Types Of Upholstery Fabric For Your Home – Mahendra
- Rajat Jain
- Jul 4, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4, 2023
Choosing an upholstery fabric for your furniture is a big investment and you do not want to mess this up. Finding and selecting the right upholstery fabric could be a very challenging task. But don’t worry we have made it easier for you to find the perfect fabric for your home.

But Wait, What Is Upholstery?
Oxford Dictionary defines upholstery as a soft, padded textile covering that is fixed to furniture. In simple terms, it is the fabric that covers any furniture, be it sofas, chairs, headboard etc. Choosing upholstery can be confusing as there are a variety of fabrics in the market today. Let’s find out which upholstery would be perfect for your home in terms of comfort, durability and style.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber and is the most commonly used fabric. It is a soft, breathable fabric and is very durable. It is resistant to wear and tear but it may wrinkle and get dirty easily. It dyes well hence it is available in a variety of colors. Cotton upholstery is very budget-friendly.
Highly Recommended
· For a simple and casual look.
· For those who love sleeping on the couch
· In hot & humid regions
· For indoor purpose
Not Recommended
· For those who have pets
· For those who have kids
Leather
Leather is one of the most popular types of upholstery. It is a very durable fabric and is stain resistant. Leather has a lot of different types and each type has its own feature. Leather upholstery can be expensive.

Highly Recommended
· For those who have pets
· For those who have kids
· For a modern look
Not Recommended
· For those who love sleeping on the couch
· In extreme regions
Linen
Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant. It is a naturally lustrous fabric that has great durability. It wrinkles easily and has a high maintenance cost. Linen upholstery is not too expensive.
Highly Recommended
· For all types of chairs
· For indoor purpose
· For a formal look
Not Recommended
· For rough use
· For those who have pets
· For those who have kids
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious woven choice for upholstery and has both natural and synthetic qualities. It is soft and has a variety of colors. It can wear out quickly and has a high maintenance cost. Velvet upholstery can be expensive.

Highly Recommended
· For all types of furniture
· For business & indoor use
· For a rich and aesthetic look
· In cold regions
Not Recommended
· For rough use
· For those who have pets
· For those who have kids
Polyester
Polyester is a high performance synthetic fabric. It is a great blending fabric with cotton or other natural fabrics. It is very soft and easy to clean. It is also resistant to wrinkles, pilling and fading. Polyester upholstery isn’t very expensive.
Highly Recommended
· For business & indoor use
· For those who kids
· For those who have pets
Not Recommended
· For use in flammable places
· Not the best place to sleep
Chenille
Chenille is made from natural fibers. It is a French word which means caterpillar and is ultra soft. It requires a backing because it is easily stretched. Chenille upholstery is comparatively an expensive option.
Highly Recommended
· For those who love sleeping on the couch
· For those who kids
· For home furniture
· For rough use
Not Recommended
· For use in flammable places
· For those who have pets
Silk
Silk is a natural fiber that is a luxurious and delicate choice. It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It is receptive to fading and spills. Silk upholstery is an expensive type.
Highly Recommended
· For a formal setting
· For home furniture
Not Recommended
· For those who have kids
· For those who have pets
· For outdoor use
Let’s Sum It Up
The upholstery fabrics I mentioned are only the popular ones in the current market. There are a variety of other fabrics available in the market and finding your perfect fabric could be a difficult task. But I hope I have eased the task of choosing the right fabric for all purposes. Spending a little time doing some research on the type of upholstery fabric you require can help you get new life to your home and save a lot of expenditure. Thank you for reading. Have a good day.
– Rajat Jain.
Check out the following to know more about the brand Mahendra in Home Furnishings.




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