The upholstery material for a new sala set is a considerable investment—you don’t want to be regretting it a few months after the piece arrives. Pick the wrong material, and you’ll find yourself dealing with snags and stains. Make the wrong choice on the color or pattern, and the over-all room design will be compromised. So, before you choose your new upholstery fabric, research what you should consider in terms of durability, comfort, and style.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic material composed of polymerized chloroprene. It is sometimes referred to as polychloroprene. As part of its production process, neoprene undergoes the chemical treating process of vulcanizing the synthetic rubber to enhance its properties. The number of sulfur links affects the features of the batch of neoprene. Therefore, neoprene can display an array of characteristics in alternating degrees without reducing its basic structure. As a result, it is used in many different applications.
Here are the characteristics of neoprene:
- It’s a very heat resistant rubber.
- Neoprene is also cold resistant.
- It works with other materials.
- It’s resistant to outdoor conditions.
- It’s chemical resistant.
Leather
Leather is a popular option for furniture. It looks great, it’s easy to clean, and it can endure a fair amount of abuse. Good quality leather upholstery is expensive than fabric. There are low-grade and faux-leather options that you can also consider. Leather can be wiped clean, but it has other qualities that need more maintenance. UV rays are not helpful to leather — they can cause it to dry out and probably crack.
Wool
A natural fiber that comes from animal locks, wool is an excellent choice for upholstery fabric. Most wool you find on sofas and chairs is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The combination of synthetic materials helps the fabric stand up better to use and also makes it easier to clean.
Velvet
Velvet is a deluxe woven fabric characterized by its thick and short pile. This smooth and shiny material can be produced from natural or synthetic fibers and differs in quality and type. Though comparatively tricky to clean, velvet holds out for its comfort, feel, and vibrant color, which makes it a preference for dramatic creations such as traditional button-tufted headboards and ostentatious accent chairs.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a knit blend polyester fabric that is softer than suede and easy to clean. This compact material is made of tightly made synthetic fibers, giving strength and moisture resistance with the aesthetic features of authentic suede. This low-cost fabric is ideally used for chaise lounges, sectional or convertible sofas, and other comfortable casual seats in a contemporary style.
