When purchasing a set of upholstered furniture for the home, few of us think about how important the quality of the upholstery of the set we like is played. But not only the external and tactile attractiveness, but also the duration of operation of the structure largely depends on this factor. Which seat and back drapery has the maximum wear resistance? Is there an anti-vandal coating that is resistant to the sharp claws of pets? Which textile surfaces are the easiest to care for? Read about all the nuances of choosing “clothes” for a sofa in our review of the most popular furniture fabrics.
General recommendations for choosing upholstery
When choosing the upholstery of a furniture product, you should focus on the specific room in which the piece of furniture will be located. For example, sofas and armchairs placed in living rooms bear the heaviest load. On them we most often arrange friendly gatherings and spend time with family members. This means that the best option in this case will be fabrics with maximum strength.
Exquisite couches, poufs and banquettes for the bedroom can be decorated with delicate fabrics with a high content of natural fibers. Such models are distinguished by their original shapes, including asymmetrical contours or rounded details, which require great elasticity of the upholstery material. Moreover, furniture for sleeping and relaxing must be pleasant to the touch, so when covering it, preference is usually given to pile fabrics.
The main condition for decorating a children's room is the complete hypoallergenicity of all elements included in the furnishings, including textile surfaces. For kitchens, it is best to select sets with dirt-repellent impregnation, which ensures simple daily care of the seating area. Owners of cats and dogs will certainly appreciate furniture with anti-claw upholstery, which is almost impossible to leave snags and scratches on.
Pay attention to the susceptibility of the coating to ultraviolet rays. If you plan to place the set in a place where the sun constantly falls from the street, the color fastness value of the upholstery should be at least 4-5 points. Fabric with such indicators almost does not fade, maintaining the original saturation and brightness of colors for a long time.
Mechanisms
Secondly, sofas have different ways of laying out - that is, how it turns into a double. There are many mechanisms: book, eurobook, tick-tock, dolphin, puma, aknar, accordion, Venice, number 106, Verona, telescope, folding bed. We will tell you about the most popular ones.
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In a Eurobook, the seat moves forward and the backrest moves down. Such a sofa does not need to be moved away from the wall before transformation; it is best suited for daily sleep: you get two wide (about 150 cm) and even mattresses. It is the most durable and can withstand up to 120 kilograms per seat, although in other sofas the limit is 90.
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The book is the same sofa that needs to be moved away from the wall, the seat raised to click and straightened. Underneath is a storage box. These sofas are narrower, the width of one sleeping surface is about 125 centimeters. Both books and eurobooks for sleeping are usually taken by young families who cannot afford a separate bed.
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The accordion folds out like an accordion: you push the seat forward, and the front and rear surfaces of the backrest lie horizontally. This makes three narrow mattresses about 60 centimeters wide. It's not very comfortable to sleep on.
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The dolphin sofa is so named because the lower part emerges. You roll out the box under the seat and another surface rises up from there. Dolphin is the easiest to set up - even a child can handle it. This mechanism is often used in corner sofas.
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In an aknar, a surface is rolled out from under the seat, the backrest is lowered, and a bed of three blocks is obtained. The elements will be of different densities, so the aknar is inconvenient for constant sleep - the seams will be felt.
We calculate wear resistance according to Martindale
To more accurately determine the level of wear resistance of matter, experts recommend appealing to data obtained using the so-called Martindale test. A common technique is based on counting the number of abrasion cycles and is established experimentally for each type of upholstery fabric:
- from 10,000 to 15,000 cycles – a material of low stability with a cotton structure, more suitable for decorative use;
- from 15,000 to 25,000 cycles - ideal for upholstery of home furniture for lying and sitting, used in everyday life;
- from 25,000 to 35,000 cycles - a fabric for difficult conditions, with a long service life and low wear.
The minimum Martindale abrasion resistance values are regulated by GOST for furniture fabrics and range from 3000 to 9500 cycles. Samples with parameters exceeding 35,000 cycles are rarely used for cladding ordinary home furniture. These are fabrics with special heavy-duty weaving, which are advisable to use in the design of commercial locations with high traffic (hotels, sanatoriums, restaurants, hospitals, etc.).
Types of materials
Today there is a real opportunity to purchase environmentally friendly natural or durable artificial fabric for a sofa. In addition, the material for upholstery of the sofa can be of plant or animal origin. For various rooms, upholstered furniture is needed that has moisture resistance, hygroscopicity or a special anti-vandal effect.
Tactile sensations also play an important role. If you don't like the rough, hard upholstery of your sofa, it's better to give preference to smooth, shiny surfaces.
The decorative aspect is often the main condition for choice. Upholstery fabrics can be multi-colored, plain, have different geometries or unusual floral prints. The external design of the furniture should organically fit into the already created interior of the living space.
A set of such furniture, consisting of a sofa and armchairs, is the most favorite place for all family members to spend time in the evening. To maximize the life of upholstered furniture, you should choose the right sofa covering. Let's look at the main types of upholstery products
Types of furniture fabrics
Depending on the composition, method of weaving threads, texture and price category, furniture fabrics are divided into several main types. Let's look at the most popular and popular ones.
Velours
Chic velvety fabric with a small pile is rightfully considered the leader in consumer demand. The simultaneous weaving of 5 or more threads makes velor incredibly durable - the material is very difficult to tear and deform. The canvas drapes beautifully, which is why it is often used for upholstering furniture of complex styles. The combination of cotton and wool fibers provides the products with high hygroscopicity and breathability. Velor sofas and armchairs fit perfectly into luxurious surroundings in the Empire, Baroque, and Classic styles. They look presentable, but require very difficult maintenance. Natural upholstery wears out quickly and does not interact well with most detergents. To maintain a beautiful appearance, velor furniture should be regularly dry cleaned, and in no case should it be allowed to absorb accidentally spilled liquid.
Tapestry
Tapestry is perhaps the most recognizable furniture material with a long history. A characteristic feature of the fabric is its heavy weight and memorable design: a picturesque ornament with a floral or animalistic plot. In the old days, tapestry bedspreads and capes testified to the high material status of home owners. And today, sofas and armchairs with tapestry upholstery are one of the most fashionable options for decorating home furniture. The undoubted advantages of this type of upholstery include high density, durability and good antistatic properties. The material hardly attracts dust, can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner and a dry soft brush, but if used carelessly, it quickly rubs and forms creases. After home washing, it may fade and become deformed. In case of severe and old stains, it is recommended to dry-clean upholstered furniture made from tapestry.
Flock
Flock is an inexpensive and popular type of sofa upholstery that harmoniously combines a pleasant “appearance”, good consumer qualities and a very budget price. It belongs to non-woven materials, as it is produced by spraying a mixture of crushed natural and synthetic fibers onto an adhesive base. Despite its visual elegance and delicate silkiness, flock can withstand significant loads. It is ideal for rooms where pets live together with people. The absence of thread weaving prevents the appearance of snags on the surface, and rupture will only occur in the event of prolonged active damage to a section of the fabric by sharp objects (for example, cat's claws). The main disadvantage of flock coatings is their lack of environmental safety. The manufacturing technology involves the use of a large amount of glue, which can be a problem for people prone to allergies.
Gozhka
The rough, laconic texture of the matting fits perfectly into fashionable minimalist trends and eco-trends in the interior. The feeling of naturalness is enhanced by some resemblance to burlap and neutral, calm shades without a noticeable pattern. The most popular shades of furniture matting are the colors of the surrounding nature: sand, gray, beige, pistachio. Models with such upholstery form an impeccable ensemble with structures made of solid wood, bamboo, rattan, forming an original, cozy space in country, scandi or ethno style. The fabric is highly breathable, easy to care for, does not wrinkle or deform. Suitable for decorating kitchens and dining rooms, as it does not absorb odors. It is quickly cleaned and has increased resistance to mechanical damage.
Jacquard
One of the most wear-resistant upholsteries, with a smooth, tactile “cold” surface and an incredibly elegant print. A wide range of color palettes and expressive combinations with monochromatic companions make jacquard the best option for decorating expensive, prestigious furniture. The fabric is made both from 100% natural raw materials and with the addition of synthetic threads. But even in the second case, the standard cotton fiber content is at least 40%. Unfortunately, the few disadvantages of jacquard upholstery logically “follow” from its main advantage. The material loses its shape after washing, shrinks from exposure to temperature and is highly sensitive to moisture, like most natural fabrics. A jacquard sofa cannot be ironed with a hot iron or bleached. This will lead to inevitable damage to the product.
Chenille
Outwardly resembling soft corduroy, chenille belongs to the group of jacquard fabrics based on the way it is weaved. The presence of threads with fibers causes a slight “fluffiness” of the coating and makes it more cozy and comfortable to use. The high density and tensile strength is due to the well-thought-out composition of the fabric: 50% cotton and the same amount of synthetics. Sofas, armchairs and chairs with such upholstery are environmentally friendly, which allows them to be used for furnishing bedrooms and children's rooms. High-quality chenille is designed for several decades of active service. The durable material is easy to cut and drapes well, which makes it possible to decorate furniture of the most bizarre configurations with chenille. The downside is the rather high price tag, which, however, is fully justified by the elegant appearance and functionality of the material.
Eco leather
Eco-leather is one of the latest developments in light industry, and is ideal for furniture for both home and commercial use. This modern polymer should not be confused with the tired “leatherette.” In contrast, soft and dense eco-leather on a cotton basis has increased practicality, while in appearance it is almost no different from its natural handmade counterpart. Upholstery made from this material is hygroscopic, elastic, resistant to temperature changes, does not crack, has no odor and is completely easy to care for. It is enough to wipe the contaminated area with a damp sponge and treat it with special polishes so that the surface of the furniture looks as elegant as the day it was purchased. When choosing a sofa made of eco-leather, we advise you to pay attention to the thickness of the polyurethane layer. The higher this value (from 20 to 70% of the total volume), the more durable the beauty of your interior will be.
Microfiber
Another innovative synthetic material that is actively used for the design of upholstered furniture of various functions. Depending on the type of base, knitted or non-woven microfiber is distinguished. Additional protection against water, dust, grease and other household contaminants is provided by a special Teflon impregnation, which is part of a high-quality coating. To the touch, microfiber upholstery resembles expensive velvet, while its performance qualities far exceed any natural textiles. The fabric belongs to the anti-vandal category. It is very difficult to damage or stain it. The only nuance that needs to be taken into account before buying a microfiber sofa is that it cannot be placed close to heating radiators. The sensitivity of the material to high temperatures can negatively affect the appearance of the product.
Scotchgard
Modern cotton material with the addition of synthetic threads for better wear resistance, is characterized by high weaving strength and expressive patterns that are printed on the surface. The low density of the fabric allows you to create original compositions from upholstery, cushion covers and light curtains sewn from a single fabric. Good air permeability will protect products from the appearance of an unpleasant odor, and will also create more comfortable conditions for use - you will not be hot on a couch or sofa made of scotchgard on the hottest summer afternoon. It is worth noting the low pillability of the material. Even after long-term use, pellets do not form on the surface of the seats, backs and armrests, thanks to which the furniture retains its neat appearance longer.
Boucle
Curly, with an uneven knotted surface, bouclé fabric is incredibly pleasant to the touch, as it resembles soft lamb wool. The texture of the fabric is slightly loose and has a beautiful relief formed by knots and curls, which are located at the same distance from each other. Initially, boucle was produced exclusively from natural raw materials (cotton, silk, wool). But reupholstering furniture requires more durable and unpretentious materials. Therefore, the composition of furniture fabrics was quite reasonably “diluted” with durable artificial threads (polyester). The upholstery is most often painted in one tone, although occasionally there are examples with patterns. Astrakhan sofas can be washed with warm water, but the use of solvents and bleaches is prohibited. Drying structures in the sun is also not recommended. This can lead to fading of the drapery.
Varieties for children's models
When arranging a children's room, you must first take care of the environmental friendliness, safety and reliability of all materials used. If the purchased upholstered furniture will be installed in a children's room, preference should be given to natural and hypoallergenic fabrics:
- linen
- cotton
- flock
- jacquard.
Chenille upholstery has gained particular popularity recently. The excellent quality of the material, special strength, and water resistance make upholstery fabric an ideal option for a married couple with children. The material does not absorb odors and retains its original color for a long time. It is easy to remove from the surface all contaminants of organic or artificial origin, for example, the remains of plasticine or children's drawings made with a felt-tip pen.
