Upholstery Fabric Guide: Types, Durability Ratings and How to Choose
What Is Upholstery Fabric?
Upholstery fabric is the durable textile used to cover and cushion furniture such as sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs. Unlike dressmaking fabric, it is tested and rated specifically for abrasion resistance, so it can withstand years of daily use.
What Are the Three Main Types of Fabric Used in Upholstery?
Upholstery fabric generally falls into three groups: natural fibres such as cotton and linen, synthetic fibres such as polyester and vinyl, and blended fabrics that combine natural comfort with synthetic durability.
Which Fabric Is Best for Upholstery?
Cotton
Breathable, versatile and available in countless colours, including popular neutral shades like cream. Cotton is one of the most affordable natural options, though it can wear faster than synthetic blends under heavy use.
Linen
Offers a crisp, natural look and a luxurious feel, but creases more easily and generally needs more careful cleaning than cotton or polyester.
Polyester and Synthetic Blends
Strong, affordable and easy to clean, polyester is a common choice for heavy duty upholstery fabric on sofas and dining chairs that see daily use.
Velvet
A soft, dense pile fabric that adds a sumptuous, elegant texture. Modern performance velvets are treated to resist stains, making them more practical than older velvet weaves.
Boucle and Chenille
Boucle has a looped, textured surface popular in contemporary furniture design, while chenille offers a soft, tufted pile with good durability for everyday seating.
Vinyl and Faux Leather
A wipe-clean, highly durable option well suited to dining chairs, commercial settings and homes with children or pets.
Outdoor Upholstery Fabric
Treated acrylic or solution-dyed polyester designed to resist fading, moisture and mildew, ideal for garden furniture and conservatories.
Heavy Duty Upholstery Fabric for Chairs: What to Look For
Heavy duty upholstery fabric is measured using the Martindale rub test, which counts how many rubs a fabric withstands before signs of wear appear.
| Martindale Rating | Suitability |
|---|---|
| 10,000 to 15,000 | Occasional use, such as bedroom chairs |
| 15,000 to 25,000 | General domestic use, everyday sofas and chairs |
| 25,000 to 30,000+ | Heavy duty, family homes, commercial and contract use |
For heavy duty upholstery fabric for chairs used daily, a rating of 25,000 or higher is generally recommended, alongside a tight weave such as canvas or twill.
Fire Safety Standards for UK Upholstery Fabric
In the UK, upholstery fabric intended for furniture is expected to meet the British Standard BS 5852, which tests resistance to ignition and flame spread. Many fabrics also carry additional flame-retardant finishes for extra protection, particularly important for sofas and chairs used in family homes.
Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Codes
| Code | Meaning | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaner safe | Water-based upholstery shampoo |
| S | Solvent only | Dry-cleaning solvent, avoid water |
| WS | Water or solvent | Either method suitable |
| X | Vacuum only | No liquid cleaning, professional clean only |
How Do I Clean Upholstery Fabric?
- Vacuum regularly to remove dust and grit that wear down fibres over time
- Check the cleaning code label before using any liquid or solvent
- Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing, to avoid pushing stains deeper into the weave
- Test any cleaning product on a hidden area first
- Have heavily soiled or delicate fabrics professionally cleaned
For fibre-specific care guidance, see our Textile Care & Conservation guide.
Choosing Upholstery Fabric by Room and Use
Living Room Sofas
Balance comfort and durability with a mid-to-high Martindale rated cotton, linen blend or performance velvet.
Dining Chairs
Choose wipe-clean options like vinyl or tightly woven synthetic blends, given the higher risk of spills.
Family Homes with Children or Pets
Prioritise heavy duty upholstery fabric with a high Martindale rating and a stain-resistant or wipe-clean finish.
Outdoor and Conservatory Furniture
Use dedicated outdoor upholstery fabric designed to resist fading, moisture and mildew.
Buying Upholstery Fabric
By the Yard or Metre
Most specialist fabric retailers and online fabric shops sell upholstery fabric by the yard or metre, allowing you to buy exactly the quantity needed for a chair, sofa or reupholstery project.
In Store or Online
UK shoppers can find upholstery fabric through department stores, specialist fabric retailers, haberdashery shops and online fabric marketplaces, with in-store visits useful for checking colour and texture, such as cream or neutral tones, in person before buying.
How Much Fabric Do I Need?
As a general guide, allow roughly 0.5 to 0.7 metres per dining chair seat, and considerably more for a full sofa, with extra allowed for pattern matching.
Sustainable Upholstery Fabric Options
Organic cotton, recycled polyester and natural linen blends are increasingly available as lower-impact upholstery choices without sacrificing durability. See our Sustainable & Eco Textiles guide for more.
Common Upholstery Fabric Myths
Velvet is too delicate for everyday sofas. Modern performance velvets are treated for stain resistance and hold up well to daily family use.
A higher thread count always means a more durable fabric. For upholstery, the Martindale rub rating is a far more reliable durability measure than thread count alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is upholstery?
Upholstery fabric is any durable, abrasion-tested textile, such as cotton, linen, polyester, velvet or vinyl, used to cover and cushion furniture.
Which fabric is best for upholstery?
It depends on use. Polyester blends and vinyl suit high-traffic, family homes, while linen and velvet suit lower-traffic, more formal spaces.
What are the three main types of fabric?
Natural fibres, synthetic fibres and blended fabrics are the three broad categories used across both fashion and upholstery.
How do I clean upholstery fabric?
Check the cleaning code label first, vacuum regularly, blot spills immediately, and use only the recommended cleaning method for that code.
What is a good Martindale rating for a family sofa?
A rating of at least 25,000 rubs is generally recommended for heavy, everyday family use.
Related Reading
Written by the Textile Conservancy editorial team, dedicated to helping readers understand fabric, care for it properly, and make more sustainable material choices.
