Chieftain Lionella Contract Vinyl Lionella Bronze

Chieftain Lionella Soft-Touch Contract Upholstery Vinyl

Chieftain Lionella is a contract upholstery vinyl developed to combine the appearance and supple feel of leather with the durability and practicality of modern coated upholstery fabric.

Unlike conventional PVC upholstery vinyl, Lionella incorporates 15% polyurethane in its surface composition. This gives it a softer, more flexible handle, making it particularly suitable for furniture where comfort and appearance are just as important as everyday durability.

Available in 24 colours, the collection includes understated neutrals, deep blues, greens, rich reds, warm metallic-inspired shades and accent colours.

Choose your preferred colour from the variations above to view the corresponding product image and order the required length.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Chieftain Fabrics
• Collection: Lionella
• Surface composition: 85% phthalate-free PVC and 15% polyurethane
• Backing: Cotton-based
• Width: Approximately 137cm (54")
• Fabric weight: Approximately 800gsm
• Thickness: Approximately 1.25mm
• Abrasion resistance: 500,000 Martindale rubs
• Fire performance: BS 5852 Ignition Source 5 (Crib 5)
• Surface: Soft-touch, leather-look finish
• Additional properties: Antimicrobial and antifungal performance
• Available colours: 24
• Supply: Sold by the linear metre
• Intended environment: Indoor furniture upholstery

Lionella is not recommended for marine applications. Where formal fire or contract certification is required, check the latest manufacturer documentation.

Choose from 24 Lionella Colours

The Lionella collection provides an extensive palette suitable for individual furniture pieces or coordinated commercial interiors.

The available colours are:

• Airforce Blue
• Aubergine
• Black Velvet
• Blood Orange
• Bronze
• Colonel Mustard
• Deep Sea
• Dusk Grey
• Flint
• Gold Medal
• Gothic
• Heather
• Hulk Green
• Moonstone
• Old Gold
• Pearl
• Pewter
• Red October
• Ruby Red
• Slate
• Stonewash
• Titanium
• Toffee
• Winter Green

The range offers considerable flexibility for creating coordinated upholstery schemes.

Pearl, Moonstone and Stonewash provide lighter neutral options, while Black Velvet, Gothic and Slate are suited to darker furniture.

Airforce Blue and Deep Sea introduce classic blues; Hulk Green and Winter Green provide distinctive green alternatives.

For statement seating, Blood Orange, Ruby Red and Aubergine offer stronger colour choices, while Bronze, Old Gold and Toffee complement warm timber and leather-inspired interiors.

Select your shade from the variation menu above to view its corresponding image.

Screen colours may differ from the actual material. Physical samples are recommended where an exact match is important.

Soft-Touch Faux Leather for Furniture

Lionella's main advantage is the combination of a supple surface and commercial upholstery performance.

Its polyurethane content provides a softer handle than many conventional PVC coverings, making it particularly appealing for seating where users come into direct contact with the material.

Typical applications include:

• Restaurant chairs and banquette seating
• Boutique hotel furniture
• Reception and waiting-room chairs
• Executive office seating
• Lounge chairs and upholstered benches
• Bar stools and café furniture
• Upholstered headboards
• Decorative wall panels
• domestic chairs and footstools

The soft leather-look finish is useful for furniture requiring a more refined appearance without the care requirements associated with natural leather.

Contract Durability and Abrasion Resistance

Chieftain Lionella has been tested to 500,000 Martindale abrasion rubs.

This makes it suitable for demanding interior seating applications when combined with suitable furniture construction and appropriate maintenance.

Its durability is particularly relevant to hospitality furniture, where seating is exposed to frequent use, regular handling and repeated cleaning.

However, abrasion resistance is only one consideration when selecting upholstery material.

The lifespan of finished furniture also depends on the condition of the frame, foam, seam construction, fitting tension and cleaning methods.

For seating manufacture and refurbishment,

Crib 5 Contract Upholstery Vinyl

Lionella is specified with BS 5852 Ignition Source 5 fire performance, commonly known as Crib 5.

This makes it relevant to commercial upholstery projects where a suitable fire-tested covering is required.

The vinyl's fire performance does not automatically establish compliance for completed furniture. Foam, fillings, interliners and the entire upholstered construction must satisfy the applicable requirements.

Where a specific contract standard is required, obtain the latest technical information and test documentation before production.

Wipe-Clean Upholstery and Hygiene

Lionella has a practical wipe-clean surface and is specified with antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

These characteristics make it a useful option for restaurants, hotels, reception areas, offices and other environments where furniture requires regular cleaning.

For routine maintenance, remove dust and marks using a soft cloth and the cleaning method recommended by Chieftain.

Avoid abrasive pads, unsuitable solvents and aggressive cleaning chemicals that may damage the coated surface.

Clean spills promptly and take particular care with colour transfer from denim or other dyed clothing, especially on lighter shades.

Antimicrobial material properties do not replace routine cleaning, appropriate disinfection or established hygiene procedures.

Cutting, Sewing and Upholstery Preparation

Lionella measures approximately 137cm wide and is supplied by the linear metre.

Before ordering, measure every seat, back, arm, border and other upholstery panel. Allow sufficient additional material for seams, piping, shaped sections and cutting waste.

Where the vinyl has a visible grain direction, maintain a consistent orientation across adjoining panels.

For furniture suites and larger projects, order the required quantity together where possible to minimise differences between manufacturing batches.

Use suitable needles and stitch lengths, and avoid unnecessary unpicking because needle holes may remain visible in coated upholstery materials.

Foam, Wadding and Furniture Finishing

The quality of the supporting upholstery affects the appearance and performance of the finished Lionella covering.

Worn foam, uneven padding or poorly supported edges can become visible beneath the material and place unnecessary strain on seams.

Choose suitable Upholstery Foam Sheets for the intended seating application.

Where appropriate, Polyester Wadding can soften foam edges and improve the finished upholstery profile.

Secure polyester wadding to foam using suitable Upholstery Spray Adhesive to help prevent shifting and bunching when fitting covers.

Lionella is also well suited to decorative piping, topstitching, panel detailing and appropriately constructed buttoned upholstery.

Lionella or Another Chieftain Vinyl?

Choose Lionella when a softer leather-like feel, refined appearance and proven contract durability are the main priorities.

For a larger selection of smooth plain colours, explore Chieftain Just Colour.

For classic heritage-style grain, consider Chieftain Traditional.

For colours and alternative decorative finishes, compare Chieftain Riviera.

see the Chieftain Contract Upholstery Vinyl Range for further materials.

Chieftain Lionella is a soft-touch contract upholstery vinyl containing 15% polyurethane for a supple, leather-like feel. Available in 24 colours, it combines Crib 5 fire performance with a durable, wipe-clean finish for hotels, restaurants, reception seating and quality furniture.

Width: 137cm | Sold by the metre

Choose a colour to see its image. Colours may vary due to screen resolutions and settings. Samples available on request.