How to choose the best fabric for a seat ?
If you want to reupholster your seat yourself or have it done by a professional, you must start by asking the right questions.
Upholstery fabrics come in many different styles, both aesthetically and technically. They do not all work the same way or with the same ease. An upholsterer is a textile expert who knows which fabric to recommend depending on the nature and intended use of the project.
Several indicators provided by upholstery fabric manufacturers can help you make an informed decision, such as the Martindale test, UV rating, and fabric weight. This article will help you choose the ideal fabric for your seat project.
What Is the Style of Your Seat?
There are different types of seats, and not all of them are treated the same way. Depending on their style and shape, some fabrics are more suitable than others.
A delicate small chair, such as a cabriolet chair, will not require the same fabric as a deep club chair, a large modern armchair, a bridge chair or a bergere chair.
If your seat has a particularly round shape, you may need a flexible fabric that stretches well, such as chenille velvet, boucle fabric, or wool.
Tip: Test the fabric in height, width, and bias direction to understand its properties.
How Will the Seat Be Used?
Before choosing a fabric, consider how the seat will be used:
- Decorative use: A seat placed in a bedroom and used infrequently.
- Daily use: A living room chair that will be used regularly.
- High-traffic use: A chair in a public space that will experience intensive use.
- Outdoor use: Requires special outdoor fabrics designed to resist weather conditions.
Martindale Test: A Measure of Seat Fabric Durability
Since seats are subject to friction, choosing a durable fabric is essential.
The Martindale test, invented by a man of the same name, measures the durability of a fabric by testing how long its fibers last under repeated friction from large rollers. The count is recorded until the fibers break.
- 15,000 Martindale rubs → Not very durable
- 30,000 Martindale rubs → Suitable for daily use
- 60,000 Martindale rubs → Very durable, ideal for intensive use
Important: There is no standardized European reference for this test. Different brands and testing organizations may produce different results. A 100,000 Martindale rating does not necessarily mean the fabric is three times stronger than a 30,000 rating.
To ensure quality, choose upholstery fabrics from well-known manufacturers and consult your supplier for guidance.
How to Choose a Fabric That Resists UV Light?
If your seat is exposed to sunlight—such as in a sunroom, garden, or near a window—you need a UV-resistant fabric.
The ISO 105-B02 standard measures UV resistance on a scale from 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest resistance. A score of 6 or above is recommended for UV-exposed furniture.
Note:
- Natural fabrics like silk, linen, and cotton fade faster than synthetic fabrics.
- Red fabrics tend to fade the most.
For everyday indoor use, UV resistance is not a major concern. However, outdoor fabrics must always meet this standard.
Stain Resistance and Washability
If your seat is used intensively or in a high-risk environment (e.g., around children or pets), easy maintenance is a key factor.
- Machine-washable fabrics: Only useful if the cover is removable.
- Linen fabrics: Shrink quickly when washed.
- Stain-resistant treatments: Some fabrics have hydrophobic coatings to prevent stains from penetrating the fibers.
However, stain-resistant treatments may contain chemical agents that some people prefer to avoid.
Alternatives:
- Synthetic leather (faux leather)
- Outdoor fabrics (highly durable and easy to clean)
Tip: Never use acetone to clean synthetic leather or outdoor fabrics.
What Are the Most Durable Fabrics for Seats?
The most durable and popular seat fabrics include:
- Velvet – Available in various materials:
- Cotton, linen, silk, wool velvet → Natural and luxurious
- Viscose velvet → Less durable
- Synthetic velvet → Less expensive but not as visually rich
- Jacquard fabric – Patterns are woven into the fabric rather than printed, making it more resistant to wear.
- Printed fabrics (linen or cotton base) – More prone to fading over time, but a 30,000 Martindale rating ensures adequate durability.
- Mechanical tapestry fabrics – Highly durable and making a comeback in upholstery trends.
- Synthetic fur – Adds a cozy feel, but only suitable if sufficiently durable.
- Bouclé fabric – Trendy and comfortable, best suited for fully upholstered chairs rather than wooden-framed ones.
How to Choose the Right Fabric Style for a Seat?
Beyond durability, style is an important consideration. Ask yourself: What look do I want?
- Patterns:
- Modern: Abstract, graphic, ethnic, or geometric prints
- Classic: Floral designs, Toile de Jouy
- Trendy: Jungle prints
- Solid colors and textured fabrics:
- Ideal for adding a bold color or achieving a timeless, minimalist look.
- Heavily textured fabrics (e.g., wool, linen, cotton bouclé) enhance visual appeal.
Where to Find High-Quality Upholstery Fabrics?
There are many prestigious upholstery fabric brands, here my favourite fabrics brands.
- French brands: Pierre Frey, Élitis, Nobilis, Lelièvre, Braquenié, Misia, Casamance
- American brands: Schumacher
- British brands: Jane Churchill, Osborne & Little, Nina Campbell, Colefax and Fowler, Manuel Canovas
- German brands: Zimmer & Rohde
- Italian brands: Dedar, Fadini Borghi, Fortuny
For online purchases, check specialized retailers such as Le Boudoir des Étoffes online (European delivery).
Final Thoughts
Choosing an upholstery fabric depends on style, durability, maintenance, and usage needs. Whether you prefer a classic jacquard, a luxurious velvet, or a modern bouclé fabric, always consider the Martindale rating, UV resistance, and stain protection to ensure long-lasting and practical seating.
Questions or suggestions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
