When it comes to choosing upholstery fabric, it’s often the part that makes or breaks how a piece looks, feels, and lasts. The right material can transform even a tired armchair into something that feels new again, while the wrong one might fade, wear, or fray far too soon.

This guide is designed to take the guesswork out of selecting fabric. So, whether you’re upholstering for clients or freshening up your home, you’ll learn how to match fabric to purpose, test its strength, and balance beauty with practicality — all while feeling confident that you’ve chosen well.

Considering the Purpose of Your Project

Before getting caught up in colour and texture, it’s a good idea to think about how your furniture will actually be used. The purpose tends to decide everything that follows.

For example, a family sofa or café chair needs something extremely durable, while a decorative armchair in a quiet corner can get away with a lighter weave.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

High-use furniture often needs:

• tightly woven fabrics such as polyester upholstery fabric or chenille
• a higher fabric durability rating (40,000 rubs or more)
• easy-clean or stain-resistant finishes

Low-use furniture can suit:

• natural fibres such as linen or lightweight velvet
• lighter tones and delicate weaves
• fabrics chosen more for beauty than toughness

Thinking about how often your furniture will be used — and by whom — can make your shortlist clearer from the start.

Choosing the Right Fabric Type

Now that you’ve considered purpose, it’s time to explore which materials actually fit your project best. Each fabric behaves differently, so understanding texture and durability will save you time and effort later.

At UK Fabrics Online, you’ll find a wide choice of fabrics, from soft cottons to robust synthetics. Here’s a handy comparison to make the decision easier:

Fabric Type	Texture & Feel	Durability	Ideal Use
Cotton	Soft and breathable	Moderate	Cushions, casual chairs
Polyester	Smooth and easy-care	High	Sofas, family rooms
Velvet	Plush, elegant texture	Moderate to high	Accent pieces, statement chairs
Chenille	Cosy and tactile	High	Sofas, headboards
Leatherette	Wipe-clean and firm	Very high	Dining or office chairs

If you love rich texture and warmth, you might look at the velvet upholstery fabric collection. Or, if practicality matters most, the chenille upholstery fabric range offers a balance of comfort and durability that works brilliantly in busy spaces.

Evaluating Durability and Wear Resistance

Durability is, frankly, one of the most important things to check. It tells you how well a fabric can handle daily life. The standard way to measure this is through the Martindale rub count, which tests how many times a fabric can be rubbed before showing wear.

To check durability properly:

1. Find the rub count on the product page.
2. Match it to your project’s purpose (20,000+ rubs for domestic use, 40,000+ for heavy or commercial use).
3. Order samples to feel the texture and weight before committing.

For anyone working on professional upholstery or high-traffic furniture, selecting those upholstery fabrics with a high rub count will likely be the most reliable choice. They’re built to last — meaning fewer replacements and happier clients.

Factoring in Colour, Pattern, and Texture

Colour and texture might be the fun part, but they’re just as practical as durability once you think about everyday living.

Darker shades tend to hide wear and marks, which makes them perfect for family rooms or cafés. Lighter tones, on the other hand, brighten smaller spaces and draw the eye to decorative furniture.

Texture, too, can change how a piece feels. For instance, a slightly raised weave adds depth and warmth, while smoother finishes feel cleaner and more modern.

Before deciding, it’s usually worth ordering a few fabric samples to see colours in your own space. Natural light can change tones dramatically, and it’s often the best way to see how the texture fits with your room.

Assessing Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

Even the most stunning fabric won’t be right if it’s too demanding to care for. Maintenance needs can vary quite a bit, so think about how your furniture will be used day-to-day.

Here’s a quick reference guide:

• Washable fabrics – usually cotton or polyester blends, ideal for family homes.
• Wipe-clean options – like leatherette upholstery fabric, great for dining chairs or offices.
• Dry-clean-only materials – such as velvet or silk, best kept for accent pieces or decorative furniture.

Choosing based on care type can save you frustration later and helps your upholstery stay fresh for years.

Balancing Style with Practicality

It’s easy to get swept away by style alone, yet the most satisfying results come when looks and performance meet in the middle. Combining materials, for instance, is a clever way to do both.

You might upholster the base of a sofa in a hard-wearing chenille and add velvet scatter cushions for a touch of softness. Or mix tones — darker for the base, lighter for accents — to achieve both elegance and longevity.

Balancing these details ensures that your furniture doesn’t just look beautiful now but continues to perform well over time.

Testing Fabric Samples Before You Buy

Before you place your order, it’s worth taking a few moments to test fabrics in person. Samples are the best way to judge texture, drape, and true colour — and at UK Fabrics Online, you can request them easily.

Here’s a simple test checklist:

• Touch test – feel softness, grip, and overall comfort.
• Light test – view samples in natural light to check tone.
• Drape test – see how the fabric hangs over furniture or folds.

It’s a small step, but it can make all the difference in finding a fabric that feels right.

Budget Considerations and Value for Money

When thinking about cost, it’s tempting to focus on the price per metre — but it’s often smarter to consider how long the fabric will last. A well-made, durable upholstery material might cost more upfront yet save money over time because it won’t need replacing as quickly.

Balancing cost with performance is especially important for anyone upholstering regularly or selling finished pieces. Reliable fabric means fewer callbacks and greater satisfaction.

If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our upholstery fabric collection for materials that combine both value and resilience.

At the end of the day, choosing upholstery fabric isn’t just about style — it’s about creating furniture that feels good, works hard, and lasts beautifully.