What fabric for a sofa is better and more practical. How to choose the right fabric for upholstered furniture. What are the categories of furniture fabrics
Depends on how the upholstery looks appearance furniture. From a wide range of fabrics - varieties of textures, colors, functional properties of the canvas, everyone wants to choose the best option for themselves. The article gives short description categories and types of modern fabrics, the requirements for them and the advice of experts on choosing.
Requirements
Upholstery fabrics are special upholstery materials that are mounted over sofas, armchairs and other interior items. Their quality must meet strict standards and high performance.
TO upholstery fabric There are a number of higher requirements:
- durability quality;
- creative design solution (color solution, print, style);
- comfort.
The durability of the material lies in the presence of the following properties:
- strength and wear resistance;
- color fastness, resistance to fading;
- resistance to the effects of chemically active substances;
- dirt and water repellency;
- abrasion resistance;
- ecological cleanliness;
- tendency to pilling;
- the ability to maintain a marketable appearance for a long time.
Attention. Upholstery fabrics offered by suppliers are examined according to special indicators, and only after that they are included in the working collections of furniture manufacturers.
Categories of upholstery fabrics
There is a generally accepted conditional classification of upholstery fabrics into categories that characterize not the quality of the material, but their operational data. The higher the gradation of the category, the denser and more expensive the upholstery fabric.
- 0 - light, not durable, affordable;
- 1 - light, durable;
- 2 - dense, durable;
- 3 - medium-heavy with a complex texture;
- 4 - heavy, dense;
- 5 - high density, with natural fibers;
- 6 - analogues of natural leather;
- 7 - made of genuine leather, low density and cost;
- 8 - made of genuine leather of considerable density, expensive.
Types and their characteristics
The range of upholstery fabrics in the furniture world is huge. Materials can be divided into types depending on the methods of production and application.
According to the method of production are classified:
- woven - obtained by interlacing natural or artificial threads;
- non-woven - the fibers in the material are connected in other ways.
Attention. The optimal composition of the material is a combination of natural threads (70%) with artificial fibers (30%).
According to the method of application of the fabric are qualified:
- Primary(upholstery) - used for upholstery of the outer, visible part. These are quality fabrics made of durable durable material.
- Secondary(integumentary, cover) - serve to cover the inside of furniture, making covers. The “inside out” is made from inexpensive natural fabrics (satin, burlap, cotton, etc.).
Arpatek and faux suede
Arpatek - artificial leather of a certain type. Used for car upholstery. Cotton, viscose and polyurethane are involved in the manufacturing technology.
Characteristics:
- has the quality of tensile strength, UV resistance, abrasion;
- refined and luxurious;
- expensive, but the unusual texture and positive parameters of this upholstery make high price justified.
alcantara
Alcantara is a material that is often confused with artificial suede, as it is very similar to it in terms of external parameters and to the touch. The patent and production belongs to the Italian company Alcantara SpA. The external luxury qualities of the material allow it to be used for insert upholstery motifs in the cabins of expensive cars.
Characteristics:
- elastic, soft, used when working with intricate shapes and miniature products;
- practical;
- very wear-resistant and durable, does not lose its original appearance during operation;
- has a rich color scheme in the collections of patterns of manufacturing factories;
- use for cleaning detergents for the skin.
Velours and microvelours
Velor is a knitted pile upholstery fabric with a durable weave. It is used for upholstery of ceremonial furniture of complex shapes in living rooms, halls, libraries. Due to the sufficient height of the pile, the material looks in draperies.
For manufacturing, high-tech fibers are used, the composition of the base includes cotton or woolen threads. The pile on the canvas is located vertically, in some parts of the upholstery it is laid on one side.
Characteristics:
- velvety, pleasant to the touch;
- has hypoallergenic and antistatic properties;
- easy to wash;
- can be damaged mechanically;
- expensive.
Velvet and its varieties (microvelveteen, etc.)
Velveteen - this fabric was known in the Middle Ages and was used by crowned persons. The texture of the material resembles velvet, and is its variety. Cotton fabric (based on cotton and mixed fibers), has a thick pile and longitudinal trimmed scars on the front side. Solid color or printed pattern.
Characteristics:
- durable, has high wear resistance;
- ecologically pure;
- elastic;
- malleable in care;
- has an acceptable cost;
- fades in direct sunlight;
- shrinks after washing;
- subject to mechanical stress.
The fabric has the following varieties:
- Velveteen rib - low pile, hem width 2-3 mm.
- Cord - high pile, hem width 5 mm.
- Shaped velveteen - the tufted surface is combined with a smooth one.
- Velveton is a thick velvety pile.
- Microvelveteen - hem width 1-1.5 mm.
Jacquard
For the production of jacquard fabric, special looms are used. The material is based on cotton (60%) and artificial or mixed yarn (40%). The material consists of a complex twisted weave of multi-colored threads (up to 10 shades). The pattern of the inside and the front side is different. Can be used as upholstery fabric upholstered furniture and mattresses.
Characteristics:
- has a high density and rigidity, which is achieved with a special jacquard weaving method;
- it is distinguished by original ornaments with options for large and small patterns;
- has a long service life;
- afraid of intensive cleaning, the canvas may lose color;
- expensive.
Thermo jacquard
The fabric has appeared recently, is an improved type of jacquard material. For manufacturing use the technology of thermal printing. The ornament is applied to the surface of the fabric using high temperature. Ready-made thermo-jacquard materials are durable and are distinguished by unique colors and patterns.
micro jacquard
Micro jacquard - one of the varieties of jacquard fabrics, is a decorative upholstery material made from a complex weave of threads of various colors and shades. Upholstered furniture in this upholstery looks exclusive, suitable for decorating offices and living rooms.
scotchguard
Scotchgard - modern inexpensive option jacquard, which is impregnated with a special protective agent. But at the same time retains the aesthetics and saturation of colors.
Characteristics:
- durable and wear-resistant;
- environmentally friendly (contains only natural ingredients);
- soft to the touch;
- does not require complex care (do not wring out the fabric, wash at high temperatures Oh);
- has a strong protective layer.
Attention. It is advisable to use the fabric for upholstery of intensively used furniture.
Velvet
The material is similar to velor, but with a short fluffy pile. The upholstery fabric is suitable for furniture of specific shapes, for classic and refined interior styles.
chenille
Chenille - a type of fabric that is obtained by twisting dense threads with chenille threads, consisting of cotton, acrylic or polyester in equal proportions. The material has a soft rounded surface. Chenille fabrics are made on two bases: glue and fabric.
Characteristics:
- has greater wear resistance due to artificial fibers in the composition;
- dense and durable;
- voluminous, has an inimitable texture and softness;
- can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate nozzle;
- the collection of manufactured fabrics does not differ great choice colors;
- acceptable cost.
Flock
Flock is one of the most common furniture fabrics that meets all the basic requirements for upholstery materials: comfortable, beautiful, reliable and durable. In addition, the fabric is very diverse, it can imitate chenille, suede, velor, leather.
The flock is made using an electrostatic method, with the help of which a pile is sprayed onto a fabric canvas with an adhesive layer applied. The material used is cotton and polyester. The fabric is dyed with a print.
Characteristics:
- high density, keeps its shape;
- does not require complex care;
- resistance to impact sun rays;
- has water-repellent properties;
- does not lose color and brightness of the shade over time;
- ecologically pure.
microfiber
Microfiber - refers to upholstery fabrics of a new generation. Composed of microfibres of cotton or polyester. Velvety material imitating suede. It is used in the manufacture of high-quality samples of upholstered furniture for any design solutions.
Characteristics:
- dense, durable, with high wear resistance;
- has a large palette of colors;
- resistant to UV and moisture;
- resistant to chemical influences;
- requires gentle specific care, using special cleaning products;
- expensive.
artificial wool
Synthetic wool is a fabric made from synthetic polyester fibers. Comfortable upholstery material that creates an atmosphere of comfort in the house,
Characteristics:
- durable, durable;
- does not require complex care;
- practically does not wear out, suitable for upholstery of upholstered furniture, which is intensively used;
- pleasant to the touch;
- significantly cheaper than natural wool;
- does not fade in the sun;
- electrified, attracting dust.
- does not have anti-claw protection.
Faux leather
Artificial leather - fabric with one-sided monolithic or porous pvc coated. It is made from cotton and polyester knitted threads. Upholstery material, which in operation is not inferior to genuine leather, and looks attractive and respectable.
Characteristics:
- thanks to its high resistance to wear, it can be used for furniture upholstery in public places;
- does not absorb odors;
- afraid of high temperature, ultraviolet radiation;
- acceptable cost.
Genuine Leather
Genuine Leather - finishing material, which is used in the upholstery of expensive, prestigious and high-quality interior items. The material is strong, durable and easy to maintain.
Attention. Since the cost of the fabric is high, where pets live, it is recommended to use anti-claw protection.
Tapestry
Tapestry is a natural soft fabric with an ornament or figures, obtained by organically interlacing yarn. A wide variety of colors and textures. Very plastic, used for finishing completely different pieces of upholstered furniture.
Characteristics:
- strong and durable;
- practical;
- natural and aesthetic;
- afraid of wet and frequent cleanings;
- expensive.
Rogozhka
Gunny - a fabric made on the basis of thick fibers, with coarse weaving of threads. It is characterized by fine texture and uniformity. Elastic durable fabric that retains its shape well. It does not require special care.
When choosing upholstery fabric for a sofa, experts recommend considering the following general criteria:
- Is the fabric easy to clean?
- what is the resistance to moisture, sunlight, abrasion and other impact factors;
- strength and durability;
- attractiveness and aesthetics;
- whether the color and texture matches the style of the interior.
The choice of sofa upholstery depends on the location:
- Kitchen. It is better to use artificial leather, as it does not require complex care, does not absorb odors.
- Children's room. Inexpensive upholstery materials that are resistant to pollution are suitable: chenille, flock, artificial leather.
- Office. We need practical materials that are resistant to abrasion and have a presentable appearance. It can be natural or artificial leather.
- Living room. The choice of upholstery fabrics for halls and halls is the most diverse, depending on the style of the interior.
Attention. In smoking areas, choose materials that do not absorb odors, such as leather and chenille.
Proper care
To P To extend the life of the upholstery fabric, you should adhere to the correct care in accordance with the requirements:
- The higher the quality of the fabric, the more delicate the care for it.
- For materials that require dry cleaning with organic solvents or mechanical friction, wet cleaning should not be used, otherwise damage to the fabric will result.
- Contamination should be removed as soon as possible.
- No need to apply excessive force and rub the fabric, so as not to disturb the structure of the material, stretch the threads or get bald spots in the pile upholstery.
- It is recommended to wash removable furniture covers without mixing with other textiles, following the care instructions.
- It is not advisable to mix cleaning products intended for different types fabrics.
- You need to wash the stains with a sponge or brush with a product applied to it.
- If the pollution is strong, cannot be cleaned at home, you can use the services of professional dry cleaning.
It becomes clear that the choice of upholstery fabric is an important and responsible matter. Velor is pleasant to the touch, and tapestry is aristocratic, flock is modern, and matting is practical, each canvas is attractive in its own way. Having understood the features and properties of materials, you can create your own unique and inimitable style in interior design.
How to choose upholstered furniture if you don’t know which sofa upholstery is more practical? It always seems to us that the thing we liked at first glance is the highest quality, durable and comfortable. The same applies to the choice of sofas, but not every type of upholstery can be called practical. And yet there is furniture fabrics for all occasions, so the rating of universal upholstery for sofas is worth studying in more detail.
What type of upholstery can be considered practical?
The market for furniture fabrics is so large that consumers not only do not have time to follow the news, but they are also unable to remember the names of the materials.
- Literally a couple of decades ago, everything was clear and simple - leather, leatherette, matting, tapestry, plush, jacquard.
And all the materials could be unmistakably recognized. And today, only microfiber (microfiber) has many options, including varieties of flock of different quality with a Teflon coating and other protective impregnations. It is flock with Teflon impregnation that leads in the ratings of the most practical upholstery of upholstered furniture. But it is inferior to eco-leather and other varieties of modern leather substitutes.
- Artificial leather or leatherette, which was previously widely used only in haberdashery, is available in various modifications.
For example, eco-leather or alcantara, which combines the properties of leather and fabric. Many artificial analogues of natural leather have proven themselves in practice, and they are less capricious in operation than elite leather. Leather substitute is sometimes so similar to natural material that buyers are confused about whether it is leather or leatherette. But all these varieties are immune to the liquid spilled on them, they are simply cleaned of food contamination and look spectacular.
- But the real elite in the ratings of the most practical sofa upholstery is genuine leather.
For many buyers, it is in the first place of "personal" ratings, although it requires special care. True, if all the recommendations for skin care are followed, this upholstery will always look great. Especially if you clean it from stains in time and carry out processing with specialized products. care for the leather without overstressing the sofa. Luxury leather furniture is not designed for cat claws, dog fangs and children who jump on the sofa instead of a trampoline. In all other respects, leather is a very practical upholstery for upholstered furniture.
- Anti-vandal fabrics are the most practical.
This is a conditional name for especially durable fabrics, from which “children's arts” are easily removed with felt-tip pens and food stains. This category includes flock with a Teflon layer, and some types faux leather, as well as velor of special quality, in which the pile is impregnated with a liquid-repellent compound.
!!!Results: All of the listed types of upholstery will last long years, and upholstered furniture will not lose its “new” look. Everyone wants the sofa to always look like it was just brought from furniture showroom. But teach that high-quality fabrics and protective impregnation cannot be cheap.
It is impossible not to take into account the quality of furniture fabrics produced by various textile enterprises around the world. The same velor, jacquard or flock can be of different quality and price range. The same applies to the quality of leather upholstery, because elite leather is many times more expensive than upholstery of the “cheaper and simpler” level.
Today, there are many high-quality synthetic fabrics used as furniture upholstery.
They are produced on the basis of especially strong fibers that do not wrinkle, do not cause allergies, are perfectly cleaned with ordinary soapy water and do not require ironing after washing the covers for sofas or cushions.
How to recognize high quality fabrics?
When buying a sofa, you should pay attention to it:
- dimensions and configuration;
- style and general design;
- layout type;
- type of upholstery and its general characteristics.
In order not to guess which fabric is practical for upholstery and covers, and whether the selected product meets all consumer standards, you should carefully study the instructions and all the parameters. Usually in the instructions technical description especially strong fabrics or very practical upholstery is the basis of pricing, that is, its value.
If you are interested in particularly durable fabric (so that pets do not spoil it), or upholstery that repels liquids (children strive to dine on the sofa watching TV), ask a supermarket consultant a question. This issue should also be discussed with the manager of the furniture showroom. And if they don’t have a product with the declared upholstery today, then upon pre-order, the most suitable sofa will be delivered to you, selected from the catalog with upholstery that has special properties.
But what if you have already bought your “perfect sofa”, but are not sure that its upholstery will withstand any load? Then you should not test your chenille, suede or faux fur for strength. If you like the model of the sofa you have chosen, treat it with care, and it is better to use a removable cover or cape so as not to spoil the product.
Most often, upholstered furniture occupies more space in the interior. Its durability is determined not only by the strength of the case, but also by the quality of the upholstery. The right fabric for a sofa can for a long time maintain its presentable appearance without requiring complex care.
There are several categories of fabric to consider when choosing. You need to know how to clean the material and how to care for it during operation.
How to choose the best sofa fabric
Before buying a new sofa or replacing worn-out upholstery, it is necessary to take into account the features of the room in which this piece of furniture will be located:
- Living room. The common room in the room often accommodates many people, which means it is subjected to mechanical stress and pollution on a daily basis. Upholstery for furniture in the living room should be well washed and have a high density. In order to protect furniture from children and animals, it is worth choosing anti-vandal fabrics for the sofa.
- Kitchen. There are many sources of dirt in the kitchen, so it is best to choose a material that does not absorb odors and can be washed.
- Bedroom and a guest room. Here, the upholstery material should be as comfortable as possible. It should be borne in mind that some guests or family members may be allergic to synthetics.
- Children's. The upholstery should be easy to clean. One of practical options- removable cover. In case of contamination, it can be easily washed, and if mechanical damage replace or repair without damaging the frame and padding.
If the room is smoked, you should not choose textured or fleecy fabrics - they easily absorb odors. In sunny rooms, the sofa upholstery fabric should have high color fastness, optimal indicator- 4 (maximum - 5).
One of the most important characteristics upholstery fabric for sofas, which allow you to choose the right upholstery - this is the density. The indicator is measured in grams of fiber per square meter fabrics (g/m2). The minimum unit is 200 g/m2.
Types of materials for upholstery sofas
The modern variety of fabrics allows you to choose an option that meets all quality indicators. To find the right upholstery among thousands of options, you need to know its main types.
- lungs - flock, chenille, tapestry;
- practical - jacquard, chenille and denser fabrics of the first category;
- dense materials with a complex texture, such as dense tapestry, suede, chenille;
- heavy - like chenille and tapestry;
- natural - leather.
Before choosing upholstery, it is worth considering in more detail the most popular materials.
Flock
This soft to the touch fabric is very reminiscent of velvet. The material is synthetic, but very easy to care for. The composition includes two-thirds of synthetics and a third of cotton.
Among the advantages it is worth noting:
- easy cleaning (neutral detergent will do);
- high density;
- form retention;
- high color fastness.
Flock is great for children's rooms and bedrooms. However, it should not be chosen for the kitchen or living room, because the top pile is quickly erased and absorbs odors. If you need anti-vandal fabric for a sofa from cats and other pets, then you should choose flock.
Modern collections of flock fiber are treated with Teflon and other coatings, which makes them resistant to mechanical coatings and dirt. Due to its properties, it is often used as a fabric for sofa covers.
chenille
It is made from soft threads by dense weaving, which makes it similar to velor. Chenille thread is very strong, which makes the upholstery almost inextensible.
The advantages of the material include:
- a large number of color variations;
- high wear resistance (low spooling);
- environmental friendliness.
It is better to choose for kitchen interior. Such material practically does not absorb odors and repels pollution. To clean it from dust, it is enough to vacuum it. This is worth considering before deciding which fabric to choose for the sofa.
Jacquard
Jacquard furniture is not the best choice for a sofa in a living room or bedroom. The fabric has a hard texture with which the skin constantly slips off. Jacquard has a very beautiful and complex weave, which makes it unique.
Among the advantages of such upholstery, it should be noted:
- heavy-duty weaving;
- high color fastness;
- interesting look.
The material is made from cotton, which makes it suitable for people with allergies. Jacquard upholstery does not tolerate wet cleaning. Such furniture is expensive, but it never goes out of fashion. How to clean a sofa made of such fabric? For her, you should choose mild soaps and cleaning products on water based.
Velours
Velor fabric is very effective, and furniture with such upholstery is exquisite. The threads of the fiber are very soft and shimmer beautifully in the light. Velor is quite demanding in care - it needs specialized cleaning, otherwise the pile will simply deteriorate.
However, there are many advantages to such upholstery:
- weaving is well breathable;
- high density;
- showiness.
Velor - not durable material, its fleecy surface is quickly erased under constant loads, but the canvas itself is very durable. For sleeping sofa it definitely won't fit. To extend the life of places subject to heavy loads, it is recommended to cover them with covers or decorative blankets.
Tapestry
Tapestry is a durable material; old canvases in this technique have survived to this day. There are various types of tapestry weaving in density. The tapestry has a very refined texture, which is achieved by an ornate alternation of colored threads. Modern tapestry is made of cotton with the addition of synthetic fibers.
Upholstery benefits:
- pronounced color;
- ease of care;
- high strength.
A significant disadvantage of the tapestry is its low color fastness. To preserve the brightness of the fiber, a sofa with such upholstery should not be placed on the illuminated side. This is worth considering before deciding which fabric is better to choose for the upholstery of the sofa.
Leather
Furniture upholstered in genuine leather is an indicator of the status of the owner. This sofa will last a very long time. Leather is a material of the highest category. It does not absorb odors, so it is perfect for the kitchen. Also, a leather sofa will delight a family with children: it is not afraid of moisture and pollution.
Upholstery benefits:
- presentable appearance;
- durability;
- very easy maintenance.
The material may stick to the skin. With prolonged use, cracks may appear on the folds.
If funds or principles do not allow you to buy a sofa made of genuine leather, you should choose leatherette. The material is many times cheaper than natural, moreover, it has a greater number of textures and colors. Leatherette has almost all the advantages of genuine leather, with the exception of care: artificial leather requires more care.
What fabric to choose for sofa upholstery? Some simple tips help you make a purchase.
The choice of upholstery material is no less important than the choice of its color or pattern. Stylish eco-leather or velor, pleasant to the touch, aristocratic tapestry, modern flock, or even textured and practical matting - each of the fabrics is attractive in its own way. The main thing is to understand the features.
Scene
Where you put a sofa or chair has great importance for the selection of fabric: eco-leather upholstery for office furniture is obviously not suitable for a cozy children's room or a delicate bedroom.
Ideal - soft and at the same time wear-resistant. This applies not only to the filler of the seats, but also to the upholstery material. Fabrics containing synthetics (flock, chenille, velor and leather) will be the best solution.
Folding is better to choose with upholstery containing both synthetic - polyamide or polyester, and natural fibers - cotton, wool, linen. These fabrics include jacquard or chenille. They guarantee a pleasant appearance and wear resistance.
It should be eco-friendly and simple, and the upholstery should be hypoallergenic and easy to care for. For example, printed cotton fabrics (jacquard) are easy to clean and retain their appearance for a long time.
Office furniture is presentable in appearance and unpretentious in cleaning. These upholstery includes natural and eco-leather. Armchairs and sofas made from these materials will be the best calling card and will not require much effort during cleaning.
The next step is to learn what each fabric is good for and what it has. weak sides. This will help narrow the circle. suitable materials and make a choice.
Fabric types
Flock - non-woven velvety to the touch material. The art of gluing finely cut fibers (they are called "flock") with glue on a fabric base originated in the 1st century AD, in Ancient China. Since then, flock has “learned” to imitate velor, chenille, leather, suede, while maintaining softness, brightness, strength and its cheapness. And its Teflon version gives the furniture upholstery waterproof and dirt-repellent properties.
If the flock contains viscose, the upholstery will be more pleasant to the touch than a flock based on polyamide fibers.
What is good: inexpensive, does not fade, is not afraid of moisture and temperature fluctuations, is easy to clean, animal hair does not stick, there are no traces of claws.
Things to remember: electrified, attracts dust, absorbs odors.
Velours- a popular material with a soft pile, reminiscent of velvet to the touch. It belongs to pile fabrics and is often called velveteen - because of their external and tactile similarity.
Relaxing on a sofa with velor upholstery is comfortable - it is beautiful and pleasant to the touch, and due to synthetic fibers, the fabric retains its shape for a long time and does not stretch. However, velor is sensitive to abrasion and requires careful maintenance to maintain its pleasant appearance.
What is good: beautiful in appearance, pleasant to the touch, retains its shape.
Things to remember: over time, the pile falls out.
Gunny. Ifto make the chenille fibers thicker, and the weaving coarser, it will work. The very definition of "gunny" means a double or triple linen weave of threads (which can be different in composition and thickness), due to which the very texture of the fibers that is especially fond of eco-style supporters appears on the surface of the fabric. The material is quite rough to the touch and deliberately natural in appearance, so not suitable for every interior.
As part of- natural fibers of cotton and linen, as well as an admixture of synthetics, which is ideal for folding sofas to the bedroom.
What is good: hypoallergenic, durable, keeps its shape, does not wrinkle, does not absorb odors.
Things to remember: specific appearance and coarse weaving.
Microfiber or faux suede - modern synthetic material with amazing mechanical properties. Does not wear out, does not electrify, does not absorb liquid, is hypoallergenic and retains color. Microfiber is plastic and has a luxurious texture, which makes it ideal as upholstery for upholstered furniture in the living room.
What is good: durable, has rich gamut colors, no static charge, waterproof.
Jacquard - dense fabric with a complex pattern, which is produced on a loom using a jacquard machine, invented in 1801 by Joseph Marie Jacquard. In fact, this is a kind of tapestry, only with thinner fibers.
Despite its thinness, the use of silk threads in jacquard makes the upholstery durable - it is not so easy to tear it. The same threads create a multi-layered brocade pattern on the fabric, which gives the fabric additional wear resistance.
What is good: looks expensive, durable, resistant to tearing, retains its original pattern, unpretentious in care.
eco-leather- modern imitation leather on a fabric basis. This material is pleasant to the touch, soft and elastic, but at the same time durable and can last a very long time. Eco-leather is many times superior to natural in terms of vapor and air permeability. Furniture upholstered in eco-leather is suitable for both home and office rooms - it looks respectable and is easy to care for.
What is good: hypoallergenic, durable and pleasant tactile sensations.
Things to remember: susceptible to severe damage from the claws of pets and sharp objects
We continue the topic "Convenient tables" for buyers, where all helpful information collected in one table, which is easy to navigate. Our furniture and fabric care charts help users make a quick purchase decision..
What material to choose for upholstery
If you are going to remove a stain with, you need to know exactly the type of fabric. A table of types of fabric will help not to spoil the sofa and find the answer to the question - Which sofa upholstery is most resistant to stains and dirt, and which is not afraid of water and chemical stain removers. Using this table, you will know exactly how to remove any stain. The table will acquaint you with the rules for the care and cleaning of sofa upholstery from any fabric.
Sofa upholstery options in the modern furniture world are incredibly diverse. The table of types of fabric and upholstery for sofas and armchairs will help not only those who are still choosing a sofa, but also those who are going to clean the sofa, remove stains from the sofa or chair, quickly learn how to care for and how to clean upholstered furniture upholstered in a certain fabric.
So, some types of fabric are afraid of water or chemicals, the table will clearly help you instantly find ways to clean and remove stains from sofa upholstery with a certain fabric.
What kind of upholstery to buy for furniture if there are pets
Modern fabrics allow you to choose the optimal upholstery for a sofa: for example, if you have pets, in this case it is better to opt for courtesan, velor, microfiber, arpatek, flock.
If you choose a sofa for a children's room, natural fabrics are suitable: cotton, tapestry, chenille.
In the living room, it is better to buy a sofa with a fabric that has high wear resistance - microfiber (microfiber), velor, jacquard. In the kitchen - choose upholstery for a sofa with resistance to water and dirt with Teflon impregnation. It is better not to choose a sofa for the kitchen with flock upholstery - the flock absorbs odors.
Often the upholstery for the sofa is impregnated special composition. You should know that the same sofa upholstery can be different: more or less durable, more or less quality, depending on the manufacturer and price.
Be sure to refer to the fabric and upholstery cleaning care table before removing stains from furniture upholstery.
How to remove stains from sofa upholstery
| upholstery fabric | Fabric Benefits | Fabric flaws | Care | Cleaning | ATTENTION! Contraindicated for tissue | Stain removal |
| Velours | Soft, velvety fabric, does not stretch, dense, does not stick to animal hair, does not contain threads. Looks very nice. Breathable, does not stretch. | Easily wears out, gets dirty, needs to be cleaned frequently, traces remain, not suitable for those who have animals and children in the house. Velor is not durable, does not repel water. It may eventually lose its appearance (after 5 years). | Vacuuming, sponge, soft brush | Water and natural soap, water-based cleaners. Dry cleaning is prohibited. | You can't scrape the stains! Afraid of chemicals, petroleum-based solvents, cannot be bleached, wringed out, dry cleaning is prohibited | Dry cleaning is prohibited. Remove stubborn stains with water-based cleaners. It is allowed to remove stains with soap and a small amount of water on a sponge, then be sure to dry the surface, you can iron it through a cloth. |
| chenille | Durable, high wear resistance, non-allergic, non-stretch, soft, warm, pleasant to the touch, dust-free, non-toxic, non-allergic, non-absorbent, color retaining. Cheaper than velor, durable. | Absorbs moisture, sensitive to claws of animals. | Vacuuming and soft brushing | Dry clean only | Afraid of moisture, bleaches, solvents, oil products. | Remove stain from chenille with ethyl alcohol or vinegar, you can remove almost all kinds of stains. |
| Jacquard | This is artificial silk. Thick, durable fabric. Jacquard is not demanding in care. Lots of colors. Inexpensive material for sofa upholstery. | Jacquard fabric is afraid of moisture, slippery, hard, fades in the sun, quickly loses its brightness | Handle with a vacuum cleaner. It is allowed to dip a brush or sponge in a solution of water and soap, immediately blot with a sponge, dry the surface and iron it with a non-hot iron (up to 100 degrees) through a cloth. | Dry clean only, dry clean only with hydrocarbon solvents. | Do not scrape stains, bleach, wash in washing machine, dry and apply chlorine-containing products. Don't try to wash the stain! - upholstery can be damaged! Jacquard cannot be washed. | To remove stains from jacquard: It is enough to blot oily stains with an absorbent towel. Pen and lipstick stains can be removed with a 10% alcohol solution and wiped with a lightly damp cloth, warm water. And get wet. |
| Cotton | Inexpensive and environmentally friendly fabric | Washes quickly, loses color, easily wrinkled and worn out | It is recommended to process cotton upholstery from dust with a vacuum cleaner or with a sponge, removable covers can be washed. | Cotton upholstery cleaning - a soapy solution with water not higher than 40 degrees applied to a sponge is sufficient, then the upholstery should be dried or ironed (not higher than 100 degrees). | Afraid of chlorine-containing products | Stains from cotton upholstery are best removed with a water-based product. It is allowed to use a 10% alcohol solution (it is recommended to rinse with warm water afterwards). |
| Microfiber | Does not shed, does not fade in the sun, resistant to dust, dirt, dries quickly, water-repellent impregnation, does not tear, does not roll, passes air, has an antistatic effect | Does not tolerate hot temperatures, low hygiene, high price. | Complicated care. The fabric needs special powders, washing only in a delicate mode and drying in the open air. | Microfiber can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, a soft sponge and a brush. | Do not iron, afraid of temperatures above 40 degrees, afraid of acetone, nail polish remover, bleach | To remove a stain from microfiber: It is allowed to put a paste from baking soda on the stain, after 5 minutes, wipe with a clean cloth. Grease stains can be removed with dishwashing detergent. You can apply vodka, isopropyl alcohol by wetting a clean towel and wiping the stain |
| Flock | Low price, do not fade, looks beautiful, fireproof. Velvety, replaces velvet, yet inexpensive, solvent resistant, easy to clean, durable. | On glue base. Collects dust and small debris, can absorb odors, wipe clean. | Washable with neutral detergents. | Dry cleaning is prohibited. You can apply soap foam on the sponge, then rinse, blot, comb the pile and iron with a cloth with an iron with a steamer (no more than 150 degrees). | You can't scrape the stains! Can't clean chem. Substances and alcohol, solvents. can not be squeezed and bleached. Flock tans at temperatures below zero. | Remove the stain from the flock upholstery: the stain can be removed with a sponge and soap suds, you can use water-based cleaners. It is allowed to use a 10% alcohol solution to reduce some stains (lipstick, pens, etc.) and rinse with warm water. |
| Arpatek | Feels like real leather to the touch. Keeps color for a long time. Easy to clean. less cold and slippery than skin. Abrasion resistant. | Thin, microcracks may appear over time. | Soapy solution with cool water. | Skin care products. | Afraid of chlorine-containing cleaners. Alcohol-based cleaners large quantities destroy the tissue structure. Do not use bleach, acetone. | You can remove the stain from the arpatek with special products for the skin, for a car dealership. |
| Tapestry | Natural material, wear-resistant, exquisite appearance, color stable, dust-free, anti-static. The tapestry is washable. Lots of colors. Tapestry is similar to jacquard, only much stronger. | The tapestry is afraid of direct sunlight, it can lose its appearance from dust. | Can be cleaned and vacuumed. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, the tapestry can be ironed at a temperature not exceeding 150 degrees | Chemical cleaning | Tapestry upholstery cannot be washed or wet cleaned. | It is extremely difficult to remove stains due to the complex interweaving of threads. |
| Suede | Easy to wash. Pleasant to the touch, wear-resistant, water and dirt-repellent material due to special impregnation. | A suede sofa has a service life of no more than 7 years, there is a trace from the palm of your hand if you hold it with your hand. | A suede sofa is dry-cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. | You can clean the upholstery of a suede sofa with a soft sponge and soapy water. | Suede upholstery is afraid of hard brushes, solvents | Grease stains or lipstick stains can be removed from a sofa with suede upholstery with a 10% solution of alcohol and water. |
| Faux suede | Faux suede as sofa upholstery is more resistant to abrasion than natural suede. More low price. High color fastness, durability. Does not absorb water. | Faux suede requires constant and thorough care. | A faux suede sofa is vacuumed with a soft brush or sponge. | Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Dry cleaning is allowed only with hydrocarbon solvents. | Suede upholstery is afraid of hard brushes, bleaches, solvents, but is resistant to chemical attack. | Faux suede cannot remove stains without streaks. If the suede upholstery has become shiny - apply a solution of one glass of water, one teaspoon ammonia and one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, or one quarter cup of ammonia and three quarters of water. You can use cleaners for upholstery nubuck and suede. |
| Acetate silk | It looks like natural, smooth, shiny, dries quickly, is not afraid of water, almost no sofa upholstery is made from it. | Thin material | Acetate silk can be machine washed on a delicate wash at 30 degrees, allowing for dry cleaning. | Silk is recommended to be cleaned only with a soft clothes brush. | Destroyed by acetone and acetic acid | |
| scotchguard | Scotchgard as an upholstery for a sofa is essentially jacquard, in the production of which special water-, dust- and oil-repellent impregnations are used. printed drawing does not fade or fade. Resistant to dirt, moisture, dust. Environmentally friendly material. Soft yet durable material. | High price | Scotchguard upholstery is maintained with soap and absorbent towels. | It is possible to dry clean the upholstery from scotchguard, as well as using ethylene chloride, hydrocarbon, monoflotrichloromethane. | Scotchgard can not be dried and squeezed, washed at temperatures above 40 degrees. Afraid of abrasive cleaners, solvents, bleaches, direct sunlight. Do not place near heat sources. | Dried stains should not be scraped off. You can remove the stain from the upholstery of the sofa from Scotchgard with a foam rubber sponge with soapy foam, be sure to remove the remnants with a dry cloth. |
| Teflon | Many sofa upholstery can be impregnated with Teflon, this has the following advantages: water, coffee and tea simply roll down the upholstery onto the floor without being absorbed. A cheaper option is Teflon coating, but the quality is lower. | High price. Any coating is not forever, after 4-5 cleanings or washing, it begins to lose its properties. | Regular vacuuming with a soft brush. | Dry cleaning | Teflon upholstery cannot be rubbed and bleached, Teflon is afraid of alcohol - the fabric can crawl! | In case of contact with Teflon liquids, you can simply get wet with a damp cloth. Stains can be tried to reduce with washing powder diluted in water and applied to a rag. |
| Nubuck (natural) | Pleasant, velvety sofa upholstery material Nubuck is natural and, with proper care, can remain like new for a long time. It has an antistatic effect, heat-resistant and color-resistant. | Absorbs water, requires strict adherence to temperature limits from +2 to +40 degrees. Low wear resistance. | It is recommended to clean with a special rubber brush. | It is advisable to clean with special means. Usually this is a nubuck care kit, which includes a cleaning sponge, a foaming agent and a sprayer. | Nubuck is afraid of direct sunlight, heating appliances. The upholstery of the nubuck sofa cannot be rubbed hard, it is afraid of strong chemicals or petroleum-based solvents | It is advisable to remove the stain from nubuck only with specialized products for nubuck and leather. A fresh stain from nubuck can be removed with a foaming agent, then remove excess moisture. Or a 5% solution of washing powder. Spots can not be rubbed hard, just get wet with napkins. |
| forest | Durable Forest upholstery does not lose shape, does not roll, has dirt and water repellency, does not shed, does not stretch or tear, and is resistant to high temperatures. | Forest fabric care - dust is removed with a damp sponge or cloth. | Dry clean only | Stains from forest fabric can be easily removed with a damp sponge and soapy water. | ||
| courtesan | A sofa upholstered in courtisan or teflon flock is the dream of any housewife: it does not absorb water, dirt and dust, is not afraid of animal claws, is durable, reliable, and fire resistant. | High price | Care of the courtesan sofa is carried out with the help of ordinary detergents and a vacuum cleaner. | Dry cleaning is prohibited. You can apply soap foam on the sponge, then rinse, blot | Upholstery Curtisan is afraid of petroleum products and strong chemicals. | Grease stains from Curtisan are easy to remove with soap and water and absorbent wipes. |
| Ecovelour | Ecovelour upholstery is durable, does not deform, does not wear out, is impregnated with dirt and water-repellent composition. Easy to clean. Natural fiber. Soft, pleasant material, does not stretch, does not shed, environmental material. | Expensive material | For removable covers made of eco-velour, an old man's hand at a temperature of 30 degrees is allowed. | Ecovelour upholstery is dry-cleaned with a soft brush. | Ecovelour upholstery is afraid of chemicals. | For breeding greasy spots With ecovelour, use a soapy solution or other non-chemical cleaning agent. |
| Thermo jacquard | The thermo jacquard upholstery is very strong and durable. | Tough enough. | The upholstery of the thermo jacquard sofa should be cleaned once a week with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush. | Dry cleaning is prohibited. | Thermo jacquard upholstery cannot be dry-cleaned, bleached, it is afraid of chemicals! | With a sponge and soft brush. |
| Rogozhka | A sofa upholstered with matting creates comfort in the house. Durable, dense and natural fabric. | Rough to the touch, weaving resembles burlap. Not suitable if there are cats in the house. | Regular care of the matting with a vacuum cleaner and a soft sponge. | When cleaning matting, water-based products are used. Dry cleaning only with hydrocarbon solvents. | The matting must not be washed and ironed; bleaches, chlorine-containing substances, solvents should not be used when removing stains from the matting. | To remove stains from matting, treat the contaminated area with a small amount of water (up to 40 ° C) and mild soap; after 2-3 minutes, wipe the stain with a sponge; dry the surface. Iron with a non-hot iron (temperature up to 100 ° C). |
| microvelour | The most durable material for sofa upholstery is microvelour. Not afraid of water, dirt-repellent impregnation. Doesn't rub off. Do not fade, long service life. | If a microvelor sofa is not regularly wiped of dust, then stains may appear even from plain water. | Care for microvelour is carried out with a brush and a vacuum cleaner. | Microvelour can be cleaned well with a liquid soap solution and a soft sponge. Machine washable at 40C | Microvelour upholstery is resistant to chlorine and bleach. | You can remove stains from microvelour with a neutral powder, colorless soap or with a 10% alcohol solution. |
| Aniline leather (genuine leather with almost no processing) - how to determine which leather a sofa is made of - read below. | A sofa made of genuine leather is always beautiful and prestigious. Absorbs moisture. Very durable material. | High price. Absorbs moisture. Colored, fading. | It is enough to thoroughly clean once a year, and lubricate twice a year with stearin grease. | To clean an aniline leather sofa, you need to take a clean suede cloth, slightly dampen it with a natural soapy solution with distilled water, then wipe it with another cloth with boiled water, after drying, lubricate with castor or special oil for the skin. | Genuine leather sofa is afraid tap water, it is also strictly forbidden to use in cleaning a leather sofa: alkaline soap, cleaning solvents, furniture varnish, drying oil, turpentine, abrasive cleaners, detergents, ammonia water and other chemical solutions. You can not rub and scrape. | |
| Semi-aniline leather (genuine leather coated with a special composition, polished) | Looks natural and soft to the touch. Semi-aniline leather is easier to care for than aniline leather and is more resistant to dirt. Has a more even color. | High price. May crack if not properly cared for. More slippery than aniline. Doesn't look so natural. The paint is peeling off on the seats. | The upholstery of their semi-aniline leather should be wiped daily with a damp soft cloth. In order for semi-aniline leather upholstery to serve for a long time, it is necessary to treat it with a layer of protective cream for leather furniture. | A leather sofa is best cleaned with special leather cleaners. It is allowed to clean with a soapy solution with a soft sponge, but after that you need to wipe it with a fiber cloth and, when it dries, spread it with a special skin care product. | Leather upholstery is afraid of tap water, solvents, alkali, chemicals. You can not rub and scrape. | Stains from leather upholstery can be treated with a cotton swab with honey. alcohol, then rinse with water and treat with fat. Most stains can be easily removed from flannel leather upholstery with neutral acid-base cleaners. |
| Faux leather | Artificial leather upholstery does not cause allergies, durable, strong, easy to clean, little stretch, frost-resistant, warm to the touch, does not emit harmful substances, has no smell, passes air and water vapor. A definite plus - a large number of colors. The faux leather is waterproof. | You can not put it near the battery, artificial leather is afraid of sunlight, fire, it is easily scratched. Looks like an office setting. Cool in winter, sticky to skin in summer. | Artificial leather is cared for with a soft cloth dipped in a weak solution of natural soap. You should regularly wipe the artificial leather from dust and dirt with a barely damp cloth. | To clean artificial leather, you can use detergents for washing wool, silk and synthetic fabrics. Dry cleaning of artificial leather, ironing is not allowed. | It is not recommended to wet the artificial leather too much (before wetting the fabric from the wrong side). When cleaning artificial leather, do not use chlorine, acetone, washing powder, varnish, chemicals, turpentine, stain removers based on petroleum products. Cannot be dried with a hair dryer. | When removing stains from artificial leather upholstery, it is allowed to use a 40-50% alcohol-water solution or ammonia, if it is not possible to remove the stain with soapy water. You can remove stains from artificial leather using products for genuine leather. |
| Flock on flock | Flock upholstery on flock is easy to care for, repels dirt and water, durable, withstands stress. | Do not place near the battery. | Flock on flock should be vacuumed frequently or dusted with a soft sponge or cloth. | Heavy soiling can be removed with a water-based cleaner. Hand wash max 40 degrees. | Upholstery for a flock sofa on a flock is afraid of high temperatures, abrasive cleaners, bleaches, solvents based on petroleum products. | It is easy to remove fresh stains from flock on flock upholstery with a damp sponge and soapy water, after cleaning, remove the soap and dry thoroughly. Old stains can be removed from the flock on the flock using a 10% alcohol solution. |
| Artificial fur | Soft, pleasant to the touch. | The faux fur upholstery collects dust. | The faux fur upholstery is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle brush. | Cleaning of faux fur is carried out by dry cleaning. Can be washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees, but not recommended. | Faux fur is not recommended to wet with water. Do not use alcohol, stain removers, bleach, solvents, iron, wash, dry with a hairdryer. | Dry cleaning recommended |
| Woven nubuck | Upholstery made of artificial nubuck or woven nubuck is not afraid of water, absorbs moisture, but at the same time evaporates, that is, breathes. Woven nubuck repels dirt. This upholstery can be rubbed, it is resistant to dry friction and dry cleaning. Nubuck fabric conducts heat well, antistatic. Wear resistant. Does not fade, does not shed, easily restores shape. | Low wear resistance | Caring for artificial nubuck is very simple - just wipe with a damp cloth, sometimes with soapy water. | To clean woven nubuck, any fabric detergent is used, for example, carpet cleaners or ordinary liquid soap. | Artificial nubuck is afraid of hot water (above 40 degrees), it cannot be dried with a hair dryer. | To remove stains from nubuck and woven nubuck, it is recommended to use special means for nubuck. Any foaming detergents (liquid soap, feri, carpet cleaners, etc.) will also help, but the fabric should not be rubbed hard. |
How to distinguish aniline leather from semi-aniline
