or surface finish. This has the advantage of showing the natural leather off at its best including evidence of natural marks and blemishes.

This type of leather may need additional care and is likely to show all the signs of wear and tear. It will take on a ‘lived in’ appearance, which is a natural characteristic and adds to the charm to the product.

Semi-aniline leather
This leather has a small amount of surface coating which still allows the natural characteristics to be seen, whilst also protecting against soiling and aiding the use of cleaning products.

By-cast leather (split leather)
This is produced from the lower split of leather by melting a type of glue on the surface, then rolling on a film of coloured polyurethane. This varies in quality and can lighten when stretched and scratch easily.

Pigmented leather
This leather has a surface finish that gives a more soil resistant and durable finish that is easy to maintain. A pigment surface finish also allows leather to be produced in a range of fashionable colours (this should not be confused with By-cast leather).

Nubuck and suede
These leathers are buffed on the wearing (grain) side to give a velvet like nap. They are not surface coated and so are easily soiled, and the velvet surface can become flattened in use.

Antique appearance leather
This leather has surface lacquers applied, which are designed to rub off in use and give an ‘antique’ or lived-in appearance. This is often pleasing and complements certain styles of upholstery very well. However, it should be borne in mind that the surface colour is designed to wear in this way; consequently the overall appearance will change more than with other types of leather.

The introduction of softer, more supple leathers alongside brighter, modern shades has increased the sales of leather furniture making them more popular than ever. A leather cover is normally expected to last longer than a typical modern textile upholstery covering. However as with anything, the lifetime of the leather cover will depend on the type of use and care it receives.

Proper care and maintenance are essential in prolonging life.