Choosing the Right Fabric for Upholstery
Let’s be honest: Picking the right fabric for that dream chair or statement sofa can feel like walking into a candy store with no idea what you’re craving. Velvet looks rich, but will your dog destroy it? Linen feels luxe, but what if your toddler spills juice every other day? This guide is here to make it easier (and way more fun) to choose the perfect upholstery fabric for your space, your style, and your real-life needs.
✨It's not just about how it looks – it's about how it lives
→ Upholstery Fabrics 101: What Really Matters?
Here's what to pay attention to:
1. Durability (a.k.a. the "double rub" count)
The industry standard for upholstery durability is based on something called double rubs, which simulate wear and tear from everyday use.
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15,000+ double rubs = great for residential furniture
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30,000–50,000+ = considered performance or commercial grade
Tip: If the furniture is getting daily use—like a family room sofa—opt for a higher count. For a decorative bench or accent chair? You’ve got more freedom.
2. Weave & Texture
Tighter weaves = more durability. Loose weaves may feel soft and airy but are more prone to snags or stretching over time.
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Tight weave = tough and smooth (like canvas or twill)
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Loose weave = soft and stylish (like boucle or chenille)
3. Fiber Content
Here’s a quick breakdown of popular upholstery fibers and what they’re best at:
Fiber | Best For |
|---|---|
Acrylic | Stain-resistant + often used outdoors |
Blends | The sweet spot for beauty + strength |
Cotton | Breathable, soft, casual rooms |
Linen | Natural + beautiful (but wrinkles easily) |
Polyester | Durable and low-maintenance |
Rayon | Silky texture, better in blends |
Velvet | Luxe texture, high-style spaces |
→ Performance Fabrics: The Real MVPs
If you’ve got pets, kids, Airbnb guests—or you just like red wine on the couch—performance fabrics are 100% worth it.
They're Designed to Resist:
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Spills and stains
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Fading and pilling
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Stretching and shrinking
Popular performance options include Crypton®, Sunbrella®, and InsideOut®—and they come in beautiful textures and colors, so you don’t have to sacrifice style.
Tip: Dog owner? Performance velvet is a thing—and it’s awesome.
→ Match the Fabric to the Furniture (and the Room)
Some fabrics look amazing but aren’t meant for high traffic. Some are workhorses but might feel too casual in a formal living room. Here’s a cheat sheet:
Living Room Sofa:
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Use: Daily lounging, movie nights, snack spills
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→ Go for durable, high-rub count fabrics—like cotton blends, performance poly, or velvet with a backing.
Accent Chair:
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Use: Mostly decorative, occasional seating
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→ You can take some risks here. Think linen, textured wovens, or even embroidered styles.
Dining Chairs:
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Use: Messes, crumbs, wiping down often
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→ Choose easy-clean options with tighter weaves or stain-resistant finishes.
Bench Cushions / Window Seats:
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Use: Mixed use
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→ A medium-weight durable fabric like twill, cotton blend, or performance velvet.
→ Cleaning Codes (Know Before You Buy)
Every upholstery fabric comes with a cleaning code. Here’s what they mean:
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W = Water-based cleaner (yay for easy cleanup)
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S = Use solvent-based cleaner (dry clean style)
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WS = You can use either type
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X = Vacuum only (for real—don’t get it wet)
Final Tip: If you’re unsure, order samples and hang them up to visualize. A swatch in your hand and a measuring tape on your window is often all the clarity you need. And if all else fails, shoot us a message—we’re happy to help.
✨Ready to Shop Upholstery Fabrics?
We’ve curated a growing collection of beautiful, durable, designer-level fabrics that are made to last and easy to love. Whether you’re redoing a family heirloom chair or building a brand-new look from scratch, NestJoy makes it simple to find your perfect match.
