Upholstering not only requires patience and perfection. The right tools for the job are required, as well as the correct fabrics. The fabric must be stiff and capable of withstanding the pulls and tugs of the upholsterer. It should also be easy to clean and withstand fading that occurs over time.
Natural fabrics consist of linen, leather, cotton, wool, and silk. Each has its own pros and cons as a choice of material for a lounge suite.
- Linen: This lightweight material does not fade easily and does not accumulate pills. Unfortunately, it wrinkles easily and shrinks if not properly cleaned. It also can’t handle tug and tug, which means it’s not great for kids and pets.
- Cotton – This natural material does not fade or clump easily. It also has good wear resistance. However, it wrinkles very easily and dirt like dirt and mud is difficult to clean.
- Wool: This may not be the normal fabric to use. It is not the wool that is used to make sweaters and hats, but a harder yarn that has been combined with synthetic material. Synthetic material reduces the amount of pilling that occurs and creates a more durable product.
- Leather – This is the favorite of most upholsterers. The leather is durable and can be easily cleaned at home without damage or shrinkage. It also has an impressive modern appeal that anyone could appreciate.
- Silk – This material is expensive and extremely difficult to clean without professional help. Silk is brittle and gets dirty quickly. The only benefit of having this material on your sofa is that it looks ravishing and elegant.
- Chenille – This fabric looks a lot like long caterpillars in rows. This fabric may not be this way in nature, but it does not contain any synthetic compounds. It is durable and comfortable to sit on. However, chenille easily collects dust due to its composition.
- Velvet: This expensive and impressive material is another difficult fabric to clean. Historically, velvet was used in royal palaces because it was so difficult to make. Velvet is preferable in smaller pieces of furniture, such as elegant headboards and armchairs.
An upholsterer will always use that material that is chosen by the client, once the client has been made aware of the different options. The professional will know how to work with the different types of materials and will use the appropriate tools to prevent the fibers from unraveling.