Which is better for a sofa, chenille or velor: comparison of fabrics

Velor sofas

Velor is often used as a material for furniture upholstery. Outwardly, it is very reminiscent of velvet, so velor sofas look very original and presentable. The modern range of these pieces of furniture is presented in a wide range, among which you can see models for every taste. They are very beautiful, practical and functional.

Story

The matting material traces its history back to the cattail plant, from which peasants wove various things needed on the farm. But then he was rude.

In a more modern form, the fabric found a second wind thanks to Coco Chanel, the famous fashion designer. This fabric came to be called “Chanel”.

Types of fabrics

For your information! Coco Chanel, fascinated by everything Russian, came up with the idea of ​​using burlap and matting in clothes, giving a vector for the development of fabric manufacturing technology.

One type of Chanel fabric

Advantages and disadvantages

A stylish velor sofa has always been particularly popular. Velor is very pleasant to the touch, and also carries with it a certain nobility, which makes it in demand in various fields. Such upholstery can create an amazing play of colors, giving a particular product uniqueness and charm.

A material such as velor has many advantages over other options. Velor sofas have the following advantages:

• strength;
• wear resistance;
• presentable;
• delicate texture;
• functionality;
• hypoallergenic;
• unpretentiousness in care;
• at an affordable price.

Velor furniture has virtually no disadvantages, since the most modern technologies are used in its production process and the wishes of consumers are taken into account.

Design and types of velor

Today it is made from both natural (wool, cotton) and synthetic materials (polyester, polyamide, lycra, polyester). The best types of velor combine natural and synthetic fibers. They do not cause allergic reactions, are easy to care for and are durable.

All types of velor are produced according to the same principle - five threads are intertwined in a certain order, four threads create the top and bottom fabric, and the fifth is used to form pile.

Of all the upholstery materials, only velor has such a wide variety of designs, thanks to which it has become the most common upholstery fabric for upholstered furniture. This is largely due to its moderate cost.

Velor pile, both cut and looped, can be processed in different ways. There are smooth or embossed velor; the pile can have different lengths and locations (vertical or smoothed to one side). Also, the pile can fill the entire surface or only certain areas, creating different patterns. Variations in different pile heights help create 3D patterns, while embossed finishes give the velor a reptile-skin effect.

Today manufacturers offer

• Carpet velor. A varied color palette goes well with existing furniture and decorative elements
• Knitted velor. Usually available in single color.
• Distinctive features: solid color and pattern, characteristic colors, pleasant to the touch surface
• Sanded velor. Sanding makes the fabric especially pleasant to the touch; it fits better, following the slightest curves of the sofa.
• Velor with Teflon coating. Relief texture similar to nubuck, enhanced anti-claw properties.

Which fabric is better?

Basically, for upholstery of sofas, manufacturers use strong and durable materials, each of which has individual characteristics. Therefore, before making a choice in favor of one or another sofa upholstery, it is recommended to decide for what purpose it is being purchased, and only after that give preference to a specific type of fabric.

It must be remembered that a beautiful velor sofa can give the interior a special coziness. Each upholstery material has its own individual characteristics and differences that should be paid due attention. The most popular among the entire range are the following items:

• Flock. A relatively inexpensive material that is actively used for furniture upholstery. It is made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This is an ideal option for animal owners, since this fabric is easy to care for, easy to clean, does not fade, and is also hypoallergenic, waterproof, and wear-resistant. The material allows air to pass through well, preventing the accumulation of unpleasant odors and is very pleasant to the touch.

• Chenille. It has a chic appearance and is considered an exclusive upholstery material. It is hypoallergenic, resistant to adverse environmental factors and easy to clean. This fabric perfectly retains its original qualities and color for many years, as it does not deform at all and does not fade.

• Velours. Very delicate material with a soft velvety surface, which provides the most comfortable and cozy rest. This fabric is resistant to stretching, so it is often preferred to be used in complex furniture structures.

It is a little demanding to care for, but it can still be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush, as well as treated with special water-based products.

• Jacquard. It is an exquisite and noble material with incomparable strength and durability. In terms of cost, this upholstery fabric is much more expensive than others. It is often compared to a tapestry due to the presence of a pronounced relief pattern. The fabric can only be cleaned using the dry method.

• Matting. It has a very dense and durable texture with a fleecy surface. The design looks very much like a chess pattern. This fabric is made from cotton, polyester and acrylic, which indicates the impeccable quality of the material. In any interior, this upholstery looks as natural as possible.

• Tapestry. This is a well-known cotton fabric with a thick weave of threads. It is not so refined, but has decent quality indicators, such as wear resistance, practicality and good breathability. This material perfectly retains its original characteristics for many years.

• ​Microfiber It is considered a novelty among upholstery materials. Very strong, durable, perfectly retains its original color, fireproof and resistant to adverse factors. A good option for those with pets due to its resistance to claw snags.

Each of these upholstery materials is unique in its own way. Therefore, in the selection process it is necessary to take into account all the features of a particular specimen. After all, only a properly chosen soft sofa will delight its owners and others not only with its attractive appearance, but also with its comfort.

Synthetic types of upholstery

Materials made from artificial fibers are not inferior to natural ones in terms of attractiveness. Their color range is much wider, and their prices are more affordable. The disadvantages include the ability to accumulate static electricity and attract dust. They are easier to care for.

Alcantara or faux suede

A worthy alternative to natural suede is artificial suede. It has a number of advantages:

• higher strength;
• inability to stretch during operation;
• easier to maintain, easy to clean;
• wide choice of colors;
• durability;
• affordable price.

There is also a similarity with natural suede: a velvety surface that is pleasant to the touch.

A new product on the market is a non-woven material that imitates suede. The production technology is simpler, and the price is accordingly affordable. However, in terms of main indicators, non-woven material is significantly inferior to textile material. It is less wear-resistant and short-lived.

Alcantara is an analogue of natural suede, named after the Italian brand that first mastered the manufacturing technology. The cost of this type is high, but the material guarantee is 10 years. It is easy to care for and resistant to external influences.

There are several varieties in the Alcantara production line: with and without backing, fire-resistant, two-color and monotone, with perforations and with ornaments. The consumer is offered more than 100 types of analogues of natural suede intended for upholstered furniture and car seats.

Teflon flock Curtisan

In the line of non-woven materials for upholstery of upholstered furniture and car seats, flock is a popular material - a soft and pleasant-to-touch material. Courtesan fabrics have a distinctive feature: they have high water-repellent properties and resistance to external damage, and the ability to “breathe”.

Thanks to these properties, Courtesan flock is used for the production of upholstered furniture for catering establishments and offices.

Chenille fabric

Translated into Russian, “chenille” means “caterpillar”. The fabric received this name due to its structure. During the production process, fluffy fibers are twisted and woven into the fabric. According to the composition of the raw materials, it is divided into cotton, mixed and artificial chenille made from natural fibers, ideal for children's furniture.

Thanks to special technology, the fabric does not stretch, does not absorb odors, and does not wrinkle. Mixed fabrics are not used to cover corner sofas intended to complete kitchen sets. It is recommended to clean this material only with a dry method.

Artificial fur

One of the popular materials is faux fur. The range is very wide: various colors and imitation of noble fur.

When choosing it as a coating, you need to take into account that it is not suitable for intensive use. It is not recommended to cover folding sofas with fleecy fabrics, including faux fur. It is beautiful, but prone to abrasion, and is also difficult to care for.

Technological microfiber

Microfiber (euroflock, microfiber) is one of the most popular interior fabrics. It has several advantages: a wide selection of colors and textures, resistance to pilling; washes easily and does not fade.

Technological microfiber is safe for health, wear-resistant and practical. Despite its high density, the material has the ability to “breathe”. This is one of the most durable coatings used in the furniture industry. In addition to microfiber upholstery, sofa cushions are made.

Consumer reviews confirm that this material can last a long time without losing its attractiveness.

Anti-vandal fabric Verona

Furniture velor Verona was developed in the USA. Interior fabric is produced in Turkey. Velor fabrics are used as wall coverings. These solutions are dictated by modern design trends and cope well with the anti-claw function.

The material drapes well, which is why it is widely used in interior design.

Microfiber Panda

Panda represents velor of the highest category made in Turkey with an anti-claw effect. This type of anti-vandal material has a wide color palette: from soft pastel tones to rich colors.

Like any type of artificial velor, it requires special care. When the fabric is exposed to temperatures above 60 degrees, the adhesive base is destroyed, which leads to abrasion and damage to the coating.

Which to choose?

The choice of a velor sofa should be approached with great responsibility. The color of the product plays a very important role when choosing. Designers recommend choosing the shade of the sofa that will harmoniously combine with other interior items and become its important component. In this case, it is necessary to take into account your lifestyle, as well as your character. After all, some people like bright colors, while others are delighted with calmer shades.

Each interior style includes a combination of certain color schemes, which should definitely be taken into account when choosing a velor sofa. They all have individual characteristics:

• Red . For some it can cause aggression, but for others it can become a symbol of romance and comfort. The most original way such a sofa complements interior design in the style of Art Deco, High-Tech, Constructivism and Techno.
• Blue. Psychologists say that this color has a positive effect on the human psyche, conducive to relaxation and tranquility. They can often be found in a classic style.
• Green. A velor sofa in this color can become the center of everyone's attention. It goes well with yellow, blue, pink and red items. This shade can cause drowsiness. It complements the Baroque style well.
• Brown. The presence of such a sofa ensures the creation of comfort and coziness. It is used in Country, Empire, Renaissance, Classic and Rococo styles. It goes perfectly with beige, yellow, blue, lilac, orange.
• Black. A beautiful velor sofa in this color looks original in bright and spacious rooms. It goes well with gray, red, yellow, turquoise and burgundy. It is often used in the Minimalist style.
• Grey. A sofa in this color fills the room with clarity and conciseness. It goes well with yellow, red and purple. Used in gothic and minimalist style.
• White. This sofa brings light and newness to the room. Therefore, it can often be found in the Art Nouveau style. Combines harmoniously with golden, beige and gray colors.

When is flock better, and when is chenille?

Before choosing suitable upholstery for future furniture, you need to assess how intensively it will be used and for what purposes it will serve.

Important! It should be remembered that the sofa should be in harmony with other interior items and at the same time be the central item in the room. It is to match its color that curtains are chosen, walls and floors are finished.

Flock and chenille are excellent upholstery options, but their features must be taken into account when choosing upholstered furniture.

Source: tkaner.com

Chenille fabric for a sofa: pros and cons

Increasingly, for sofa upholstery, buyers choose a pleasant fabric similar to velor or corduroy, chenille, which appeared more than 200 years ago in the USA. The origins of the original fluffy threads come from Europe, and the name itself has French roots (chenille French - caterpillar). The really fluffy fibers wrapped around the base resemble a caterpillar. Today, the choice of practical upholstery fabric, called chenille, is quite wide and in demand. Its popularity is easily explained by its practicality, aesthetic properties and reasonable price.

How to change old upholstery yourself

You can change the upholstery on furniture yourself if you have experience in reupholstering furniture.

Removing the upholstery

First, you should carefully measure all the parameters of the furniture and add about half a meter of fabric just in case of fire. You should either attach new upholstery to a well-cleaned old one, or remove the old one and re-upholster the furniture.

To reupholster, you need a furniture gun and appropriate staples, as well as glue, preferably universal, such as “Moment Crystal” or “Titanium,” scissors, a needle and thread, or a sewing machine.

Description of chenille

As in the case of jacquard, chenille is not the material itself, but the yarn from which it is woven. Materials with chenille thread are strong, durable, pleasant to the touch and look beautiful. The main advantage of sofa upholstery is the huge number of color and texture options. The characteristics of the fabric provide mainly positive customer reviews.

Comparative characteristics

The comparative characteristics of the products will help you make a final decision in favor of one or another fabric from our rating.

Table. Comparative characteristics of fabrics for sofa upholstery

Comparison of chenille with other upholstery fabrics

The range of upholstery fabrics is huge, unfortunately, it is not limited to one type. Only furniture chenille has several varieties. It’s easy to get confused in the store; the annoying question “which is better” immediately arises:

Chenille or matting? Chenille or velor? Chenille or flock? Tapestry or chenille?

This table will help you understand the difference between these fabrics.

How to care for corduroy?

The fabric will not lose its properties with proper care, which will require care. Corduroy items should not be washed in the same drum with wool and other items that can release fluff and threads. Such debris will accumulate between the pile, cleaning it will be problematic, and the item will look unkempt and worn. Also, due to the lint, it is difficult to rinse out granular powder, so you should stick to liquid laundry detergents. It is recommended to turn corduroy clothes inside out before putting them in the drum.

The following techniques will help to refresh corduroy, be it clothing or upholstery:

• You can remove dust by using wide adhesive tape: alternately strips of adhesive tape are glued to the fabric and peeled off along with the dust;
• A dry or wet clothes brush is no less effective;
• heavily soiled fabric should be wiped with a soapy sponge, and then again with a dry sponge.

If there is a need to restore the lost shine to corduroy, then this will not be difficult to do using ammonia. First of all, the material must be cleaned of dust. Then dilute 1 tbsp in 5 liters of cool water. spoon of ammonia and soak the item for 15 minutes. At the final stage, the product must be washed in soapy water, rinsed and allowed to dry on its own.

It is better to wash corduroy clothes by hand or in a machine on a delicate cycle at 30-35 degrees. The unique characteristics of corduroy also require careful care, so it is not recommended to twist things by hand or wring them out in a machine! You should not wash out stains or rub the fabric too hard - it is better to take the product to the dry cleaner. Corduroy items should be dried independently, without the use of dryers or electrical appliances. The fabric should be ironed at a temperature of no more than 150 degrees, and it is highly advisable to iron it from the wrong side, and it is better to slightly wet the fabric first, for example, with a spray bottle.

What upholstery to choose for a sofa

• For sofas in the living room, upholstery is usually made of leather or fabric with a clear pattern (tapestry, jacquard). These materials reflect the style of the owners of the house better than others.
• For a sofa in the kitchen, faux leather upholstery would be good (easy to clean, does not absorb odors).
• For furniture in the nursery, we recommend not too expensive upholstery materials - with a calm pattern, resistant to stains (flock, chenille, artificial leather). It is important that children's furniture can be easily cleaned.
• For a home with pets , a material is suitable that is difficult to leave snags and holes on. And caring for it should be easy. Example: flock. If you really want a different upholstery (for example, leather), the sofa will need to be covered with a cover.
• Abrasion-resistant materials are suitable for offices The best choice is natural or artificial leather.
• Materials that easily absorb odors are not suitable for rooms where people smoke Chenille and leather behave well in smoky rooms.

We will talk about these materials in our review. In addition to those mentioned, the following materials are used in the upholstery of sofas:

• bouclé (fabric with bouclé thread, has an uneven surface)
• matting (thick fabric, a type of chenille)
• suede
• microfiber and some others.

To improve the properties, furniture fabrics are treated with protective impregnations (Teflon, Scotchgard, etc.). This processing:

• increases the service life of the upholstery,
• makes the surface resistant to moisture and dirt (including grease),
• makes it easier to care for.

The liquid will simply roll off the sofa. The problem of stubborn stains (oil, tea, coffee, juice, etc.) will also be solved.

The difficulty is that externally the buyer will not be able to distinguish fabric with Teflon from fabric without Teflon. To avoid buying a “pig in a poke,” ask the seller for documents and certificates. The usual advice - to buy furniture in large showrooms from well-known manufacturers - is also appropriate here.

Which is better - chenille, flock, velor, matting, jacquard or tapestry

When creating products, you can use any of these materials and even their weaves.

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Jacquard is more suitable for connoisseurs of originality. Beautiful ornaments combined with a pleasant, velvety material can create an exquisite piece.

Matting is a dense fabric. The difference between it and chenille lies in the texture and tactile characteristics.

The matting is inherently rough. Pets love to sharpen their claws on this material, so it is not suitable for cat owners.

Tapestry is cleaner and safer for people, since its composition is predominantly represented by natural ingredients. Despite its many advantages, the fabric wears out easily and its design is erased.

Couch

Flock is a vandal-proof, popular material in the consumer market. Its main advantage over its competitors is its durability. It is multifunctional and suitable for creating a variety of products. It is very difficult to break, so it gets along well with pets.

Velor is a delicate material, prone to dirt and abrasion. Bed tones look elegant in the living room or bedroom, but you need to be prepared that the products will not last long.

Furniture flock

Flock is the most common material for upholstery of sofas. You will find furniture with flock in different price categories (both budget and luxury options).

Flock is produced by applying nylon pile to a base under the influence of an electrostatic field (this process is called flocking). Base composition: cotton and polyester. Flock imitates other upholstery materials - in appearance it can look like velor, suede, or chenille.

This effect is achieved through the use of different piles. Flock is difficult to tear, so he is almost not afraid of cat claws. Stains are easily removed with soap and water. Flock is often treated with protective impregnations.

When cleaning a flock sofa, you should not use alcohol or strong solvents (the surface will become bald).

A sofa with flock upholstery is well suited for almost any situation - for families with small children, for a home with animals, for living rooms, children's rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms. Suitable even for furniture that will stand on a loggia or veranda (it will not “stiffen” when cooled).

Flock is not suitable except for kitchen sofas and rooms where people smoke (it easily absorbs odors). If you have a choice, it is better not to take flock for transformable furniture (it is wiped off at the joints of parts).

Advantages of flock:

• lasting;
• waterproof;
• pleasant to the touch;
• easy to clean, does not get greasy;
• difficult to tear, does not cling;
• resistant to temperature changes;
• dust and wool stick little;
• large palette of colors and patterns

Where to put furniture with microvelor upholstery

Since the fabric absorbs odors and cannot be washed, the best place for furniture with micro-velor upholstery would be the living room or bedroom.

For the living room, you can choose any color you like and thus complement the interior with bright colors. For a bedroom, the choice will be successful, since usually no one else sits on the furniture except the owners themselves. It will last longer.

It is better to purchase leather furniture for the hallway, since it is easier to remove dirt from it. In the kitchen and dining room there is a high risk of staining the upholstery with food.

Modern sofas with microvelor upholstery come in the following types:

• Straight - a classic, standard rectangular sofa.
• Corner - fits comfortably into a small room, can be folded out and used as an extra bed.
• Island units are an ideal option for spacious rooms; they can be placed in the center of the room.

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A popular type of finishing is carriage screed. Furniture upholstery is stitched with buttons to create a diamond-shaped pattern, reminiscent of the upholstery in a royal carriage.

Island sofa

Furniture chenille

Chenille is a very practical upholstery. It feels like corduroy, but softer and more pleasant to the touch. Often used for children's furniture. Not suitable for pet owners.

Pros of chenille:

• lasting;
• wear-resistant;
• pleasant to the touch;
• does not cause allergies;
• does not absorb odors;
• the color is well preserved and fades little;
• not subject to deformation, does not stretch.

Cons of chenille:

• high price;
• absorbs moisture;
• Cat claw marks will be clearly visible.

How to calculate the footage if you decide to reupholster

It is not difficult to calculate the required amount of material for the banner. To do this, remove the old upholstery and measure all the components at the widest and longest places. You need to add about 10-20% to the vertical data for allowances and seams. A little more if there is a pattern and it needs to be combined.

It’s easy to calculate the footage for pillows: length and width need to be multiplied by two, add 5-10 cm for allowances.

If the old upholstery cannot be removed, you will have to take measurements by eye. To do this, you need to measure the length, width and height of the sofa, multiplying the resulting values ​​by two. But, of course, it’s easier to call a specialist. A professional can tell at first glance how many meters will be needed for the reupholstery.

Source

Furniture jacquard

Jacquard is a very dense (even stiff) upholstery fabric with a wide variety of patterns. It does not fade in the sun, is wear-resistant, lasts a long time, so it is ideal for a sofa in the living room. Absolutely not suitable for a house where there is a cat (claws will leave puffs).

Advantages of jacquard:

• strength;
• rigidity;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to sunlight (does not fade);
• long service life;
• pleasant to the touch;
• a wide range of patterns and colors;

Disadvantages of jacquard:

• sensitive to moisture;
• Difficult maintenance (only dry cleaning is acceptable);
• Everyone likes the slippery surface.

Care instructions

It is recommended to use the following tips for care:

Material care

• Curtains and matting upholstery can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a soft clothes brush.
• If the fabric is dirty, spray it with a spray bottle and clean it with a sponge and soapy water.
• If the stain is difficult to remove, then it is better to use folk remedies for removing grease or glue stains.
• The matting is sensitive to chlorine, as the fabric changes color. The same applies to aggressive detergents.
• To wash removable matting textiles, choose a delicate wash.
• A steam generator is very effective for cleaning sofas made of this material.

Furniture velor

Velor furniture has a beautiful velvety sheen. Looks very impressive in the living room. Wet cleaning of such furniture is acceptable. You should also regularly clean the surface with a vacuum cleaner (furniture attachment with soft bristles). The disadvantage of velor is its tendency to abrasion.

This problem can be solved by covering the sofa with a special cover, from under which individual areas that are not subject to heavy load will be visible. Velor is suitable for upholstering a sofa in the living room or bedroom.

It's hard to imagine a home where there are children and there are never stains or spilled tea. Therefore, a velor sofa is not suitable for families with children.

Advantages of velor:

• spectacular appearance;
• soft;
• pleasant to the touch;
• allows air to pass through (“breathes”);
• does not stretch

Disadvantages of velor:

• short-lived;
• very capricious, demanding care;
• stains are very difficult to remove;
• the pile wears out over time.

What kind of material is this?

Translated into Russian, “velor” means “shaggy, fluffy, fleecy.” And indeed it is.

Velor fabric, used for furniture upholstery, is a dense, durable material with an even, thick pile. It is also used for covering soft wall panels.

It looks unusually beautiful, is pleasant to the touch, and can decorate the interior with subtle tints of shades. It is made from natural, artificial, synthetic fibers and mixtures thereof.

Most often these are cotton, viscose, polyamide and polyester.

This composition allows not only to give the fabric wear resistance and durability, but also to create fabric with different external effects.

• Smooth velor - with a uniform structure and vertically located pile.
• Shaped - heterogeneous, with a pronounced texture, in which the pile can be inclined, of different heights, of different shades.
• Printed - with a colored pattern.
• Embossed - velor with a pattern formed by laying the pile in different directions, which gives the fabric a similarity to other, even more expensive textures - for example, crocodile skin.
• Plain painted - the most expensive and beautiful in appearance, with a uniform color.

It is difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish by sight, for example, velor for furniture, velvet, corduroy, micro-velvet and other types of pile fabrics. All of them have a velvety pile surface that shimmers in the light like fur.

The main thing you need to know when choosing a type of furniture is that it is very dense, heavy, and the pile on it is located with a high density.

Furniture genuine leather

The price of sofas upholstered in genuine leather is high. And not without reason. A leather sofa will serve you for a long time. This is partly why leather is chosen for office spaces, executive offices, expensive hotels and conference rooms, and home libraries. The second reason for this choice is prestige. A leather sofa immediately denotes the high status of the owner.

Caring for a leather sofa is easy: just wipe the surface with a damp cloth. There are special care products for leather furniture that will help you maintain the appearance of your sofa.

Remember - a good leather sofa should not be cheap! A low price also indicates low quality leather or paint. If you are on a limited budget, it is better to buy leatherette.

Tip: choose a leather sofa with individual pillows. If the surface does wear off and lose its appearance, you can start by simply replacing the pillows.

Advantages of genuine leather:

• luxurious, expensive appearance;
• natural;
• durable;
• durable;
• moisture resistant;
• easy to care for.

Disadvantages of natural leather:

• high price;
• afraid of fire (including cigarettes);
• the range of colors is much smaller than that of woven materials;
• may feel cold to the touch;
• “sticks” to unprotected human skin;
• may crack over time (especially if not properly cared for).

How to use furniture textiles?

The most important rule by which this upholstery material is selected for sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture is that it is not intended for any interior. Velor looks very expensive and noble.

Therefore, the best option for him is rich, lush classical interiors - Baroque, Gothic, palace style, Empire, Rococo. Modern laconic stylistic solutions (loft, hi-tech, minimalism, modern) with such furniture can look simple and tasteless.

There are a couple more tricks that will help you use this textile indoors to its maximum advantage.

• This upholstery looks most impressive on furniture with complex structural shapes: with twisted parts, curves, curved armrests, decorative ties, and massive buttons covered with fabric. In such cases, velor amazes with the play of shades and shine of the pile, reflecting light from different angles.
• The most representative participants in the interior are a sofa, sofa, armchair, pouf, covered with velor, the color of which is similar to the color of precious stones: azure, turquoise, deep green emerald, thick blue sapphire, deep red ruby ​​or garnet.
• It is better not to use deep anthracite-black for luxury furniture: it absorbs light, and the sofa or armchair looks like a boring “hole”.

When choosing velor for upholstering furniture, pay attention to its density: there should be no gaps on the surface. The pile should be uniform and also dense - this density is even visually much higher than that of dress or suit pile fabrics. There should be no visible defects, bald spots, thinned areas, etc. on the surface of such fabric. And most importantly, furniture velor is in any case more expensive than clothing velor. Even if its composition is dominated by synthetics.

Furniture artificial leather

Leatherette is an ideal option for those who need a leather surface (or just really want it!), but don’t have enough money. Faux leather is excellent for kitchen furniture and children's sofas, as it does not absorb odors and is easy to clean.

Yes, the pattern of artificial leather is not as varied as, for example, tapestries. But if you don’t like simple colors and classic interiors, you can throw a few colored pillows on a plain sofa and the problem will go away.

Pros of artificial leather:

• cheaper than genuine leather;
• soft, pleasant to the touch;
• moisture resistant;
• very resistant to abrasion;
• easy to care for;
• No animals were harmed during its production.

Cons of artificial leather:

• the surface is prone to scratches and may crack over time;
• “sticks” to unprotected human skin;
• afraid of fire.

Advantages and disadvantages of flock

Flock is similar to velvet, has a short and soft pile. It is obtained by gluing nylon pile fibers onto a cotton (or polyester) base under an electrostatic field. This process is called flocking.

The advantages of flock can be considered:

• strength and tear resistance;
• hair and fur do not stick, and do not deteriorate under the influence of animal claws;
• moisture-resistant and easy to care for – easy to clean, treated with impregnations;
• does not fade or pill;
• pleasant to the touch and insensitive to temperature changes.

The negative aspects of flock can be considered: it wears out during use, absorbs odors. Alcohol and other solvents can cause bald patches to appear on the surface of the fabric. If furniture is transformed during use, the pile may wear out at the joints.

Summary

Whatever upholstery you choose for your sofa, remember the following general care rules. They are simple, but if you follow them, even cheap upholstery will last you a long time. What can we say about the road! So:

• do not place the sofa close to the heat source (radiator), do not place heaters nearby;
• do not use cleaning products that are not intended for furniture (especially with bleaches);
• Take care of your sofa regularly and try not to spill anything on it (even if the upholstery is stated to be waterproof).

And – enjoy your holiday on your new sofa!

Choosing fabric for interior design

Today, interior designers use many wonderful materials in their work. Particularly popular fabrics are:

• antistatic,
• repellent dust,
• Dirt-resistant.

Thickness, weave, technical parameters of the material are very important, but also pay attention to color and design. How to choose upholstery for the perfect sofa that will become a real star of the interior?

Color according to interior style

Color is quite important and can range from fresh, cool tones, warm, energetic shades, to a calm neutral color palette. In a marine style interior there is a wonderful choice:

• thin blue,
• invigorating turquoise,
• strong sapphire.

In oriental interiors, pop art styles look like:

• warm white oranges,
• sunny yellow,
• temperamental scarlet.

When choosing a classic decor, you should stick to balanced colors:

• noble gray,
• beige.

Harmony or an intriguing highlight of the program?

The sofa can harmonize with the interior design or create an unusual counterpoint - the highlight of the program.

• Harmony will be created by fabric that matches the tone of other materials - curtains, carpet.
• If homeowners prefer contrasts, you can choose fuchsia upholstery against a background of cream wallpaper - a solution favored by Scandinavians who decorate spaces with bold colors.

Plain design or bold patterns?

Plain monochrome upholstery is a reliable basis for interior design. Smooth plain surfaces are not obligatory; you can “go crazy” with the help of colorful pillows and decorative wallpaper.

Fans of bright solutions will be able to enjoy cheerful stripes and colored melanges. When choosing patterned upholstery, you need to remember moderation and not overdo it with accessories. It’s a good idea to add other fabrics with similar shades and patterns to the interior, for example, on napkins or curtains.

Room size matters!

It is important to consider the size of the room. If the design and upholstery colors are too intense, the space will seem overwhelming. Fabrics with a subtle color palette look great in a small room:

• blue, ash, elegant ecru will add light and lighten the room;
• One colored material with an embossed, embroidered texture will help relieve boredom.

When updating furniture, sometimes you have to change the upholstery of the sofa, which fabric is better - the choice should be made individually for each interior, the prevailing conditions in it, how and by whom the furniture is used, how often it is exposed to contamination. You shouldn’t skimp on fabric; high-quality material will last longer without causing any trouble.

Main characteristics of furniture fabrics

The appearance of upholstered furniture, comfort and duration of use depend on the characteristics of the upholstery. To understand what material is suitable for upholstery, we suggest understanding what types of furniture fabrics there are and their characteristics, what to consider when purchasing.

All types of upholstery are divided into 8 categories, which characterize density and operating features. The higher the category, the better the density of the fabric and resistance to external factors:

• 0 – budget fabrics, mainly made from natural fiber. Fragile with a short service life;
• 1 – strength is higher than that of the first category;
• 2 – increased strength, combine the first two groups;
• 3 – complex texture;
• 4 – high density, tensile strength;
• 5 – high-strength fabrics made from natural ingredients;
• 6 – artificial leather;
• 7 – loose, budget genuine leather;
• 8 – expensive, high-density genuine leather.

When purchasing upholstered furniture or new upholstery, take into account the category that is indicated in the product passport, because it determines how long the sofa will retain its original appearance with regular use.

External effects of velor fabric

In order to choose which velor is best for upholstering a sofa, you need to take into account the purpose of the room in which the furniture is installed and the style of its design. The material may have a surface:

• smooth - with uniform vertical pile;
• shaped - with a pronounced texture, which is formed by vertically and obliquely located pile, having different heights and shades;
• embossed - with a pattern that is formed when the pile is laid in different directions;
• plain-dyed - with uniform coloring.