If you’ve been eyeing a home refresh or planning client projects, you’ll know that fabrics often set the tone. Upholstery is that quiet powerhouse — it can shape a whole space, shift the mood, and reflect personal style, all in one go. And in 2025, that’s exactly what it’s doing.

What’s fuelling the change? Well, it’s a mix of things. We’re seeing more focus on eco-living, a swing back to maximalism, and a growing love for tactile comfort. People want pieces that feel as good as they look — and, ideally, last a while too. So, too, it’s not just about choosing a pattern or colour; it’s about choosing values, mood, and practicality in one go.

In fact, 2025’s upholstery fabric trends seem to strike a smart balance between sustainability, boldness, and everyday ease — all while staying stylish.

Eco-Friendly and Recycled Fabrics

Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore — it’s a priority. In 2025, eco-friendly upholstery fabric is set to become a go-to for both professionals and hobbyists. Whether you’re reupholstering a client’s chair or trying out a new footstool at home, more people want to know where their materials come from and how they’re made.

So, what’s in the spotlight? You’ll find recycled fabric for upholstery, like blends made from post-consumer polyester or salvaged cotton. These tend to feel soft but tough — ideal for high-use furniture or curtains that needs to hold up. Then there’s plant-based dyeing and undyed fibres, which add a more natural, tactile finish that suits relaxed, modern spaces.

Textures are often matte or soft-touch, almost linen-like or brushed. That look, combined with lower environmental impact, is what makes them so appealing.

Why it’s trending

• Lower environmental footprint
• Subtle textures with broad appeal
• Highly durable for everyday use
• Helps you tell a sustainable design story

Bold Patterns and Statement Prints

If 2024 leaned neutral, 2025 flips the script — bold is back. Bold upholstery prints are taking centre stage, especially in interiors that want to tell a story. So, too, there’s a clear move towards expressive, even playful design, and upholstery is where it really shows up.

You’ll see everything from tropical leaves to oversized florals, and yes, animal prints are making a bit of a comeback too. Retro geometrics and heritage-inspired motifs are also cropping up, offering plenty of range for both modern and vintage spaces. These styles work brilliantly on standout chairs, custom headboards, or boutique-style bench cushions.

That said, these prints often look best when they’re paired with more muted tones elsewhere — think cream walls, soft timber, or minimal furniture.

Pattern types trending now:

• Botanicals and foliage prints
• Oversized florals
• Classic heritage motifs
• Retro geometric shapes

Textured Neutrals and Earthy Tones

Calm, grounded spaces still have a strong pull — but in 2025, they’re getting an upgrade. Textured neutral fabric is becoming the quiet star of upholstery, blending subtlety with serious style. So instead of flat or plain beige, we’re seeing layered finishes: bouclé, chenille, and woven linens that feel soft and slightly rugged at the same time.

It’s not just about colour — it’s about depth. Fabrics in mushroom, clay, sage, and sand tones tend to look especially good when used for cushions, footstools, or window seats. They add warmth without shouting, and they’re easy to match with natural woods, greenery, or soft metallics.

This trend is great if you want to update a room without overwhelming it. You get a cosy, modern look with very little risk.

Earthy tones to try:

• Mushroom
• Sand
• Stone
• Clay
• Taupe

Performance Fabrics for Everyday Living

Life gets messy — and that’s exactly why performance upholstery fabric is having a big moment in 2025. Designed for busy homes, rental properties, or family spaces, these materials are built to take a hit and still look good.

You’ll find fabrics with water-repellent coatings, stain-resistant technology, and even pet-friendly textures that hold up against claws and spills. Many are now made with eco-friendly upholstery fabric principles too, so you’re not trading style for sustainability.

This trend leans into what people really need: fuss-free style that lasts. You get practical peace of mind without giving up on design.

Where it works best:

• Sofas in high-traffic lounges
• Dining chairs for busy homes
• Kids’ playroom seating
• Airbnb or rental properties

Velvet Revival with a Modern Twist

Velvet hasn’t gone anywhere — but in 2025, it’s coming back with fresh energy. The new wave of velvet fabric trend 2025 is sleeker, softer, and just a bit more playful. We’re seeing matte finishes over high-shine, plus jewel tones that feel rich but not too loud.

Heat-embossed textures and subtle patterning give velvet a little extra depth, and the latest versions are surprisingly durable. Many are now woven as performance upholstery fabric, with built-in fire retardancy — so, too, they’re as practical as they are pretty.

Velvet is ideal for those big, standout moments: a statement sofa, a window-draped curtain, or a plump ottoman in the corner of a reading nook.

Colour palette to watch:

• Emerald
• Rust
• Steel blue
• Deep ochre

How to Incorporate 2025 Trends into Your Home

Knowing what’s on-trend is one thing — using it confidently is another. So, too, this section breaks it down with easy swaps and standout upgrades you can make right away, whether for your own home or your clients’ projects.

Here’s a quick guide to putting each trend to work:

Trend	Best Use
Eco-friendly & recycled	Sofa slipcovers, pouffes, footstools
Bold patterns & statement prints	Accent armchairs, scatter cushions
Textured neutrals & earthy tones	Curtains, bench seats, relaxed sofas
Performance fabrics	Family sofas, kids’ spaces, rentals
Velvet revival	Living room sofas, drapes, ottomans

Each option is a step towards a more stylish, modern interior, without having to overhaul everything.

From bold prints to planet-friendly textures, upholstery fabric trends 2025 are full of personality, practicality, and purpose. Whether you’re planning a full interior revamp or simply refreshing a chair or two, these trends offer a bit of inspiration for every kind of space.

Ready to get started? Explore our trend-forward collections, order your fabric swatches, or dive into our updated upholstery ranges — all available now at UK Fabrics Online.