In this article, you will learn about the types of fabrics used for furniture upholstery, their durability, and environmental impact. You will also learn about the cost of furniture upholstery, as well as the importance of quality fabric. To make the best decision for your home, you should consider the upholstery sydney.
Fabrics for furniture upholstery
Whether you are buying new furniture or redoing the upholstery on your existing pieces, choosing the right fabric is vital. The many choices are vast, and the right choice will depend on the color, pattern, and fiber type. But before you start looking for the perfect fabric, take a look at some basics:
Fabrics for upholstery need to be durable and long-lasting. They must match the furniture’s style, as well as your home decor. Considering the amount of wear your piece will experience is essential – especially if you plan to have kids or pets. Furniture retailers can help you make the right choice.
Fabric durability
When selecting fabric for your furniture upholstery, the durability level of the fabric is very important. There are three different levels of fabric durability. Medium duty upholstery is strong enough to withstand daily use, but it may not hold up well to heavy usage. On the other end of the spectrum, light duty upholstery is only durable for a few years. It is recommended for use in living rooms and other areas that do not get a lot of use. Meanwhile, delicate duty upholstery is suitable for areas with lots of decorative details.
One of the factors that affects the fabric durability in furniture upholstery is its resistance to abrasion. Fabrics that are too easily rubbed are not durable and may wear out after a certain number of uses.
Environmental impact
According to upholstery industry expert John O’Leary, “The upholstery industry has a lot to learn when it comes to sustainability.” While many upholstery fabrics are made from sustainable materials, it’s clear that the upholstery industry needs to do more to reduce its environmental impact. Most upholstery fabrics are made from petroleum-based polyurethane foams and synthetic fabrics, and many are also chemically treated for performance enhancement and flame retardancy. The industry also needs to improve its recycling policies and design for end-of-life disposal.
Manufacturing furniture involves the use of many chemicals, which can harm the environment and humans. Most furniture finishes and treatments emit gasses into the air after they are made, posing a health risk to people and the environment. For this reason, sustainable furniture materials should be free of formaldehyde, and be made from water-based or low VOC materials. Even better, look for companies that source their materials from local suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Cost
Choosing the right fabric for furniture upholstery is an important decision that will affect the overall cost of your project. Some fabrics are more expensive than others. Wool, for example, can cost as much as $100 a yard. Fortunately, wool is fireproof and can withstand high temperatures. It must be dry cleaned, though, and is susceptible to damage from moths and insects.
Depending on the material and design, the cost of furniture upholstery can vary considerably. Fabrics with vintage prints and unique patterns can be expensive. For a more accurate estimate, consult with a professional upholstery shop. The specialist can also tell you how much fabric you’ll need.