Journal

Choosing upholstery materials

A short, practical note on selecting each layer of an upholstered piece.

1. 1

   Start with use, not colour

   Consider how the piece will be used — a dining chair, a headboard or a busy family sofa ask different things of a cloth. Check any rub-test and fire-safety information listed on the product before choosing.

2. 2

   Vinyl and faux leather

   Leather-look vinyls are coated fabrics, not genuine leather. They are typically wipe-clean and suit seating that sees spills, and their backing affects how they stretch around curves.

3. 3

   Build the layers

   A finished seat is a stack of parts: springs or webbing, hessian, fillings or foam, lining cloth and the top fabric. Choosing each layer together gives a more even, lasting result.

4. 4

   Foam density and depth

   Foam is chosen by firmness, density and thickness. Seats usually need a firmer, denser foam than backs; product details list the specification for each option.

5. 5

   Traditional, natural materials

   Natural fibres, hessians and twines are used in traditional upholstery and restoration work, where the build is shaped by hand rather than with pre-cut foam.

6. 6

   Fixings and finishing

   Staples, tacks, buttons, piping and feet complete the piece. Match staple size to your staple gun and confirm compatibility before ordering.