How To Choose Armchair Upholstery Fabrics

When it comes to armchairs, it’s no wonder that fabric designs are such a popular choice; they’re nice and comfy, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for styles and colours. But with so many to choose from, how do you decide which armchair fabric is best for you and your family?

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your current armchair with some fresh upholstery, or you’re looking for a new fabric seat to add to your collection, we’re here to guide you. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself before making any final decisions.

Where’s my armchair going?

The position of your armchair in your home will tell you a lot about how often it’s going to be used – and that will help you decide which fabric to go for. If your armchair is taking pride of place in your living room, it’s sure to be used on a regular basis, so you should go for something robust and long-lasting. Perhaps microfibres (which repel spills), corduroy or flat weaves will work for you; they’re durable, but your won’t have to compromise on style. Alternatively, faux leather on chairs is nice and easy to clean, while providing a premium finish.

If your fabric armchair is going in a room that doesn’t see so much use, why not go for something a little more luxurious? Velvet upholstered chairs add a touch of glamour to any room, and it’s guaranteed to impress guests when they stop by.

Or you could choose simple natural cotton for a minimalist finish. Make sure you check the thread count – the higher the number, the better the fabric quality, and that means a softer and stronger armchair for you. Just bear in mind that fabrics like these can need professional cleaning from time to time to keep them in shape.

Top tip: If you really want an armchair that stays in tip-top condition year after year, it’s well worth looking out for ones with wipe clean fabrics. That way you can treat areas of dirt build up whenever you need to.

Do you have pets?

Do your four-legged friends love to snuggle up with you on your armchair? If so, modern fabrics with plenty of texture are always a good option. Perhaps faux leather will take your fancy; it’s soft to the touch, but cats can’t get their claws in it and pet hair doesn’t settle on it. That makes it easy to keep clean.

Top tip: If you don’t like faux leather, you could pick woven upholstery instead. If looked after, it can last for a long time. Plus, when your pets climb on it, you can simply use throws to prevent any mud or hair from sticking to the fabric.

What colour do you want?

Now it’s time for the best bit, and it’s worth spending some time thinking about this one. You should think carefully before deciding on a colour. Perhaps you’d like to match your fabric armchair to your sofa (as closely as possible), or you want something that makes a statement.

It’s up to you to decide, but if you want the best value for money, it’s always worth considering something versatile; for example, something that wouldn’t look out of place if you happened to take it with you to a new home, or you change your décor.

When it comes to choosing a colour for your fabric upholstery, it’s a good idea to think about how big the room is. If you have a small living room, then a bold shade could make the space look even smaller, especially if you have sizeable furnishings.

Neutral colours are always a safe choice, and you could always accessories with bright cushions and throws to reflect your personality.

Top tip: Is your new armchair likely to get a lot of sun? Remember that dark colours will fade if you keep them in direct sunlight. Red fabrics are particularly prone to fading, and direct sunlight can quickly bleach your upholstery. Look out for for something lighter instead.